Middle school seventh grader Jessica Cruz was recently announced as the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship from Life is Music, Music is Life. The funds are set aside to support Cruz’s growth as a musician through private music instruction.

Cruz plays trombone in the middle school’s seventh and eighth grade band and jazz band, as well as Islip High School’s marching band. In addition to her work as section leader, she serves as mentor to the sixth grade trombonists and is a member of the school’s Board Game Club and the Science and Nature Club.

“Jessica is motivated, excited and a joy to work with,” said her band teacher, Allison Jeanes. “She rises to every musical challenge put in front of her and then looks for more.”

“When a seventh grader is achieving such tremendous recognition, you know it is only the beginning of a beautiful thing,” said Principal Timothy Martin.

Life is Music, Music is Life is an organization that believes that children with a passion for music should have the opportunity to receive quality music lessons to enable them to express themselves artistically and creatively.

“This is a wonderful group of people with a true passion for music,” said Vincent Green, Islip’s director of fine and performing arts. “They shared their mission with me and when Ms. Jeanes told me about Jess, I knew she was a perfect fit.”