The Keith DeJong Music Award
The DeJong Bequest to Kodai Friends International (KFI) may be used only for student music scholarships at Kodaikanal International School (KIS), as stipulated by the will of C. Keith DeJong.
The name Keith DeJong is synonymous with music. While in Kodai as a student, Keith excelled in the music program at Kodai School and graduated with his class in 1949. Kodai School provided a strong foundation for his professional career and welcomed his return in 1957, along with his wife Marcine and their first of four children. Keith taught music lessons to many students over the years. He directed the Band, Choir, and many ensembles. Keith’s beautiful tenor voice could stand alone in a solo, or blended with others, rewarding all within listening distance, and Marcine was known by all Sunday School kids as a pianist with gusto. Keith and Marcine were role models to the community, and their love of music continues through the legacy they left to KFI.
The Keith DeJong Music Award and Scholarship fund is a temporarily restricted fund basket, and provides support to two outstanding KIS grade 12 music students each year. Recipients, selected by the KIS Music Department, are awarded $750 (each) annually at Awards Assembly. In addition, the fund provides an additional $1,500 annually for music students of any grade level who need financial assistance for music field trips sponsored by KIS and/or for an additional instrument lesson if not included in the basic school fees.