Amor Goetz

I am very grateful for this opportunity that will enormously help me continue with school and with Med school applications. It is a wholesome opportunity to motivate underrepresented students like me to excel in academia. Also, this helps ease our financial stress which could be a determining factor to continue with our goals and aspirations.

Hana Reeser

Dear WC & EJ Thornton Foundation, I’d like to express my heartfelt thanks for awarding me the WC&EJ Thornton Tools of the Trade Scholarship. I feel incredibly grateful and honored to be chosen as a recipient, and your support has truly lifted my spirits as I continue pursuing my passion for carpentry. This scholarship provides a tremendous relief, as funding my tools and education independently has been a significant challenge. With this support, I’m now able to focus more on developing my skills while balancing the responsibilities of repaying my previous student loans, and I can fully dedicate myself to my studies and hands-on training. After facing obstacles along my educational path, carving out a new career in carpentry has given me both purpose and joy. I’m excited to not only further my own knowledge, but also to inspire others to join the trades—especially as interest in vocational careers declines. I’m passionate about the positive effects of thoughtful building and preservation on our communities’ well-being, and your foundation’s commitment to uplifting underrepresented students like me is truly inspiring. Your generosity reminds me that there are people and organizations devoted to helping others achieve their goals and make a difference. Because of this support, I feel empowered to keep growing and to give back, helping others find their place in the trades. Thank you for believing in my journey and for investing in students’ futures. Your kindness and encouragement will have a lasting impact on my life. Thank you, Hana Reeser

David Ullman Jr

Dear WC & EJ Thornton Foundation, I want to sincerely thank you for awarding me the WC&EJ Thornton Tools of the Trade Scholarship. I truly appreciate your belief in me, and I feel honored to be chosen as a recipient. Having this support is a huge help as I continue studying construction at my high school technical school. Your generosity means I can get the tools I need to develop my skills, and it gives me more freedom to focus on learning rather than worrying about costs. I also work with my neighbors and my dad on construction projects, so being able to use the right equipment will make a real difference in what I can contribute. My dream is to someday build my own house, and this scholarship brings me a big step closer to making that happen. Your foundation’s commitment to helping youth in underrepresented communities inspires me to work even harder and to someday support others in their own pursuits. Thank you for supporting students like me and for helping create opportunities that can change lives. Your kindness motivates me to keep pushing toward my goals, and I look forward to the day when I can give back as you have. Thank you, David Ullman Jr

Pedro Diaz Gonzalez

Dear WC & EJ Thornton Foundation, I want to sincerely thank you for selecting me as a recipient of the WC&EJ Thornton Tools of the Trade Scholarship. I feel truly privileged to have your support, and your belief in my potential means so much to me. This scholarship is a tremendous help, as it gives me the resources I need to acquire essential tools for my vocational training. Knowing that this financial support is there allows me to focus wholeheartedly on developing my skills and pursuing my passion for learning, without worrying about the costs of necessary equipment. As someone who is driven to make a positive difference and excited to be a part of the Bold.org community, your generosity gives me the confidence and motivation to keep moving forward in my journey. The WC & EJ Thornton Foundation's mission to uplift underrepresented youth and support education is truly inspiring, and I am honored to be part of that vision. Your kindness is making a real impact in my life, and I hope to one day give back to others just as you have given to me. Thank you, Pedro Diaz Gonzalez

Jolissa Taylor

Dear WC & EJ Thornton Foundation, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for being chosen as a recipient of the WC&EJ Thornton Tools of the Trade Scholarship. It truly means so much to me to have your support as I start my journey toward a career in welding. Having this scholarship relieves a heavy financial strain, allowing me to focus on my training and work toward a stable, secure future. As a young woman committed to creating a better life for my children, your generosity provides me with the tools and opportunities I need to break the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck and to pursue a field that promises real security. Your mission to advance education and support underrepresented youth who are determined to succeed resonates deeply with me. Knowing there are organizations like yours that see potential in people like me gives me hope and motivation to work even harder for my family and community. Thank you for making such a meaningful impact in my life. I look forward to the day when I can help others as you have helped me. Thank you, Jolissa Taylor

