Two New York Teens Receive Scholarship Named After Slain Dancer, Emily Finn
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🌟 Emily Finn 'Seeds of Hope,' National Scholarship
2026 Recipients Announcement
The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation, in partnership with American Ballet Studio, is proud to announce the inaugural recipients of the Emily Finn National Scholarship.
Established in memory of Emily Finn, this national scholarship honors her life, her passion for dance, and the extraordinary light she brought into the world. As part of our initiative, Seeds of Hope: Transforming Tragedy into Art, Legacy, and Peace, this program uplifts young artists who demonstrate excellence not only in their craft, but in their character, compassion, and commitment to using the arts as a force for good.
🩰 2026 Scholarship Recipients
We are honored to recognize the first two recipients of this national scholarship:
Cara Dietz
Maya Truglio
Cara and Maya were selected from a highly competitive group of talented dancers whose auditions reflected remarkable dedication, artistry, and heart.
Each recipient will receive:
Two months of full tuition support (April & May 2026)
Applied directly to their training at American Ballet Studio
🌱 The Emily Finn Standard
Recipients of this scholarship embody what we call the “Emily Finn Standard”—a commitment to:
Kindness and compassion toward others
Discipline and dedication to their craft
Leadership within their community
Using art as a vehicle for peace and positive change
By accepting this scholarship, Cara and Maya join a growing movement of young leaders known as “Seeds of Hope.”
💬 Statement from the Foundation
“Cara and Maya represent everything this scholarship was created to honor. Their talent is undeniable, but even more powerful is their character—the way they uplift others, lead with kindness, and carry themselves with purpose.
Through them, Emily’s light continues to shine. This is more than a scholarship—it is a living legacy.”
— Daniel Chapin, Founder & President
Youth Peace & Justice Foundation
💌 Message to Our Dance Community
We extend our deepest gratitude to every dancer who auditioned. The level of talent, passion, and heart made this decision incredibly difficult. Each applicant reflects the spirit of this scholarship and should be proud of their dedication.
🌍 Continuing Emily’s Legacy
The Emily Finn National Scholarship is more than financial support—it is a commitment to shaping a generation of artists who believe in empathy, leadership, and the power of art to create peace.
We invite our community to join us in celebrating Cara and Maya as they continue their journey as dancers, leaders, and Seeds of Hope.
📞 Contact & More Information
Youth Peace & Justice Foundation
Daniel Chapin, Founder & President
📞 254-499-8027
