She first walked into the Joy of Music School as a shy 6-year-old who wanted to learn piano. Now,12 years later, Eriana is heading to the University of Virginia, where she earned a full-ride scholarship and will major in astrophysics. We couldn’t be prouder!

“Eriana has a multitude of talents, but is never boastful about it,” says Executive Director Frank Graffeo, who taught Eriana piano lessons for years. “She works hard, and develops her skills from the inside out. Then, when she performs, it all comes out at once and it’s fully developed. I’ve always been astounded by her exemplary focus on developing herself and sharing her talents.”

That’s not lost on her proud grandparents, Norma and John Mele. “Frank has been such a mentor,” says Norma. “She learned the language of music from him, and he prodded her to perform and sing in front of others, which really brought Eriana out of her shell.”

Eriana draws a direct line between the lessons she learned as a music student and her excellent academic record at Knoxville’s West High School. She even wrote a note to Frank, thanking him for always challenging her to get better at music, for developing a work ethic that spilled over into her other studies.

Once at UVA, Eriana hopes to be part of its musical community, either through a university choir or an a cappella group—or both! She also imagines minoring in visual art, such as painting.

So how did she choose astrophysics as a major? “I’ve always been interested by space,” she says. “I’m fascinated by its limitlessness.”

We feel the same way about your potential, Eriana. Best wishes for a wonderful college career from your JoMS family!

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