Sandra Gutierrez
Founder 2020-present
I became a Central Ballerina at the age of 12 through 17 years old and was privileged to have the education and love for the arts in many forms. Due to the difficulties in my native country, I immigrated to the USA and tried in many ways to continue my love for the arts. I ended up becoming an early educator for over 25 years and shared a passion for education and arts. A professional chef and a mixology bartender and crafter in many ways. I knit, crochet, love music, and passionately love the outdoors and nature. Understanding that many talented future generations might need a hand to go forward, as a respectful fan of Sam, we have decided to start a scholarship in recognition of his love for the arts. Hopefully, this will become something that can open doors for many over the years.
Lisa Shaw
Founder 2020-present
As an educator for more than two decades, I know firsthand how important it is to make every effort to give youngsters the opportunity, support, and nourishment necessary to fulfill their dreams. As a child of immigrant parents, I know firsthand how powerful it is to have a dream and pursue it despite hardships. If we can ease someone's hardship and prevent the abandonment of a long-sought-after dream, we have done our job. When hope is to your right, and possibility to your left, going forward is easy. I believe this scholarship will give hope and the possibility to allow someone to move forward and upward, and become the star they were meant to be.
Susan Reynolds
Founder 2020-present
As a young girl, I always dreamed of being an actress, a singer, and even a ballerina. I would act, sing, and dance in "shows" I would put on for my family. I sang in the choir throughout middle and high school. I worked on the sets for the plays in high school after I discovered I had stage fright performing in front of total strangers and was painfully shy at that moment in time. After I graduated, I became more drawn to healthcare and so I became a nurse. I had no idea at the time that working closely with patients, families, doctors, and others in my field would sometimes be comparable to performing on a stage. And so, over the years my shyness and stage fright was overcome. My love for the arts never left me and I am honored to be a part of founding this scholarship. I would love for the scholarship to be awarded to someone brimming with hope, inspiration, and determination and just needs a helping hand to begin on their journey of following their dreams.
Rebeca Gutierrez
Member 2022-present
As a single parent to a beautiful daughter who's been in the arts since a young age so she can follow her dream and shine, I understand and have volunteered in nonprofit organizations to raise funds so that not only my daughter but all students can achieve their dreams in the arts. I was delighted to join the Supernova Legacy Team to give back and help students achieve their dreams. My favorite hobbies are outdoor adventures, dancing, music, Broadway/theater shows, and overall spending time with my family. This is why Supernova Legacy is so important to me so that students fulfill their dreams. I am pleased to be living by one of my favorite quotes: "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." - Helen Keller
Brittaney Smith
Member 2022-present
From a young age, I can remember my mom expressing how important she felt getting a college education
was, which I agree wholeheartedly with, and wanted us to choose whatever path made us most happy. My only concern was being able to afford it. I am one of six kids raised by a single mom. I love to decorate,
design clothing, craft, read, cook, intake coffee like I do oxygen, and live life joyfully. One passion that my
mom passed down to me is my love for antiques, particularly furniture. I have restored many pieces in my time, bought and sold pieces, as well run a family business. I now stand with a Bachelor’s of Interdisciplinary Studies
with a focus area on Fashion Media Business with minors in Fashion Merchandising & Advertising, all with
honors. If it hadn't been for the help from grants, scholarships, financial aid, etc., I would not have been able to attend. I knew from the moment I heard Supernova Legacy had an opening, I needed to be a part of it. I want to be able to give back and help those who are in a similar situation, to what I was in. I want to help students find their path who never thought they would have the opportunity and this scholarship has the ability to help
with that.
Amy Varney
Member 2022-present
My love of performing and being on stage began at the young age of 3. Between vocal and violin performances and on-stage local Broadway plays, I have loved the arts for as long as I can remember. I have instilled this in my own family of 10 and countless students I have taught for almost 3 decades. I find the greatest joy in helping others to accomplish their dreams.Â
There is a camaraderie and joy of accomplishment that comes with each rehearsal and production. Being offered this for my entire life has instilled the desire to work to bring this possibility to others. What a beautiful way to have these scholarships available to bless the lives and realize the dreams of these students, for those wishing to work to fulfill them. I’m honored to be part of this team and effort to change lives and empower their talents to shine.
Bridget Dinehart
Founder 2020-2022
I am a single parent of a wonderful son who got into college on his own merits. He applied for a scholarship that would pay for his entire education. To be awarded that scholarship, he had to write an essay. He wrote that while being brought up in a limited income household that could not afford to pay for college. He still had the drive and the desire to succeed and put the scholarship to good use fulfilling his dream of becoming a nurse. He graduated this year with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and is currently working as a nurse in Alaska. I understand all too well what it is like to want something but can't afford it unless you get help from others. That is why it is so important to me to be a part of this project to help others fulfill their dreams.
Nicole Johnson
Founder 2020-2021
I have always had a passion for creativity. I love painting, fixing things, building things, and working with my hands to make something that I know someone else would appreciate. When I was little, I would come home from school, and my Grandma would always bring me straight to the kitchen to help her. That was the spark that ignited my love of cooking. Over the years I have learned to cook many different things, but my absolute favorite thing to do is bake. Thus, I became a Pastry Chef. The pastry arts are more difficult than you would imagine as you must be precise with everything you do. Pastry can be a form of art itself when creating a sculpture made entirely of sugar. I pursued my passion, and what I would love is for this scholarship to allow someone else to do the same.
Megan Caughern
Founder 2020-2021
From a young age, I had a passion for theater and the art of acting. Throughout my school years, I took several theater classes, joined an agency, and was dedicated to pursuing my dream. Financial difficulties, along with other circumstances, put that dream on the back burner until as of late. I have also spent a fair amount of time working with local educators on different projects, including other scholarships, to aid our youth in pursuing their goals. It is so important to not only encourage our young people to follow their dreams but to do all we can to equip them with the tools necessary to do so, and I’m hopeful that this scholarship will do just that for many years to come.