Marie Melichar of Laurel is being honored by her husband George Melichar who has made a gift to the Jones County Junior College Foundation. This gift will fund the Marie Stokes Melichar Music Scholarship for qualified students in the Fine Arts Department majoring in voice with an emphasis in classical music.

Marie’s vocal training began while she was a student Greenville High School with Marion Giddens, tenor from Jackson. She continued with study under Magnolia Coullet at Millsaps College where she sang with the Millsaps Singers. At the University of Mississippi, she studied with Warren Wooldridge and sang with the University Singers and the Girls Glee Club. She graduated with a B.A.E. degree from the University of Mississippi.

Marie Melichar has participated in music and the arts in her community for over 50 years. This includes being a charter member and president of the Laurel Community Chorus, Inc., the Laurel Arts League and the Lauren Rogers Museum of Arts Docents. She also served as president of both the Laurel Community Concert Association and the Laurel Music Club. In addition, she served on the Mississippi Arts Commission’s Opera/Musical Theatre Committee and was a member of the Community Arts Conference.

Marie has performed throughout the state and region in recital, oratorio, opera and theatre. She has been soprano soloist for the Mississippi Opera, Jackson Opera Guild, Jackson Symphony, Jackson Symphony League, Jackson Choral Society, Greenville Choral Society, Greenville Symphony, Meridian Chorale, Meridian Symphony League, the University of Mississippi Guest Artist series, USM Faculty Recital, Mississippi Arts Festival, Greenwood Arts Fest, Tupelo Literary Club, Meridian Lively Arts Festival, Laurel Rogers Museum of Arts “Sunday at the Museum” series, Laurel Little Theatre and American Guild of Organists. She has also been soloist for numerous programs, churches, clubs and conventions.

Admiration for his wife’s musical talents, achievements, and dedication, plus the educational importance for the future of JCJC under President Jesse Smith’s leadership, inspired Mr. Melichar’s gift to the JCJC Foundation in honor of his wife Marie.

The Melichars are active members of Laurel’s First Methodist Church. Marie has been a member of the Sanctuary Choir for over 50 years. They are the parents of Marcia Whatley of Madison, and Leah Campbell of Hattiesburg. They have four grandchildren.