In April, the Monitor ran a story about Estuardo Lopez, a young musician with a unique talent at the piano. As explained, Estuardo is a 13-year-old who plays mostly by ear and attributes his skill to a gift from God. His story was inspirational to many people, including some people who heard him play at the Meadows in Clarion. So much so, that ideas started to percolate on how to help Estuardo in his musical journey.
One of the people affected by the young man’s story and music was Shirley Martinson of the Clarion High School Class of 1955. “When I heard him play, I was in awe,” she said. Martinson and others started to talk about gathering funds to help Estuardo take piano lessons. Martinson knew that her class had a fund with some money left in it. With the encouragement of others at the Meadows, she soon had gathered $500 between the class’s money and other donations.
After that, Martinson said the effort to help Estuardo snowballed. Martinson received donations from various people and friends far and wide. She compared it to the mustard seed that started small and grew over time.
Last week, at the class of 1955’s reunion luncheon, Martinson presented Estuardo with a grant of $1,200 for piano lessons. The monies were from the class and other friends and are still growing, said Martinson. Estuardo, who of course played piano at the luncheon, was very thankful for the gift. “Thank you so much for helping me,” he said to the class. He added that he looks forward to working with a teacher to help him further his skills.
Estuardo’s family, who was also present at the granting ceremony, was very grateful for the gift. His father Benigno said, “We feel so fortunate for the door that has been opened to our son. We didn’t expect this opportunity and we promise to do the best to use it well.”
Looking down the road, Estuardo will hopefully be taking lessons before too long. His Talented and Gifted teacher Tanja Jensen is working on seeking a teacher for him. She is very proud of all that he’s accomplished as well and adds that he is the best spoken and one of the most talented 13-year-olds she knows.
At the end of the day, everyone wished Estuardo the best and looks forward to the great things he will accomplish in the future.
