Performing and Visual Arts Achievement

The Pleasant Valley Instrumental Music Department offers several concert band and orchestra ensembles, small and large, as well as the largest high school marching band in Iowa. Each year, the PVHS instrumental program sends a large group of students to the All-State Festival, as well as additional honor bands and orchestras across the state and country. The goal of the PVCSD Instrumental Department is to foster a life-long appreciation of music and to provide a place where all students are welcome.

The Pleasant Valley Vocal Department offers more than a dozen ensemble opportunities for our students and has just sent a record number of students to the All-State Festival. The department also offers a two-year sequence in Music Theory, including AP Music Theory.

The Pleasant Valley Art Department offers 11 courses, including drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, computer graphic design and AP Studio Art. The art program provides a framework for the acquisition and development of skills and knowledge related to understanding, creating, and responding to art. In addition, students have the opportunity to develop an appreciation of art relating its understanding to various cultures, time periods, historical events, and accomplished artists.

The Pleasant Valley Drama Department offers four courses focusing on the theater arts. The Department also produces six performances a year, including a full scale musical, student directed plays, and children’s theater.

This scholarship is one of 12 scholarships awarded and financed solely by the Pleasant Valley Educational Foundation, which raises funds through several events throughout the year.  This scholarship honors a student who has excelled in this field of study. The awardee is chosen by the faculty of the instrumental music, vocal music, art, and drama Each awardee will demonstrate the following:
1. Needs to be well prepared by their K-12 experiences and to pursue some form of postsecondary education to expand and refine their skills and background
2. Academic Preparation – the ability to reason, solve problems, apply knowledge, and communicate effectively
3. Interpersonal Skills – the ability to work effectively with others
4. Professional Behaviors – responsibility and dependability
5. Community Mindedness – a commitment to being involved

Criteria to Apply:

• The faculty of instrumental music, vocal music, art, and drama will select the senior applicant who best exemplifies the characteristics of the New Leaders’  Scholarship Program.
• Plan to attend a college or vocational school upon graduation

Scholarship Personal Statement/Essay:

• In less than 250 words (1700 characters), please tell us why you've chosen your field of study.
• In less than 250 words (1700 characters), please tell us what your plans are after your post-secondary education is complete.
• In less than 250 words (1700 characters), please tell us about one of the following: your ability to problem solve, work with others, and/or your dedication to the community.
• In less than 250 words (1700 characters), please tell us how you've overcome an obstacle.
• In less than 250 words (1700 characters), please tell us anything else about yourself you think the selection committee would like to know.

Click here to Apply for a Scholarship

Past Scholarship Recipients