The Patsy Bray Mahoney Spirit Award
The Patsy Bray Mahoney Spirit Award is presented annually at the close of the Spring Semester to a student who, in the judgment of their SSA instructors, has exemplified those qualities that are most important for a satisfying musical journey. The award recipients are assessed on their dedication, commitment, preparation and attitude towards their musical training.
The Board of SSA gratefully acknowledges the generosity of Paul Mahoney, who has made a gift to SSA and endowed this award in memory of his wife.
Angel Gulé - 2022
Angel Gulé, originally from Atlanta, Georgia, is a junior at Bishop McDevitt High School. She has studied violin with Joe McAnulty for the last 9yrs. Angel has lived in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania for most of my life, with interests in many things such as my violin, soccer, and softball. At Bishop McDevitt, she takes honors classes, and is involved in many clubs such as Christian Service Club, Spanish Club, Book Club, and also Student Council. She is also a member of the HYSO Orchestra. Angel was the Gold Medal Winner of the NAACP ACT-SO Competition this year, and will be going to Atlantic City to perform at the NAACP Convention this summer. She considers herself an adrenaline junkie, for she likes to ride every single ride at Hershey Park. Angel also has a job at Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Hazel Tilder - 2022
Hazel is 15, and has studied piano at SSA with Erica Ickes for seven years, and percussion with John Tuzza for nearly 2 years! She performed vocals in front of an audience for the first time at her drum recital this spring. This year she participated in the Piano Extravaganza concert at the Scottish Rite Theater. Outside of music, Hazel is a Visual Art student at Capital Area School for the Arts and swims with the Hershey Coralettes synchronized swim team. She is grateful for all she has learned from her teachers at SSA and is excited to continue to learn and play more music!
Kyle Stevens - 2021
Kyle Stevens, has been studying violin since the age of ten, and has been a student of SSA since 2016. He began studying with Hope Bowling and in 2018 transitioned to Joe McAnulty. Throughout high school, Kyle played violin, oboe and guitar in his schools’ credited ensembles. In addition, Kyle played in the pit orchestra for multiple Central Dauphin musicals, and a musical production at Central Dauphin Technical High School. Kyle served as a band officer for his junior and senior years. Outside of school, Kyle also has played violin with the Lebanon Valley College Orchestra, and Harrisburg Youth Symphony Orchestra. Kyle will be studying Music History at Temple University in the fall of 2021.
Sia B. - 2021
“Junior” Spirit Award Winner
Sia is an elementary school student who lives in Harrisburg with her family. She enjoys being creative, likes to draw and create lego movies with her brothers. An avid reader, with lots of imagination and a growing interest in theater, Sia's love for the arts is evident in most of her everyday activities. Sia studies Voice and Violin and is entering her fifth year as a student at State Street Academy of Music.