🎓 Announcing the 2024-2025 Linda Leogrande Scholarship Recipient!

Each year, Broadway Utica proudly presents the Linda Leogrande Scholarship to a graduating senior in our Youth Ambassador Program who demonstrates leadership, passion, and a genuine commitment to the arts.

This scholarship was established in loving memory of Linda Leogrande, who served on the Broadway Theatre League Board of Directors for over 30 years and remains a guiding light within the organization. She was warm, gracious, and endlessly kind — a radiant soul who lit up every room she entered and left a lasting impact on everyone she met. This scholarship reflects her legacy, and we are honored to carry her spirit forward through this meaningful award.

We’re thrilled to announce that this year, not one, but two Youth Ambassadors have been selected as recipients of the Linda Leogrande Scholarship: Grace Ruganis and Callum Torruella! Please join us in congratulating them on this well-deserved honor. Their dedication to the arts and their commitment to the Broadway Utica community have truly made a difference these past two seasons.

A heartfelt thank-you to Lou Leogrande, whose generous and ongoing support makes this opportunity possible year after year. We also extend our sincere thanks to those who contribute to the Scholarship Fund through our partnership though the Community Foundation. Your support helps us invest in the next generation of creative thinkers and art advocates.

“Linda was the heart of our organization for so many years. Her memory continues to guide us in the most beautiful ways. Through this scholarship, we’re able to celebrate everything she stood for — generosity, kindness, and a passion for the arts — and pass it on to the young people following in her footsteps.”— Kristen Matteson, Program Director at Broadway Utica

The Linda Leogrande Scholarship honors qualifying seniors who are enrolled in the Youth Ambassador Program for two consecutive seasons and are continuing their education and/or pursuing their passion in the arts.

Fund in Memory of Board Member Linda Leogrande

The Broadway Theater League of Utica (BTL) has created a scholarship fund at The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties in memory of a longtime member of BTL’s board of directors. The Linda Leogrande Youth Ambassador Scholarship Fund honors her more than 30 years of service on the board and her passion for theater and the arts.

“It is because of Linda that I am on the Board at Broadway Utica,” said Dr. Anthony Mandour. “She sought me out and wouldn’t stop until it happened—that was Linda. She had an intense love for this community and was totally giving of herself and encouraging and inspiring others to do the same.”

Broadway Theater League of Utica, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 1957 to bring touring Broadway-caliber performances to the Mohawk Valley. Those involved in BTL agree that Linda was a shining example for both the community and the organization. Dedicating the new scholarship program to Linda’s memory recognizes her advocacy for getting youth involved in the arts. She was the longstanding committee chair for the Pearle Nathan Scholarship at Utica College, spending many years serving on the nominating committee.

“It’s our mission to uphold the core values of Linda’s generosity by promoting the arts, praising people in their roles, and encouraging open communication and creativity for all,” said Danielle Padula, executive director of Broadway Utica.

The scholarship will acknowledge and support qualifying seniors enrolled in Broadway Utica’s Bernadette A. Eichler Youth Ambassador Program pursuing a major in arts education. The eligible seniors will have participated in the Youth Ambassador Program for two consecutive Broadway seasons.

🏆Applauding 𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙍𝙪𝙜𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙨, a senior at New Hartford High School whose star is already rising! Grace, your talent, drive, and enthusiasm are infectious. We’ll be cheering for you from the front row wherever your journey takes you!

🙌🏼 Celebrating 𝘾𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙪𝙢 𝙏𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙪𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖, senior at Sauquoit Valley High School and a bold storyteller whose creativity shines both on and off the stage. Callum, your adventurous spirit and passion for the arts are just the beginning — we can’t wait to see the stories you’ll tell and the places you’ll go!