Middle School Student Places Third in Local Music Competition

Congratulations to Henry Havlin '30 for placing third in the Smithfield Lions Club's James A. Bland Memorial Music Scholarship Contest, held on March 9 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Smithfield.

This is the third year in a row Henry has placed in the local contest, which is open to elementary, middle and high school students in Virginia. This year, Henry performed Mozart's "Fantasia in D Minor" on the piano.

The winning instrumentalist and winning vocalist at the local level advance to the regional level. District and state-level competitions follow, with state-level winners receiving scholarships that can be payable to a college or school of music, summer music program or private or public music teacher.

The contest's namesake, James Bland, was a popular composer in the late 1800s. Through this annual competition, the Lions organization honors Bland's legacy while assisting and promoting cultural and educational opportunities for the musically talented youth of Virginia.

Great job, Henry!