By Benita Pepper
Special to West 10/Legacy Media
Edward Weems, 11 year old son of Freeman and Qing Weems of Arlington, has earned the Five Year National Award following the National Piano Guild Auditions in Germantown, where he performed a 10-piece memorized program each year for five years, earning an “A” grade (Superior) for 4 years, and an “A+” (Superior Plus) in 2023 and this year, 2025! He received the Guild’s 5-Year National pin, a certificate, a medal, and a porcelain bust of Schumann from his teacher, Benita Pepper, of Lakeland, with whom he has studied piano for 5 years and performed in 5 piano recitals.
Edward has finished 5th grade at Donelson Elementary School, and will be entering Arlington Middle School for 6th grade this fall. He enjoys playing the violin and will be playing tennis on a team this fall. He received the President’s Award at school for making the Principal’s Honor Roll in academics.
Edward performed community service for the school’s Beta Club by working at the Fayette County Animal Shelter, by bringing supplies to the shelter, socializing with the dogs, and constructing three benches there. He has also helped his grandfather’s church in a trash pickup project.
In his spare time, Edward enjoys the trampoline, swimming, and playing with
his friends.
