The 2023 scholarship recipient is Lauren Frey, a graduate student at the University of Akron, Ohio.
The Voice Aerobics® graduate student scholarship is awarded annually to a student who demonstrates character traits and intention to make a positive contribution to the field of Speech-Language Pathology.
This year, like in past years, I received over 130 applications, and as in the past the selection is always difficult as I read and re-read applications. Some applicants come to the field inspired by the help a family member received when they suffered a speech or swallowing problem, and others choose the field out of a desire to serve disadvantaged communities.
But, for Lauren, the Covid-19 pandemic put her on a new and unexpected career track. In 2012 she earned her Master of Music in Voice Performance and Pedagogy, and since that time, she has worked professionally as an opera singer around the United States and Germany.
When COVID-19 resulted in the closure of many operatic companies Lauren was forced to adapt to the circumstances. Retaining a desire to continue working in music, she opened a music studio in her hometown where she teaches voice and piano to children and young adults in the community, while still performing. Her professional goal is to one day work at the Voice Center at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. With her background in vocal performance, she will truly be an asset to her patients and the the voice community!
I want to thank every student who took the time to apply for the scholarship, and assure you, regardless the number of years you spend working in our field, you will never stop learning, and if your work is driven by a desire to help others, you will be forever fulfilled.
A loss in the ability to communicate or swallow, whether sudden or gradual, can be a life-altering experience for patients and their families, and I am encouraged to see the future SLPs that they are eager to accept this challenge, and, like me, bring to their patients the heART and science of speech-language and swallowing treatment.
Mary Spremulli, MA, CCC-SLP, Owner, Voice Aerobics, LLC
My Mission: To enlist individuals in their treatment, and help them express their personality & spirit through voice. To educate and empower. Mary Spremulli, MA, CCC-SLP * FiTOUR® Group Exercise Instructor * Voice Aerobics® A Whole Body Approach to Voice Practice
Voice Aerobics the heART and Science of Voice Practice
Reinfred thank you. It warms my heart to hear from past scholarship recipients!
Congrats, Lauren! And thanks for maintaining this scholarship year after year, Mary.
–From a past recipient who loves the voice aspect of our profession
Thank you, Rosemari. It is heartening for me to see the compassion and desire to serve in the applicants who represent the future of our profession. I hope you are doing well!
This is a great thing you’re doing!