Discus Awards

Recently, we caught up with actress, activist, and March 2010 Discus Scholarship winner Alexandra Rose Rieger and asked her a few questions about herself and her achievements. This is part one of a two part interview with Alexandra.

Discus Dan: What has been the biggest thrill for you to this point in your young acting and singing career?

Alexandra Rose Rieger: It has been most amazing for me to use the arts as a medium to help others. I perform in many benefit concerts, inspire through my lyrics and use music to bridge divides. One of my most memorable experiences was in post-war Angola, Africa. I was sitting in the blood-red dust under a gleaming sun, playing music with war-torn youths -- to celebrate the founding of a new school and sustainable water well.

The culmination of this experience motivated me to create a multi-caused series of charity event entitled, ‘A Star In You.’ This event uses arts, academics and altruism as a medium to help youths gain access to a safe platform to share their hopes, dreams and “inner stars”. Through academics and arts mentorship, youths are inspired to become the leaders our future needs and deserves.

Recently ‘A Star in You’ held an event for the chronically ill children at the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House. During this event, a musically inspired documentary was created which now helps to secure grants and funding for Ronald McDonald Houses. It is an honor for me to share themes of hope healing and harmony through my music.

DD: What community service project are you most involved with?

ARR: I am very much involved with activities as a Youth Ambassador; both as an Honorary U.N. Ambassador and an appointed Youth Ambassador for the Charitable Foundation, 'In a Perfect World' founded by social entrepreneur Manuela Testolini. I work on a multi-cause level as the liaison between larger charitable organizations and the youths around the world who are in need. I work with over 30 different charities and organizations globally. I have been able to not only help people in need, but at the same time, I encourage others to get involved. It is true success to me, when one is able to help someone to such an extent that the individual who has received aid, in turn passes on the torch and begins to help others themselves.

DD: What did winning a Discus Award and scholarship mean to you?

ARR: I am honored to be one among the many inspirational students and scholars to receive the prestigious Discus Award and Scholarship. I strive to be well rounded in my endeavors whether in academics, community service or the arts. I am most appreciative to the Discus Awards for supporting and encouraging me and many other high school students along this path. At the same time, I realized that receiving this award gives me an opportunity to further encourage others on a national and international scale; by providing a platform to share my passion for altruism, activism and academics and the arts. For this I am very grateful.

Check back tomorrow for part two of our interview with March 2010 Discus Scholarship winner Alexandra Rose Rieger.

Filed under: Discus Dan • All-Around High School Students • Meet the Discus Winner