2015
Renee Vartabedian
My name is Renee Vartabedian, and I am currently a freshman at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst studying mechanical engineering. Although I am pursuing a math and science based degree, the arts have played an enormous part in my life. Dance has been a creative outlet for me throughout my entire life. I use it as an outlet for emotional expression, and I bring the creativity skills I learn from it to other areas of study. In applying for this scholarship, I admired the unique combination of creativity and compassion that Nicole possessed. Nicole’s authenticity, compassion, and genuine character shows through her memory in stories from her friends and family. I am so honored to have received this scholarship in her memory, and I strive to exhibit the same kindheartedness towards others and passion for living in Nicole’s honor.