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Emily Finn Annual Ballet Scholarship Launched In Sayville Area; Memorial Tree Planned: Foundation
The Youth Peace and Justice Foundation says the annual scholarship will support aspiring dancers and include a permanent memorial in NY.
WEST SAYVILLE, NY — The Youth Peace and Justice Foundation announced the launch of the Emily Finn “Seeds of Hope” Dance Scholarship on Thursday, confirming the first round of funds has been distributed, and a permanent memorial is planned in New York State, the foundation said.
The annual scholarship was created in honor of Emily Finn, an 18-year-old college freshman from West Sayville and a dedicated ballerina who was killed in an act of youth gun violence. Foundation officials said the program is intended to create an ongoing legacy in her name by directly supporting young dancers pursuing formal ballet training.
According to the foundation, the scholarship will be administered through an annual award at American Ballet Studio in Bayport, where Finn trained and later taught for six years. The program will fund a student at the studio each year and will also be open to applicants from the Sayville School District.
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The foundation confirmed that the first distribution of scholarship funds has already been completed.
“The first funds have already been distributed, and the scholarship will continue annually,” said Daniel Chapin, founder and national director of the Youth Peace and Justice Foundation, in a statement. “This is a permanent commitment, not a one-time tribute.”
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In addition to the scholarship, Finn will be memorialized through the organization’s Trees for Peace Youth Gun Violence Memorial initiative. A memorial tree is planned to be planted in the Finger Lakes National Forest as a permanent tribute, foundation officials said.
The Youth Peace and Justice Foundation, also known as The Uvalde Foundation for Kids, said it continues to honor young victims of gun violence through memorial programs, direct support initiatives, and public awareness efforts.
“The launch of this scholarship moves Emily’s memorial from intention to action,” Chapin said. “It ensures that her name is associated not only with remembrance, but with opportunity.”
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