Hope Stone Inc. Awards 2nd Annual Duke Memorial Scholarship to Talented Fourth Grader

Writer, drummer, dancer and actor Sofia Ivanka is the recipient of the Second Annual Duke Memorial Scholarship awarded by Hope Stone, Inc to provide a year’s tuition for a talented, financially-in-need student to participate in the schools creative play programs.

Tom Hair with Sofia Ivanka

The scholarship memorializes Axiom’s kid-friendly mascot Great Dane, Duke, who interacted with the Hope Stone students within the Tribeca Lofts where both Axiom and Hope Stone reside. The scholarship spotlights and supports the responsibility of society to make training in art, music and dance available to all children.

Sofia was chosen for her quiet leadership, particularly with the younger students, her empathy with animals and her outstanding performance as a student. She has been studying at Hope Stone for four years, developing her many talents.

Sofia recently completed her first book, Fourth Grade Math Rules, which will soon be available at Barnes and Noble and at Borders. She has designated a portion of the book’s receipts be donated to Hope Stone to help other financially-challenged kids.

The Houston-based Hope Stone, Inc. provides outreach and support services for talented, under-privileged children in the Houston area through dance and performance art.