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Chad Riley, Ben Speer, Belinda Stutzman and Heather Stutzman

Attendance at Stamps-Baxter School of Music was one student larger this year due to the generosity of a 16 year old. Belinda Stutzman of The Stutzman Family worked her first summer job to be able to provide a full scholarship so someone else could attend the school. Belinda spent the summer working for a construction company driving fence posts, picking rock and running a transit to set road grades. It was hard work, but when asked why she did it she responded, "I love going to Stamps every year and I've learned so much over the last 4 years that I've attended. I was able to go each year because of the scholarship program, and I just wanted to give something back."

Ben Speer told the family, "I am so blown away that someone that young would do this." Mr. Speer shared the reason he started the scholarship program. He told the story of how Glen Payne's grandfather wrote a letter to V.O. Stamps and said he wanted to send his grandson to singing school but they just didn't have the money. V.O. said, "Just send him on." Mr. Speer and so many generous people have kept that spirit alive through scholarships.

"We'll never know the full impact that Stamps-Baxter School of Music has had on gospel music by providing quality music training," says Belinda's mom, Heather, and group member of The Stutzman Family. "I certainly know their scholarships have been invaluable to our family. We're so proud of Belinda for wanting to do this."

Belinda's scholarship went to Chad Riley a truck driver from Pennsylvania. He and his wife had planned on attending and for financial reasons they changed their plans. Riley's wife put in for a scholarship for him without telling him, and he found out just days before the school that he would be able to attend after all.

After meeting Chad, Belinda said her scholarship was put to great use and she looks forward to being able to do the same next year. If you or your church would like to see quality Southern Gospel music continue you can get information on providing your own scholarship at http://www.stampsbaxterschool.com or by reaching The Stutzman Family at http://www.thestutzmanfamily.com

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