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INSIDE ▼ South Meck alum proud to be in Navy
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PAGE 3A Friday, January 30, 2026 • Vol. 26 • No. 4
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CEENTA picks My Sister’s House of Charlotte as partner CHARLOTTE – Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A. has named My Sister’s House of Charlotte as its CEENTAcares partner for 2026.
The nonprofit provides a safe overnight home and support services for single, unhoused women in Charlotte. The organization also focuses on long-term stability and independence through life skills classes, individual and group therapy, financial literacy workshops and other programs. These services, along with donations of essential items such as cleaning supplies, are designed to support the emotional, mental and practical
well-being of women as they work toward stability and independence. As the newest partner of CEENTAcares, CEENTA’s charitable initiative, My Sister’s House of Charlotte will receive a lump-sum donation at the end of the calendar year, generated through fundraisers across the practice. These efforts include ticket raffles with sports partners, along with team member initiatives like “Denim Days.” Fundraising culminates each year in the CEENTAcares Classic Golf Tournament, which features donations and sponsorships from regional and national businesses.
“My Sister’s House of Charlotte was chosen as our 2026 partner due to the deep-rooted, compassionate care they provide to women impacted by homelessness in the city,” said Ryan Fitzmaurice, CEENTAcares representative. “We are proud to support an organization that is changing lives every day and has a clear vision for expanding its services and outreach. Our goals this year are to raise funds to support their growth, volunteer our time to make meaningful improvements at the home and increase awareness of My Sister’s House and its mission.” Deronda Metz, executive director of My Sister’s House, said the nonprofit is excited to
partner with CEENTA. “As the number of women experiencing homelessness in Charlotte continues to grow, so does the need for expanded services,” Metz said. “Equally important is educating the community about what’s possible when organizations work together. This partnership with CEENTA will help us meet both goals.” CEENTAcares has previously supported Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, The Joe Martin ALS Foundation, Lions Services and The CARE Project. On the web: mysistershouseclt.org and ceenta.com/ceentacares
Lumi School ANSWER Scholarship offers assistance to moms of Musical
Theatre earns high praise
Lumi School of Musical Theatre participated in 2026 Junior Theater Festival Atlanta from Jan. 16 to 18 at the Cobb Convention Center in Atlanta, Georgia. ANSWER Scholarship awarded these mom awards during the 2025-26 year. Photos courtesy of ANSWER Scholarship
Photo courtesy of Junior Theater Festival Atlanta
CHARLOTTE – Lumi School of Musical Theatre left the 2026 Junior Theater Festival Atlanta with valuable feedback from veterans in musical theater.
ANSWER scholars gather for a fall festival.
CHARLOTTE – ANSWER Scholarship is accepting applications from moms in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties in need of financial assistance for college.
Scholarships are open to mothers who have at least one school-age child from pre-K to 12th grade living at home. Candidates can seek: • A first-time bachelor’s degree in any subject. • An associate degree in nursing from any community college in the Carolinas. • Additional associate degrees at Central Piedmont Community College, including
ANSWER graduates celebrate mission accomplished.
business and accounting, construction and trades, design and architecture, engineering, healthcare, information technology, and mathematics and science. Scholarships are up to $5,500 annually for a four-year degree and up to $2,750 annually for an associate degree. ANSWER Scholarship offers scholarships toward any remote four-year degree from any accredited, non-profit college or university in the Carolinas. “We realized that mothers really wanted, and often needed, the convenience of fully online classes to make their education possible,” Founder Susan Andersen said.
ANSWER scholar moms also receive a volunteer mentor that offers support and guidance on balancing family, work and school. They also have access to professional development workshops on networking and other essential workplace skills. More than 150 moms have received a total of $951,502 in college scholarships from ANSWER Scholarship since the organization’s founding in 2006. The application deadline is Feb. 28. Visit https://answerscholarship.org/ scholarship-requirements to learn more or apply.
Common Heart opens registration for Hunger Walk INDIAN TRAIL – Common Heart’s Hunger Walk serves as a visual reminder that hunger exists in the community, according to Executive Director Keith Adams.
“With every step, we’re able to turn compassion into real, life-changing support for our neighbors,” Adams said. “It’s such a simple but powerful way for families, friends and walking teams to take action and help ensure none of our neighbors go hungry.” The 10th annual fundraiser will be held March 1 at Crooked Creek Park in Indian Trail. Registration costs $35 for adults and
$15 for children ages 12 and younger. A family discount of $125 is available for households of five or more. Register at commonhearthungerwalk.org. Participants are encouraged to collect donations to help feed families experiencing food insecurity. Prizes will be awarded to the top fundraising teams and individuals. Common Heart said a $35 donation provides a week’s worth of groceries for one family facing food insecurity. The food pantry network serves about Story continues, see WALK page 3A
Common Heart will hold its 10th annual Hunger Walk on March 1. Here is a scene from the 2025 event. Photo courtesy of Common Heart
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The festival took place from Jan. 16 to 18 at the Cobb Convention Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Groups performed 15 minutes of a Broadway Junior musical for adjudicators. Lumi School of Musical Theatre received the Excellence in Ensemble Award for its performance of “Annie KIDS.” Cast members Ashley McGrath and Sophia Mehta were also named Junior Theater Festival AllStars, a group of outstanding performers. Mehta also made it to the call-back to a future project promoting musical theater in schools. “Wonderful characterization of these wellknown and beloved characters, highlighting the strengths of young performers,” said Lindsay Anderson, lyricist and writer. “Excellent casting choices.” Jennifer Katona, executive director of the Educational Theatre Association/International Thespian Society, also enjoyed the performance. “Lumi School of Musical Theatre displayed great vocal and dance talent but it was their acting that impressed us the most,” Katona said. “Their ability to convey great joy through dance was wonderful to see. It is clear from their presentation that they have a strong theatre educator leading their program as their support of each other throughout the entire process was evident.” Robert Hindsman, adult programs manager at Alliance Theatre, credited the actors at Lumi School of Musical Theatre for bringing honesty and integrity to their work. “They told the story from beginning to end, bringing me to tears multiple times in their 15 minute presentation,” Hindsman said. “You can see through their incredible work that these actors are focusing on the text and character development. This was a wonderfully unique portrayal of ‘Annie KIDS’ that could only be created by smart actors.” Lumi School of Musical Theatre is a performing arts studio in Charlotte with a new Fort Mill location opening soon. Founded by Colleen LeBleu, it offers training in acting, singing and dance for students ages 3 and older. The school strives to help students shine through classes, camps and musical productions.