Clay R. Warren Memorial Scholarship awarded to “JJ” Rodriguez
Plainview High School graduating senior Justin Josiah “JJ” Rodriguez, son of Ernest and Mariana Rodriguez, was recently awarded the Clay R. Warren Memorial Scholarship for 2018 by Mark and Freada Warren. Also on hand for the presentation were representatives of the Community Foundation of West Texas, Michelle Tosi-Stephens and Denise Oviedo.
The scholarship, in the amount of $4,000, is managed and dispersed through the Plainview Area Endowment, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of West Texas. The Warren’s established the scholarship as a memorial to their son who died in a tragic accident in 2002.
Mark Warren describes Clay’s love of music and his giving spirit as the reason for creating this four-year scholarship to serve as a source of “encouragement to a deserving A Cappella Choir senior of Plainview High School.” Clay was an active participant in A Cappella Choir and Chamber Singers while attending Plainview High School.
Justin Josiah, affectionately known as “JJ”, has been actively involved in A Cappella Choir and the Chamber Singers at PHS for the past three years. He also serves as the current choir president. He plans to attend Wayland Baptist University in the fall. He was selected as the recipient of this honor after the Community Foundation reviewed applications submitted from current seniors in the A Cappella Choir.
Rodriguez was presented the scholarship during A Cappella class time on May 7 during the week of the annual “Clay R. Warren Red, White, and Blue Revue” performed annually during May by the Plainview Choral Department. The Revue is a variety show that Clay participated in during his years at PHS. The show carries his name in honor of his legacy and memory.
Dr. Debra Buford, director of the A Cappella Choir, said, “The Warren’s continue to support the choir program through their generous donations given yearly to ensure the choir and participating students receive assistance when needed. I personally, have been touched by the kindness of the Warren’s and their desire to make sure all students who love to sing get that chance, just like their son. The scholarship has great significance to current students who did not personally know Clay because the award is presented in the classroom where Clay once sang and in the presence of students who love music as much as Clay did.”
Dr. Buford also noted that Walter Wright was the director when Clay was in choir, adding, “We will all continue to ensure that the memory and legacy of Clay R. Warren lives on through the music of the PHS Choral program, specifically the revue which has been named in his honor.”
Mr. Warren explained the purpose of the scholarship in an email to Buford, “We established this memorial scholarship to honor one student in the Plainview High School Varsity Choir and to benefit the activity our son loved so much, singing. Congratulations to JJ Rodriquez on receiving this recognition.”
The Clay R. Warren Red, White, and Blue Revue opens Friday, May 11
The much anticipated annual presentation of the Clay R. Warren Red White and Blue Revue will open on Friday evening, May 11, in the Plainview High School Auditorium. A second performance is set for Saturday evening, May 12. Both performances, brought to the community by the Plainview High School Choral Department, will begin at 7:00 p.m.
The theme this year is “City of Dreams” and features a variety of acts each night with special performances by former alumni of the PHS A Cappella Choir. Alumni Keri Nelson and Robbie Riley will perform on Friday night; Morgan Sweeney and Claire Hukill, with her sister Lauren and Mom Lezlie Hukill, will be featured Saturday evening. PHS seniors selected to perform will be singing both nights as soloist, duets, and sometimes trios. A Cappella Choir, Advanced Treble Choir, Advanced Tenor-Bass Choir, and Cantate will perform both nights as well.
Choral Director Dr. Debra Buford reports that close to 100 acts auditioned for the show this year in front of a panel of five judges. Several judges expressed difficulty in narrowing down the selections for the show. Judges listened to students during nine hours of auditions over two evenings.
PHS Choir alumni will be invited to the stage at the end of each night to sing with the current choir the chorus “The Lord Bless and Keep You’, a long-standing tradition that Clay R. Warren participated in as a member of the Plainview Varsity Choir.
Community members are encouraged to come out and support this music event. Ticket sales are used to enhance the continued support of the choral program and ensure that the gift of music continues for all students.
General admission is $8 for adults and $5 for all students. This year the opportunity to reserve seats front and center is available at a cost of $10 per seat. Please call 806-296-3341 or email debra.buford@plainviewisd.org if interested in one of the reserved seats or if you would like to purchase your general admission tickets ahead of time.
General admission ticket purchase is encouraged ahead of time to save standing in line at the door. Tickets will be available at the door each evening for purchase also. Concessions will also be available including ice cold bottled water ($1), Deanan’s kettle popcorn, and vanilla popcorn for $2. The Choir Boosters of Plainview High School would like to express their appreciation for those who come out each year in support of the Plainview choir students.