Diarra Trim

Dear WC & EJ Thornton Foundation, I want to sincerely thank you for awarding me the WC&EJ Thornton Tools of the Trade Scholarship. Receiving this support fills me with both gratitude and excitement, as it brings me closer to reaching my goals in the aviation field. Your generosity is making a real difference in my education by easing the financial challenges associated with acquiring the essential tools for my Aviation Maintenance certification. With this scholarship, I can focus more fully on mastering the hands-on skills needed in my trade, which is such a vital part of my progression toward a future as a pilot. From a young age, aviation has sparked my curiosity and ambition. This passion drives me to pursue not only technical expertise, but also to contribute to the industry in meaningful ways. I’m inspired by your commitment to advancing education and supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds who share the drive to achieve their dreams. Your foundation’s mission resonates with me deeply. Knowing that you believe in my potential motivates me to work even harder and inspires me to one day give back to others as you have given to me. I’m truly grateful for your belief in my journey and your ongoing support of aspiring professionals. Thank you, Diarra Trim

Tagon Lopez

Dear WC & EJ Thornton Foundation, I'm incredibly grateful to be selected as a recipient of the WC&EJ Thornton Tools of the Trade Scholarship. Your support truly lifts my spirits during a challenging time for my family and me, and I appreciate this opportunity more than I can express. Receiving this scholarship means I can secure essential tools for my vocational studies, which is a huge relief as I set out to learn trades like electrical work, plumbing, welding, and mechanics. With your help, I’m able to keep moving forward in my education and career goals without the heavy worry about how to afford the equipment I need. Growing up in Roy, New Mexico, I've always been motivated to work hard and set a positive example. After my family's home was lost to a fire earlier this year, your generosity has provided hope and a pathway for me to continue working toward a better future for myself and my family. I admire the WC & EJ Thornton Foundation’s commitment to helping youth who show potential but face financial hardships. Your mission inspires me to persevere and, one day, give back to others in my community in the same spirit. Thank you for believing in me and for the meaningful difference you make. I’m determined to make the most of this opportunity and hope to pay your kindness forward as I grow in my career. Thank you, Tagon Lopez

lyric patino

Dear WC & EJ Thornton Foundation, I'm extremely grateful to have been selected as a recipient of the WCEJ Thornton Foundation Music & Art Scholarship. Knowing that my artistic aspirations are being recognized and supported means so much to me, and I truly appreciate your generosity. Receiving this scholarship eases the financial challenges of pursuing my education at Pace University, where I’ll be majoring in Acting at the Sands College of Performing Arts. With this support, I can fully focus on developing my craft and taking every opportunity to grow as a performer, rather than worrying about how I’ll cover my expenses. Since I started acting at age 8, my passion for performance has shaped every part of my life. My dream is to become a professional actor in New York, and your belief in me brings me one step closer to making that dream a reality. I'm inspired by your mission to uplift young artists from underrepresented backgrounds and help them reach their highest potential. Your commitment to advancing the arts and education encourages me to work even harder and, one day, support others in the same way. Thank you for your kindness and for investing in my education and future. Thank you, Lyric Patino

Langening-Arum Ratmansunu

Hello WC & EJ Thornton Foundation, Thank you so much for selecting me as an award recipient! Words can't describe my appreciation, so I hope this little thank-you letter suffices. I'm going through a lot right now health-wise, and this genuinely eases so many worries for making my tuition for the year. I'm excited to make things work. Thank you again! Lang

Jayden Griffin

I want to thank those at the WC & EJ Foundation so very much for their contribution to my education. The WC & EJ Foundation Music and Arts Scholarship felt like the perfect opportunity for me, and I am incredibly thankful to have been afforded it. Both the arts and community are things I and many others value greatly, making WC & EJ's support of them all the more meaningful. I am sure that I and many others receiving this generous offer will carry these values with gratitude for the foundation's support. Thank you for supporting me and the other winners in our academic and artistic endeavors. With Gratitude, Jayden G.

