After making it onto the varsity level guitar program at Akins during his freshman year, senior Edan Tapia has worked to challenge himself throughout high school.

He has competed at All City and All State guitar competitions throughout high school. Orchestra director Thomas Mann said Tapia has always pushed himself to do more challenging things while at Akins.

“The pieces he’s picked have been more and more difficult,” he said. “He’s sought out that type of instruction, as well.”

Mann said that Tapia is a natural leader, as well.

“He sets a really good example and everybody wants to be a part of it because he’s positive,” he said.

Tapia is the recipient of the Javier Niño Memorial Scholarship, which is a program of the Austin Classical Guitar organization that provides him with weekly lessons with a mentor teacher of recognized excellence throughout the school year.

His connection with Austin Classical Guitar helped him score a gig opening up for a famous classical guitarist named Ana Vidovic, who performed in Austin in November. Tapia, who is hoping to make it to All State guitar for the fourth time this year, said he is grateful for the support of Akins teachers.

“They’ve always been supportive of me, and all my accomplishments,” he said. “I just want to say thanks to them because it really helps a lot.”

Mann said he is looking forward to seeing what Tapia does after high school.

“No matter what he decides to do, you’re going to run across his name again. He’ll do something really spectacular.”