At the edge of the Long Island dance studio where Emily Finn first discovered her love for movement, a gentle touch of color had been placed in the trees—soft pink ribbons tied up by a handful of her closest friends. The gesture came from students at the American Ballet Studio in Bayport, who wanted to honor the young dancer who had become such a beacon in their lives.
Three of those students—Katelyn Guterwill, 18; Brynne Ballan, 18; and Maya Truglio, 16—have decided to let the memory live on in a way that feels personal and permanent. They plan to get matching tattoos to commemorate their friendship and the group chat called “oh sugar,” a nickname they all share. Ballan also has a second piece of ink on her right arm that reads “Love, Emmie,” written exactly the same as Emily’s own handwriting on a note she left behind.
Emily was remembered by those who knew her as a vibrant, caring presence—always willing to help with costume work or craft projects, and the one people would turn to when something needed fixing. Her friends described her as a “student of life,” someone who never hesitated to lend a hand or a flavor of artistry to those around her.
Tragically, Emily’s life was cut short last week when she was shot inside the home of her ex‑boyfriend, Austin Lynch, in Nesconset. Police say Lynch, 17, then attempted to take his own life but survived. He is expected to face a second‑degree murder charge.
The wake was slated for Sunday in Sayville, with a funeral to follow on Monday morning. Friends and family were expected to gather, but many were already heading back to the studio, the place where Emily had danced for years.
In the weeks since the shooting, Emily’s classmates and neighbors have described the loss as a seismic shift in the community. The dance studio, which had been a staple of the Bayport area, now holds a quiet dignity, as teachers and younger dancers alike pay tribute to the girl who once guided them on stage and off.
Lanora Truglio, 48, a third‑grade teacher who is training her daughter to dance Emily’s role in the old Nutcracker production, said the news shook the children. “They’re seduced with sadness,” she said. “People are grieving as we gather to honor Emily.” Truglio added that performances of the Nutcracker this year—and future events—will be dedicated to Emily, in a bid to help the children heal.
Emily had been a pioneer for the competition of the dance program, often standing out as a leader either backstage or in the midst of a performance. She consistently delivered. “If I needed help with a costume or a headpiece, I just turned to Emily,” recalled Guterwill.
Her friends point to small, cherished rituals that made their partnership perfect. From the regular mall stops, coffee runs, beach excursions, to the thrill of live concerts, one cannot help but feel as if the loss can hardly be understood.
“Emily was always full of life. She loved it,” mentioned Guterwill. “I’m not sure if I’ll ever be able to sum up the magnitude of that.” Maya echoed, saying, “She was just the best human being, and I’m devastated that she’s gone.” Ballan added, “She had the very best heart.”
In the bones of the studio, her memory remains. The atmosphere stays as it was last year with the children practicing routines, while the older dancers keep Emily’s patience at their sides.
As for the friends who are committing their tattoos, Guterwill said: “We’re going to carry Emily into everything that comes next. Even though the words might fail, we’re all going to stay alive in her.” Truglio said, “She will always keep us together in our shared memories.”
The trio’s tattoos—one by one—serve as a persistent reminder that while the world may only offer ink for a moment, their tribute lives forever in their hearts.
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