Shirley Martin Scholarship
Applications are now closed. We'll be back next year!
Created in 2000, the Shirley Martin Scholarship for Young Songwriters recognizes songwriters between 14 and 19 years of age. The recipients receive cash awards, professional feedback and mentoring. In recent years, REC Room Recording has provided professional recordings of the winners' songs. Since its inception, the self-funded SAMI scholarship has provided approximately $23,000 back to area youth.
For more information, click here: Official Rules, Mission & Application
2026 Scholarship Winner:
SAMANTHA VALENTE
Samantha was the 2026 winner of the Shirley Martin Scholarship for Young Songwriters. She submitted a song called “Marionette”, which she performed live at SAMI's award reception. Congratulations Samantha!
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Runner-Up: Claireen Cheng, "Pieces of You"
Mike Lane Horizon Award Co-Winners:
Greta Schap, “A Song For You from Me”
Aubrey Plass, “Days In Between”
2025 Scholarship Winner:
ELIJAH ALEXANDER
Elijah was the 2025 winner of the Shirley Martin Scholarship for Young Songwriters. He submitted a song called "My Red Balloon", which was released on June 10, 2025. Congratulations Elijah!
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Co-Runners Up:
Lindsay Lowe, "Grandma's Boots"
Claireen Cheng, "Clockwork"
Mike Lane Horizon Award: Makayla Beachy, "Pros and Cons"
2024 Scholarship Winner:
CORBIN STANCHFIELD
Corbin was the 2024 winner of the Shirley Martin Scholarship for Young Songwriters, and 2023's runner up. His submission, a song called "Not Very Nice", was released on December 11, 2023. Congratulations Corbin!
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Runner Up: Lindsey Lowe, "Monster"
Mike Lane Horizon Award: Cash Holmes, "The Party"
Honorable Mention: Isabella Bradley, "End of the Tunnel"
2023 Scholarship Winner:
MADDY CONNER
Maddy was the 2023 winner of the Shirley Martin Scholarship for Young Songwriters, and she recorded her winning original song at REC Room Recording. "From Me Now" was released on November 17, 2023. Congratulations Maddy!
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First Runner Up: Corbin Stanchfield, "Something Funky (In the Turkey)"
Second Runner Up: Carly Bryant, "Power High"
Mike Lane Horizon Award: Faith Elizabeth Terborg, "Guided Heart"
2022 Scholarship Winner:
JESSI CHASE
Jessi was the 2022 winner of the Shirley Martin Scholarship for Young Songwriters, and she recorded her winning original song at REC Room Recording. "You Don't Know" was released on April 24, 2022. Congratulations Jessi!
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First Runner Up: Madison Conner, "Twenty Minutes"
Second Runner Up: Jaimee Myers, "Flip Your Frown"
Mike Lane Horizon Award Co-Winners:
Lian Leiva, "Platonic Plastic Love"
Eliana Starkley, "You Still Are"