Albert M. Purdy Music Scholarship

Established by the Tunkhannock Area High School Band Boosters Association in honor of retired teacher Albert Purdy. Provides a post-secondary scholarship to a Tunkhannock Area High School graduate who has exhibited exceptional instrumental or vocal performance during their high school career. Preference will be given to applicants who are accepted to a college and intend to major in music education or vocal performance.

Mid-November to Mid-March

The Tunkhannock Area High School Band Booster Club established the Albert M. Purdy Music Scholarship in early 2007 to honor long-time music teacher, Albert Purdy, while also assisting future generations of Tunkhannock graduates who share his love of music. Mr. Purdy taught in the Tunkhannock Schools from 1973 until his retirement in 2006. Prior to teaching in Tunkhannock he also taught at Abington Heights School District in Clarks Summit, and the Abraham Lincoln Junior High School in Lancaster.

Mr. Purdy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from West Chester State College, and a Master’s degree in Classroom Technology from Wilkes University. While in the Tunkhannock Area School District Mr. Purdy accomplished many tasks in both the Middle School and the High School. Over the years he was the Music Coordinator, Chorus Director, Music Department Chairman, String Ensemble Director, Marching Band Assistant Director, and Piano Accompanist for Drama and Musical Productions. Additionally, he has been the 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President, and President of District 9 of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA). He has won the PMEA District 9 Service Award, the PMEA Citation of Excellence Award, and the Outstanding Teacher Award from Wilkes University. Over the years many of his students have competed at the District, Regional, State, and Eastern levels of Band, Orchestra, and Chorus competitions. Mr. Purdy has also performed at various community events, concerts, and receptions, and he is the organist for the Tunkhannock United Methodist Church. He and his wife Beth, have two children, Elizabeth and Albert.

The Albert M. Purdy Music Scholarship will provide tuition assistance for generations of Tunkhannock Area High School graduates who exhibit exceptional instrumental or vocal performance during their high school career. Preference will be given to applicants who are accepted to a college and intend to major in music education or vocal performance.