Pajaro Valley Unified School District

A Santa Cruz County music education program that was a finalist for a $500,000 national prize will not take home the top honors. But the organizers of El Sistema Santa Cruz/Pajaro Valley, and the 1,000 students who take part, still have plenty to be proud of.

The competition honors music programs that offer students “access to learning, creating, and performing experiences that reflect their culture and identity." Finalists are in the running for a $500,000 national prize.

The majority of public school students in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties qualify for free and reduced school meals. With schools shut down everywhere…