Rose Craig (center) is the winner of the Bob Hope Band Scholarship 2015
Rose Craig (center) says being a drum major has taught her how to be selfless. (Courtesy of Rose Craig)
New York, NY (PRWEB) November 24, 2015
Ms. Craig, a U of I student, will perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade with the University of Illinois’ Marching Illini on Thursday, November 26, 2015 and televised on NBC.
Macy's and the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation have proudly presented the Bob Hope Band Scholarship Award since 2003. The scholarship is designed to honor one outstanding band member and their school band program participating in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
"On behalf of the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation, and particularly on behalf of my dad, Bob Hope, I want to congratulate Rose Craig on her compelling essay," said Linda Hope. "I know that my parents would be very proud that such an accomplished and caring young woman was this year's scholarship recipient," she added.
Ms. Craig’s whole-hearted essay expressively reveals the very personal story the challenging circumstances that befell her family and how her talent and passion for music helped her overcome. Like Bob Hope, Rose found her love of music at a young age. Though Hope and Rose Craig were born nearly a century apart, Ms. Craig recognized that Bob Hope’s natural humor, strong work ethic, musical and theatrical talent and his concern for others are timeless values.
Rose Craig, 21, of Fox Lake, is a U of I senior studying music education. She was a member of her high school National Honor Society and marching band. This year marks her second season serving as a drum major. Rose traveled to New York City earlier this week and will perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with the Marching Illini overseen by Assistant Director of Bands and Athletic bands, Professor Barry L. Houser, an Indiana native. She hopes her experience conducting the Marching Illini will lead to a future job as a band director.
About the Bob Hope Band Scholarship
Since 2003, Macys and the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation have proudly presented the Bob Hope Band Scholarship. Through a written essay, each school participating in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade can nominate one participating musician, auxiliary team member or drum major from their marching band program who best reflects the value and attributes that Bob Hope represented to millions of Americans, both at home and overseas. These values and attributes include musical ability, leadership initiative, sense of humor and a strong commitment to community service.
Members of the Macy’s thanksgiving Day Parade Selection Committee evaluates the essays and selected the winning recipient. The selected student receives a $5,000. Scholarship award towards her/his education. In addition, the school band program receives $5,000.
The Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation support numerous humanitarian causes around the world.
####
Marching Illini Video: https://m.youtube.com/user/TheMarchingIllini
