Baldwin Wallace Names Mel and Jena Hakola Prize Award Winner

BEREA, OH - Dawna Warren of North Canton is the 2016 winner of the Mel and Jena Hakola Prize for Academic and Vocal Excellence at Baldwin Wallace University.

A Conservatory of Music student majoring in vocal performance and music therapy, Warren was chosen for the $5,000 prize by outside judges based on her performance in the Hakola Vocal Competition during the fall semester. She performed "O Luce di Quest'anima" by Donizetti and "Mai" by Reynaldo Hahn with pianist Jason Aquila.

Mel Hakola was a distinguished voice teacher at Baldwin Wallace for 38 years prior to his retirement. The Mel and Jena Hakola Prize for Academic and Vocal Excellence was created to encourage and reward voice students who demonstrate exceptional vocal, musical, intellectual and creative talents.

It also acknowledges students who have the potential to make a significant contribution to music performance. The purpose of the prize is to promote and recognize a high standard of academic and musical excellence among voice students at BW.

Photos from Baldwin Wallace