Beginning in 2019, WCYO families, board members and staff came together to provide a $1000 scholarship to a graduating WCYO senior. The award is based upon a short essay submission, the topic of which varies from year-to-year, but relates to the role music plays in the life of our youth musicians. The Board of Directors reviews the essays and awards the scholarship at the final concert of the season. The scholarship accomplishes three things: 1) it helps one of our members with college expenses, 2) it helps build a sense of community within the WCYO member families, and 3) it provides the WCYO Board of Directors and staff insight into the value the WCYO and music has in the lives of our youth musicians.