Talia Joy Smith Pursue Your JOY Scholarship Fund

Fund Donor Story
The Talia Joy Smith Pursue Your JOY  Scholarship Fund was established by her parents, Brad and Mary Smith, in February 2011. This scholarship fund was created to annually help a graduating East Noble High School senior pursue an education in musical theatre/vocal performance and realize their lifelong dreams. Talia Smith was only 20 years old when her life was tragically taken when hit by a car while riding her bike on the beautiful summer day of August 18, 2010.

This Scholarship was established to carry on the legacy of Talia, who unfortunately will never fulfill her own lifetime dream as a Broadway performer. Talia was born on April 30, 1990 and graduated from East Noble High School in 2008 with honors as one of the top 10 in her class. Although 20 years seems a very short time on this Earth, Talia lived each day to its fullest and lived like “there is no tomorrow.” While in high school Talia was a member of East Noble Show Choir and was grand champion soloist at multiple competitions, highlighted by wins at DeKalb, Belmont, Marion, Carroll, and Center Grove. Talia was also an Honor Thespian at East Noble, landing the roles of Sharpay in “High School Musical,” Irene Molloy in “Hello Dolly,” Jasmine in “Aladdin,” and her favorite role of all, Cosette in “Les Miserables.” As Cosette, Talia said, “It’s too soon to ever say goodbye.”

Talia was a junior at New York University, majoring in Musical Theatre and Vocal Performance at Steinhardt School of Culture and Education. She earned Deans list honors each semester at NYU. Another very important part of Talia’s life, probably the most important, was her faith; Talia believed. Talia read her Bible faithfully. She shared the love that God had for her with those around her. The perseverance her parents speak of and try to live comes from James 1:2-4.

To sing, act, and dance were Talia’s passions. She considered herself a “triple threat” on the stage. She was two short years away from a Broadway career. She always believed, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” She was “doing” it. It was certain to be a reality.

The Talia Joy Smith Performing Arts Scholarship was established by her parents to give other young adults the opportunity to fulfill dreams as their daughter was doing. Talia’s parents want her legacy to live on and want all who follow in her footsteps to always consider Talia their inspiration of confidence, hope, and determination to be everything they dream to be.