The financial assistance program has helped us tremendously. We were able to enroll both of our daughters in the preschool programs when they were younger. They both learned so much. Now we are back trying again so our daughter Emelia can learn ballet. It has been her dream for a while and receiving financial assistance would allow us to be able to afford this activity for her.
Brad & Analiese W.
2019
My daughter has benefited from the financial assistance program so much. Without it I would not be able to afford dance lessons for her. Dancing has helped her grow in so many ways and has taught her some self-discipline. She looks forward to dance class and is always practicing her dances. She has really come out of her shell since starting dance at Woodlawn two years ago! Thank you so much for the ability to let my daughter do something she loves!
Breanna L.
2019
My family has benefited from this program because it allows them to do the things that they love. They both love the preschool program and my daughter loves dance. Without this program they wouldn’t be able to attend. We greatly appreciate being able to attend Woodlawn.
Cassandra S.
2019
Jessica is a senior dance student at Woodlawn Dance Academy and has been dancing with the academy for the last three years. Jessica’s mother, Shelley, has expressed gratitude for the scholarship provided by Woodlawn Arts Academy and the United Way, which has allowed her daughter to dance. Shelley has voiced that without dance and the Woodlawn Dance Academy, Jessica would be lost. Jessica struggles with bipolar disorder and depression. Dance and the Academy have become vital for Jessica, her creativity, and personal happiness. Shelley has said without the scholarship, being a member of the Woodlawn Dance Academy would not be possible. Both Jessica and Shelley are very grateful for the opportunities provided by their scholarship and the stability it has brought to Jessica’s life.
2012
Susie (name changed to protect privacy) is a very quiet eight year old who receives scholarship funding from Woodlawn Arts Academy. Susie started taking piano lessons about a year ago; in first meeting her teacher, Susie was extremely quiet and shy. Her shyness not only occurred in her piano lessons but encompassed her school and social life. As Susie started to learn the basics of piano while spending time with her teacher, she started slowly opening up and displaying her stunning personality. A year later, Susie is now not only speaking to her teacher but socializing in her classroom and with schoolmates and friends. Her parents credit this to Susie’s piano lessons, her desire to learn music, and her teacher. Without the financial assistance for scholarship to Woodlawn Arts Academy provided by the United Way of Whiteside County, Susie may not have been
able to overcome her shyness and begin to associate with her instructors, teachers, friends and classmates.
2013
Thanks to the collaboration with United Way and a private Foundation, Woodlawn Arts Academy was able to start an A.R.T.S. Scholarship Program. This program is by teacher recommendation only and is offered to 3rd through 8th graders at Unit 5 and Rock Falls Schools. We have been able to reach over 60 different advanced art students over the course of the past three years; exposing these students to different mediums and visual art techniques not available at the schools because of budget restraints. These students have had their artwork displayed in professional exhibits and have won regional awards; making them more prepared for high school level work. Many of these students have expressed an interest in pursuing art for their future studies.
2013
Justin (name changed to protect privacy) is a teenage boy who is currently taking drum lessons with Ramiro Martinez. Justin, unfortunately lost his father, and needed an emotional outlet. His grandmother had learned about Woodlawn Arts Academy and our music lessons through the community and thought that drum lessons would be beneficial to Justin. Justin enjoys taking lessons and has channeled his emotions through music and the drums. Without the scholarship provided by the United Way of Whiteside County, Justin’s grandmother would not have been able to enroll him into private music lessons.
2013
We love the unique learning opportunity our daughter gets through Woodlawn! Financial assistance helps our family greatly through this unpredictable time. Also gives my daughter something to look forward to
Abbie T.
2020
Isabella loves to dance and has learned so much. She cheers and does spirit squad at school, but they will not be doing it this year. Dance classes are very important to her and she loves the instructors she has had.
Kathy W.
2020
Woodlawn Arts Academy has been a constant in our girls’ lives. Through the losses of their grandmothers and other trials that life brings, being able for them to come here and dance and to not focus on nothing else but dance is such a blessing for them. One of our girls has branched off of dance and on to guitar. She is thriving! Thank you for the helping hand in bringing some stability in such a crazy time in life! Also, in helping to give them the confidence they need!
Trista G.
2020
Have you reserved your seats yet? Tickets are limited! Available in person at Woodlawn Arts Academy for $50 each (additional $50 for the Art Dash ticket upgrade), cash or check only. Race to Woodlawn to get your tickets today!