WTOP Top Kid: Reston teen helps remove performing arts barriers for kids

WTOP’s Major Young ones application is sponsored by Northwest Federal Credit history Union. In addition to getting highlighted on-air and on the web, profitable young ones also get a prospect at $500.

August Gabriel Rivers’ love of theater commenced at an early age. The 17-yr-old from Reston, Virginia, was equipped to hone his craft by way of theater enrichment courses, a lot of of which he participated in exterior of faculty. Joining those more applications took income.

“Performing artwork packages are inclined be really highly-priced,” Rivers said.

In his case, he mentioned he was fortunate his mothers and fathers could go over the charges for joining camps and other packages, but he reported it was not dropped on him that for some young ones, the price was a barrier that retained them from collaborating in what they loved.

“We just never want men and women to miss out on out on acquiring into theater for economical factors,” Rivers said.

So, to aid some young children prevail over that barrier, Rivers, a senior at South Lakes Significant College, worked with other learners to develop “Reston Stars,” which offers out scholarships to children in require.

Rivers said the moment phrase received out about Reston Stars, the applications poured in.

“It’s very apparent that this is a will need primarily based on this sort of a swift response and candidates,” Rivers said.

He reported this yr, by means of its Reston Stars “Golden Age” Cabaret Fundraiser, the group lifted $2,500. That is effective out to scholarships for six kids.

For some of this year’s recipients, the revenue will pay back for theater camps, violin classes and even singing classes.

Right after getting nominated for WTOP’s Best Children method for his function on Reston Stars, Rivers was named a finalist. The award is $500, and that revenue is now accounted for, he claimed.

“We acquired two excess scholarships due to the fact of the dollars from this award. So, we are very thrilled about that! Because for each individual kid, I suggest, receiving the prospect to do this can be a life switching factor,” he reported.

Rivers reported he encourages other youngsters, and even older people, who see a difficulty in their local community to step up and test to support resolve it, even if they might be hesitant to do so at 1st.

“You know, there can be some actually favourable alter [that comes] from it,” he explained.