Published Wednesday, March 19, 2008 10:26 AM
Updated Wednesday, March 19, 2008 10:27 AM
Charleston Southern University has established a scholarship in honor of Justin Cope, a former Oakbrook Elementary School teacher who passed away last year.
CSU establishes Cope Scholarship
Charleston Southern University has established a Justin E. Cope Memorial Music Education Endowed Scholarship.
In 2004 Justin graduated from Charleston Southern cum laude with a degree in music education. He began his teaching career at Oakbrook Elementary and very quickly became one of the school’s most popular and loved teachers.
During his first year of teaching at Oakbrook Elementary School, Justin’s giftedness was affirmed when he was selected the 2005 Rookie Teacher of the Year by his peers.
In July 2006, Justin married Kimberly Blevins, a classmate at Charleston Southern. Then shortly before their one year anniversary, Justin passed away in his sleep June 12, 2007.
Oakbrook Elementary principal Donna Clark remembers, “He made a difference in all of our lives and shared himself in a thousand different ways. He made them (the children) believe in themselves.”
Justin’s love of music started early on. While attending Northwestern High School in Rock Hill, he studied with music teacher Victor Varner. “In 26 years of teaching music, I’ve never worked with a finer young man,” said Varner. “He was always there, working and smiling.” During those years, Justin continued to grow.
After high school, he enrolled at Charleston Southern University and immersed himself in musical opportunities. In fall of 2003 he performed in Oklahoma as Will Parker, and in 2005 he was double cast as Professor Harold Hill in The Music Man.
Justin was also a member of the Concert Singers, Chamber Singers, New Vision and the Singing Buccaneers. “Justin’s presence and characterization on stage were so convincing, and it is only because he was genuine to the core of his being and let that show in everything he did,” said Dr. Jennifer Luiken, Charleston Southern music professor.
In 2003, the Concert Singers made a trip to Bulgaria. During the experience, the group was reminded that music is a universal language. “I remember seeing him (Justin) respond to the gypsy village children in Varna, Bulgaria, and how they were drawn to his spirit and his smile,” said Dr. Valerie Bullock, chair of the Horton School of Music.
Justin also shared his musical abilities in the Charleston community serving in several area churches, including East Haven Baptist Church and Rutledge Memorial Baptist Church.
Despite his busy schedule, Justin always made time for friends and fun. His easygoing personality made everyone he met feel special. Former CSU roommate Michael Weiss recalls, “Justin was truly an inspiration to me in the purest sense of the word. I learned so much from him musically and spiritually.”
Justin Cope was devoted to God, his family, and his students. In memory of this extraordinary man, The Justin E. Cope Memorial Music Education Endowed Scholarship has been established.
This scholarship will provide the opportunity for other Charleston Southern students to follow their calling to music education.
Contributions to the Justin E. Cope Memorial Music Education Endowed Scholarship can be sent to:
Charleston Southern University
Justin E. Cope Scholarship Fund
Development Office
9200 University Boulevard
P.O. Box 118087
Charleston, SC 29423