Graduating Austin High School seniors will have a new scholarship opportunity next year.

The Dan Bissen Memorial Bash Scholarship, established in part with the proceeds of three concerts, was formally approved by the school board Monday evening with a 6-0 vote.

The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded each year beginning in 2011 to a graduating AHS senior who intends to pursue a degree in music at a four-year university or college, according to the school board.

Dan Bissen, a lifelong Austin resident, died of a brain tumor in 2006.

The bash began as a benefit that year and has been held by his family and community members in memory of Bissen every spring since — first raising money for cancer research and later to create the endowed scholarship.

The Bissen family intends to award the scholarship for the next 12 to 15 years.

Bissen enjoyed music and participated in musical theater, and church and community choirs. His children studied music at Austin High School, according to the school board resolution.

Scholarship applications will be reviewed by a Bissen family member, a member of the Dan Bissen Memorial Bash Committee, a member of AHS music faculty, and a board member of the Music Boosters of Austin.

Students may obtain scholarship applications from the AHS career center. The application deadline in April 1, 2011.