Students can use the funds for music lessons, instruments and more
Bruce Franson, board member, and Olivia Varnum
The Legacy Foundation of Palm Beach County recently provided thousands of dollars in scholarships to local students seeking scholarships to continue their music education.
Jason Haselkorn, board member, Mayor of Juno Beach and partner Haselkorn & Thibaut Attorneys with Clarissa Benjamin
24 applicants aged 8 to 17 years old performed in front of a distinguished review committee of business and cultural leaders to showcase their musical skills. These students will use the much-needed scholarship funds for instruments, lessons, music school tuition or other performing needs. A total of $31,000 in scholarships were awarded to the following aspiring artists:
- Keilah Antico, age 14, Flute, Western Pines Middle
- Christopher Benjamin, age 11, Viola, BAK Middle School of the Arts
- Clarissa Benjamin, age 14, Viola, Dreyfoos School of the Arts
- Lula Castro, age 9, Piano, Beacon Cove Intermediate
- Keegan Castro, age 14, Alto Sax, Jupiter High School
- Christ Charles, age 10, Violin, Galaxy Elementary
- Antonio Cureno, age 11, Violin, BAK Middle School of the Arts
- Christopher De la Cruz, age 14, Cello, John I. Leonard High School
- Julitza Geiger, age 13, Violin, BAK Middle School of the Arts
- Jacob Hargesheimer, age 16, Flute, Seminole Ridge Community High School
- Brendan Hoens, age 16, Clarinet, Jupiter High School
- Aiden Ketcham, age 11, Flute, BAK Middle School of the Arts
- Keenan Krieger, age 17, French Horn, Wellington Community High School
- Victoria Lay, age 14, Alto Sax, Wellington Community High School
- Hailey Lobsinger, age 14, Viola, The Conservatory School North Palm Beach
- Luella Lunden, age 13, Piano, BAK Middle School of the Arts
- Kethleen Pacius, age 10, Violin, Galaxy Elementary School
- Joshua Porter, age 14, Piano, Homeschool
- Zhaira Rodriguez, age 14, Flute, John I. Leonard High School
- Nicholas Signo, age 13, Violin, BAK Middle School of the Arts
- Ashley Thompson, age 14, Violin, BAK Middle School of the Arts
- Briana Ulysse, age 12, Violin, BAK Middle School of the Arts
- Olivia Varnum, age 8, Violin, Palm Beach Public Elementary
- Valerie Zuluaga, age 13, Violin, BAK Middle School of the Arts
Since the group’s inception three years ago, The Legacy Foundation has awarded approximately $160,000 to 83 students. In addition to scholarships, the Foundation also gives instruments to select students in need.
Jon Lappin, President & Executive Director, Joshua Porter
“With electives dwindling in schools, music education is slowly being squeezed out, and this program helps young people continue pursuing their love of the arts,” said Jon Lappin, Legacy Foundation of Palm Beach County President and Executive Director. “The number of applicants grows each year, so we know the community is in need of this program.”
Aiden Ketcham, Joshua Porter, Keenan Krieger, Boyd Brackett, Board Member & Principal Boyd’s Boatworks, Bryan Wolhust, board member & CAM Manager, Jason Haselkorn, Jon Lappin)
The Legacy Foundation of Palm Beach County is an extension of The Palm Beach Pops’ existing outreach programs, which have taught nearly 100,000 music students in the county. The group is currently accepting donations, in the form of financial support and/or instruments in good condition.
The next window for submitting student funding applications is now open. Applicants have until March 27th to apply. Criteria for eligibility and applications can be downloaded at www.pbclegacy.org/application.
