The O’Donnell Foundation is pleased to sponsor the annual Excellence in AP Arts and Music Theory Award Scholarship to recognize four outstanding high school seniors who have participated or are currently participating in the O’Donnell Foundation’s AP Arts and Music Theory Incentive Program™ in the following high schools: Berkner, Booker T. Washington HSPVA, Coppell, Creekview, Lake Highlands, Lovejoy, McKinney Boyd, Newman Smith, Pearce, Plano East Senior, Plano Senior High, Plano West Senior High, and Richardson.

Each scholarship awarded will be in an amount up to $20,000 to be paid in four annual increments subject to renewal criteria.

The purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial assistance to these exemplary seniors, so they can attend and graduate from the colleges of their choice in four years.  It is also hoped that the scholarship will encourage other promising AP arts and music theory students to pursue excellence academically, personally and professionally. 

Eligibility Requirements:

1. The applicant must be a Texas resident and a U.S. citizen.
2. The applicant must be a full time high school senior enrolled in or received credit for, at least, one AP Arts and/or Music Theory course in the O’Donnell Foundation AP Fine Arts Incentive Program.  These courses may include one or more of the following: AP Drawing Portfolio, AP 2D Design Portfolio, AP 3D Design Portfolio, AP Art History, or AP Music Theory.  
3. The applicant must maintain or have maintained a 90 or higher average in, at least, one AP Arts and/or Music Theory course in the O’Donnell Foundation AP Fine Arts Incentive Program.
4. The applicant must have completed a minimum of four additional AP classes.
5. The applicant must have a GPA of 3.6 or above and a minimum SAT of 1900 or ACT of 25.
6. The applicant must not have already received a full scholarship to the school they plan to attend. Those applicants who have a full scholarship to the school they wish to attend are ineligible for this scholarship.

Visit the Communities Foundation of Texas website to download the 2012 Excellence in AP Arts and Music Theory Scholarship Award application. 

2011 Excellence in AP Arts and Music Theory Award Scholarship Winners

Kendall Demarest Plano Senior High School Future Plans: Indiana University to pursue a career as a recording engineer for a movie studio  Terry Eder, Kendall’s AP Music Theory teacher wrote, “Kendall is one of the most outstanding students whom I have known at Plano Senior High School.  Her work is definitely in the top 5% of the class.  Her love of music is obvious, and she is totally dedicated to the realization of her dreams. I am certain that she will be successful in her future studies at the college level and will do whatever it takes to achieve her goals.”  View Kendall's scholarship award acceptance speech on April 12, 2011 on  AP Strategies Arts YouTube site. Hear Kendall perform "Aria" by Eugene Bozza.

Nisha Lizana Lovejoy High School Future Plans: University of Texas, majoring in bio-medical engineering honors program with post grad plans for medical school specializing in the field of pediatrics Her AP Music Theory teacher, Kimberley Hoyle wrote, “Nisha has become one of the most valuable members of our band program.  This year I have had the pleasure of watching her in a different academic setting as her AP Music Theory Teacher.  I now understand why she is at the top of her class. Nisha is a hard worker who sets high goals and manages to meet them." View Nisha's scholarship award acceptance speech on April 12, 2011 on AP Strategies Arts YouTube site. Hear Nisha's work at http://myflute-nisha.webstarts.com/index.html.

Julian Nguyen Booker T. Washington High School of the Performing and Visual Arts Future Plans: Rice University, double major in electrical engineering and music Kent Ellingson, his AP Music Theory teacher wrote, “Julian Nguyen is an outstanding student of violin and guitar at the Arts Magnet High School. Julian is an incredible young string performer. He was a member of the Texas All State Orchestra his sophomore and junior years. He has been a solo performer in many situations. This past summer he was selected as concertmaster of the Transylvania Symphony Orchestra at the Brevard, NC summer music institute. This past fall, Julian was selected as the winner of the Dallas Music Educator’s Association Concerto competition and performed his piece at the DISD All City concert.” View Julian's scholarship award acceptance speech on April 12, 2011 on AP Strategies Arts You Tube site. Hear Julian's original composition written for BTWHSPVA graduation.

Sam Oliver Richardson High School Future Plans: Texas A&M University and pursue a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering with a minor in Music. Lindy Perez, his choir director wrote, “Sam leads his section, volunteering to sing any part required, and takes the initiative to help others and correct mistakes in a positive manner. When necessary, he asks thoughtful and insightful questions. Practicing tirelessly outside of class, Sam has worked to improve his already beautiful tonal quality, and to perfect his music reading skills. He is always prepared for solo and ensemble contests, and earns superior ratings on complex solos.” View videos of Sam Oliver's scholarship award acceptance speech on AP Strategies Arts YouTube site and RHS musical performance "The Long and Winding Road" by the Beatles.

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