Bob Fitzsimmons WBT Theatre Scholarship Winner

Pictured above: Dylan Castro in Newsies Courtesy of Frank Portanova

This year's recipient, of the Bob Fitzsimmons Scholarship is Dylan Castro, a recently graduated senior at Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, NY. It will be awarded to him on Stage at Westchester Broadway Theatre on Friday, August 24, 2018.

Dylan Castro is a 2018 graduate from Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, NY. He graduated magma cum laude and earned seven academic awards. After losing his father halfway through freshman year, he made a conscious decision to become active in the Stepinac Drama club among other extracurricular activities. Through drama club he found an outlet to express himself. He became versatile in acting, singing and dancing; appearing in Billy Elliot (Miners Family), Peter And The Star catcher (Mollusk), Sister Act (Church Worker), All the Way (King of Norway/Seymore Trammell), Hunchback of Notre Dame (Choir), and Newsies (Bunsen).

In his senior year at Stepinac, he took on a leadership role in the drama club. Stepinac drama club was the highlight of his high school years where he formed lasting friendships and helped to mentor new members to the drama club. Since graduating from Stepinac, he has spent his summer with the Hudson Repertory Theater Co. as Assistant Director for Kodachrome and appearing in The Last Days of Judas Iscariot (Yusef El-Fayoumy). In addition to developing his theatrical skills, he is currently a Leader In Training for Experience Camps to help mentor and support grieving children. Dylan will be attending University of Massachusetts Amherst in September 2018 with a major in Biochemistry and minor in Theater.

The Scholarship is given annually to a college-bound senior who has excelled in the theatre arts programs while attending Stepinac High School. The prestigious Arts Scholarship is named after Bob Fitzsimmons, a graduate of Stepinac High School, who died suddenly at the age of 37 in March of 1992. He was the Public Relations Director of the Westchester Broadway Theatre, as well as a gifted actor, producer, writer and a director of shows at WBT and at numerous theatres throughout the County.

The scholarship was established in his name by the owners of Westchester Broadway Theatre, Bill Stutler and Bob Funking, the entire employee staff of WBT, and the many friends and relatives of Bob Fitzsimmons. Under the auspices of WBT, Allan Gruet, (former WBT Public Relations Director, who replaced Bobby Fitzsimmons) and George Puello spearheaded two fundraisers.

The first & most successful fundraiser was held at WBT, the second was held at Stepinac High School. Mr. Puello was responsible for directing & producing the entertainment portion of the events, while Mr. Gruet handled the ticketing for the fundraisers & the continuing administration of the self-sustaining scholarship. Over the years, along with the assistance of producer Bob Funking, Allan has continued to manage the scholarship, making it possible to present the award consistently each year. In recent years,Frank Portanova,Vice Principal of Stepinac High School, has been extremely helpful and cooperative, making some financial donations to the fund to help ensure the life of the scholarship. He also is responsible for selecting the student winner for this highly competitive award.

Since its inception, upwards of $26,000.00 in scholarships have been awarded. Unfortunately, due to the current financial climate, the Scholarship is no longer self-sustaining and monies need to be raised to ensure the continuation of this award. The annual scholarship in Bob's name is our collective way of keeping alive the memory of our dear friend, Bobby Fitzsimmons.