Dr. W. Dayton & Dianne Shelly Memorial Music Scholarship

Established by the family and friends of Dr. Shelly to honor his love of music. This fund grants a scholarship to a graduating Tunkhannock Area High School senior who has exhibited a commitment to this art, a long-term appreciation of its beauty, but does not necessarily intend on majoring in music in college.

Mid-November to Mid-March

Dr. W. Dayton Shelly Memorial Music Scholarship Fund

Established by the family and friends of Dr. Shelly to honor his love of music and its ability to awaken and renew the human spirit and to recognize a student who understands the life-long joy that this art allows. This fund grants a scholarship to a graduating Tunkhannock Area High School senior who has exhibited a commitment to this art, a long-term appreciation of its beauty, but does not necessarily intend on majoring in music in college. Applicants must submit a 200 word essay addressing the meaning of music in one’s life and how that meaning may evolve as a person matures.

Date of Birth: 03/17/1943
Date of Death: 04/11/2008

To say that Dr. W. Dayton Shelly appreciated music might be understating things a little. Dr. Shelly, who passed away in April, 2008, felt that music was a vital part of his life, according to his wife, Dianne. So, to honor his memory and his commitment to the community, his family has established the Dr. W. Dayton Shelly Memorial Music Scholarship Fund at The Community Foundation of Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties.

The idea for the scholarship was formed when, just before Dr. Shelly’s death, a group of Tunkhannock High School Choir members came to the Shelly home to sing for him. Despite his weakened condition, Dr. Shelly was uplifted by the music, and Mrs. Shelly was incredibly moved by the experience.

“These students,” she wrote in a recent letter, “just beginning their own life journey, witnessed the awesome power of music.” Mrs. Shelly said the joy this performance gave to Dr. Shelly “will forever be a moment of light during a very dark time.”

The Shelly family felt it important to give back to young people in some way.