On March 3rd, 2017, my family’s world changed forever. That was the day my mom passed away unexpectedly. In the middle of heartbreak, we made a decision: we would carry her legacy forward in a way that truly reflected who she was, and that is how the Tara McCutchen Scholarship Fund was born.

My mom had a deep passion for dance - but even more than that, she had a passion for young girls. She believed in them before they believed in themselves. She poured confidence, discipline and heart into every student she taught. She was a Southside Dixie Belle, a Kilgore Rangerette and later went on to teach at Dance Unlimited, Trinity Junior High and Southside High School. Dance wasn’t just something she did - it was how she built community, how she mentored and how she loved.

Since starting the scholarship fund in her honor, we have given scholarships to young dancers in the Fort Smith area. Every scholarship represents a girl who gets to keep dancing, keep dreaming and keep believing in herself - just like my mom would have wanted. She was the best person I have ever known. The kind of woman who made you feel seen. The kind who showed up. The kind who quietly changed lives. I miss her every single day, but through this scholarship fund, her impact is still here - still encouraging girls backstage, still building confidence in dressing rooms and still reminding them they are capable of more than they think.

If you choose to give, you’re not just donating to a scholarship, you’re helping continue a legacy of mentorship, strength and love for young dancers who deserve the chance to shine.

We will also be holding another fundraiser this summer to continue growing the Tara McCutchen Scholarship Fund and supporting even more young dancers in her honor.