I began taking dance lessons before the age of 3 and instantly found my life’s passion. Each year that I could add more classes or another style, I did. I spent up to six days a week training, attended every festival, camp, performance opportunity and dance convention offered. I never considered the cost. Fast-forward to my passion blessedly becoming my career. I remember one day being struck by the thought of what my sixteen years of dance education must have cost my parents. It was certainly a stretch for them financially, my brother, sister and I all had activities to support. Then, in the 8th grade, my parents opened their hearts to foster teenage girls that desperately needed a safe home. Mom and Dad both worked hard and always found a way to provide for all of us, even when times were tight. My high school years saw the height of my dance education costs, and even at the point when there were five additional girls in our home, my Mom and Dad never said “no” or questioned the cost of my desire to dance. It was ten years ago when I called my mother, Sharie Crummer, in tears at the realization of all my parents had provided for. Mom reassured me that the support had been their pleasure. In 2018 we moved into our current Bozeman Dance Academy home, and Mom and Dad came to help with the Grand Opening. My still proud mother insisted that my Senior dance picture be displayed in the studio After some back and forth, I reluctantly hung the picture, discreetly, on a wall few will see in the building. My Mom was satisfied. I am glad she insisted, and I am thankful she was there. We unexpectedly lost her just a few months later - I smile every time I pass that silly picture. Clint and I have been praying about a way to further honor my Mom and her heart; a scholarship program in her name for passionate dancers, like her own child, seems like a good start. With Love, Miss Cassie