Talented and dedicated youth mentors earn college scholarship funding as they develop leadership skills and an appreciation for serving others and making a positive difference in the lives of younger students and the Panhandle community.

These Youth Mentors teach music, theater, dance and arts and crafts across the Texas Panhandle and in Amarillo neighborhoods. They also perform regularly for nursing homes and community events such as High Noon on the Square, Music in the Gardens at Amarillo Botanical Gardens, Fiesta de Amarillo, and Juneteenth Celebrations. They volunteer as waiters for Adult Literacy's annual fundraiser, Lobsterfest.

Mentors Sklyer McLaurin and Ysenia Campos gave violin lessons to the youth in Mariachi Suenos. Angel Coronado gave voice lessons to the group. Rebecca Friemel and Lyndi Williams taught vocal lessons at the Opera Camp.

Children in the Region 16 Education Service Center's summer program also performed a children's musical called 'Star Search' at each of the sites.

ARTS: an Alternative Youth Mentors also taught one week each at Wesley Community Center; Bruce Ford (Buckner's) Youth Center; and the Black Historical Cultural Center. The students attending those programs presented the children's musical 'BUGS'.

This program began in 1994 and has served many thousands of youth during those years.

AO's motivational musical theater team, toured throughout the state of Texas. They used original skits and a variety of musical performances to inspire and educate high risk youth. Coordinators were Kaleb Leija and Rebecca Cavazos Aguilera.

In 2004 Amarillo Opera was fortunate form a partnership with Civic Amarillo and gain the expertise and talents of Linda Dee Hughes. As Musical Theater Coordinator and Summer Youth Musical Artistic Director, Ms. Hughes has contributed greatly to the artistic quality, service and vision of Amarillo Opera. Civic Amarillo, under the direction and leadership of Kris Miller, first began the Summer Youth Musical in 2003 with a stunning production of Les Miserable.

In 2005 Amarillo Opera co-produced the Disney musical Beauty and the Beast with Civic Amarillo. Over 185 youth from ages 9-19 participated in the orchestra, cast, and crew. The production was at the Civic Center Auditorium.

In 2006, following competitive auditions, Amarillo Opera again joined forces with Civic Amarillo to produce OLIVER! Over 100 youth were in the cast and orchestra. The musical was performed at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts.