Audrey Sipler was informed she has won a $500 scholarship from Big Sky State Games. The Scholarship reads, "The Big Sky State Games has teamed up with the CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition and Kenco Security and Technology to recognize the importance of sportsmanship and character in Montana student athletes. CHARACTER COUNTS! is a nonprofit organization striving to improve the character of today's youth. It is based on common ethical values that transcend political, religious, socio-economic, and cultural differences. Called the "Six Pillars of Character," these values are: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. Character Counts! Scholarship is sponsored by Kenco Security and Technology.
Over the past twelve years, the Big Sky State Games has awarded the Character Counts! Scholarship to outstanding Montana female and male student-citizen-athletes involved in the Big Sky State Games. The scholarship can be used for any secondary education after high school. This includes trade schools and community colleges." And this year Audrey is one of those few selected. "I wrote about my experience growing up as a dancer (in the application for the scholarship). Dancing has changed me a lot. I used to be so shy, I'm not so attached to my mother. I am more sociable now. I wouldn't talk to anyone." Dancing has made her confidant. "It defiantly affected my high school experience so far . Most of the girls do volleyball and basketball in the school. I had to go out and do it on my own. I still do." She did have friends that danced as well, but dance has been her primary focus as she doesn't particapte in any other sport.
There is a quote by Agnes de Mille that reads, "To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful." Audrey is a beautiful young woman, independent, determined, and she knows where she is going. She loves children and wants to teach elementary plus have her own dance studio so she can continue to teach children to dance and in turn give to them what dance has given to her.
