John Jay's Schlecter earns Justin Veatch Fund scholarship

CROSS RIVER, N.Y. - John Jay High School senior Oliver Lee Schlecter has been named one of four recipients of a 2026 music scholarship from the Justin Veatch Fund, an organization that supports aspiring young musicians throughout the area.

Schlecter, a pianist who plans to attend Berklee College of Music this fall, was recognized for his musical talent, leadership, and contributions to John Jay's performing arts programs.

A cornerstone of the school's House Band, Schlecter has played a key role in theatrical productions and musical performances throughout his high school career. According to scholarship organizers, one ensemble director noted that Schlecter has outperformed many professional musicians hired to accompany students, describing him as more prepared and equally talented. Another teacher ranked him among the top 1 percent of students they have taught in 25 years.

Schlecter aspires to become a professional music producer.

The scholarship is awarded annually by the Justin Veatch Fund, a nonprofit organization established in memory of Justin Veatch, a Yorktown High School senior who died from an accidental drug overdose in 2008. Since 2009, the fund has awarded 83 music scholarships to graduating seniors within a 40-mile radius of Yorktown Heights.

"It’s mind-boggling to realize that we’ve been awarding these scholarships for 17 years—exactly as long as Justin was with us," said Elena Veatch, Justin's sister and a member of the fund's board of directors. "It’s great to see his legacy live on through talented young musicians in the area."

This year's scholarship recipients also include Devin Robinson of Yorktown High School, Ella Stark of Fox Lane High School, and Cormac J. Taylor of Croton-Harmon High School.

Due to financial constraints, the fund reduced the number of scholarships awarded this year from six to four. Each recipient will receive a $1,200 scholarship and the organization's signature engraved working metronome.