Special Choir Scholarships in the RVCC

Hayleigh Elizabeth Gibson Memorial Scholarship

Hayleigh Elizabeth Gibson was a member of the Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir for 4 years before her 2013 C choir senior class graduation. She was in choir throughout her 12 years in school, and played violin and piano. She loved to sing and had a beautiful voice. She especially loved singing in the RVCC and enjoyed the many performances throughout the years. One of the highlights for her was performing with the RVCC at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville in 2012. 

Hayleigh was born with a rare metabolic disorder called Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency (OTC).  The only cure for OTC is a liver transplant. She’d taken medications all of her life to manage the disorder, but in early 2019 it seemed that medications and diet were no longer working, so Hayleigh decided to have the transplant. Unfortunately, the transplant came with significant complications and a progressive decline in her health. Hayleigh passed away on November 24, 2020. She was twenty-five years old. Those who knew Hayleigh well admired her strength and tenacity as she fought hard until the very end.  We are sure she is smiling down on the choristers during rehearsals (which she missed being a part of after graduation from high school), spring concert, and the many other choir performances.  Hayleigh’s parents, Elizabeth and John Slaski, established this scholarship to pass along to another talented chorister Hayleigh’s love for singing and music and being a part of something truly beautiful.

Mrs. Wanda Hayes Memorial Scholarship

The Wanda Hayes Memorial Scholarship has been established by Mr. Kevin Hayes, to benefit one RVCC chorister each year for ten years in memory of Wanda. Each recipient of the scholarship will receive $500 toward the cost of their RVCC Tuition. 

Mrs. Hayes was the RVCC past choir treasurer, trip leader, Fall Retreat leader, and RVCC all-around volunteer.  Wanda’s quiet, gentle spirit and smile became a pillar of strength and love in the RVCC for over ten years.  This scholarship is offered in honor of a woman who was selfless in her role as RVCC volunteer and staff.  Wanda was always looking for ways to serve and help others with generosity and patience.  She has left a beautiful legacy of love and kindness that she shared with over ten years of choir families.

Wanda was so very strong in her faith that no matter what was going on in her life, she could always say with a smile, “It is well with my soul”.