Hometown: Jupiter, FL
College: Florida Atlantic University Class of 2022
Scholarship Fund: Harry and Bertha Bronstein Memorial Scholarship
The Graulich family knew sending their son Colin to college would be challenging for many reasons. Not only was his brother in college, too, Colin needed extra attention thanks to his Asperger’s syndrome — part of the autism spectrum disorder. What the family didn’t know was how these challenges would be exacerbated when COVID-19 hit.
“The Bronstein Scholarship was tremendously important to our family as it helped us support two children in college at once — especially during the pandemic years, when unforeseen issues made finances tight,” said Heather Graulich, Colin’s mother.
Colin, a Dwyer High School graduate, paused to think. If he was sitting in front of the Bronsteins, what would he say?
“I would say, I’m glad to meet you.” The scholarship helped him through Florida Atlantic University, allowing him to do more than he even thought he could. “So, thank you.”
Colin graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in December 2022. He focused on theater tech, which taught him elements of set design and stage production. He spent the spring working on internship with the Lyric Opera Company of Orange County, Calif. There, he learned stage production for opera.
While working for the opera company, he connected with DJE Sounds and Lighting, a live event production company based in Lake Forest and Foothill Ranch, where he has done freelance work. They do a lot of fashion shows, Colin said. For the fall, he’ll be looking for stage craft opportunities in Palm Beach County.
Beyond the financial assistance, Colin’s mother said she’s grateful for the opportunity the scholarship provides to students with disabilities. The Bronstein Scholarship has a designated preference for students with a disability or from a minority community.
“The Bronstein Scholarship is forever dear to us for its recognition that students with disabilities have amazing talents and gifts to share with the world,” she said. “They may need a little extra support while reaching for their dreams, but most importantly they need others to believe they can excel.”
