The Izi Nichols Performing Arts Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2006 by Izi's long-time friend Ray Sweeney, a piano student of Izi's when he was younger. Ray Sweeney is currently the Department Head for the ConVal Music department in Peterborough, NH.

Izi Nichols was a music teacher to thousands of area children, as well as introducing many to theatre arts. Many know her through her work with the Antrim Players, the New Hampshire Dance Institute, or through service to her community. This scholarship, in her memory, will be awarded to a student pursuing post-secondary studies in the performing arts. The student must reside in one of the nine participating towns comprising the Contoocook Valley School District.

Below is an excerpt from a letter written by William Harris, President of the Antrim Players, for Izi's memorial service in November 2005;

"I didn’t realize until I sat down to write this how much of an impact Izi had on my life. Her obituary stated that she was a member of the Antrim Players. I think we would all agree that this is a gross understatement, for in a lot of ways, Izi was the Antrim Players. She taught me to respect music. She taught me the discipline needed to make a rehearsal productive. Most of all, she taught me to respect my community by providing them with something that they didn’t already have; something that would bring them together; hold them together; and make them feel better about themselves. This is why she did what she did and I am proud to help continue what she made a tradition in our community. It was a privilege and an honor to have known her."

Additional donations may be mailed to 97 Brimstone Cor. Road, Antrim, NH 03440-3200 or by continuing to support the Antrim Players by attending their performances each year.

March 4, 2010.