First & Calvary
Scholars Program
The First & Calvary Scholars Program empowers exceptional students in the creative disciplines of fine arts, writing, and music to explore the intersection of the Christian faith and the arts. The program offers 10 paid internships each year for participants to explore their craft within the ministry of First & Calvary—a historic church with a mission to build bridges of blessing between the church and people in the arts. This program supports local art students who are at the forefront of Christian creativity by granting them quality time and space to work, one-on-one coaching in ministry, and resources that help nurture the spiritual calling of the creative.
Aaron Huffman, Organ Scholar
Aaron Huffman is a third-year music education student at Missouri State University. He was born and went to school in Willard, Missouri, the music program being under the direction of Victoria Meraz. Aaron’s main instrument is the euphonium, but he decided to start organ lessons with Dr. Jeremy Chesman just last year; he plans to declare a minor in organ performance this next semester. Aaron has been selected as head section leader for the Missouri State University PRIDE Marching Band baritones both years he has been eligible. Balancing being a full-time student at MSU, practicing multiple instruments, and working at Target in Springfield, he has a lot on his plate, but still makes time to spend with family and friends.
Addie Hudson
I am a Senior at Missouri State University studying Vocal Music Education. I am currently student teaching at Nixa Junior High and John Thomas School of Discovery. I am passionate about singing and working with young children. I love the opportunity to get to pour into young lives and develop them into the best musicians they can be. I think singing should be fun and I fully believe that everyone can sing! I will be graduating in December with my BME. My fiancée and I are getting married in the Spring of 2025! We will be in the Springfield area for a few more years as he finishes his schooling at MSU to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
I have attended a few churches throughout the Springfield area growing up. Once I stepped into First and Calvary it felt so welcoming and almost like a new home for me. I have done concerts here and had many rehearsals in the church. One thing that sticks out is how kind and genuine everyone here is. I hope to meet lots of new people throughout my year here. I cannot wait to make countless musical memories and worship together.
Jayna Glynn, Worship Team Scholar
Jayna Glynn is a junior Musical Theatre major at Missouri State University from Bentonville, Arkansas. She is a singer, dancer, actor, pianist, and has been leading worship for 11 years. In her free time she loves to DJ/sing for weddings, read books about Jesus, & can always be found with a new craft!
Jocelyn Squires
Jocelyn Squires is a senior at Evangel University. She'll be graduating from her major in English Literature and minor in Writing in May of 2025. She first discovered the joy of creative writing in early 2017 and has been honing her craft ever since. At the start of her senior year of high school, she began to write poetry and her first spoken words. Now, she enjoys reading a wide variety of works, writing poetry, and drafting her novel. This year, she is very happy to be working as a co-editor running her school's Epiphany Fine Arts Magazine. Between her mountain of literature assignments, drafting her novel, and making time to serve God through her craft, Jocelyn keeps a busy schedule. She's thankful to the culture on her honors floor motivating her to finish her degree.
Kyleigh Hendrix
Kyleigh Hendrix is a third-year vocal music education and vocal performance major at Missouri State University. She was raised in Independence, Missouri, and studied under Kim Carson at Truman High School. Kyleigh studies voice with Carol Chapman, and is currently taking piano lessons. Kyleigh is on the worship team with MSU’s Christian Campus House, a group of student leaders. Kyleigh works two jobs in Springfield but loves having time to hangout with friends and going on new adventures. Kyleigh plans to get her masters in mental health counseling.
Lily Moreland
Lillian Moreland is a sophomore at Missouri State University, where she is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in instrumental music education. Lillian's main focus lies in the percussive arts, and much of her time is spent practicing and honing her skill on the many different kinds of percussion instruments. In her free time, Lillian can be found reading, enjoying the outdoors, and spending time with friends and family.
Miles Stamper, Choral Scholar
Miles Stamper is a Junior at Missouri State University studying Vocal Music Education. He sang in the worship team back home in Joplin during High School, and loves singing and performing. Miles is a member of the Missouri State Chorale and has been involved with many productions and recitals in the Missouri State Vocal Music department. He is excited for the opportunity to be a choral scholar!
Ella Myers
Ella Myers is from St. Louis, MO, and is currently in her first year pursuing a degree at Missouri State University in Vocal Music Education with an Instrumental Endorsement. She studies voice with Dr. Carol Chapman as her primary focus, and studies percussion with Dr. Scott Cameron. A member of choirs, concert bands, and jazz ensembles; she loves it all! She also loves to participate in community theatre productions around St. Louis, and was most recently nominated for Arts for Life Best Featured Actress Award (2024) and recognized as the STL Fringe Festival Performer of the Year (2023). In her free time, you can find Ella scrapbooking/journaling, listening to music, spending time with friends and family, or scrolling on Pinterest.
Zoë Zhulin
A naturally gifted musician beyond her years, Zoë Meier Juhlin is a nationally recognized soprano. She is currently in her final year of her B.M. in Vocal Performance at Missouri State University studying under Dr. Ann-Marie Daehn. She has recently been seen as Zerlina in Ozark Lyric Opera’s production of Don Giovanni under the direction of Jay Jackson and continues to be a Young Artist with OLO under Michael Spyres and Sean Spyres. She performs regularly with Missouri State University Opera, most recently being seen as Rose (Ruddigore), and the Witch (Hansel and Gretel). A Saint Louis native, Zoë has performed with Union Avenue Opera as Noreen Horan in Doubt, as well as participated in the Bayer Fund Artist in Training Program with Opera Theatre Saint Louis.
She recently won multiple awards including First Place in the National Shirley Rabb Winston Scholarship Competition with the National Society of Arts and Letters, First Place in the Central Region NATS competition, the Jermaine Smith First Place Award, and the Artist in Training Advanced Study Scholarship with Opera Theatre Saint Louis. She was also a national semifinalist in the NATS NSA competition. You can find more information about Zoë on her website zoemeierjuhlin.com.