Tanner Trosko
The Ridgefield Public Schools Foundation (RPSF) announced earlier this month that it has developed a need-based music scholarship open to students enrolled in Ridgefield School District (K-12). The scholarship is funded through a $15,000 donation made by a generous organization close to the family of Tanner Trosko.
Tanner Trosko died in a 2013 car accident at age 17.
According to the district, Tanner was a drummer in the Ridgefield High School band and a volunteer drum teacher for younger students.
An anonymous donor approached the Foundation interested in giving back to the students of Ridgefield in honor of Tanner Trosko. 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.
“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,” said Elizabeth Flynn, grants committee member and Vice Chair of RPSF.
Two local organizations, Opus School of Music and Ridgefield School District Community Education, will work with RPSF 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. “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 (K-12) interested in individual or group music lessons through one of the partner organizations can apply for the scholarship through the RPSF 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.
