This year, for my birthday, I am raising funds for the Susan Winston Memorial Scholarship fund for students of theatre.

Susan Winston was my high school drama teacher. But, Susan wasn't just a teacher; she was a force of nature, a guiding light, and a second mother to countless wayward theater kids. She saw the potential in every single one of us, even when we couldn't see it in ourselves.

I remember my time in her classroom. It was a place of wild creativity and unbridled passion. She didn't just teach us lines; she taught us how to live them. She gave us the freedom to create, to be bold in our artistic choices, and to shoot for the stars. She believed that our artistic voices were valid and needed to be heard.

Susan gave me the courage to take risks, to fail spectacularly, and to get back up again. She taught me that the biggest mistake you can make is not trying at all. She taught us that our art was not just about performance, but about connection and empathy.

The Susan Winston Memorial Scholarship will continue her legacy by giving future generations of theater students the same opportunities we had. It will be a beacon of hope for young artists who dare to dream big and who need the support to make those dreams a reality.

Please join me in honoring Susan's memory by helping a new generation of students discover their own artistic voices. Let's help them shoot for the stars, just as she taught us to do.

Every tax deductible contribution, big or small, makes a real impact. Even just a few dollars can help move this mission forward and reach those who need it most.

If you can't donate right now, sharing this fundraiser is also incredibly helpful. Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity. It means the world to me.

Thank you for your time and generosity,

CeCi Stephens

Founder, SWMS Scholarship