In 2016, the idea for The Rosie Award started with a suggestion from Rosie's theater director and vocal instructor. He wanted to create an award to honor Rosie's memory and to highlight her great qualities in other young performers. So, for five years, the MRA Foundation gave the Rosie Award to two outstanding individuals who share those same awesome traits.

In 2022, The Rosie Award was expanded to include any community youth arts organization that wants to recognize two students from their organization with the award.

The Rosie Awards isn't just about handing out awards. It's a chance for our community youth theater leaders in central Indiana to give a big shout-out to two amazing students and celebrate all the fantastic youth programs in our community.

The Melanie and Rosalie Albright Foundation exists to honor the memories of two sisters, Melanie and Rosalie, who found joy in life through participating in the arts while battling Cystic Fibrosis. We believe the arts community is a safe, welcoming place for youth to be supported and accepted for who they are. By providing scholarships to youth ages six to twenty-one, we can help those wishing to participate in any aspect of the arts find acceptance and a place of belonging.

The Rosie Awards 2026

A Celebration of Youth Performing Arts in Central Indiana