🎹 Quincy Reyes Awarded 2025 Dizzy Gillespie College Scholarship 🎉

📸 Photo (left to right): Craig Murray (YLJC Operations Director), Harry Matheny (Scholarship Donor), Gilbert Castellanos (YLJC Founder/Artistic Director), Quincy Reyes (Scholarship Recipient), Lee McCracken (YLJC Chair, Board of Directors)

We’re proud to announce that pianist Quincy Reyes, a graduating senior from Canyon Crest Academy and a dedicated member of Young Lions Jazz Conservatory, is the 2025 recipient of the Dizzy Gillespie College Scholarship!

📚 Quincy will be attending San Diego State University this fall, pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies. His musicianship, leadership, and deep commitment to growth have made a lasting impact at YLJC.

" Being in the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory has helped me find a place I can call home,” Quincy shared. “The mentorship I’ve received and the community I’ve built here have completely transformed how I approach my instrument—and my life."

— Quincy Reyes —

Established in memory of Jerry Witt, the Dizzy Gillespie Scholarship celebrates the spirit of mentorship and excellence in jazz. Quincy will receive $5,000 in unrestricted scholarship funds to support his transition to college. As part of the honor, he will be recognized in a special presentation with a commemorative photo of Dizzy Gillespie and YLJC artistic director Gilbert Castellanos—symbolizing the passing of inspiration from one generation to the next.

🙏 A huge thank-you to Harry Matheny for his generosity in funding this scholarship and for helping carry on the legacy of mentorship that defines our mission.

🎉 Congratulations, Quincy! We can’t wait to see where your talent and dedication take you next. 🎶