Alumni Singers names 2014 Robert “Bobby” Anders Music Scholarship winner

ST. PETERSBURG — Malik Haywood, an outstanding Lakewood High School senior, was the recipient of the 2014 Robert “Bobby” Anders Music Scholarship at the Alumni Singers’ spring concert at Lakewood United Methodist Church May 18.

Named in honor of the Alumni Singers’ late director, Robert Anders, the scholarship is awarded annually to a high school senior or a current college student majoring in music. Since its inception in 1980, the scholarship program has awarded two scholarships, amounting to $1,000.

“Malik is an extraordinary young man,” said Yvonne Clayton as she presented the scholarship.  “He displays a high degree of integrity, responsibility and ambition.”

In addition to Malik’s great scholastic accomplishments, he has proven leadership ability as a holder of a Doorway Scholarship, as a member not only of the Spartan’s jazz and marching bands, but also of the wrestling, track and football teams. The Alumni Singers took great pride in honoring this remarkable sharp and talented young man.

Malik, who plans to attend North Carolina A & T University in Greensboro, N.C., performed a snare drum solo during the scholarship presentation.

Robert Anders became the Alumni Singers’ director in 1980 and served until his death in 2010.  His passion for excellence in music guided the singers from its beginning as a choral group celebrating Gibbs High School’s 50th anniversary to its “from Bach to gospel” performances throughout Florida and the Southeast.