Benjamin Jones

Dear WC & EJ Thornton Foundation, I'm truly honored and grateful to be chosen as a recipient of the WCEJ Thornton Foundation Music & Art Scholarship. This recognition not only uplifts my artistic journey, but also empowers my dreams in ways I can hardly put into words. Your support directly alleviates significant financial barriers, allowing me to focus wholeheartedly on my dance studies at USC and deepen my creative work—both in the studio and in the communities I serve. Growing up as a queer Latinx boy in dance, I often felt unseen and faced many challenges. Yet, movement has always been my language and my source of strength. Through dance, I strive to tell stories that resonate with memory, resistance, and transformation—reflecting my own experiences and those of people like me, who rarely see themselves reflected in the arts. Your generosity enables me to keep breaking new ground, from training internationally to leading hip-hop workshops for young students in Los Angeles. Each step forward is possible because foundations like yours believe in the power of art to create change. Your mission to advance arts and education, and to uplift underrepresented youth, truly inspires me. I’m motivated not only to excel in my field but also to give back by creating inclusive spaces where every young artist can feel they belong. After graduation, I plan to join a company, choreograph, and develop community-based dance programs that offer mentorship and access to those who need it most. Thank you for investing in my dreams and for believing in the transformative power of the arts. Your kindness has made a profound difference in my life, and I look forward to carrying your mission forward through my work and teaching. Thank you, Benjamin Jones

Mya Reeves

Dear WC & EJ Thornton Foundation, I want to express my heartfelt thanks for awarding me the WCEJ Thornton Foundation Music & Art Scholarship. I feel immensely grateful and honored to be recognized for my aspirations in the arts, and your support genuinely inspires me. Receiving this scholarship eases the financial challenges of pursuing my education, allowing me to dedicate myself more fully to my studies and creative passions. Your generosity empowers me to continue exploring the rich history and diverse cultures that shape our world, something I’ve always been passionate about as a history major. Throughout my academic journey—from graduating Cum Laude and making the dean’s list, to my longtime involvement in Phi Theta Kappa and community service through Girl Scouts—I’ve sought out opportunities to make a difference and broaden my perspective. This scholarship will help me further those goals and deepen my commitment to understanding and celebrating cultural diversity through the arts. I truly admire your mission to uplift underrepresented youth and advance the arts and education. Your commitment to providing opportunities for students like me is deeply motivating, and I hope to mirror this spirit of generosity in my own community work someday. Thank you again for believing in my potential and for making such a meaningful impact on my life and education. Your support brings me one step closer to achieving my dreams, and I am sincerely appreciative. Thank you, Mya Reeves

Myla Sherron-Howard

Dear WC & EJ Thornton Foundation, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for selecting me as a recipient of the WCEJ Thornton Foundation Low-Income Scholarship. Being chosen for this support means so much to me, and I feel truly honored. This scholarship eases the financial strain on my family and lets me stay focused on my studies and creative pursuits without constant worry about expenses. Thank you, Myla Sherron-Howard

Emmanuel Madrid

Dear WC & EJ Thornton Foundation, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for being chosen as a recipient of the WCEJ Thornton Foundation Low-Income Scholarship. It's truly uplifting to receive this support, and I feel honored to be recognized by an organization so deeply committed to advancing education and empowering underrepresented youth. This scholarship means more to me than words can fully capture. By easing the financial pressures of college, you're allowing me to invest my energy and focus into my studies and my passion for science and public health. Your support helps open doors that would otherwise be out of reach, making it possible for students like me to pursue our dreams. Growing up in the Hispanic and Latino community, I’ve seen firsthand how access to medical research and representation in clinical trials can change lives. Inspired by my aunt’s journey with leukemia, I’m motivated to expand opportunities for those in my community to participate in vital cancer research. This award brings me one step closer to connecting more people with the hope and healing that medical science can offer. Your dedication to advancing the arts and education, and supporting youth with both promise and financial need, is truly inspiring. Knowing that organizations like yours believe in my potential pushes me to work harder and inspires me to pay this kindness forward. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference in my life and in the lives of so many other students. Thank you, Emmanuel Madrid

Kennedy Graham

Dear WC & EJ Thornton Foundation, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for awarding me the WCEJ Thornton Foundation Low-Income Scholarship. Receiving this recognition truly means the world to me, and I feel privileged to have your support as I pursue my dream of making higher education accessible for myself and others. The financial assistance from this scholarship eases a significant burden for my family and allows me to dedicate more time and energy to my academic studies and community activities. Your belief in supporting students like me who might not otherwise have the means to excel is making a real difference in my life. As someone who’s invested over 2,500 hours volunteering and earned the Presidential Volunteer Service Award at the gold level every year since first grade, I’m passionate about giving back. My ultimate goal is to open a rehabilitation hospital that offers comprehensive therapies for individuals with special needs, inspired by my brother's journey. This scholarship brings me one step closer to turning that vision into reality. Your commitment to advancing the arts, education, and opportunities for youth from underrepresented backgrounds is truly inspiring. Knowing that you’re helping students like me achieve our goals gives me even more motivation to work hard and pay it forward in my own career and community service. Thank you for your generosity and encouragement. I’m excited for the future and grateful for the role you’ve played in helping shape it. Respectfully, Kennedy Graham

