MPHS senior Alexis Johnson awarded Claus Tanner Music Scholarship

 

[June 14, 2023] 

Alexis Johnson is the 2023 recipient of the Claus Tanner Memorial Music Scholarship. She is the daughter of Tanya Mason Spinner and Robert Johnson. Alexis is also a 2023 graduate of Mt. Pulaski High School and has actively participated in the concert and pep bands, All District Band, and has sung in chorus and musicals throughout grade and high school.

This memorial scholarship was created in the memory of Claus Tanner, a music education instructor, for 36 years. The late Mr. Tanner taught band at Mt. Pulaski High and Grade Schools as well as Chestnut Grade School for many years. Mr. Tanner also directed the First United Methodist Church choir over 30 years as well as the Community Christmas Cantatas. The Marching Band was greatly supported by the Mt. Pulaski Community and performed for Fall Festival and Memorial Day Parades as well as Christmas Parades in Lincoln. The MPHS band was also chosen as the Honor Band to play for President Gerald Ford at the Springfield Presidential Rally.

“Whether singing on stage or playing clarinet in the band,” said Calob Pluhm, Mt. Pulaski’s music teacher and director, “Alexis has been a big part of our school’s musical scene.”

Alexis has been an active member of the MPHS Drama Club and performed in one of the lead roles as Tina in this year’s production of “Goosebumps: Phantom of the Auditorium.” Her versatile vocal range allows her to sing a variety of music genres.

MPHS Music Director Caleb Pluhm and Scholarship recipient Alexis Johnson.

She was also a strong competitor in track in grade and high schools as a sprinter, hurdler, and in long jumping. She also successfully competed in the relays.

Alexis will be attending Lincoln Land Community College pursuing a pre-Veterinarian degree this fall. She is also planning to learn other instruments such as guitar and piano soon.

We congratulate Alexis for her contributions to MPHS’s music program. We also congratulate her for winning the 2022 Logan County Fair Talent competition and advancing to the State Fair Competition by performing an original song by Taylor Swift.

[Rosalie and Michael Tanner]