LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Cindy Bridges was nominated by Melisa Adeyinka, a parent of a student. 

"I am humbled and honored to nominate Mrs. Cindy Bridges, teacher and founder of the Lindsay School of the Arts, for the Life Changer Award. To me, she is the definition of a human offering true love. Her mission to provide free high-quality arts education to children of all ages, backgrounds, and financial situations is truly admirable," expressed Adeyinka.

During the pandemic, when many parents, including first responders, had nowhere to send their children, Mrs. Bridges opened the doors of LSA to allow a small group of kids to study and attend school virtually. This act of selflessness not only provided a safe space for these children but also relieved the burden on their parents, including those on the frontlines. The students loved it so much that they didn't want to leave LSA even when schools reopened for in-person learning, a testament to the positive impact of Mrs. Bridges' work on the community.

Mrs. Bridges' dedication to making the arts accessible to all is evident in her refusal to impose fees on children or families.

Adeyinka shared, "Personally, Mrs. Bridges has been a LifeChanger for my son Kalel, a student at LSA for two years. She encourages him to be his best self and genuinely loves him. When Kalel wanted to leave LSA and try high school, Mrs. Bridges supported him but met with his friends to discuss his decision and the importance of hard work. Thanks to Mrs. Bridges' guidance and support, Kalel has blossomed into a confident young man who has appeared on stage five times! In 2023, our family faced a devastating situation when our daughter Mia, also a student at LSA, got very ill and needed a bone marrow transplant. During this difficult time, Mrs. Bridges and her husband, a co-founder of LSA, cared for our son while we were in New York for over 100 days. Thanks to their care and support, our son maintained his grades and even made it on the honor roll. Mrs. Bridges has been a life changer for my children and my entire family, especially me."

Mrs. Bridges' selflessness, dedication, and love for her students and their families are remarkable!