Woolley Scholarship

The 2026 Woolley Scholarship winner is tuba player Benton Harris, a graduate of Elida High School. Benton was a member of the Lima Area Youth Orchestra all four years of high school and was first chair tuba for District III Honors Band for 3 years and has played with the Lima Area Concert Band for the last few years.    One of Benton’s favorite things about music is the opportunity to be a part of many different music communities like the Lima Area Concert Band and the St. Marys Area Community Band, and meet incredible musicians from all walks of life. Benton wrote: “Despite our differences, we are all united by one common passion—the love of music.”  He will be attending Bowling Green State University in Music Education.

We, the members of the Lima Area Concert Band, have continued to utilize and enjoy what was begun early in life, on the day a musical instrument was first placed in our hands.  What was introduced by a music teacher, supported by family members, and developed by a band director, has provided us with a valuable gift that has stood the test of time.

As you prepare to graduate, we want to encourage you to transition into your college experience with instrument in hand. You do not have to be a music major to benefit from, and to enjoy, what you have already accomplished on your instrument. Each year, in a small effort to “pay it forward”, we offer a $1,000.00 scholarship to a high school senior who plans to continue playing a wind or percussion instrument in college.

The 2027 auditions will be in person. We ask you to fill out this form and we will work with you to schedule an audition.

Angie Herzog

Your information will then be forwarded to our LACB Scholarship Chairperson, Lucy Altstaetter.