Isabella has participated in the YYSO for one year. She has also participated in her school’s wind ensemble, jazz band, and pep band, as well as the WIBC and PLU bands. She has earned a Camarata Club Scholarship and has been awarded Drum Major in high school band for the last two years. She plans to study music and digital media at Yakima Valley College, as well as continuing to pursue photography and her small business.

“At first, I was nervous about joining YYSO. Combined with the start of my senior year of high school, it was a bit scary. But I have made so many friends in this program that I am forever grateful for. Joining this program reminded me of why I love music so much, and how just by listening to it, it makes me so happy and excited for my future!”

Jane has participated in the YYSO for six years. She has also participated in the worship team at her church and school, playing multiple instruments including guitar, bass, piano, and vocals. She also plays classical guitar in her school music program. She has participated in multiple school plays, playing the lead role of Fraulein Dorchen in Edelweiss, and most recently as Elsa in Frozen Jr. She is an honor roll student, the captain of her school’s Knowledge Bowl team, is a three-sport varsity athlete, and the ASB president of her class. She has earned the Conductor’s Choice award in her middle school orchestra program, and the Most Inspirational Award in her high school program. She plans to study at Yakima Valley College and pursue a career in nursing.

“When you are exposed to music for such a long period of time, it is no longer a hobby; it is a piece of who you are! Because of YYSO, music will forever be a place of relief for me. If there had to be one word to describe the impact of music on my life, it would be infinite.”

Carlos has participated in the YYSO for two years. He also plays the piano, French horn, and trumpet and has played in the band at East Valley Central Middle School. He placed second in the Online London International Music Competition in the Youth One category. He has made the President’s List for all five quarters he has attended Yakima Valley College. He plans to spend the next four years attending the New England Conservatory to earn his bachelor’s in music in composition. After that, he plans to earn his master’s degree and become a conductor. 

“I will dedicate my life to music, now and forever, because my goal is to bring as much beauty as I can into this world and because it is the only way I know how to show my gratitude for the beauty music has shown to me. The YYSO has been the community that has supported me through and through. I cannot express how much they’ve changed my life.”

Eli has participated in the YYSO for two years. He also participates in the LaSalle band and is an Eagle Scout. He has received the Benedictine College Raven Regiment Scholarship and placed first in the Washington State VFW “Voice of Democracy” scholarship competition. He plans to attend college and earn a degree in business management, and aspires to work in retail management. He also intends to continue playing the trombone while in college.

“YYSO has helped me improve at my instrument and become a leader in my school band. It’s driven my curiosity and appreciation for music and knowledge alike.”

Delonzo has participated in YAMA for 10 years, and has also participated in his school's orchestra. He placed second in his WMEA All-State Solo and Ensemble Contest in the solo category. He plans to study Music at Central Washington University for the next four years to earn his Bachelors in Music Performance. 

"I wasn’t sure about what I wanted to do in my future, but once high school hit, it became clear I wanted to pursue a career in music. Over these last four years in high school, my passion has only grown. I am thankful to YAMA for giving me a head start, and I will always be thankful for the friends I made and the support everyone has given me along the way to help me pursue my dream of being a musician. Being a part of YAMA has made me excited for the future that lies ahead of me.”

While not a senior, Lilian deserves special recognition as the 2025 YYSO Concerto Competition winner. 

Lilian is a junior at Eisenhower High School and the winner of the 2025 YYSO Concerto Competition, performing the first movement of J.S. Bach’s Keyboard Concerto No. 7 in G Minor. She has studied piano for 11 years with Mr. Darin Kashmitter and violin for 8 years with Ms. Vanessa Moss.

A dedicated and versatile musician, Lilian has participated in her school’s chamber orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Tim Rooney, chamber choir, and jazz band for the past three years. Lilian participated in the WMEA All-State Symphony Orchestra in 2024. She has also advanced to compete at State Solo and Ensemble as a violin soloist in 2023 and 2025, and as a pianist in 2024.

In addition to her musical pursuits, Lilian is active in her high school’s Speech and Debate Club, Knowledge Bowl, and National Honor Society. She is also a member of Yakima Valley College’s STEM Club and has earned a place on the President’s List for the past two quarters.

Outside of her academic and musical pursuits, Lilian enjoys traveling, hiking, and baking. Although she does not plan to major in music in college, she knows it will remain an important element in her life throughout her next steps.