Lou Sawyer & John A. Watters Jr., MD Memorial Scholarship
In 2009, the Virginia Beach Chorale established a scholarship in memory of Lou Sawyer, who passed away after leading our group for 28 years. Lou also served as Music Supervisor for the Virginia Beach City Public Schools system. and was a leader in the Hampton Roads Arts community. After his passing, the VBC Board established the scholarship fund to help graduating seniors pursuing a degree in music.
In March 2025, we again lost a beloved Chorale family member, Dr. John Watters, Jr. John was a member of the Chorale for more than 20 years and someone who simply loved singing and creating harmony, both in music and in life. While we will miss his personality and voice, we know his spirit will be with us in every rehearsal and at every concert. In honor of John, his family and friends are joining with the Chorale in providing our annual scholarship.
The scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $2,500.00, beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.
We are excited to announce that our scholarship will now be named the
“Lou Sawyer & John Watters, Jr., MD Memorial Scholarship”.
Lou Sawyer
&
John A. Watters Jr., MD Memorial Scholarship
The Virginia Beach Chorale is pleased to present the Lou Sawyer & John A. Watters Jr., MD Memorial Scholarship.
This annual scholarship is awarded each year to a graduating high school senior from the Hampton Roads area who has been accepted by a college or university and plans to major in music. Your contribution allows us to continue Mr. Sawyer's and Dr. Watters' legacies through music education.
Applicant Information
The application period is open for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Please contact JR Thornton at: scholarship@virginiabeachchorale.org
if you have any questions.
Cover Letter Application
Aubrey "Lou" Sawyer
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Mr. Sawyer led the Chorale from 1980-2008; he was recognized as a leader in music education in the Hampton Roads Arts Community as Music Supervisor in the Virginia Beach City Public Schools system.
Dr. John Watters
Dr. Watters was a respected medical professional in Hampton Roads and a member of the Chorale's bass section for more than 20 years. He was a top supporter of the Lion's Club James Bland Music Scholarship competition.
2026 Lou Sawyer & John A. Watters Jr., MD Memorial Scholarship Recipient
Nyles Deloatch, Vocalist
The Visual & Performing Arts Academy at Salem High School - Virginia Beach
Nyles Deloatch distinguished himself as both a passionate performer and a committed leader at the Visual & Performing Arts Academy at Salem High School, graduating in 2026.. Throughout his high school career, Nyles earned recognition at prestigious choral events, including ACDA National Honor Choir, VMEA Senior Honors Choir, VCDA's All-VA Choir and the inaugural TTBB All-VA Choir as a soloist. Nyles was a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and served as president of the VPAA Vocal Strand where he led their Tenor/Bass choir Coro Profundo.
Nyles is currently attending James Madison University pursuing a degree in Music Education. His goal is to share the transformative power of music with the next generation, fostering creativity, confidence, and connection in his future
PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS
David Thom
Viola
2010
Madison Bunch
Flute
2011
Christina Calantropo
Violin
2012
Ryan Tolentino
Violin
2014
Brooke Anne Sweeney
Piano
2015
Ayush Joshi
Violin
2016
Stacey Sharpe
Violin
2017
Mayona Smith
Vocal
2017
Kenneth Rodman, III
Piano
2018
Clara Synowiec
Vocal
2019
Margaret Jordan
Violin
2020
Jamie Lynn Cruz
Vocal
2020
Emily Coyle
Vocal
2021
Nyles Deloatch
Vocal
TBD
TBD
TBD
2027
TBD
TBD