MVAA receives President’s Crystal Award from WCCF

The organization will use a $10,000 prize to support its new program to teach music to young people.

The Mon Valley Academy for the Arts is the recipient of a prestigious award from the Washington County Community Foundation.

Last week, the MVAA received $10,000 from WCCF, along with the President’s Crystal Award.

WCCF annually rewards charitable organizations that are improving their communities.

There are two levels to the award: the Silver award, which includes $25,000 grants, and the Crystal award that includes a $10,000 grant.

The creation of the President’s Crystal Award (formerly the President’s Choice Award) in 2008 recognized the 10th anniversary of then Executive Director Betsie Trew.

The creation of the President’s Silver Award in 2023 commemorated Trew’s 25th anniversary at the community foundation.

A charity is only eligible to receive the Crystal award one time and the Silver award one time, and may not receive both awards in the same year. However, a charity that previously received the Crystal award may apply for the Silver award, provided it has meet the eligibility.

The MVAA plans to use the grant to support its newly launched “Empowering a Rising Star Program.”

EARS launched Aug. 18 to provide music lessons to students in grades 4-11.

The program is looking for support from individuals, organizations and businesses who want to get involved to sponsor music lessons for young, aspiring musicians.

For $250, a sponsorship will cover the cost of 10 sessions.

MVAA President Annette Buffer said 11 students have been sponsored from the EARS program so far.

She believes the WCCF award shows the MVAA is moving in the right direction.

“Receiving the President’s Crystal Award is a tremendous honor for the MVAA,” Buffer said.“This award is a testament that our young nonprofit is on the right track as we strive to provide quality programming, increase our impact in the community, and meet industry best practices regarding fiscal responsibility. The MVAA is deeply grateful to the WCCF and will use the grant for our new Empower a Rising Star music scholarship program.

“We are hoping to continue the program with tax deductible donations from individuals and businesses. This will serve students from Brownsville, Charleroi, Monessen and soon Uniontown.”

Fall music classes at the MVAA launched Saturday.

Buffer said the Elementary Music program is thriving under the guidance of Marissa McFarrens.

Other opportunities for young musicians include the elementary choir, intro to band, vocal lessons and personalized music instruction.

“By embracing music education, you’ll experience profound benefits: social skills expansion, cognitive enhancement, heightened focus, coordination development, screen-free refuge, language support, discipline, emotional intelligence, self-expression and creativity,” Buffer said.

Fall kicks things into high gear at the MVAA

“Moving into the fall season brings leaves falling and support and donations to the MVAA music instructional programming,” CEO Mark Smith said. “A generous in-kind donation brings an upright bass guitar, an Ovation guitar, and a handmade Dulcimer into the instrument inventory. A generous contribution was added to the children’s instructional program. Community Bank has graciously added funds to the new EARS music lessons program.

“The EARS initiative will enable deserving young students to begin or improve their musical journey with music lessons funded by corporate and nonprofit donations. Stay tuned as we watch these Mon Valley Rising Stars perform and grace the stages of our local high schools.

For more information about MVAA, the EARS scholarship program, upcoming events, and how to get involved, send an email to info@monvalleyacademyforthearts. org.

To schedule or learn more about lessons, call 724-5615616.