Scottish Heritage & Performing Arts Scholarships
Encouraging young pipers, drummers and Highland dancers to carry Scotland’s traditions forward.
Investing in the Future of Scottish Tradition
Since 2004, the Clan MacCallum-Malcolm Society has helped young pipers, drummers and
Highland dancers develop their talents and carry Scotland’s living traditions into the future.
Through scholarships at respected Scottish arts programs, we recognize the discipline, perseverance and promise of the next generation.
These awards reflect the spirit of our clan motto, In Ardua Tendit— “He has attempted difficult things.”
Scholarship Opportunities
The Society supports young pipers, drummers and Highland dancers through three scholarship programs connected with respected Scottish arts schools and events.
TWO $500 SCHOLARSHIPS
Ohio Scottish Arts School
Presented to two students under age 18 who demonstrate hard work and a passion for piping or Highland dance. Recipients are selected at camp through instructor recommendation.
ONE $500 SCHOLARSHIP
Christian G. Malcolm Kehm U.S.M.C. Memorial Scholarship
Presented to one high-performing piper age 18 or younger attending the North American Academy of Piping and Drumming. The recipient is selected at camp through instructor recommendation.
IN MEMORIAM
Honoring Christian G. Malcolm Kehm, U.S.M.C.
Alexis and Charles Kehm joined the Clan MacCallum-Malcolm Society to honor the memory of their youngest son, Christian—known to his family and friends as Chris—who was the light of their lives.
Chris was a piper, United States Marine, sailor, divemaster, airboater, third-year engineering student and a brother to those who worked alongside him at BellSouth. As his family so beautifully expressed it, Chris put a lot of living into his 32 years.
Through the Christian G. Malcolm Kehm U.S.M.C. Memorial Scholarship, his love of piping continues by helping promising young pipers strengthen their skills and carry the tradition forward.
How Scholarship Assistance Is Awarded
The Society offers two pathways for scholarship assistance: instructor-nominated awards at participating camps and direct assistance for Society members who wish to attend an eligible program.
PATHWAY ONE
Camp-Nominated Scholarships
Students attending participating camps are considered by their instructors. Scholarship recipients are selected after a week of instruction based on the instructor’s recommendation.
A separate application is not required, and Society membership is not necessary for these camp-nominated awards.
PATHWAY TWO
Scholarship Assistance for Society Members
The Society also maintains scholarship funds to assist members interested in attending an eligible piping, drumming, Highland dance or Scottish heritage program.
Members wishing to be considered should submit a letter of interest to Society President Mike McCollum. This opportunity is separate from the camp-nominated awards.
Meet Our Scholarship Recipients
Each recipient represents the dedication, perseverance and love of Scottish arts that this program was created to encourage. Explore their stories and discover how scholarship support has helped them grow and carry these traditions forward.
2012 RECIPIENT
Brogen LaBranche
Christian G. Malcolm Kehm U.S.M.C. Memorial Piping Scholarship
At age 12, Brogen attended the North American Academy of Piping and Drumming. He especially enjoyed competing at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and was then the newest and youngest piper in the Clay County Sheriff’s Pipes & Drums.
2012 RECIPIENT
Arthur Tenney
Christian G. Malcolm Kehm U.S.M.C. Memorial Piping Scholarship
Arthur attended the North American Academy of Piping and Drumming, where he strengthened his piping, corrected long-standing technique issues and deepened his understanding of music theory. He also valued the friendships and shared experiences he found at the academy.
2011 RECIPIENT
Mike McCollum
Christian G. Malcolm Kehm U.S.M.C. Memorial Piping Scholarship
Mike’s piping journey gained momentum after attending the North American Academy of Piping and Drumming. He later competed in solo piping at the Alma Highland Festival, while his children Abby, Joe and Tom earned honors in Highland dance and the road race—reflecting a family-wide commitment to preserving Scottish heritage.
