2012 Dorothy Nevas Freedman Scholarship Awards

Dorothy Nevas Freedman of Weston, CT is a long-time member of Bridgeport, CT’s Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County.  Ms. Freedman, known to most as “Dood”, is a member of the Neighborhood Studios’ Board of Directors and has served as BOD Secretary for over 10 years. Ms. Freedman’s generosity does not stop at her BOD responsibilities. She is also the Founder of an educational scholarship fund which rewards NS students who have displayed exceptional dedication not only to the Arts but to Education as well.

The 2012 Dorothy Nevas Freedman scholarship award recipients were announced at NS’ annual Spring Gala.  This year’s scholarship award recipients are two outstanding NS students:  Michael Benjamin (Bridgeport) - 17 years old – Central High School and Brittany Best (Stratford) – 17 years old – Bullard Havens.  

Mike joined the NS Conservatory program in 2009.  He quickly became the Jazz Ensemble’s lead drummer, grasping different playing styles and showing leadership initiative, while serving as a student leader and maintaining a strong academic record at Central High School.  An accomplished Church musician, Mike also plays for Refuge Temple, Bridgeport. With this group, he has toured throughout the northeast. On a personal level, he has won several local talent competitions and has qualified for the regional competition in Boston. Mike is also an accomplished athlete.  As he awaits responses from several colleges, including Berklee School of Music in Boston, one thing is for sure; Mike will be majoring in Music.

Brittany Best has been a part of the NS family since she enrolled in AileyCamp® at the age of 9.  It was due to her participation in AileyCamp® that her desire to dance grew.  She has studied hip hop, jazz, ballet, modern and West African dance for several years at NS and excels in all dance disciplines.  Brittany has been a member of the Conservatory Dance Ensemble since 2009 and joined the Conservatory summer apprenticeship program in 2011. There she had the opportunity to choreograph several dance numbers as well as perform.  Brittany is also waiting for college responses and plans to major in Dance.