2007 Winner
At the time of being awarded the scholarship, Melanie was just 13 years old, but has participated in dance since the age of four. She says about ballet and dance that “it is a good way for me to express myself and I just love to do it.” Melanie has participate in summer intensive programs with the School of American Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and the Houston Ballet Academy, as well as having participated in various children’s roles since the age of 8. The scholarship, according to Melanie, has “ helped my parents a lot because I know that it can be hard to come up with the money for my classes.”