The O.C.M.E.A. (Oswego County Music Educators Association) Scholarship is awarded to any graduating senior who has participated in the Oswego All-County Festival for at least two years prior. In order to be considered for the scholarship, students had to prepare an audition piece and then perform it in front of a panel of judges.

"I was ecstatic to find out that two of my students were awarded the O.C.M.E.A. scholarship. Even more so when I saw that three out of the four winners are from Fulton," orchestra teacher Mrs. Edele said.

Cellist Leah O'Hanlon, flutist Vita Dean, and violinist Andrew Smith were all recipients of the scholarship. Dean and Smith both tied for third place.

O'Hanlon said, "I feel so lucky to have won the scholarship, especially because I was up against so many other talented people. I'm happy to have been able to audition in the first place and am so proud of my other friends who auditioned, whether they placed or not. Everyone worked super hard."

O'Hanlon received first place and $800, while both third place winners, Dean and Smith, received $300.

Scott Ciesla, 2020 O.C.M.E.A. scholarship coordinator, said, "Our judges for the evening had a difficult time deciding on who the winners should be. It took nearly twice as long to come to a consensus as it has in most years. Every single performer did an outstanding job and should be proud of their had work and talent."

Congratulations to this year's O.C.M.E.A. scholarship winners!