Sophomore Honored as Top Regional Soloist in Dance

Sophomore Maeve Carr-Lemke was recently honored as one of the Northeast region’s “Outstanding Soloists” by Regional Dance America (RDA), a prestigious national nonprofit dedicated to supporting pre-professional dance companies through education and performance.

In addition to this regional recognition, Carr-Lemke was awarded a special scholarship celebrating her “passion, love, and commitment” to dance—a powerful testament to her talent, discipline, and artistic spirit.

“I’m so grateful for the experience I had,” Carr-Lemke says. “My teachers and our adjudicator offered such thoughtful feedback during adjudication and performance, and it was a dream to perform my solo onstage.”

Carr-Lemke began dancing at age five and currently trains in ballet, contemporary, and jazz at the Philadelphia Dance Theatre. Her dedication to the art form is evident not only in her performances but in her ability to manage a demanding academic and dance schedule.

“Balancing schoolwork and dance has been a challenge,” she reflected. “But it’s taught me how to manage my time effectively. One thing I’ve learned is the importance of finding a system that works, whether your passion is sports, music, theater, or something else. All the sacrifices are worth it for the unforgettable experiences and lifelong friendships.”

Carr-Lemke also credits her teachers at SCH, particularly those in the arts, for their ongoing support. “They’ve always shown interest in what I do outside of school,” she said. “Even though I haven’t been able to participate in SCH theater productions because of my dance commitments, I’ve felt nothing but encouragement.”