Senior Kristina Jordan poses with administrators of the Artists in Training program. Jordan was excited when she found out she won the top prize. “I was on cloud nine, I didn’t even think it was real!” Jordan said.

This past Sunday, April 21, marked the spring recital at the Sheldon Concert Hall for the Opera Theatre of St. Louis’ Artists in Training program.  Composed of 23 high school men and women, the group ranged from sophomores to seniors, with ten seniors. Senior Kristina Jordan was one who performed.

“The seniors were adjudicated by Erie Mills, a famous operatic soprano.  It was really nerve-wracking,” Jordan said.

Jordan sang The Snow Maiden’s Aria, from an opera of the same name.  After a short intermission, awards were presented.  The scholarships ranged from $100 (honorable mention), to $4,000 (The Monsanto Award).

“It came as a slow realization—Erie had called everyone else’s name, except for mine, and there was only one award left to give,” Jordan said.

Jordan was announced as the winner of The Monsanto Award, sponsored by the company based in St. Louis.  She was given the opportunity to sing an encore of her song.

“When I was giving my encore, I had to announce the name of the song again, and I was so excited that I actually forgot it!  My accompanist had to remind me what the name was,” Jordan said.

The award Jordan received is good for two years, and can be put towards any program that will further her education in music, such as voice lessons.  She plans to attend Southern Illinois University at Carbondale to study vocal performance this fall.