The Frank Hamilton School, situated at Legacy Park in Decatur, has unveiled the Sarah Cumming Scholarship Fund, a thoughtful initiative to remember a cherished former student and passionate musician who passed away earlier this month, according to Atlanta News First. The school, inspired by the vision of music legend Frank Hamilton, is calling upon the community to support the legacy of Sarah Cumming, by donating to a scholarship designed to bear the full cost of tuition for a student facing financial difficulties.
Sarah Cumming, who lost her valiant battle with a brain tumor on December 6, was a symbol of courage and dedication, her love for songwriting, singing, playing the guitar, and the harmonica continued despite her health battles that included a previous encounter with bone cancer at 14 and leukemia at 16 as she forged a connection with the musical community at the Frank Hamilton School, as mentioned in the Press on DC blog. The scholarship in her honor will cover the costs of up to one year's classes at the school offering a lifeline to aspirants who otherwise might not have the opportunity to dive into the world of American folk music.
Behind the scholarship stands the resilience and spirit of Sarah Cumming herself, who continued to embrace music and life despite the hurdles posed by her health conditions which saw her, because of seizures beginning in 2015 that forced her to quit driving and working she remained undeterred making her mark by immersing herself in the school’s community and culture. The Frank Hamilton School encourages the philosophy that "Music is not an exclusive club. Anyone can learn at any time regardless if they consider themselves talented or not", the essence of which Sarah lived out until her passing, affirming that her individual truth transcended the statistical averages of an illness, embodying a strength and uniqueness that goes beyond mere figures and data.
Those interested in contributing to the Sarah Cumming Scholarship Fund can make their donations tax-deductible, as the school itself is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with roots that hark back to the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago founded by Frank Hamilton and cherished by folk icons, with Hamilton himself still contributing to the collective knowledge within its walls at 89 years young. To donate to the Sarah Cumming Scholarship fund, supporters can visit the school's donation page or send a check to the school with an indication that it is for the fund, ensuring that Sarah’s passion for music carries on, nurturing new talent from every walk of life.
