At the end of each academic year, Music Director Gaw Vang-Williams is honored to award several scholarships to graduating seniors in recognition of their achievements in music education, citizenship, leadership, and/or work ethic. We are immensely grateful for the family members, loved ones, and generous supporters of excellence in music education who fund the scholarships listed below. Each scholarship was created in memory of former students and/or supporters of music and music education at Folsom High School. We are proud to recognize the student recipients of these scholarships and humbled to honor the lives and legacies of Curtis Gaesser, Mary Slusser, Jimmie Lowder, Dave Schetter, and Nancy Charlesworth in whose names the scholarships are awarded.
Folsom High School Music Scholarships
The Mary Slusser Memorial Scholarship
Mary was a part of the Folsom Music Boosters for over 13 years and continued to volunteer long after she had an official role. From 2006-2019 she wore many hats including volunteering, pit crew, Vice President, President and Financial manager. Mary also worked for the FCUSD Elementary music department as well as FHS as a counseling clerk and was set to be the next Registrar at FHS. Mary was a strong supporter of art and music education in our schools and her contributions are still appreciated to this day. At the request of Mary’s family the Mary Slusser Scholarship Fund has been created to award a FHS student who goes the extra mile with their commitment to the music program by volunteering, helping without asking, doing more than is asked of them and keeping a positive attitude.
The Jimmie Lowder Scholarship Memorial Fund
In memory of Jimmie Lowder, 19 years old, of Chico and Folsom, California, who passed away in a tragic accident in Chico on November 15, 2013. Jimmie was born on December 29, 1993 and raised in Folsom, California. Jimmie was a Folsom Music alumni and graduated from Folsom High School in June 2012 and attended California State University, Chico. He was the fourth child to his loving parents, Mark and Judy Lowder and three sisters, Sarah, Janna, and Jocelyn. At the request of Jimmie's family, we established the Jimmie Lowder Scholarship Memorial Fund. The fund provides scholarships for excellence in music to select graduating Folsom High School music students.
