JOHNSTOWN—Krista Chverchko had a talent and passion for music. She used her love of the arts to help others: now her family has planned a musical tribute to carry on her legacy.
“This is our tribute to Krista, who would have wanted her passion for the music and arts to enrich lives and live through others,” said Pat Chverchko, Krista’s mom.
Krista passed away in December 2012 at the age of 31. Her family felt the best way to honor her was through a scholarship. Her parents created a fund through the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies to give a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior who excelled in music and the arts.
“Krista was very passionate about both music and the arts. She felt that these were just as necessary as the basic courses. She started playing the violin in 6th grade and had the honor of being Concert Mistress in her senior year. She participated in band as a color guard, chorus, and also in the musicals throughout her senior high years,” said Pat.
She said that her daughter and friends started a quartet when they were younger. They would perform at weddings, banquets, and other public events.
“She had an innate talent that will forever instill memories in our hearts,” said Pat.
Since 2013, four students from Richland Area High School have received a scholarship thanks to the help of the community and generous donors. To help remember Krista, her family is holding a memorial concert July 24, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at Ace’s Lounge in Johnstown.
“Local musicians will acoustically perform a medley of her musical favorites, including songs from the Beatles, Bon Jovi, Journey, and Broadway tunes to name a few,” said Pat. “We’re calling it ‘Because I Knew You—A Memorial Concert for Krista Chverchko’.”
This fundraiser is a way for the Chverchko family to keep their daughter’s memory alive and to help a student continue their education.
“It is a privilege for my husband and me to be able to give this scholarship to a deserving senior graduate who is as passionate about music and the arts as our daughter was. It is with great honor and pride that we can carry on this legacy in memory of our daughter and hope to do this for years to come. It is an overwhelming feeling that Krista is beside us every time we present this scholarship and that she, in return, is very proud of us,” said Pat.
