Standout Theatre Students Embody Late Arts Leader’s Commitment to Excellence
WATERTOWN — Three members of the Class of 2025 have been named the first recipients of the Northern New York Community Foundation’s David Simmons Scholarship.
Mia Kelly, Mia Mouaikel, and Finley Swartz, cast members of Stage Notes’ summer production of “Anything Goes,” were each awarded a $500 scholarship before the curtain opened Wednesday night during the family preview of the musical comedy.
“The Stage Notes family was thrilled to have the Community Foundation join us at our family preview to announce the first recipients of the David Simmons Scholarship,” Ticia and Kyle Aumell said. “It was a special night for us to celebrate three talented students, as well as honor our dear David. We are proud to have a portion of the proceeds from ‘Anything Goes’ benefit the scholarship fund. Last year we presented ‘The Prom’ in honor of David’s life. This year, it’s for his legacy.”
A Watertown native, David Simmons was an integral part of the city’s arts community and a favorite to local audiences. He had a long history of involvement with Watertown High School musicals and community theater organizations and was a Theatre Association of New York State award winner.
David passed away in September 2023 just two weeks shy of his 61st birthday. He graduated in 1980 from Immaculate Heart Central School and attended Jefferson Community College. In 2012, he married Scott Rennie.
A friend to countless students, David generously shared his talents with all who were lucky to have known him. His impact on the arts in Northern New York was immense, but it was his mentorship, leadership, and unwavering belief in young people that became his true legacy.
Beyond the steps and songs, David nurtured character. Whether consoling a student after a missed note or celebrating a breakthrough moment on stage, David was a constant presence — compassionate, joyful, and tireless. He understood that theater could change lives, and he made sure it did.
To perpetuate his legacy, local arts organizations are working together to build the David Simmons Scholarship Fund, which was established at the Community Foundation in December. It supports students from Jefferson County who have participated in the performing arts during high school. In this way, it will help extend the support and encouragement David shared with arts and theater students during his life.
To join others in helping to honor David Simmons, make gifts to: Northern New York Community Foundation, 131 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601, or visit bit.ly/Simmons-Scholarship to give today.
A portion of proceeds from Stage Notes’ summer production of “Anything Goes” will be gifted to the David Simmons Scholarship Fund. Stage Notes production of “Anything Goes” continues through Saturday, July 26, at the Dulles State Office Building auditorium.
About the recipients
Mia Kelly is a 2025 Watertown High School graduate who will attend the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York City, this fall to study communications design.
She is a member of Stage Notes and a three-year member of the Community Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy Council. At Watertown, she served as Student Council president, was a member of Select Choir, and enjoyed participating in the school musical.
“David Simmons was a special soul. I only got one year with David, but even in that short time he made an incredible impact on my Stage Notes experience,” Mia said. “From the second I met him, I knew he was special. He will always be a core memory of my time with Stage Notes.”
Mia Mouaikel is a 2025 South Jefferson High School graduate who will attend Cornell University to major in biology and society with a minor in theatre. She is a member of Stage Notes, the Youth Philanthropy Council, Artistic Designs Dance Studio, and was very involved in her school musical and its SADD chapter.
Mia founded and developed the Dress Swap Boutique, a program dedicated to collecting and redistributing gently used formal dresses for homecoming, winter ball, prom, to individuals who may not be able to afford
purchasing new attire for each school event.
“David Simmons made an enormous impact on my journey. David was my dearest friend and mentor. I am so grateful to have had the pleasure of knowing him and connecting through our love of dance and performance,” Mia said. “David was my biggest cheerleader, and his kindness touched the heart of every student in Stage Notes. What I would give for one last David hug. The world needs more people like him. One of my favorite David sayings is and will always be “Break a nail!”
Finley Swartz is a 2025 Watertown High School graduate who will attend Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, to study pre-law this fall.
She is a member of Stage Notes and a two-year member of the Youth Philanthropy Council. At Watertown, she was very involved in the music program at its musicals. Finley represented the North Country Goes Green Irish Festival as Miss Ireland 2024.
“I feel David next to me every time I set foot on a stage. You were the light in all our lives, and a day hasn’t been the same without you,” Finley said.
About the Northern New York Community Foundation
Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.
Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.
The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.
