Madeline Edwards receives UNC Kenan scholarship
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on June 2, 2013 1:50 AM
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Madeline Edwards
A local opera singer who became a household name in Wayne County when she was a little girl just added another accomplishment to her already impressive resume.
Madeline Edwards, who recently graduated from the high school program at the North Carolina School of the Arts, has been accepted to the Kenan Music Scholars Program at the UNC Department of Music.
A soprano who began studying voice at age 10, Madeline made headlines in 2007, when she performed live on CBS' "The Early Show" in New York after winning the months-long "Living Room...Live!" nationwide talent competition.
And in June 2011, she was chosen to be part of a national choir that performed at the prestigious Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Over the years, she has also appeared in local theater productions and various choral ensembles, including "Child of the Promise" -- and in 2012 participated in the National Association of Teachers of Singing competition, winning first place and the Most Outstanding High School Female award at both the regional and state levels.
The daughter of Michael and Kelli Edwards of Goldsboro, Madeline also plays piano and guitar and writes music. While in high school, she ran cross country and track and has been a volunteer for the American Diabetes Association and Meals on Wheels.
The Kenan Music Scholar award program provides a four-year full-tuition scholarship, including student fees, room and board, and $6,000 for enrichment studies during the four years of college.
General auditions were held in January and February, with semifinalists invited back for a final round of auditions in early April.
Scholars are selected on the basis of an established record of excellence in the practice of music performance, significant academic strengths and a strong commitment to majoring in music at UNC-Chapel Hill. Four Kenan Scholars per entering class are chosen, with 16 in the department during any given year.
In addition to continuing her musical studies at UNC, Miss Edwards plans to study psychology.
This summer she is working at Camp Don Lee as the Encounters Leader, which involves teaching campers about the Bible through music and other activities, and is also in the worship band.
She will be showcasing her talent in a local recital this weekend, which is open to the public. It will be held today at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Goldsboro.