Musical prodigy. Renowned musician and composer.
Service star.  Raises substantial funds through benefit concerts.
Artful activist.  Stands up for his convictions.

Meet Joshua Coyne.

A high school senior from Maryland, Joshua embodies the all-around high school student through his outstanding achievements in arts, community service, and government, and the Discus Awards is proud to recognize Joshua for his excellence in and outside the classroom.

Joshua is the winner of the May 2011 Discus Awards Scholarship, a scholarship for high school students presented to one select Discus Award winner every month of the academic year. From among thousands of Discus Award winners and accomplishments in 10 attribute categories, a panel of judges has chosen Joshua as the recipient of the $2,000 college scholarship.

The Discus Awards, a high school recognition and scholarship program honoring students who excel in and out of the classroom, looks beyond grades, test scores, and win-loss records and recognizes students for their multi-dimensional talents and passions.

Joshua has displayed his outstanding musical ability during multiple high-profile performances and his charitable nature through his benefit concerts, and the Discus Awards is proud to shine the spotlight on him.

		Arts
		“I performed a solo concert at the Kennedy Center, opened for Grammy winning Motown artists, and performed for President Obama in front of 13,000 people. I composed the score for Anne & Emmett, a play written by Janet Langhart Cohen and narrated by Morgan Freeman, and I just finished a ballet.” While his high-profile performances are undoubtebly impressive, there is much more to Joshua's musical ability. A musician and composer who began his dream at the age of six, Joshua plays the violin, viola, mandolin, banjo, piano, and sax, and receives fantastic instruction from some of the best in the business. He will continue to receive high quality instruction next year as one of just two undergraduate composition majors accepted to the Manhattan School of Music.

		Community Service
		“I have learned that I can use my talents to financially support people in need. My benefit concerts have raised $43,000 to fund arts education scholarships for at-risk youth, $40,000 to help children in Haiti, and a concert performed with friends raised more than $10,000 for Save the Children.” Adopted at the age of 2, Joshua has had to overcome tough beginnings to become the philanthropist he is today. Much of his volunteer work comes through his music and includes work at music and theater camps, as well as conducting for his former middle school's band. Joshua has embraced the importance of giving back, and is a model volunteer.

		Government
		“Throughout my life, however, I’ve had opportunities to meet with prominent candidates and elected officials. I try to use these opportunities in positive ways that serve a greater good, including advocating for the arts, preventing child abuse, drawing attention to homeless populations, and assisting humanitarian efforts in third world countries.” Joshua has both performed and spoken with the likes of Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen, Vice President Joseph Biden, and even President Barack Obama, as well as many other politicians. Joshua has used these opportunities to help further his involvement in politics, which is ultimately driven by his desire to help others. Joshua is a model citizen, and the Disucs Awards is proud to recognize him with a Discus Scholarship.

Learn more about Joshua and other Discus Awards winners