Brewster Dancer Wins Bridging the Dream Scholarship

From Seven Star School of Performing Arts:

Brewster, NY - The journey to college isn’t easy. But four amazing students from around the country each won $25,000 for college in the Bridging the Dream Scholarship from SallieMae. The four finalists were invited to the University of Delaware where over 500 SallieMae employees gathered including the CEO-to celebrate the success of this new employee funded scholarship. SallieMae employees accepted the challenge to fundraise $25,000 to be awarded to one student. They raised $50,000 and SallieMae matched it, so that each finalist was awarded the scholarship.

Brewster resident, Kayla Pinzur was thrilled to be one of those recipients.

Some might give up when their life is turned upside down. But not Kayla. Even after losing everything when her home burns down, she draws on her dedication and determination to keep going. “I’ve been dancing since I was two years old and I used it to get me through it all,” explains Kayla. Kayla is a collective dancer at Seven Star School of Performing Arts and has won countless competitions.

"The energy at the event was electric! Even in the face of adversity Kayla has always held her head high and looked for the best in any situation,” explains her dance teacher, Jaclyn Yarusso.

Kayla is looking to pursue a career in physical therapy. She is currently taking AP Biology at Brewster High School and is blending her knowledge of dance by learning about things such as what muscles are used to do an arabesque.

After being contacted by SallieMae to provide them with the name of a student who went through a hardship, Guidance counselor Kate Simmons submitted Ms. Pinzur’s name. In addition to her academic excellence, Kayla’s dedication and propensity for hard work made her an ideal candidate. “It’s important for someone like Kayla to go to college,” states Ms. Simmons, “because she is going to make a difference in someone’s life.”

To see the video of Kayla’s story visit www.sevenstarschool.com.

Photo: Kayla Pinzur accepts Bridging the Dream Scholarship; photo by Jaclyn Yarusso