The fourth annual recipient of Naperville Central High School’s John Pearce Performing Arts
Scholarship is pianist, Esther Park. The $1,000 award has been created as part of the Naperville
Education Foundation (NEF) – www.nef203.org. The scholarship, established by alumni of
Naperville Central High School’s music program, honors the 20 years (1965-1985) that John
Pearce served as choral instructor, musical director and Music Department Chair. Former
students benefitted greatly from Mr. Pearce’s musical gifts, direction and discipline in the arts
and have created this scholarship in his memory. The scholarship is awarded annually to an
outstanding graduating senior from either the NCHS band, choir or orchestra. Park completed an
extensive application process that included information about herself, a 500 word essay along
with two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with her work. Esther’s quality
application determined her as one of nine finalists, who presented live auditions for the
committee.
Esther Park has been studying piano for over twelve years where she has had many opportunities
to serve as a performer, accompanist and instructor. She has been a four-year member of the
NCHS Symphonic Orchestra where she served as both cello section leader and the primary piano
accompanist. She is involved in various music groups both inside and outside of school. Some
of these groups include Bella Corda, Tri-M Music Honors Society and her church worship team.
She enjoys teaching children piano lessons and performing in various weddings. She also had the
honor of performing in the ILMEA Music Festival and receiving the Superior Plus rating in the
GUILD auditions. Esther will double-major in Biology and Piano Performance. She is grateful
to the John Pearce Scholarship for it’s generous contribution to support her pursuit of music in
college. Esther will perform her solo piano audition piece as part of the Naperville Central High
School Spring Orchestra Concert on May 10 at 7:00 p.m. She will be presented with the NCHS
John Pearce Performing Arts Scholarship award by Raeleen Horn – Class of 1976 and JPPAS
Steering Committee Chair. Horn adds, “This is a wonderful way to honor a great teacher by
supporting our youth who plan to continue their musical experiences at the college level and
beyond.”

Steering committee chair, Raeleen Horn, with 2018 NCHS John Pearce Performing Arts Scholarship recipient, Esther Park. Esther performed her audition piece; movement 1 of Beethoven’s “Pathetique Sonata,” at the Spring Orchestra concert on May 10.

Social Media Chair – Anita Hybl-Patterson with Esther Park who is also Principal Cellist in the NCHS Orchestra.