On January 17, 2016, The Wood Competition was named in honor of Donald W. Wood Sr.  This competition is a collaborative effort with Loyola University New Orleans College of Music and Fine Arts, Tulane University Department of Music, New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, and the New Orleans Opera Association.

The Wood Competition is a vocal competition for all Louisiana high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors and was created by Debby Hirsch Wood. Mrs. Wood has granted sufficient funding for this program to continue perpetually in her late husband’s name. Mr. Wood loved opera and was supportive of many educational endeavors.

The Wood Competition's inaugural year was 2015- 2016, and it was held at Loyola University on October 17, 2015. The Wood Competition is proud to promote artistic excellence, cultivate young vocal talent, and assist and encourage young vocalists throughout Louisiana.