When Connie Dienner, director of Cavod Academy, recalls the roots of the Adopt-A-Student scholarship program, she remembers Stan Deen, who was directing a theater camp for the organization when he passed away in 2016. "Stan believed that every child should be able to explore their creativity through the arts whether or not they could afford it," said Dienner, who noted the program has been expanded since it was started shortly after Deen's death.

Students who would like scholarships to classes through Cavod Academy, which has locations in New Holland and Manheim, are encouraged to apply online at https://cavod.org/contact/scholarships. The deadline to apply for the upcoming class series is Monday, Aug. 15. Dienner explained that students need to request the classes they want to take when they apply. An approval process is in place for students to qualify. Qualified students are asked for a photo, and a booklet is created for potential sponsors. "The story of each child is in there, or they can choose to remain anonymous," said Dienner, who noted that the response from the community has been positive. "This has been a huge program," she said. "We have such generous people in the community who will pay tuition." Dienner explained that the student is still responsible for dance wear and costumes for the recital. "With some kind of financial commitment, students tend to stick to it," she said.

Dienner said that the program has helped a number of students to reap the benefits of classes. "We have had amazing stories of kids whose lives have been changed and touched through this program," she said, noting that one family lost a father to cancer and all three children have been able to take Cavod classes via the scholarship program. She noted that the mother volunteers in the Cavod Cafe, which is located at the New Holland location. "We had such good results from that of people finishing well," Dienner said.

Currently, nearly 20 students are receiving scholarship funds. "The families send thank you notes at Christmas, and the donors love that," said Dienner, who noted that students or their parents are in touch with sponsors a few times each year. She stated that sponsors may pay tuition yearly or make a monthly pledge. Extended families may work together to sponsor a student.

Dienner stressed the importance of the program to the families that are receiving scholarships and lauded the sponsors. "It has been such a community effort," she said. "We can offer such a great, godly environment for kids. Why can't everyone experience that if they want to?"