2022 Scholarship Winners!

WGAZ is proud to offer scholarships ever year. These scholarships go to students attending an institution of higher education who also exhibit passion for the sport of the arts as well as commitment and dedication to whatever they pursue. Applicants are asked to submit an application, two letters of recommendation, transcripts, a video and an essay detailing the impact WGAZ has had on their personal lives as well as explaining their potential use and or need for the scholarship.

The WGAZ scholarship committee reviewed a number of very strong applicants for this year’s scholarship program. It was very rewarding and exciting to read through their essays. WGAZ is truly lucky to have such talented and intelligent members as a part of its organization and every one of these students is a great asset to this activity.

This year, a total of $4500.00 will be given to individuals who received the highest scores from the Scholarship Committee.

Our scholars:

Catherine Iben from Corona del Sol Percussion Ensemble

Catherine is a senior at Corona del Sol H.S. She has been a member of the Corona del Sol Percussion Ensemble for 4 years. Throughout HS she has participated in the Environmental Awareness Club, and the Tempe Sister Cities Exchange Program. She has been the president of the Political Debate club and also the Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society. She was Homecoming Queen this year. She plans to attend Arizona State University and double major at Barrett, the Honors College in Political Science and the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership. Congratulations, Catherine! We wish you all the best!

Krysten Simmons from Casa Grande Indoor Percussion Ensemble

Krysten is a senior at Casa Grande HS. Krysten has been part of the Casa Grande Indoor Percussion for 4 years. She has taken advanced placement and honors classes throughout HS and has also taken several college courses at Central Arizona College as a HS student. She plans to attend Arizona State University Honors College and major in Project Management with a minor in environmental design. She hopes to someday work for one of the biggest environmental design companies in the world GENSLER.

Rianna Miller from Fenix Independent World

Rianna is a sophomore in college at Arizona State University. She is a member of Fenix Independent World. Although she puts many hours into practicing with this group, she also finds time to teach at Corona del Sol. She is currently working on her Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice. After she graduates from college, she plans to have a job in behavioral analysis for the FBI. This summer will be her second one marching with the Boston Crusaders Drum Corp. Congratulations, Rianna! We wish you all the best!

Brelyn Fidler from ASU Prep

Brelyn is a senior at ASU Prep. Brelyn has been in the ASU Prep colorguard since 1st grade for a total of 12 years. She is a member of NHS and has a love for music and plays the guitar. After she graduates from college, she plans to attend Arizona State University and work towards either a doctorate in Forensic Psychology or Veterinary Medicine. She plans to continue with color guard and hopes to march with the ASU Sun Devil Marching Band and Fenix Independent. Congratulations Brelyn! We wish you all the best!

Jessica Li from Basha Winterguard

Jessica is a senior at Basha H.S. She has been part of the colorguard for 4 years. Jessica has participated in many activities in HS. She is the president of both the Band Council and the Asian Cultural Ethics Club and is a member of NHS. She is a youth Equity Ambassador for the district and is a member of the first ever Asian American Native Steering committee. She has also participated as an intern for several years in Science is Fun. After high school, Jessica wants to continue learning more about the brain functions when children grow up learning two languages and how that can affect intellect when it comes to leaning more languages. Congratulations Jessica! We wish you all the best!

Emmerson Bainter from ASU Prep

Emmerson is a senior at ASU Prep. She has participated in the ASU color guard for 9 years. She is a member of the Key Club and is the student body historian for Student Government. She is in charge of documenting the various events and memories for our school. She supports the marketing for our Student Council. After high school she plans to attend Northern Arizona University and major in Chemistry to work towards becoming a cosmetic chemist. Congratulations Emmerson! We wish you all the best!

Thank you to all of the members who applied, and to all of the instructors and staff who encourage and inspire their students each and every day! Congratulations to all of our winners!