

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.
Writing | Evangel
Kylie Burks
Kylie Burks is a junior at Evangel University studying English with an emphasis in writing, where she seeks to let the Spirit shape her words and the images they create. She is passionate about biblical hospitality, all things warm and old-fashioned, and finds joy in both God’s creation and the community of the church.
Vocal | MSU
Parker Ohman
Parker Ohman is in his first 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.
Choral | MSU
Miles Stamper
Miles Stamper is entering his third year as the tenor scholar at First & Calvary while completing his final semester at MSU in music education, where he also sings with the MSU Chorale. A native of Joplin, he has been featured as a soloist and choir member throughout Springfield and recently performed in productions with OLO, High Tide Theatrical, and Springfield Little Theatre.

Organ | MSU
Aaron Huffman
Aaron Huffman is a fourth-year music education student at Missouri State University, specializing in euphonium and organ performance. He serves as a head section leader for the MSU PRIDE Marching Band baritones and balances his studies with work and time for family and friends.
Choral | MSU
Kyleigh Hendrix
Kyleigh Hendrix is a fourth-year vocal performance major with a minor in psychology at Missouri State University, where she serves as worship intern for Christian Campus House and holds leadership roles in Mu Phi Epsilon and the MSU Chorale. Originally from Independence, MO, she enjoys adventures with friends, works two jobs in Springfield, and plans to pursue a master’s in clinical mental health counseling.
Musician/Vocal | MSU
Braden Wyssmann
Braden Wyssmann, from Springfield, MO, is a sophomore at Missouri State University studying Marketing. A musician, singer, and songwriter, he is passionate about glorifying the Lord through music and also enjoys spending time in nature—whether walking, backpacking, or floating on the river.

Music Composition | MSU
Josiah Bojanowski
Josiah Bojanowski is a music composition junior at Missouri State University. He began to get interested in music in his freshman year of high school, and it took off during his junior year. He enjoys composing for vocals and instruments as well as solos and groups—whatever will make his ideas come to life. In his free time, he enjoys both going on walks to soak in nature as well as playing board games and card games, such as Mars.

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.



