Gertrude Petit

College Scholarship

Each year a scholarship is awarded in loving memory of Mrs. Gertrude Petit, the mother of former students of the Batavia Music Program. This $1000 college scholarship has been designed in her honor to help a worthy graduating senior in the pursuit of higher education in the area of Music Education or Music Performance at any accredited college or university of their choice. The scholarship is strictly limited to those students who have been accepted as music majors.

Applications are accepted each March-April with the recipient announced in May at the final concerts.

  • This $1,000 scholarship is available to students who have received unconditional acceptance into a music education or music performance program at an accredited college or university.

    To be eligible for this scholarship, at least one parent must be a member of the Batavia Music Buffs. Membership tiers are $35, $75, $125, and $250. If you are not yet a member and wish to apply for this scholarship, please click here to join prior to applying.

  • Must be a BPS101 12th grade student currently taking a music class.

    Must have at least average academics.

    Form must be completed by the student applicant. If the applicant is under 18, a parent or guardian must digitally sign their name on the application and agree to the terms and conditions.

    Scholarship is NOT based on financial need.

    Must answer the three (3) essay questions on application (200-250 words per question), plus provide a personal statement.

  • A copy of your college acceptance letter must accompany your application.

  • 2024 is closed. The 2025 application will open sometime March 2025.

2024 Recipient

BRADEN FOY

For 2024, the Gertrude Petit Scholarship has been awarded to Braden Foy, a graduating senior from Batavia High School who will attend Augustana College to study Music Education. An accomplished classical and jazz saxophonist, Braden has been a pillar of success in the Batavia Music department. He shares, "The Batavia Bands I took part in made me fall in love with music and with being part of a group that creates it." Since 8th grade, Braden has participated in various bands, including marching band, jazz bands, jazz combos, wind symphony, and pep band, even arranging some songs for the pep band. His leadership has been unparalleled in marching band, serving as Drum Major for two years and leading his own jazz combo. The Batavia High School Music Faculty and Batavia Music Buffs wish him the best as he continues his dream and passion of becoming a music educator.

2023 Recipient

KIMBERLY ADAMS

This year the scholarship has been awarded to violinist Kimberly Adams, graduate of the 2023 Batavia High School senior class. Kimi will be attending Roosevelt University this fall to study both violin performance and music education. Kimi's unrelenting passion for sharing music has been a driving force in her life. She says, "I view every day as a blossoming opportunity to share my passion with those around me. An opportunity to learn, to grow, to improve my skills. An opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others." During her time at Batavia High School, Kimi has been a part of the top curricular orchestra for all four years. She has also been involved with the Elgin Youth Symphony for two years, and this year earned a coveted position in one of the two honors chamber ensembles, The Hanson String Quartet. Additionally, Kimi has been teaching lessons and volunteering through BHS Orchestras to gain experience teaching. We at BHS wish her the absolute best in her musical studies!

2022 Recipient

REBECCA WIRTH

The Batavia Music Buffs would like to congratulate Rebecca Wirth as the 2022 recipient of the Gertrude Petit Scholarship. Chosen for the award by BHS Music Faculty, Rebecca has performed in nearly all of the bands at Batavia High School - Wind Symphony, pep band, jazz ensemble, jazz combo, show choir combo and marching band where she was Drum Major for two years. Rebecca is majoring in music and history at Furman University in South Carolina, where she still performs on saxophone and in their bands.