Louise Stroud & Jessie Stroud Hinkle Music Scholarship
Jessie Hinkle created this scholarship to honor her older sister who passed away in 2008. When Jessie was very young, her mother was sick and Louise, who was 12 years older, took care of her. As they grew together, Jessie and Louise became more than sisters, they became best friends as well. Louise always had a passion for music and started teaching her sister to play the piano when Jessie was only five years old. Although Jessie did not decide to make a career out of music, she continued to play the piano for many years and has always kept the great interest and love for music that her sister first instilled.
Music was Louise’s life. She got her Bachelor’s in Music from Salem College and taught piano for 57 years in schools and privately. People loved to hear Louise play; she had an obvious talent. Both Louise and Jessie were very active in First Baptist Church of Mocksville, where Louise was the pianist for 61 years. Louise always tried to arrange for her students to play at First Baptist or at their own church; she felt good knowing they were putting their talent to use.
Both were involved in many community groups such as the Civitans, the Thursday Morning Music Club, Woman’s Club, and the NC Federation of Music Club. Louise was appointed State Chairman of the Music of Poetry division of the National Federation of Music. She loved poetry and had several poems published.
Louise lived to be 95 and led an incredibly full life. Jessie knew that the most appropriate legacy for her sister would be a scholarship to help students reach their goals in studying music. The scholarship will assist those who aspire to lead a life rich in their passion, just as Louise did.
The Louise Stroud & Jessie Stroud Hinkle Music Scholarship is available to a high school senior who will pursue a major or minor in Music or a closely related field. Sample of work required.