More Recipient Stories
2009 RECIPIENT
Andy Anderson
Christian G. Malcolm Kehm U.S.M.C. Memorial Piping Scholarship
Andy attended the academy with his son Dillon and fellow members of Rosie O’Grady’s Highlanders. He studied pipe maintenance, band tuning, competition preparation and piobaireachd, gaining a deeper appreciation for expression in piping. The week’s music, friendship and shared performances made the experience especially memorable.
2007 & 2008 RECIPIENT
Nicholas H. Damery
Christian G. Malcolm Kehm U.S.M.C. Memorial Piping Scholarship
Nicholas attended the academy in consecutive years, advancing into a higher-level group and learning new reels, jigs and techniques from experienced instructors. He valued the encouragement, friendships and responsibility the camp fostered, describing the experience as a perfect ten.
2009 RECIPIENT
Heather Walker
Christian G. Malcolm Kehm U.S.M.C. Memorial Piping Scholarship
Heather immersed herself in daily instruction with leading North American pipers. She expanded her traditional repertoire with marches, reels and piobaireachd, and appreciated both the challenge and camaraderie of studying alongside others who shared her love of the pipes.
2007 & 2008 RECIPIENT
Taylor Zimmerman
Christian G. Malcolm Kehm U.S.M.C. Memorial Piping Scholarship
Taylor’s scholarships helped make two weeks of instruction at the North American Academy of Piping possible. The intensive coaching strengthened Taylor’s tunes and embellishments, leading to sixth place in the 2/4 March and second place in piobaireachd at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.
2008 RECIPIENT
Steven Andrews
Christian G. Malcolm Kehm U.S.M.C. Memorial Piping Scholarship
Steven worked with experienced instructors to improve his fingering, listening, maintenance skills and piobaireachd. He also rehearsed for and performed at the opening ceremonies of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. The week strengthened his confidence and created lasting memories and friendships.
2007 RECIPIENT
Danielle Vincent
Christian G. Malcolm Kehm U.S.M.C. Memorial Piping Scholarship
Danielle’s experience included four weeks of camp, where she worked with accomplished instructors and returned home with an extensive collection of new music. She described the opportunity as unlike any other and continued performing with the Charleston Police Pipe Band.
2013 RECIPIENT
Joey Moran
Christian G. Malcolm Kehm U.S.M.C. Memorial Piping Scholarship
Joey attended the North American Academy of Piping and Drumming as a beginner, where patient instructors helped him build his skills and confidence. He valued the welcoming community, made lasting friendships and described the peaceful campus and entire experience as unforgettable.
2012 RECIPIENT
Donald E. Lay
Christian G. Malcolm Kehm U.S.M.C. Memorial Piping Scholarship
During a difficult period in his life, Donald’s week at the North American Academy of Piping and Drumming provided focused instruction and renewed confidence. He praised the staff’s patience and left with stronger piping skills, meaningful memories and deep appreciation for the opportunity.
2012 RECIPIENT
Robert L. Colvin
Christian G. Malcolm Kehm U.S.M.C. Memorial Piping Scholarship
After years of wanting to learn the bagpipes, Robert used his scholarship to build a strong foundation in proper technique at the North American Academy of Piping and Drumming. Daily classes and evening workshops strengthened his skills and encouraged him toward his goal of joining the U.S. Coast Guard Pipe Band.
Support the Scholarship Program
Your support helps provide instruction, encouragement and opportunities for pipers, drummers and Highland dancers who are carrying Scotland’s traditions into the future.
Ways to Support the Scholarship Program
“Choose the donation method that works best for you. Every contribution helps preserve Scottish heritage by supporting students of piping, drumming, and Highland dance.”
GoFundMe
“Make a secure online donation through our scholarship GoFundMe page.”
Donate Through GoFundMePayPal
“Donate securely through PayPal using your PayPal account, credit card, or debit card.”
Donate Through PayPalPay by Check
“Prefer to pay by mail? Please include your chosen sponsorship level in the memo line.”
Make checks payable to:
Clan MacCallum-Malcolm Society of North America, Inc.
Mail to:
Neil D. McCallum
Secretary/Treasurer
2225 Keyes Ave
Madison, WI 53711