2013 Scholarship winners: Caroline Whang, Ellie Schober, Alexis Hill, Maddie Gissler and Maura Dore’

On Saturday June 15th, 2013 “The Naperville School of Performing Arts” named the winners of the 2013 Katie Lunn “Keep the Smile Alive” Memorial Fund Scholarships. This Years winners were Caroline Whang, Ellie Schober, Alexis Hill, Maddie Gissler and Maura Dore’. Each applicant wrote an essay on how Katie had positively affected their lives and the knowledge they had gained as students of hers and how they would take what they had learned and pass it on throughout their lives. Each essay was reviewed by a committee at the School of Performing Arts and the selections were made. Congratulations to each of the winner! As you attend college this fall remember to “Always do what you Love, Keep a journal, SMILE, and never forget to pay it forward”.

Caroline Whang being presented her scholarship from Miss Jessie

Alexis Hill being presented her scholarship from Miss Jessie

Maddie Gissler being presented her scholarship from Miss Jessie

Ellie Schober being presented her scholarship from Miss Jessie

Maura Dore’ being presented her scholarship from Miss Jessie

Full stage under the training of Kevin Familara

On April 7th, 2013 The Naperville School of Performing Arts (SPA) put on their annual “Spread the Smile” Katie Lunn Memorial Fund benefit event at the Athenaeum Theatre in Chicago. The event included Master Classes during the day taught by Derrick Agnoletti and Kevin Familara with 193 participating dancers. The master classes were followed a silent auction put on by the hard working ”Spread the Smile” committee and evening show produced by Jessie Novak that included performances by the SPA students, HipHopConxion, M.A.D.D Rhythm, After School Matters, The Leap of Faith dancers and others. It’s from the hard work of the Volunteers and the School of Performing Arts that continued success of events like that will carry on Katie’s dream of bringing the dance world together one smile at a time.

The SPA Dance group preparing for their performance

Workshop particpants

Jessica Lunn-Vonsak and Mitch Lunn with winners Karlee Frein and Breanne Degelau

The Keep the Smile Alive Katie Lunn Memorial Fund gave out its annual college scholarship in Katie’s hometown of Fort Dodge, IA on May 20, 2013. The scholarship is awarded to a graduating student from Fort Dodge Senior High. This scholarship is different from others because a student may not apply for it themselves. They must be nominated by a person whom they have inspired in their lifetime. The peer must write an essay describing the nominees character, leadership, and positive impact on other’s lives. The peer who writes the essay also receives a scholarship.
Five essays are chosen as finalists and invited to a banquet dinner. The 2013 winners were announced at the banquet held at Willow Ridge Golf Course. The five authors presented their essays to the crowd of teachers, parents, and peers that were gathered to celebrate these exceptional students. This years winning essay was written by Karlee Frein. Karlee wrote about her best friend and winner of this years Keep the Smile Alive FDSH scholarship Brianne Degelau. Brianne and Karlee will both use these scholarships at the University of Iowa this fall. Congrats to you both and remember to Keep the Smile Alive!

2013 Finalists: Mariah Welter, Fatima Newsome, Tommy Halligan, Keegan Jones, Connor Hubbard, Jake Porter, Ashton Pederson, Morgan Bowman, Karlee Frein, and Breanne Degelau

The Katie Lunn Memorial Fund presents “Spreading the Smile” – a video documentary sharing the story of the Memorial Fund, it’s work to “spread the smile,” and the way that has happened through the story of Tanji Harper and her work through the Happiness Club and After School Matters, both in Chicago, IL.

On April 4th, 2013 coach Cassidy Vermeer presented Rebecca Perryman with the 2013 Katie Lunn Memorial Fund Keep the Smile Alive scholarship during Iowa Central Dance Team’s annual “Curtain Call” production. Rebecca was a 1 year participant on the ICCC dance team and plans to attend Graceland University in the fall majoring in English Education with a Theater / Film studies and Spanish minor. Rebecca has already been selected to the Graceland Cadet Dance Team. Congratulation Rebecca!