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The Bayport dance studio where Emily Finn spent six years as both a student and teacher is honoring the 18-year-old West Sayville woman’s memory by lining the studio with pink ribbons, establishing a scholarship in her name, and dedicating next month’s “Nutcracker” performance to her, according to a report.
In a heartfelt Instagram tribute, Finn’s teacher at the American Ballet Studio on Middle Road, Megan Scholz, remembered the teen’s arrival at the studio at age 12 as a quiet, sweet student, who later blossomed into a determined and inspiring leader.
“Emily came to ABS at 12 years old, quiet, sweet and unsure, but before long she grew into a leader and a role model who everyone looked up to,” Scholz wrote. “She remembered every correction, always knew all the changes, and constantly kept us all on track. Reliable, hardworking and so endlessly kind.”
Finn died tragically on Wednesday after she was shot with a shotgun by her 17-year-old ex-boyfriend inside his Nesconset home, in a murder-suicide attempt, police said. The boy shot himself in the face, according to cops, but survived and was taken Stony Brook University Hospital in critical but stable condition.
Finn went to the home to return her ex-boyfriend’s belongings following their recent breakup, police said. The teen, whose name is being withheld because of his age, will be charged with second-degree murder, police have said.
Finn, a 2025 graduate of Sayville High School, was a freshman at SUNY Oneonta studying early childhood/elementary education with a minor in dance. She loved ballet from a very young age.
The Uvalde Foundation for Kids announced it will plant a tree in Emily’s memory at the Finger Lakes National Forest, News 12 Long Island reported. The station also noted the American Ballet Studio will line the studio with pink ribbons to honor Finn, establish a scholarship in her name and dedicate their December performance of “Nutcracker” to her.
A natural leader
In her Instagram message, Scholz shared a story that captured Finn’s determination and positive outlook.
Last year, as president of the studio’s student-run fundraiser, Finn planned a car wash that was threatened by rain. When Scholz and studio owner Kathleen Kairns-Scholz suggested canceling, Finn refused.
“Emily just shrugged and said ‘No, we’re gonna just try today,'” Scholz recalled. “Even when Mrs. Kathy and I both said we should call it, Emily’s determination won out. The kids followed her lead, worked in the rain (washed 0 cars) and raised almost $600 that day.”
“Her determination and outlook inspired me deeply,” Scholz wrote. “It’s a gift when a student teaches you something you want to carry into your own life. It was a true honor to be Emily’s teacher, and her light will be felt at ABS for years to come. Emily, ABS will always be your second home. We love you endlessly.”
Services announced for Emily Finn, 18
Services for Finn are scheduled for Sunday and Monday, with her family requesting that attendees wear a splash of pink in honor of her favorite color. The family has requested donations be made to The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
A GoFundMe campaign established to support Finn’s family has raised nearly $80,000 from more than 1,200 donations.
Top photo: Emily Finn (Instagram / @emily_finn1015)
