Longtime Jacksonville Symphony supporter VyStar Credit Union has selected Kyle Carranza as the first recipient of its new scholarship, announced during the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras (JSYO) Holiday Concert on Dec. 8.
Carranza was chosen for his musical dedication, leadership within the ensemble and commitment to pursuing a future in the arts.
A tuba player, he has been a member of the JSYO for two seasons, performing in both the Philharmonic and the JSYO Brass Quintet. A senior at West Nassau High School, he plans to pursue studies in performance and arts administration, with Florida State University as his top choice.
Made possible through a partnership with the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, the four-year Florida University Prepaid Plan Scholarship covers 120 credit hours of tuition and most fees at any Florida public college or university, helping ensure that promising young musicians have access to higher education without financial barriers.
“It is quite difficult to put into words what it means to be selected, but to simply put it, it means everything to me,” said Carranza. “The fine arts are my life, and the support I will be receiving from the JSYO and VyStar will help me contribute back to the world of music and the next generation of performers, educators and administrators.”
“Kyle’s dedication to his craft and leadership within the JSYO remind us why music is so powerful; it transcends boundaries and helps young people discover who they are and who they can become,” said VyStar SVP/Foundation President Patricia McElroy. “When we invest in talented youth like Kyle, we invest in the future of our community’s cultural life.”
The scholarship underscores the vital role that community partnerships play in supporting arts education. Together, VyStar Credit Union and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation are strengthening the JSYO’s mission by ensuring that talented students can continue their musical training while also receiving the academic foundation needed for future careers in the arts.
“This scholarship represents more than financial support, it represents hope and opportunity. We are thankful to VyStar Credit Union for helping make college a reality for Florida families and for students of the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra,” said Cynthia O'Connell, director of the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
To learn more about the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra’s 2025-26 Season go to jaxsymphony.org.
