A donor close to the family of Tanner Trosko has provided a $15,000 donation to fund a new scholarship in his honor
RIDGEFIELD — A new music scholarship has been created in honor of a Ridgefield teen who was killed in a 2013 vehicle crash.
The Ridgefield Public Schools Foundation announced Monday that the need-based scholarship named for Tanner Trosko’s legacy will be open to students enrolled in the Ridgefield School District.
It’s made possible by a $15,000 donation by an anonymous donor described as being close to the Trosko family.
“An anonymous donor approached the Foundation interested in giving back to the students of Ridgefield in honor of Tanner Trosko,” according to a press release. “When the Foundation learned of Tanner’s love for music and involvement in the Ridgefield High School band, they began development of a grant that would benefit students interested in music. The scholarship will focus on supporting those students who lack the chance to receive music lessons due to financial barriers.”
Elizabeth Flynn, vice chair of the Ridgefield Public Schools Foundation, said all children who have an interest in music should have the opportunity to explore it.
“Any child who has an interest in music deserves the opportunity to nurture it to its full extent, and we are excited to be able to alleviate this financial barrier for families and students so they can reach their full musical potential,” she said.
The foundation partnered with Opus School of Music and Ridgefield School District Community Education on the scholarship. The organizations will work with the foundation to provide lessons for students who are eligible for the Tanner Trosko Music scholarship.
“Opus is excited to participate in this scholarship program in honoring Tanner and his love of music,” said Rob Melton, of Opus School of Music. “Here at Opus, we have been growing artistic spirits since 2006 and welcome Tanner’s spirit into our school by giving the gift of music in his honor.”
Students enrolled in Ridgefield schools interested in individual or group music lessons through one of the partner organizations can apply for the scholarship through the foundation’s website, ridgefieldpsf.org/tanner-trosko/.
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis, and funds could cover one term of classes and instrument rental (if required) for up to a year of lessons.
Information about music lessons and classes available can be found at the Opus School of Music website opusschoolofmusic.com or at RSD Community Education spudderactivities.weebly.com/classes-registration.html.
To learn more about the Ridgefield Public Schools Foundation or apply for a scholarship, visit ridgefieldpsf.org.
The Ridgefield Public Schools Foundation is a privately funded, non-profit organization, established in 2009. Its mission is to advance programs and activities that support whole student development for which public resources are insufficient or unavailable.
Information provided by Ridgefield School District.
