Michael considers himself extraordinarily blessed by the Lord with a loving family, dear friends, musical talent and a fantastic church home. While much of what he does comes from self-motivation with no “prize” (he took 27 credit hours his last semester in college, which we believe stands unmatched to this day), he has also been honored with recognition for his gifts over the years.

In his youth, he won piano competitions and scholarships. In college, he received leadership and service awards, including the College Activities Board “Executive Board Member of the Year” and “Committee Member of the Year” awards. In 2005, he was the first-place winner of the nationwide GNC Total Lean Body Challenge!

Most recently and most noteworthy, however, are the professional awards listed here:

• Seven-time scholarship winner to the North Carolina Master Chorale (formerly Raleigh Oratorio Society), each year of application

• Winner of the 2009 VocalEssence “Welcome Christmas!” Composition Contest for his original Christmas carol, Welcome the King

• Recipient of an ASCAPlus Award for number of commissions, premieres, performances and recordings of his works in 2008

• Recipient of scholarship funds from an anonymous donor to attend the 13th International Handbell Symposium in 2008

• First prize in the 2007 Bells of the Sound “Three Ring Circus” Composition Contest for his second “circus-bells” piece, Bumping Noses

• First prize in the 2006 Soundprint Productions Composition Contest for his original jazz handbell piece, Celerity

• Winner of the 2006 W.D. McKeehan Scholarship to attend the AGEHR National Seminar in Milwaukee, WI

• Selected for the 2005 All-Star Handbell Choir under the direction of Jason Wells, performing for the biennial FUMMWA convocation (San Francisco, CA)

It is Michael’s prayer that he may inspire others to reach higher, dream bigger, and push harder! He hopes to motivate others always, as it was the encouragement of loved ones who helped him reach, dream and push.