The Minnesota MusicLink program established a scholarship award of $1000 for a Minnesota MusicLink graduating high school student who has shown ongoing commitment to lessons and has made significant progress. The student shows outstanding achievement in music and a willingness to share their musical talent with others through service. This year’s recipient of the Stenson Award is Elia Koch, a piano student of Anna Jeanne Flesner of Tracy MN. Excerpts from Elia’s essay:

Growing up in Germany, I was often surrounded by music, including an array of different styles, attending orchestra, jazz band and choral concerts. I began playing the violin at age 4, then switched to piano lessons at age 6. My grandparents owned a music store and were talented musicians that gave me the motivation to continue their tradition of pursuing music. 

My family moved back to Minnesota in 2017. Soon after our return, we discovered my brother was very sick and needed numerous surgeries to heal.  This was a difficult and trying time for my family requiring long distances to stay near specialty hospitals for weeks at a time. I was thankful to have the gift of music so when things were difficult or when I was lonely, I would play the piano at the Ronald McDonald house, finding peace and comfort in the music I could make.

I am currently a senior in high school. In addition to my high school work, I will receive an  Associates Degree in the Liberal Arts from Holy Apostles College in Cromwell, Connecticut. Next fall I plan to continue pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy with Holy Apostles College, finishing in 1.5 years. Then I would like to pursue a Masters degree. Because my Bachelors degree is an online program, I will be able to volunteer for local fundraisers, continue to sing in church choirs and play contrabass in the Southwest Minnesota Orchestra in my home community.