Josephine Sullivan, a sixth grader from Huntington Station, was one of the recent recipients of the Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts 2019 “Uniquely U” scholarships.
Winning the theater category, Sullivan stood out to judges because of her big personality and wonderful delivery. “We were completely captivated by her strong sense of self,” Lauren Brandt Schloss, executive director, said. “It’s hard to believe she’s only in sixth grade!”
Young artists – from grades 2 through 12 – from across Long Island and New York City were able to submit a video about what makes them unique. The scholarship was started in 2018 as an opportunity to give scholarships to kids who are strong in expressing who they are.
“We wanted to reward the kids who may have not been able to participate, or who may have not known about us otherwise,” Schloss added.
Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts is a critically acclaimed summer day camp for the arts that is marking its 51st year. The scholarship applications opened in January and were announced earlier this month.
After reviewing hundreds of applications, Usdan selected five talented young artists to fit categories including; creative writing, dance, music, theater and visual art.
“Hundreds of unique and talented young artists inspired us with their submissions,” said Schloss. “The authenticity and sincerity demonstrated by all the applicants reinforces our hopefulness for this season at camp and, frankly, for the future as a whole.”
Although the scholarship opportunity has ended, Schloss noted that children and parents who are interested in attending the seven-week summer camp could still enroll.