SCHOLARSHIPS

Each year, through the support of generous donors, Handbell Musicians of America awards scholarships for participation in National events. HMA is pleased to offer the following scholarships for Pinnacle 2025.
Marilyn Kielniarz Memorial Scholarship
The Marilyn Kielniarz Memorial Scholarship was established by Handbell Musicians of America’s National Board of Directors in memory of, and to honor Marilyn Kielniarz. This scholarship is awarded to a music educator to attend National Seminar or Pinnacle, and provides the full cost of registration.
W.D. McKeehan Scholarship
The W.D. McKeehan Scholarship Fund was established by the Handbell Musicians of America’s national board of directors in 1983 as a tribute to W.D. “Mac” McKeehan for his long years of service and numerous contributions as national registrar and national treasurer. This fund provides scholarship assistance to qualified individuals for participation in Handbell Musicians of America’s
The D. Linda McKechnie Scholarship
The D. Linda McKechnie Scholarship Fund was established in 2004. The purpose of the fund is to aid individuals and programs that promote education in elementary schools or with special needs populations. The assistance may be in the form of a scholarship to National Seminar or Pinnacle for an individual working in one of these areas, or in the form of a grant supporting programming in one of these areas.
Education Fund Scholarship
The Education Scholarship Fund was established by an anonymous donor as a challenge to other Handbell Musicians of America (HMA) members to contribute and support handbells in education and HMA educational events. Contributions are used to offer scholarships to Handbell Musicians of America events and grants to programs that promote handbells in educational settings.
For Distinctly Teen
Deb Heine Young Ringer Scholarship
The Deb Heine Scholarship for Young Ringers provides support for individuals under the age of twenty to participate in Handbell Musicians of America’s national events. The scholarship includes full registration to the event, hotel nights (location and number of days depend on event), and up to $300 reimbursed for travel expenses. This year, one scholarship will be awarded for Distinctly Teen.