Welcome to The John Pearce Performing Arts Scholarship Fund Website!

The scholarship has been established by the alumni of Naperville Central High School’s music program as a result of the 20 years (1965-1985) that John Pearce served as its choral instructor, musical director and Music Department Chairman. Former students benefited greatly from John’s musical gifts, direction and discipline in the arts, and have created this scholarship in memory of a special teacher who instilled a commitment to pursuing excellence in life. A fund, where donations can be made, is under the auspices of the Naperville Education Foundation (NEF) – www.nef203.org.

To donate online – complete the form and click SUBMIT
To donate by mail – print out the form and mail to:

Naperville Education Foundation – John Pearce Performing Arts Scholarship
203 W. Hillside Rd.
Naperville, IL 60540

Each year, a $500 scholarship will be awarded to the student who receives the Outstanding Senior Musician Award from band, choir and orchestra. These recipients are chosen based upon their talent and contributions to the music department during their time at NCHS. A prerequisite is they continue their music performance experience at the college level. 

Your financial support as alumni, community members and friends of the John Pearce Scholarship Fund is vital to its success. The monies awarded to the
outstanding senior musicians will be presented in memory of John Pearce – a special teacher who instilled a commitment to pursuing excellence in life.

Many thanks to our NCHS Music Department Fine Arts Team for their continued assistance: 

David Alstadt (Director of Bands), Brandon Estes (Associate Director of Bands), Jesse Gross and Faith Tsou (Orchestra Directors), Kelly Mielcarz and Lauren Berryhill (Choral Directors).

We hope you enjoy your trip down “memory lane” and will pass this website along to NCHS music department alumni and their families. Donations to this wonderful cause are greatly appreciated.

For additional information, please contact Raeleen Horn – Steering Committee Chair – NCHS Class of 1976 – raeleenhorn@gmail.com

Advisory Committee