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Student's Giving Spirit Continues After His Death With Dare To Dream Program

INGLEWOOD (CBSLA.com) — A South LA student is traveling to Monaco thanks to Dare To Dream, an arts program started by a talented teen who passed away last year.

Justin Carr, 16, died suddenly in February from a heart condition no one knew he had.

"Since he was a child it just made him feel good to give somebody else something," Justin's father, Darryl Carr said.

The teen's giving has continued after his death through Dare To Dream. Justin was a gifted artist who started the after-school program so that ofter children also could have access to the arts, especially since many schools have cut back on their programs.

"He loved life, loved the arts, loved music, loved theater, loved to draw, loved people," Justin's mother, Susan Carr said.

Students enrolled in Dare To Dream recently received some exciting news.

"I got a call from a friend. She said, 'What's the name of Justin's school because there's this art program competition that's coming up,'" Susan Carr said.

Princess Stephanie of Monaco each year selects several counties to participate in an international circus and the United States was among those chosen this year. Students can enter an art contest for a chance at attending.

A student with Dare To Dream was delighted to find she was among the winners.

Aniya Conner, 10, whose drawing of a circus clown to fit the circus theme, won her and her family a week-long trip to Monaco to meet the princess. Aniya has never traveled outside the country before and is excited to see the International Circus of Monte Carlo.

"This little girl is so much like Justin," Susan Carr said.

"What would Justin say if he was here?" CBS2/KCAL9 reporter Stephanie Simmons said.

"He would be thrilled. He would be so excited that he had a hand in it," Darryl Carr said.

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