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Grider has distinguished herself as an outstanding student and a highly talented singer and musician, having performed the lead singing role of Pamina in last year’s “Magic Flute” presentation at Modesto’s Gallo Center for the Arts.
The talented Grider is one of 23 students from each of the California State University campuses who have been selected to receive the $3,000 scholarship award. Recognized by the Trustees at their September 22 meeting in Long Beach, the students have been cited for their determination in overcoming personal hardships, demonstrating financial need, superior academic performance, exemplary community service, and significant personal achievements.
“Rachel Grider is one of our truly inspiring success stories about what students can achieve through determination and dedication to their academic and personal goals,” CSU Stanislaus President Dr. Hamid Shirvani said. “California State University, Stanislaus takes great pride in what Rachel has accomplished as a shining example of the outstanding students we have at this University.”
A junior Music major with a double concentration in vocal performance and music composition, Grider is involved in a number of community service activities in her hometown of Modesto. In addition to involvement in her church, Rachel participates in community service projects, volunteering at the Modesto Gospel Mission and serving as a volunteer receptionist with the Visually Impaired Persons Support Center. Although she was born blind, Rachel lives her life with enthusiasm and ambitious eagerness to participate in a variety of activities. She participates in the Stanislaus Society for the Handicapped winter ski program.
"My first two years at CSU Stanislaus have been exceptionally rewarding," Grider said. "I have had the opportunity to experience the teaching of an extraordinary and dedicated faculty, and I know that I am being provided an education of the highest quality. I have worked diligently to gain the knowledge and skills for success in life."
She started playing the piano as a youngster, took up the flute as an elementary school student, and started focusing on singing in chorale groups as she headed to high school. Grider's teachers describe her as brilliant and praise her characteristics of perseverance, toughness, work ethic, and positivism as elements of her personality that make her a top student. Grider is focusing on vocal performance as a CSU Stanislaus music student, and has ambitions to attend graduate school and eventually earn a doctorate so she can pursue a career as a teacher of voice or composition at the University level.
Only the walking stick she uses to navigate the CSU Stanislaus campus gives any indication that Grider has no sight. She rarely speaks of her blindness unless asked about it and seeks no special treatment. Rachel mentions her mother, Patricia Grider, and CSU Stanislaus Music faculty as her sources of inspiration and encouragement.
“My instructors have inspired me to strive for perfection in all my studies, that I may reach my full potential,” Grider said.
CSU Music Department faculty are high on her vocal talents. "She's an incredible talent; a very good musician who sings beautifully," Music Professor Daniel Afonso said. "Rachel works really, really hard at everything she does and will be very successful if she chooses to be a performer or a musician as a career. She can sense a lot of things, so she's learned to perceive the world in a different way."
For more information on Grider and the CSU scholarship award winners, go to http://www.calstate.edu/Foundation/hearst/awardees/2009/index.shtml.
A video of the awards presentation in Long Beach in at
A video of the awards presentation in Long Beach in at