As the Suzanne Winsor Freeman Student Genealogy Grant program celebrates it’s seventh anniversary, it’s great to look back at previous recipients to see where they are now, and how genealogy still impacts their lives. Genealogy research is good training for many careers, as grant awardees Elyse Doerflinger, Anthony Ray and Michael Savoca can attest. Elyse and Michael currently teach in local schools and make time for genealogy during breaks, and Anthony is a professional vocalist and pursuing a university degree in choral studies. 

Elyse Doerflinger, Teacher

Elyse Doerflinger, 2012 Grant Winner, teaches first grade at a charter school in Inglewood in Los Angeles. She writes:

I usually don’t have a lot of time for genealogy in my regular day-to-day activities and I usually focus on genealogy during my breaks.  I have these genealogy sprints during Thanksgiving, Winter, Spring, and Summer breaks.  My research as gotten a little more all-over the place because I just follow whatever interesting rabbit hole seems to show itself.

But since I will be taking next year off of work to take care of my little boy (due at the end of July), I plan on having a little more time to devote to family history.  And it is no longer my own lines I need research and document anymore – but also my husband’s line.

Aside from being a new mom, I want to spend the year researching some lines that I’ve neglected for a few years and writing more about it on my blog.  It has been so embarrassingly long since I wrote on my blog.  I want to really start sharing my ancestor’s stories and research experiences via my blog again – I miss it!

Look for Elyse at the Southern California Genealogy Jamboree in Burbank, June 8-11.

 Anthony Ray, Vocalist and Student

Anthony Ray, 2011 Grant Recipient, manages to fit in California and Arizona research when he’s not performing with a local choir, attending school, or working. Anthony lives in Palmdale, and we recently met when he was in town for a Master Chorale rehearsal. He notes:

Life has been incredibly busy, extremely busy, and very wonderful. Since my last update, a lot has happened -particularly in my academics and music career. I’ve been accepted into California State University Fullerton, and am planning on attending there this fall. I will be enrolled in their vocal program, focusing on choral studies. They have a fantastic program, and I’m very excited to be studying there!

I’m nearly done with my first season with the Los Angeles Master Chorale. At this time last year, I had just finished the audition process and was waiting to hear whether I had made it in or not. It’s been such an incredible experience singing with one of the top choirs in the country. In addition to the LAMC, I still sing with my choir here in Palmdale, the Sunday Night Singers, as well as with two other professional groups in Los Angeles: Tonality (a choir centered around diversity) and a male vocal ensemble called Lore. There’s so much more, and it’s all been absolutely wonderful!

Genealogy-wise, it’s actually been a little slow. I wish that wasn’t the case, but I have a feeling it will pick up soon. I’m still working on my Berryessa family, and am in the process of preparing a lecture to present to the San Mateo County Genealogical Society on my findings in June. I’ve written quite a bit of material on the family, and hope to actually publish it someday. I plan on using the time in June to continue my research – since I’ll be in the area!

Michael Savoca, Teacher and Student 

Michael Savoca, of Toms River, New Jersey was a first-time attendee at the SCGS Jamboree where he was awarded the 2013 Grant. Michael writes:

I’m working as a high school art teacher in New York! It is such a great experience, my students are the best, and I can honestly say I love going to work each day. I’m still in college, going for dual Master’s degrees in History and Library Sciences. If I play my cards right, I’ll have an archival certification as well. The program is a lot of fun…when I can go to class and have a conversation about the similarities and differences between genealogists and oral historians, I’m a happy guy.

Application Deadline April 15

Do you know a young genealogist? Please share the news that the Suzanne Winsor Freeman Memorial Student Genealogy Grant Committee and the Southern California Genealogical Society Jamboree are pleased to invite applications for the 2017 Student Grant and Jamboree Scholarship. Student genealogists between the ages of 18 and 23 are eligible to apply for the $500 cash award and full registration scholarship to the 2017 SCGS Jamboree to be held in Burbank, California June 9-11, 2017. Deadline for applications is April 15, 2017.