On May 1, the Weston Music Society awarded thirteen scholarships to seniors continuing their music education in college. President Gina Catone and Mayor Peggy Brown made the presentations.
The Weston Music Society Scholarship Program exists thanks to the generosity of individual donors which is matched by the Weston Music Society. Teachers in Band, Chorus and Drama at Cypress Bay High School and Western High School nominate the awardees. Gina noted, “The Matching Scholarship Program has been a marvelous initiative for our high school seniors. The WMS has awarded sixty-five scholarships in six years which is a testament to the popularity of this category with our donors.”
Recipients of the 2023
scholarships are:
From Cypress Bay High School:
- Chorus and American Music Theatre, Directors Brad Franks, Tina Gill and Cindy Lutwin
- Gianna Gomez (UNF), Adrian Graff (University of Cincinnati), Connor Lirio (University of Hartford)
- Band, Director Brett Dawson
- Sophia Marrero (FAU), Lauren Naccarato (FSU), Santiago Rios (FIU), Daniela Pafumi (FIU)
From Western High:
- Band Director – Johnnie Tracey
- Darragh Geraghty (BCC), Nelson Bernal (BCC), Sol Crisanto-Ojeda (NovaSU), Carolina Nadorfy
- (FSU), Liam Friend (FSU, Clara Ponce (UCF)
- The students are all passionate about music and are continuing their studies in performance, music education, and the music business.
A sampling of their comments:
Liam Friend (drum set):
“Jazz has helped me grow tremendously as a drummer and a performer. Thank you for the support in my music education and career and I promise to keep you informed about my future endeavors.”
Connor Lirio (voice, tenor/baritone):
“I am blessed to live in a community that values the arts, and to have a society who will fund and care for the future generations of those involved in music to continue to show and educate and provide for others in this endless cycle.”
Sol Crisanto-Ojeda (Saxophone and clarinet player):
“Partaking in the music program has become an intricate part of my development as a student and who I am today. Beyond learning music and performing, the lessons provided by my past band directors and peers have taught me crucial life skills.”
Stephanie Bescherelle, WMS Board member who coordinated the Scholarship Program, summed it up well. “Listening to the students’ recordings and reading through their essays were both delightful and humbling moments. These talented artists have so much to give, I do hope we hear back from them in the months and years to come!”
