The Baldwin Pops Band honored the memory of a former member by awarding scholarships to standout high school musicians during its annual John W. Allen Memorial Scholarship concert on March 16.

Three Baldwin County students took home top honors from a pool of nominees across eight high schools, continuing a tradition now more than two decades old. The scholarship competition, established to support graduating seniors who plan to pursue music in college, invites band directors from every Baldwin County high school to nominate exceptional students for a performance opportunity and scholarship consideration.

First place went to Addison Vontroba, a clarinetist and drum major at Fairhope High School. Vontroba earned a rare four-year streak in the Alabama All-State Red Band, performed with the Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra and won the orchestra’s concerto competition as a sophomore. She plans to major in Music Education and pursue advanced degrees in Conducting.

Second place was awarded to Landon Roberts, a saxophonist and oboist at Baldwin County High School. Roberts also secured All-State Red Band honors in his junior and senior years and performed with the Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra, where he won the concerto competition in his senior year. He plans to major in either Music Education or Music Performance.

Third place went to trumpet player William Stanush of Daphne High School. A four-year Alabama All-State Band member, Stanush has also played in the Mobile Symphony Youth Orchestra and plans to major in Music Education while performing in collegiate marching band.

Two students received honorable mentions: Eliza Chang, an alto saxophonist from Robertsdale High School, who plans to major in Music Education; and Audry Small, a flutist from Fairhope High School, who intends to either minor in music or continue playing through campus opportunities.

Ten students from Baldwin County High, Daphne, Elberta, Fairhope, Foley, Gulf Shores, Robertsdale and Spanish Fort high schools participated in the 2025 competition.

The John W. Allen Memorial Scholarship is supported entirely through community donations. Contributions are accepted year-round at Baldwin Pops Band concerts or by mail at Baldwin Pops Band, PO Box 38, Fairhope, AL 36533.