Wheaton College Conservatory Student Receives Music Scholarship

Chloe Rackley ’29 received the 2026 Peggy Gram Scholarship from Top of the Rock Chorus in Arkansas.

The Top of the Rock Peggy Gram Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to women studying music education or vocal performance education at the college level to assist them in furthering their studies. The scholarship is named in honor of Peggy Gram, who was director for more than 40 years of Top of the Rock Chorus, the Central Arkansas Chapter of SingUnited International, a nonprofit music education association.

“Winning this scholarship made me feel recognized and valued, bringing me indescribable joy and gratitude for God’s provision, especially during a time that was difficult for me,” Rackley said. “I truly grew in my trust of God and that he works at just the right time, often when you least expect it.”

This fall, Rackley, a Pennsylvania native, will start her sophomore year in the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music. She is pursuing a degree in music education and is a member of the Wheaton College Symphony Orchestra, which toured Europe this past May to share music with local communities. Rackley has participated in the College’s Folk Society Musicians and serves as the official Music Librarian of the Wheaton College Library.

Rackley has studied violin for 15 years and performed with many musical groups, including the award-winning Philadelphia Sinfonia Association, and is a member of the Pennsylvania Music Educators’ Association. After graduation, Rackley hopes to start a Christian inner-city youth orchestra and teach in low-income communities.

“I believe some of life’s most meaningful relationships are formed through musical ensembles,” she said. “My goal is to give children this kind of fruitful community through pursuing musical excellence, fueled by their love for God and others, while also fostering mentorship and personal growth.”

—Juliana Bacote