Success Stories

Saint Joseph Ballet is committed to the long-term success of its alumni.  SJB alumni who have already graduated from college are pursuing careers in fields such engineering, education and performing arts.  Currently, 46 alumni are attending such institutions as Chapman University, University of Redlands, University of St. Thomas, University of California-Irvine, the University of San Francisco, Cal State Long Beach, University of California-Santa Cruz, Cal State Fullerton, University of California-Riverside and Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle. 

Following are the success stories of two SJB alumna – Adriana and Andria.

Adriana’s Story

Adriana graduated from Saint Joseph Ballet in 1999 after participating for seven years.  Her grades and SAT score qualified her not only for a Saint Joseph Ballet Achievement Award, but for an academic scholarship and financial aid package that enabled her to attend the University of California, Irvine.  In June 2003, Adriana graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering.  Adriana now works for one of Orange County’s top engineering firms.

When asked what she feels most passionate about, Adriana mentions her sense of confidence and self-esteem: “I learned to be confident in what I want to do and what I love to do.  This confidence really helped me through the interviewing process as I applied for internships during college and a career upon graduation.”  After interning with the City of Santa Ana for three years, Adriana accepted a job with one of the top engineering firms in California.

As a student at Saint Joseph Ballet, Adriana attended SAT preparation courses, received assistance in filling out financial aid and scholarship opportunities, and was walked through each stage of the college application process: “Because of all of the guidance and financial assistance I received from Saint Joseph Ballet, I’m going into the real world without any financial burdens.  I don’t think I would have been able to go to the school I wanted to, and be where I’m at upon graduation, without the direction and assistance I received from the Ballet.”

Andria’s Story

Andria danced at Saint Joseph Ballet from 1992 to 1998.  During her time at Saint Joseph Ballet she actively participated in tutoring.  As a senior, Andria was mentored through the college application process, receiving assistance with financial aid and her personal statement for college applications.  “My parents didn’t know anything about the application process, so I’m really grateful for all of the help I received at the Ballet,” Andria said.  At the completion of her senior year, she received a Hunsaker Family scholarship to attend the University of Redlands, making her a first-generation college student.  At Redlands, Andria double-majored in liberal studies and Spanish, and received her B.A. in 2002.  She was accepted into the Teaching Credential Program at Redlands and plans to teach kindergarten.  “I am a testimony to what loving people and caring friends can do for others.  The support I received at Saint Joseph Ballet gave me an understanding of the importance of community.  The Credential Program is one of the best things that ever happened to me.  I want to thank Saint Joseph Ballet for its continued support – I appreciate all it has done for me.”