Perrotta-Midiri Junior Dance Scholarship
09.17.08

As we announced at Swingin' Fridays last week, Bruce and I have decided to sponsor an annual junior scholarship for Florida youth dancers.This non-profit program is another phase in our initiative to grow and support a happier and healthier WCS dance community.
 
This foundation is named in memory of Bruce's grandfather and my father, who both served as inspirations to us with their generosity of spirit and courage to work hard to reach for their dreams.
 
This scholarship is modeled after the Jack and Annie scholarship in California. The dedication and generosity of World Swing Dance Council Hall of Fame inductees, Annie Hirsch and Jack Carey, (creator of the "Jack and Jill"), in the world of West Coast Swing has been and continues to be an inspiration to so many. Their example, advice and guidance in regards to our dance community efforts, has been invaluable.
 
This scholarship program promotes the perpetuation and progression of this evolving dance style by getting the youth of this generation involved in West Coast Swing, while stressing the importance of continued education.
 
To get started, we will award one scholarship next year of $500.00. We have personally committed to donating 5,000 to continue this fund. We have already created the entity and are in the process of completing the legal paperwork to make this a tax deductible option for others who may wish to donate. This will also allow us the ability to raise funds from outside sources in the future. Our hope is to be able to increase the scholarship amount and or the number of recipients each year.
 
Over a period of time we will watch for youths, who are not only good dancers, but more importantly have exhibited character and integrity. They must be a student who serves as a positive role model for their peers both on and off the dance floor. The 3 key attributes of this junior dancer will be good citizenship, scholastic dedication and an aptitude for West Coast Swing. The annual recipient who possesses these traits will be able to use the scholarship award to further their education.
 
Education is very important to me as have been a special education teacher for 24 years. I recently resigned from teaching, but would like to see my contributions to the education of children continue for many years to come.
 
Our passion for this dance as a couple, as well as, community dance instructors makes this mission to preserve and grow WCS dancing in Florida for generations to come.
 
Please let us know if you are aware of a possible candidate to be considered for this award. We will be contacting the public schools and service community organizations to inform them of the availability of this scholarship. If you have any thought in regards to getting youth involved in dancing, please feel to contact us and share your ideas.
 
We look forward to giving back to a community that has been so generous and supportive to us.
 
Thank you,
Beth Perrotta, M.Ed.