The Davidson Young Scholars (YS) program has provided our son, Brennan, with the crucial opportunities that allow his abilities to be translated into actions. Inevitably, those opportunities often cost money, and Davidson's financial assistance has been invaluable to us.
Brennan became a YS five years ago, at the age of 10. It is hard to believe the transformation that has taken place in those five short years. Davidson helped us pay for the piano lessons that have translated into an interest in composition. The piano led to an electronic keyboard and other instruments which Davidson helped us afford. At every turn, Davidson has helped us encourage Brennan's interests in a way that we could never have done on our own. During the past year, Brennan's work caught the attention of a national production company, and he performed his first paid show as a solo electronic artist at the age of 15. He auditioned for and won a spot on MTV's "Made" with those instruments that Davidson helped buy. When he goes to college, he has the prospect of a "work-study" program accompanying the freshman chorus on piano that will pay a good percentage of his tuition.
Talents are there to be used. Davidson has provided Brennan with the opportunities and the materials he needs to use it. He's made so much progress in the five years that he has been a Young Scholar, we can not wait to see what the next five years will hold.
Our daughter, Sadie, joined the YS program five years ago when she was 6 years old. The little girl who loved Little House on the Prairie books has become quite an amateur historian, thanks to the support of Davidson. When Sadie's school situation was not a good fit, Davidson supported us in the decision to homeschool her. We found a program that emphasized the excitement of real history, and during the two years we worked at home, Sadie's love of and understanding of history grew. Davidson has also helped us afford the history-oriented summer programs Sadie loves.
This year, Sadie and her team mate earned second place in our state's National History Day program for their presentation on Elizabeth Van Lew, a Civil War spy for the Union. Sadie had the opportunity to do independent research on an incredibly in-depth level for an 11-year-old, and she qualified to attend the national competition in Washington, D.C.
Programs mentioned in this story: Young Scholars National History Day
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