In celebration of Tara’s life,
Shawn Gladden (Tara's brother) and Robin Snyder-Wiencek (Tara's cousin)
have created the Tara Gladden Scholarship Fund.
We will honor Tara’s memory by helping young artists
continue their journey and realize their potential.
To learn more about the scholarship awards, please see the documents below.
Your generous donation to this worthy cause is now tax-deductible.
Remember Tara Gladden: Your gift empowers young dancers to train intensely, grow their self-worth, and pursue their potential.
The Tara Gladden Scholarship Fund was created in memory of my cousin, Tara Gladden, who was taken from us at just 15 years old.
Tara was bright, talented, and full of life, but like so many young people, she struggled to see her own worth.
Her story is a painful reminder of how important it is to help young people recognize their strength, trust their voice, and believe in their own value.
In the years since, I've made it my mission through EMC Performing Arts Studio (EMC) to help every student who walks through our doors feel confident, capable, and proud of who they are.
The Tara Gladden Scholarship Fund is one way we keep that promise, by providing financial assistance to dancers who demonstrate commitment, passion, and heart.
Since 2020, we have raised over $10,000 in scholarships to EMC dancers, opening doors for students who wish to pursue summer study and other opportunities that help them grow as artists and as people.
Your contribution to the Tara Gladden Scholarship Fund helps continue this legacy, giving young dancers the chance to train, perform, and discover their true potential in a safe, supportive environment.
We'd be grateful if you'd help us honor Tara by giving young dancers the confidence, courage, and lasting sense of self-worth she deserved to have.
Thank you for keeping Tara's light shining through the next generation of EMC dancers.
Warmly,
Robin Snyder-Wiencek
2020 – Milana Schectman
2021 – Brianna Copp, Moriah Douglas
2022 – Emma Cummings, Karina Cebelis
2023 – Izzy Ryan, Grace Zieglar
2024 – Olivia Fitzpatrick, Emmaline Freeburger
2025 – Maggie Black, Nessa Marks