Texas Border Business
PHARR- Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) Senior Catherine DiGrazia has been selected as a Chancellor’s Scholar in Music, the most prestigious scholarship offered by the Texas Christian University School of Music for her post-secondary education this fall 2021.
The Chancellor’s Scholarship in Music provides full tuition for eight semesters of undergraduate study and has a value of more than $206,000. DiGrazia was selected from a large pool of academically and musically -talented students. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must have a 4.0 GPA and an ACT score of 34.
“To me, this award means freedom. Freedom of mind, finances, and doubt. This award has brought my parents confidence and ease, which in turn puts my mind at peace too,” said DiGrazia. “I am capable and worthy. God is watching over me, and He guided me towards this school.”
While at PSJA ISD, DiGrazia has been actively involved in the Raider Choir receiving multiple State awards including being a three-year First Chair Soprano 1 for the Texas Music Educators Association, two-year Soprano 1 University Interscholastic League (UIL) State Solo and Ensemble Outstanding Performer, and Soloist for the National Catholic Youth Choir. Additionally, she has performed the National Anthem at numerous district events.
In addition to being highly involved, DiGrazia will be graduating with an Associate Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies through the PSJA ISD Early College Program in partnership with South Texas College. She is ranked 7th in her graduating class.
While her music talent has earned her recognition and many awards, DiGrazia shared that her journey in music was not always easy. She credits the support she received from her music educators at PSJA ISD at Arnold Elementary, Liberty Middle School, and PSJA North ECHS.
“The goal of a singer is to speak to the audience much like a motivational speaker would. An exceptional singer reaches into the hearts of the audience and pulls at their heart–strings,” DiGrazia shared. “My choir directors at PSJA North instilled in me that persistence, heart, emotion, value, and criticism are what makes a singer stand out from the rest. Under their guidance, I learned that singing is a joy and with practice and patience, you can learn that too.”
In light of her accomplishments, PSJA Superintendent Dr. Jorge L. Arredondo commended DiGrazia for receiving TCU’s highly competitive scholarship.
“Congratulations, Catherine, for receiving this prestigious music scholarship,” said PSJA Superintendent Dr. Jorge L. Arredondo. “Earning this award illustrates the dedication you have for your academic and music studies. It also highlights the support you have received from your parents and teachers and speaks to the high caliber of education you have received at PSJA ISD. We are so proud of you!”
Due to her passion for singing and the impact PSJA educators had on her life, DiGrazia shared planning to continue pursuing music at the graduate level.
“I plan on doing my absolute best with my music studies at TCU and I hope and pray to make my parents and PSJA family proud,” said the Senior. “My goal after attending TCU is to go for my graduate degree at Eastman School of Music or Peabody Conservatory. Additionally, I would love to work with young singers and provide them with instruction and a safe place for constructive criticism.”
At PSJA ISD, students can participate in numerous award-winning fine arts programs, including Band, Orchestra, Choir, Jazz Band, Mariachi, Dance, Arts and Theatre. For more information about opportunities available at PSJA ISD, individuals can visit www.psjaisd.us/whypsja.
 Senior Catherine DiGrazia has been selected as a Chancellor’s Scholar in Music, the most prestigious scholarship offered by the Texas Christian University School of Music for her post-secondary education this fall 2021.){kind=link}