Emily Finn National Scholarship
A national scholarship has been established in honor of our beloved former student, Emily Finn, through the Youth Peace and Justice Foundation. This scholarship was created to celebrate Emily’s life, her love of dance, and the incredible light she brought to everyone around her.
The Emily Finn National Scholarship is designed to support young dancers and artists who demonstrate dedication, character, and a commitment to using the arts as a force for good. It is part of a larger initiative called Seeds of Hope: Transforming Tragedy into Art, Legacy, and Peace, ensuring that Emily’s legacy continues to inspire and uplift others.
This scholarship is especially close to our hearts, as it reflects the values Emily embodied and the sense of community she experienced here at the studio. We are honored that her love for dance and her impact will continue to live on through opportunities created in her name.
If you would like to learn more about the scholarship, its mission, or ways to support it, you can visit the link below.
Thank you for being such a compassionate and supportive community. Emily will always be a part of our ABS family, and we are grateful to share in honoring her memory together.
Emily Finn 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, and 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
www.youthpeaceandjusticefoundation.com
www.theuvaldefoundation.com
Scholarship Details
What the Scholarship Does
The fund—called “Seeds of Hope: Transforming Tragedy into Art, Legacy, and Peace”—supports:
Individual students enrolled in dance programs, especially those with strong character and artistic dedication. Uvalde Foundation
The dance school itself, by assisting with studio upkeep and resources at the American Ballet Studio in Bayport, NY. Uvalde Foundation
The foundation aims to raise a $24,000 endowment to fund the scholarship, which would distribute $8,000 annually ($2,000 quarterly). Uvalde Foundation
Eligibility & Application
Who can apply:
Intermediate and advanced dancers currently enrolled at the studio and
Aspiring dancers from the Sayville School District and nearby areas, with both talent and financial need. Uvalde Foundation
Requirements include:
A personal essay on how dance fosters community peace
References (artistic and academic)
An audition or interview at the studio.