Joseph Baldwin, an upcoming freshman vocal performance major at Northwestern University, will be r e c o g n i z e d during the July 15 morning worship service at the First Baptist Church as recipient of the First Baptist Church Troupe M. Harris Jr. Scholarship for 2006-2007.

A graduate and salutatorian of Briarwood Academy, Joseph was selected as one of 28 international students to participate in the 2005 Interlochen Center for the Arts Advanced Vocal/Opera Program.

He participated in the Georgia Governor's Honors Program in 2004 and was a member of the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) All-State Chorus, Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) All-Select Chorus, and the GMEA 10th District Honors Chorus during high school. He has earned numerous first place wins at the GISA Region and State Literary Meets in both vocal and piano performance.

An accomplished vocalist and actor, Joseph has performed in numerous productions of the Washington Little Theater Company and Briarwood Academy, including "Oliver," "The Sound of Music," "Oklahoma," "Brigadoon," "South Pacific," and "Camelot." He also received the GISA Best Actor Award in 2004 for his performance in "Into the Woods" in one-act play competition.

Joseph received the Briarwood Academy High School Chorus and Literary Award in 2004-2005 and the Music Department Scholarship in 2006. He was also named Briarwood Gold Medalist Student and served as senior class vice-president.

An active member of the First Baptist Church, Washington, Joseph is a member of the Youth and Senior Choirs and has served as assistant director and accompanist of the church children's choirs. He is currently the interim music associate for First United Methodist Church in Thomson.

The Troupe Harris Scholarship was founded to honor Troupe Harris, former piano teacher and Director of Music of the First Baptist Church. The scholarship recognizes academic achievement, Christian character, and dedication to the fine arts.