The D. Jerlene Harding Music Award is begin given in memory of our Sister Link D. Jerlene Harding. She dedicated her life to teaching students in the Tidewater Area Musician's Youth Orchestra (TAM). These students bonded together in a musical family to play music by Mozart, Gershwin and other composers. Students cam from different areas, some from public housing and others from suburbia in Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, and Hampton.

TAM changed the lives of many students. Some of these students became career musicians, doctors, professors, music teachers and wholesome citizens within the community. TAM gave students an opportunity to achieve and develop self-esteem.

This dream of Jerlene's was built on faith and persistency. Students didn't receive credit, nor did the state or coporations fund TAM. TAM was started in 1974 to develop musical talents and to give students a place to feel loved and to belong. "Most of my students were in their own environment and they needed to see the older side of life. TAM had given them a chance to travel, to be a part of something to be proud of..." as quoted by Jerlene in 1984. Jerlene passed the passion on the "strings" students. She taught them in the Portsmouth Public School System.

Jerlene saw a need for our student to develop musical talents and self-esteem in the orchestra. She picked up the mantel and with faith gave of her time, finances, and talents to serve all students interested in learning music and string instruments. These students performend in Virginia, South Carolina, San Diego, and Europe. They have even played for many Cluster Chapter Luncheons.

The Portsmouth Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is delighted to present two music awards in the name of Link D. Jerlene Harding.