A Talented Dozen Receive Scholarships

SCHOOL NEWS

A Talented Dozen Receive Scholarships

At the meeting of the Weston City Commission, the Weston Music Society presented scholarships to 12 students from Cypress Bay High School and Western High School. Ten of these scholarships were made available by individual donors whose dollars were matched by the Weston Music Society. Two additional scholarships were awarded. The WMS Board members personally donated in memory of Cynthia Koenig, who was devoted to the organization and served in many capacities. The Music Society also worked with The Rotary Club on an additional scholarship. A total of $6500 was awarded to students who will be continuing their musical studies in performance or administration in college.

The students have shown their gratitude for this support. Typical of the comments received are:

"I've been blessed with so many opportunities to keep pushing my musical education and will continue to do so in the future." "It means the world to me to know that there are people here in Weston who are willing to support the creation and spread of music and art." "I will use this scholarship to always bring beautiful music to the lives of those around me. I will not let you down. Thank you so much." "I'm probably going to be paying this off for the majority of my life but this scholarship puts me one step closer to living my best life." "Being born in Puerto Rico, music was the root of my being. The country revolved around music and music was the answer. I can now pass the torch and lead others to that very source of passion.’

Music Society Board members Stephanie Bescherelle and Kim Schnitzius coordinated the selection of the scholarship recipients with the school band/chorus/drama departments. The Directors of these departments were asked to nominate the recipients based on the dedication of the students to further their musical studies. Kim said, “I love working with the teachers and committee members to identify students who will benefit from our scholarships, and I'm grateful to the sponsors for their generosity and support of music and performing arts education."

In return, our scholarship students have been tagging us and promoting our group on social media for the past several years. Some have returned to Weston and have worked with the Music Society on programs for the community.

Cypress Bay High School

▸Connie Ardiles – UM Frost School Musicege of Music – Music Education Major ▸ Miranda Ferreira – University of Tampa – BFA Musical Theatre

▸Sebastian Gonzalez – Florida State University College of Music – Jazz Performance major ▸ Nathalia Martinez – Georgia Tech – Music Technology Major ▸ Raul Parra Sanz – Florida State University College of Music – Music Composition Major ▸ Madison Zuel - Florida State University College of Music – Choral Music

Education Major

Western High School Students

▸Lily Cring – University of Central Florida – Vocal Performance Minor

▸Anna Fox – Florida Atlantic University – BFA Musical Theater

▸Taylor Greist – University of Florida – Health Sciences – was involved in dance charity ▸ Diego Perez – Florida International University – Music Minor

▸Jacob Price – University of Florida – Music Education Major ▸ Richard Rodriguez – Michigan State University – Music Education and Film

Composition