The Ford Motor Company Fund awarded members of the Detroit Youth Choir (DYC) with scholarships and a 15-passenger van as a celebration of their summer appearance on “America’s Got Talent.”
The Detroit Youth Choir took second place in the most recent season “America’s Got Talent,” coming close to a $1 million prize. The 52-member choir is based in Detroit, Michigan, and is aimed at developing the musical talent of kids in the area ages 8 to 18.
The Ford Motor Company Fund gave each member $1,000 in scholarship. It also donated the van to help transport members to and from rehearsals and community events.
The Detroit Youth Choir requires all its members to maintain a 2.5-grade point average. DYC has also maintained a graduation rate of 98 percent in the 20 years it has been active, according to a statement from Ford.
“We share the pride and excitement of Detroiters everywhere in recognizing these remarkable and talented young people,” said Jim Vella, president of the Ford Motor Company Fund, in a statement. “We’re thrilled to be able to help them not only with their transportation challenges, but also the next chapter of their lives.”
The choir also received a $1 million endowment from Detroit-based foundations and local businesses. Mayor of Detroit Mike Duggan also gave the choir a key to the city, as well as a keepsake replica key to each member.
“Ever since I came back from my trip, I feel like I made the whole city of Detroit and state of Michigan proud,” said Olivia Flood, a sixth-grade student at Grand River Academy, in a statement.
The choir’s director, Anthony White, said he plans to dispense the donations the choir is receiving back into the choir’s members.
“We want the world to know it’s not all about music for us, it’s about education as well,” White said.
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Jordyn Pair is a reporter with Battleground State News and The Michigan Star. Follow her on Twitter at @JordynPair. Email her at [email protected].
Photo “Detroit Youth Choir” by Detroit Youth Choir.
