Photo courtesy Carole Howard
Christmas came early for Jovanka (Jovie) Ponce de Leon, 9, who has been named a scholarship winner by the Jim and Elizabeth Sullivan Foundation, founded in 2013 by country singer/songwriter Tim Sullivan to honor his parents by providing scholarships for disadvantaged youth with a talent for music, dance or visual art.
By Carole Howard
Jovanka (Jovie) Ponce de Leon, 9, has been named a scholarship winner by the Jim and Elizabeth Sullivan Foundation, founded in 2013 by country singer/songwriter Tim Sullivan to honor his parents by providing scholarships for disadvantaged youth with a talent for music, dance or visual art in Archuleta and La Plata counties.
Jovie is the daughter of Roberto and Kristy Ponce de Leon and a student of Kathleen Isberg, all residents of Pagosa Springs. She has been taking piano lessons for eight months.
The Sullivan Foundation works closely with independent teachers, school and nonprofit programs that provide music, dance and art education. With their help, the foundation identifies students who have the talent and work ethic to be in the programs but don’t have the funds for tuition.
Sullivan is well known in Pagosa Springs for his many local performances, notably weekly gigs at Nello’s when the dance floor is jammed with people doing the Texas two-step and line dances to Sullivan’s music, both original and covers of such greats as George Jones and The Eagles. He has performed in Carnegie Hall and appeared on stage with country stars such as Alan Jackson, Willie Nelson, Vince Gill, Glen Campbell and Tammy Wynette.
“I am lucky because my mother started teaching me voice and piano when I was a very young child,” Sullivan said. “She encouraged a deep appreciation for music that has been so important to me throughout my life. Through the Sullivan Foundation, we are giving something back to other youngsters with talent and a willingness to practice.”
“Jovie is a bright, enthusiastic youngster who is practicing diligently,” said Isberg. “With encouragement, I believe she will grow into a fine young musician.”
“I like music for many reasons,” wrote Jovie in the short essay that is required of every scholarship applicant. “The first reason I like music is it sounds really pretty. The second reason is that it makes me happy. And the third reason is that I get to learn new songs and different sounds.”
Funds for current Sullivan Foundation scholarships have been raised in two cabaret-style benefit concerts where Sullivan and the others in his extraordinarily talented musical family, including his mother, come from Oklahoma and New York to perform at the Henry Strater Theatre in Durango. Next year’s concert is set for Saturday, Oct. 10.