By Peter Rao ’24
Music and song are undeniable cultural fixtures at Thomas More College. Whether it’s casual guitar-strumming, choir rehearsal, or a meeting of the Saint Philip Neri Sacred Music Guild or the Saint John Ogilvie Folk Music Guild, it is practically impossible to go through a whole day on campus without experiencing some form of music.
Mrs. Leila Lawler, along with her husband, Visiting Fellow Phil Lawler—both long-time friends of the College—recognized this element of life at TMC. After their daughter Bridget Lawler ’18 graduated from the College, Mrs. Lawler conceived the idea of the scholarship. Mr. Lawler explained, “One of the things that my wife and I noticed about the College was that there was always someone playing music on campus. We appreciated that and wanted to give it a boost.” So, in the fall of 2018, Mr. and Mrs. Lawler established a fund—now known as the Ogilvie Scholarship—to promote the performance and growth of musical culture on campus.
“Folk music is great for building good culture, and good culture is necessary for building a solid Christian community.”
– Sarah Carter ’26
The Ogilvie Scholarship, named after the Folk Music Guild, is awarded to an incoming freshman who demonstrates an interest in, experience with, and ability to lead music. Scholarship applicants write a brief essay describing their musical talents and past experience leading others in song, which they submit alongside their College application. The essays are reviewed by the Admissions team in cooperation with Mr. Fred Fraser, Teaching Fellow and Guildmaster.
This year, the school finds itself in the unique position of having an Ogilvie Scholarship recipient in each class for the first time. These recipients are Benjamin Wassell ’23, Elias Wassell ’24, Alexander Tapsak ’25, and Sarah Carter ’26. Mr. Elias Wassell and Miss Carter were kind enough to share a few thoughts on their relationship with music and how that plays into their life as a student.
For his entire upbringing, a crucial part of Mr. Wassell’s education was learning and singing folk music. Mr. Wassell grew up listening to and singing songs such as “Minstrel Boy,” “Star of the County Down,” and other such classic folk songs. He explained that the method used by Mr. Fraser in the Folk Music Guild to teach songs is very similar to the method his mother employed when teaching his family. Because of this, for Mr. Wassell, “The Folk Music Guild is enjoyable, feels very familiar, and is a refreshing reminder of home. I feel extraordinarily blessed,” he continued, “to be at a school that values my passions as much as my family, who first introduced me to the joy of the oral tradition of folk music.”
Miss Carter has maintained a relationship with music throughout her life, even from a very young age. When she was just four years old, Miss Carter started studying classical music. She spent several years learning to fiddle and play the mandolin; additionally, she has performed Scottish country dancing at various cultural events. Growing up, her family would have folk music jam sessions at home on a regular basis. When asked about folk music at TMC, Miss Carter stated, “I think that folk music is really important for the community. Folk music is great for building good culture, and good culture is necessary for building a solid Christian community. I’m excited to have an opportunity to contribute more fully to the College in this regard.”
When asked his thoughts on the subject, Mr. Fraser stated, “I am honored to support the folk music culture on campus and specifically those young people who have an interest in this wholesome entertainment.” His comment reflects, in part, the goal of the Ogilvie Scholarship. Good music is crucial to a healthy, wholesome community. Thomas More College recognizes this and continually seeks to support those interested in making music a consistent part of campus life.
For further reading:
Pursuing Truth, Goodness, and Beauty through Creativity: An Interview with Jacinta Yellico ’20
