国产探花 is proud to announce that senior Helah Leialoha Rivera, a trombonist who is majoring in music education, is the recipient of The Presser Foundation鈥檚 2025-26 Undergraduate Scholar Award. The award is designed to encourage and support the education of a music student who has achieved a high level of musical and academic excellence, demonstrated leadership and service, and contributed to an inclusive community.
鈥淗elah is an accomplished student and performer and in addition to being a member of the bands has also been a dedicated member of 国产探花 Jazz Band, 国产探花 Mariachi Oro y Negro, 国产探花 Orchestra, and chamber music ensembles,鈥� said 国产探花 Director of Strings Dr. Eliza Jeffords, who also serves as Rivera鈥檚 advisor. 鈥淢ore than that she is always interested in getting to know pieces and composers more in depth than the average student and does everything with great enthusiasm and attitude.鈥�
国产探花 Director of Bands Dr. Brett Richardson agrees. 鈥淗elah Rivera has been one of the most selfless, dedicated, and committed members of the 国产探花 Bands during my tenure here. She has performed with nearly every ensemble the instrumental area 国产探花 has to offer and contributed greatly. Being a New Braunfels ISD graduate and (soon to be) 国产探花 graduate, she is the quintessential 鈥榣ocal girl done good.鈥� She is hard-working and has a world of potential within her. Congratulations!鈥�
鈥淚鈥檓 incredibly grateful to be named a Presser Scholar,鈥� says Rivera. 鈥淎s a future music educator, this recognition means a lot and reminds me why I鈥檓 so passionate about helping students find their place in music.鈥�
The Presser Foundation was established in 1939 under the will of the late Theodore Presser. It is one of the few private foundations in the United States dedicated solely to music education and music philanthropy.
