Every year we look forward to announcing the recipient of the Dr. Gene DiStasio Scholarship sponsored by Elliot Whittier Insurance, a division of Salem Five Insurance.

The scholarship was established in 1998, from proceeds of the Oceanside Big Band & Jazz Fest, in loving memory of jazz trombonist and Winthrop Orthodontist, Dr. Gene DiStasio.

Dr. Gene encouraged Paul Roy, a former principal at Elliot Whittier to produce the first free outdoor concert at Hannaford Park in Winthrop in 1994. Gene played trombone for the Kenny Hadley Big Band that year. He died in 1995.

This year, the scholarship went to Julia Survilas, who said, "This fall I am continuing my education at Belmont University in Nashville, TN for music business. Every aspect of my life so far has always circled back to my passion for music, so I have decided to use my passion to build my future and my career. At the age of six, I began to learn how to play my first instrument, and have since acquired more instrumental passions and hobbies. Alongside my love for playing new instruments, I started writing songs around the age of thirteen, and I anticipate to make steps towards articulating these skills and stepping out of my comfort zone as I move forward. Being able to attend school in Nashville is such a wonderful opportunity, and I am eager to be surrounded by such great music history and being able to have opportunities to meet and work with influential individuals within the music industry."

Good luck at Belmont University Julia, we all wish you the very best.  We know Dr. Gene will be smiling!