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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.
Vocal | MSU
Parker Ohman
Parker Ohman is in his second year of the Masters in Voice Performance program at Missouri State, after earning his undergraduate degree in voice and theater near Chicago. Passionate about blending music and theater, he co-founded Second Glance, an inter-arts ensemble dedicated to telling overlooked and hidden stories through diverse artistic disciplines.
Vocal | Clever HS
Madeline Swope
​Madeline Swope, a senior at Clever High School, is passionate about acting and singing. She has performed in choir, theater, and competitions, earning honors such as the 2025 Missouri All-State Honor Choir and back-to-back Gold ratings at the MSHSAA State Solo & Ensemble Competition. Madeline hopes to pursue a career in music, weaving her faith into her future.
Choral | MSU
Ella Myers
Ella Myers (she/her), from St. Louis, MO, is a second-year Vocal/Choral Music Education major at Missouri State University with an Instrumental Endorsement. She serves as Vice President of Mu Phi Epsilon and Associate Artistic Director of Laboratory Theatre Company, while remaining active in both music and theater. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crafting, journaling, and spending time with loved ones.
Choral | MSU
Payton Ballinger
Payton Ballinger, a Kansas City native, is a second-year Master of Music candidate in Voice Performance at Missouri State University, where she serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. She earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Voice Performance and Psychology from Pepperdine University. At First & Calvary, Payton serves as Soprano Choral Scholar and Arts Walk Administrative Assistant. She also performs with Ozarks Lyric Opera and works at Mercy Hospital’s Marian Center.
Choral | MSU
Wade Bogart
Wade Bogart is a tenor and Vocal Music Education student at Missouri State University, where he studied with Dr. Todd Payne. He has performed with Ozarks Lyric Opera and MSU Opera Theatre and is a member of the MSU Chorale, performing internationally in South America, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. Wade is also a co-founder of the MSU Undergraduate Chamber Singers and sings with the Queen City Chorale. In 2026–2027, he will serve as an F&C Choral Scholar while completing his student teaching.
