During the spring of 2014, following an alumni-laden performance of "Esther: The Musical," Gahanna Christian Academy (GCA) graduates Anthony Dowden, Andrew Hartje, Erin Posey, Joshua Ohm, Sara Ohm, and Karlos Smith reminised about past productions, promoted the creation of Guts for Glory Theatre Company and planned their first performance.

 

"We wanted to acknowledge that we wouldn't be the people we are today, if it weren't for the lessons we have learned, and the experiences we had. Many of those lessons and experiences for me were found in the hallways of Gahanna Christian Academy," said Anthony Dowden, a 7 year student and graduate of GCA. 

 

The group chose "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" because it is a family friendly show. It also celebrates life through the lens of children, which motivated the theatre founders to elevate their mission and create the Myah Sue Knecht Scholarship.

 

"It would be one thing to have a group of alumni get together to create a scholarship for their alma mater, but it would be an even greater privilege to honor the life of another individual through implementing this scholarship," said Andrew Hartje.

 

Myah Sue--Hartje's niece, the granddaughter of GCA teachers Paul and Karen Hartje, and sister of current GCA student Caleb--has a special place in each of the graduates' hearts. After a long and hard fought battle with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), Myah passed away in December, 2011. Although only 4-years-old, Myah impacted many lives and leaves behind a legacy of faith, courage and love that will never be forgotten and will continue to inspire others.

 

"Myah was fearless," Hartje said. "She had her apprehension of receiving chemotherapy and radiation, but she did not let her diagnosis stop her from squeezing as much out of the time she was given on this earth."

 

Myah's story became the mission and purpose of this scholarship by not allowing the situation or the circumstances that one faces define who he or she is. It is meant to be an encouragement can be what an individual needs to defy the odds in a hopeless situation. 

 

"Myah inspired our group through her battle with DIPG, and we want to share that same inspiration with as many people as we possibly can through this production." Hartje said. "Establishing the scholarship could be the encouragement a graduating student needs to pursue his or her dream; however, this production goes beyond that, by insipring the scholarship recipient to chase something that is bigger than him or herself."