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HomeAchieversStudent Wins PECAN’s 2012 Arpeggio Award for Influence in the Arts for...

Student Wins PECAN’s 2012 Arpeggio Award for Influence in the Arts for Youth

Belmont junior Ben Gallaher has earned the Progressive Education of Children in the Arts Network Inc.’s 2012 Arpeggio Award. The award recognizes “a celebrity who is a good mentor and sets a good example helping youth to create harmony in their lives through the arts.” The Pennsylvania-based non-profit organization, known as PECAN, will recognize Gallaher at its 15th annual Celebration of Children showcase on July 15 in Harrisburg, Pa.

“Ben Gallaher embodies the talent, character, and determination that young people can relate to and learn from. When our organization saw Ben’s new country music album on iTunes, and then watched his YouTube videos, we noticed not only amazing talent, but his Eagle Scout videos further impressed us. We saw the young people who supported him in building his church project, and we saw the fans relate to him when he performs,” said PECAN founder Shirley Nolt in a news release.

Gallaher is studying entertainment industry studies.

“I am incredibly honored to receive this award. My music path is probably a little different than most. I do not have formal music training, but I love to play guitar, write songs, and perform. I love to entertain and see fans respond to my music,” he said. “My message to young people is a message I’m still living: Never give up. What do musicians do when times get tough or things don’t go your way? You write a song about it, and that’s what I did. We all have talents and gifts, and young people can learn from people who have overcome the odds. If you believe in yourself, then you’ll make it!”

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