Category: Scholarships

As we begin the new school year, we want to take one more opportunity to acknowledge and honor last year’s SMPA Scholarship Recipients and wish them the best.

At the spring Band, Orchestra and Chorus concerts, the Summit Music Parents Association announced this year’s recipients of the SMPA Senior Scholarships and the Carol Hassert Awards.

SMPA awards merit-based scholarships to students who have shown exceptional musicianship, enthusiastic participation, and who exhibit leadership within the music programs. This year’s Senior Scholarship recipients are:  

Gavin Lowenberger

Luka Milinkovic

Jeremy Oh

Bettina Pangilinan

Minjoon Kang

The other award presented was chosen by the music directors and is a scholarship named for Carol Hassert, a former president of SMPA, an employee of the Summit Public School district for more than a decade, and a Summit High School parent. Carol passed away in March 2016 after a battle with cancer. This scholarship was set up to honor her memory and is presented to students that demonstrate a tireless work ethic and dedication to the performing arts and to the music programs in ways that may not always be readily apparent. This award recognizes those “unsung heroes” that exhibit a positive attitude and a willingness to help in ways that impact the overall success of the group. This year’s recipients of the Carol Hassert Award are: 

Clara Carvalho

Rory Gingeleskie

Each year the Summit Music Parents’ Association offers scholarships to recognize and reward members of the graduating class for their demonstrated commitment to
Summit High School’s music groups throughout their high school careers.

The Music Parents’ Association’s criteria and selection process do not include or consider scholastic records beyond the music program, other scholarships received or individual music talent per se. This scholarship is not based on financial need.

Instead, it is a merit-based scholarship, recognizing the excellence the students brought to the music program over the years in terms of their commitment, contribution, and leadership.

Students eligible to apply are graduating seniors who have participated in the Summit High School music program. If you believe that you have met the criteria, we urge you to apply for a 2026 SMPA Senior Scholarship.

Please use the SMPA Senior Scholarship Application form and submit it to the counseling department or email it directly to smpascholarships@gmail.com no later than Monday, April 20, 2026. All information that you provide will be kept strictly confidential.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Scholarship Committee.