100-Voice Choir Gospel Concert Set to Raise Spirits, Honor Alumnus Rev. Vincent Hynson '87, November 17

Charity Concert Raises Funds for Minority Student Scholarship Program at Washington College

Chestertown, MD — On Saturday, November 17, the 100-Voice Choir returns to raise spirits and celebrate the life and example of the late Rev. Vincent Hynson, Washington College Class of 1987 alumnus and Kent County community leader. The concert will be held at the Kent County High School Auditorium. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are just $5 per person and are available at the door or in advance from the Compleat Bookseller or Twigs and Teacups in downtown Chestertown.

This year's concert—through the efforts of many volunteers and Sylvia and Bill Frazier of S & B Productions—will provide two hours of music, song and dance to put anyone and everyone "in the spirit." In addition to performances by the 100-Voice Choir and musical accompaniment by the Holy Horns, the concert's line-up includes a performance by soloist Sue Matthews, selections by the Gospel Shepherds, and a special guest appearance by the Still Pond Coleman Charge Mass Choir.

The Reverend Clarence A. Hawkins will serve as the evening's Master of Ceremonies. A native of Kent County, the Rev. Hawkins studied at Morgan State University, Washington College and John Hopkins University. He has worn many different hats in his lifetime, including teacher, principal, director, county commissioner and ordained minister (elder). He retired from pastoring in 1977.

Proceeds from the concert benefit the Vincent Hynson Scholarship at Washington College. The impetus of Washington College President Baird Tipson, the scholarship honors the late Rev. Vincent Hynson—beloved Kent County teacher, coach, pastor, and community leader—who passed away in 2004. The scholarship is presented to an entering freshman who is a graduate of a secondary school in Kent County, who demonstrates financial need, and whose achievements and aspirations most closely emulate the values of community service exemplified by the life of Rev. Hynson. The scholarship covers 100 percent of the cost of tuition, room and board, books, and fees for the recipient.

"Vincent Hynson was a bridge-builder whose life was dedicated to uplifting our community," said Dr. Tipson, who lends his voice to the tenor section of the choir. "His was the kind of life young people—and all people—should emulate. My hope is that this scholarship honors his life by helping local students who want to give back the chance to develop their talents and to realize their dreams through a Washington College education."

The first recipient of the scholarship, Joyell Johnson, Kent County High School Class of 2006, is now a sophomore at Washington College. A second scholarship was awarded this year to Christalyn Frison, Kent County High School Class of 2007, who entered Washington College as a freshman this fall. Applications are being accepted for students intending to enter college in fall 2008.

To be considered for the Vincent Hynson Scholarship, interested students should submit a scholarship essay and complete all admissions and financial aid application requirements no later than February 15, 2008. Essay instructions and admissions and financial aid information are available from the Washington College Office of Admissions by calling 410/778-7700.

The 100-Voice Choir Gospel Concert is sponsored by S & B Productions, Washington College and the Kent County Arts Council. For more information, contact S & B Productions at 410/778-6006 or the Washington College Office of College Relations at 410/810-7111.

November 8, 2007