Mellissa Torres

Dear WC & EJ Thornton Foundation, I want to express my heartfelt thanks for awarding me the WC&EJ Thornton Tools of the Trade Scholarship. I'm truly grateful for this recognition and support. Growing up with limited means as the daughter of a Cuban immigrant and political refugee, I learned early on the value of perseverance, resilience, and helping others. Your scholarship gives me the resources I need to pursue my dream of becoming a cosmetologist, and it lifts a huge weight off my shoulders as I work to rebuild financial stability for myself. Because of your generosity, I’ll be able to invest in the essential tools for my trade, which will allow me to focus on developing my skills and helping others feel beautiful and confident. My passion lies in making people feel cared for and seen, especially through services like extensions and highlights. This support brings me closer to making a real impact in my community. I am inspired by your foundation’s mission to uplift youth who have ability and drive but need a helping hand. Knowing that you believe in students like me encourages me to keep moving forward, and I hope to one day pay this kindness forward by supporting others in their journeys. Your investment in my future means more to me than words can say, and I am so thankful for your support as I continue on this path. Thank you, Mellissa Torres

Juana Reyes

Dear WC & EJ Thornton Foundation, I am truly grateful for being chosen as a recipient of the WCEJ Thornton Foundation Low-Income Scholarship. Knowing that you believe in my potential means a great deal to me, and I'm inspired by your commitment to helping students like me access higher education. This generous support eases the financial challenges I face as a low-income student and allows me to dedicate more energy to my studies and community involvement. With less financial stress, I can continue volunteering with Meals by Grace, where I've grown as a leader and strengthened my skills in project management and outreach. I will humbly accept this award with full intentions to not only build up my career, but to give back to my community and open doors for other marginalized community students along the way. Thank you for your kindness and steadfast support, your generosity is opening new doors for my future. Thank you, Juana Reyes

Chancey Hope

Dear WC & EJ Thornton Foundation, I'm incredibly grateful to have been chosen as a recipient of the WC&EJ Thornton Tools of the Trade Scholarship. Knowing that you believe in my potential to succeed as a vocational student means so much to me and my family. This gift truly lightens the financial load for me as I prepare to start at Ogle Beauty School next year. Being able to afford the tools and supplies necessary for my esthetics training means I can focus on learning and growing in my craft instead of worrying about how I’ll keep up with expenses. As a first-generation college student from Atlanta and someone who’s passionate about helping others, this support pushes me closer to my goal of becoming a positive influence, not just for my younger sister and cousins but also for everyone I meet in my future career. I hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams and to always look for the good in every situation. Your foundation’s dedication to advancing education and supporting youth who lack resources is genuinely inspiring. Knowing that your mission uplifts students from underrepresented backgrounds encourages me to work even harder and embrace my role as a leader in my community. Thank you for your generosity and belief in my journey. Your support is already making a difference in my life, and I look forward to the day when I can help others, just as you’ve helped me. Thank you, Chancey Hope

Mahavir Shah

Dear WC & EJ Thornton Foundation, I'm truly grateful to be chosen as a recipient of the WC&EJ Thornton Tools of the Trade Scholarship. It means so much to me to receive this support, especially as someone passionate about building a career in the electrical trade. Your generosity takes a big weight off my shoulders, making it possible for me to get the tools I need to advance as an apprentice and focus on learning and honing my skills. Growing up, I spent countless hours helping my father with electrical work, developing a hands-on understanding of wiring, troubleshooting, and equipment operation. With your help, I'm now one step closer to becoming a skilled tradesperson who can make a difference for others. I'm also excited to continue pursuing my interests in photography and videography, and I hope to use my technical skills to help people bring their creative visions to life. I'm inspired by the mission of the WC & EJ Thornton Foundation to uplift underrepresented youth and support education in practical fields. Your commitment motivates me to keep striving and to one day pay your kindness forward within my community. Thank you for believing in me and investing in my future. Thank you, Mahavir Shah

Kade Slayton

Dear WCEJ Thornton Foundation, Thank you for choosing to support my musical journey with this music & arts scholarship. I was overjoyed to find out that I had been selected as an award recipient, and that my work had paid off. I would also like to give thanks for reviewing my essay work and for giving my music a chance. I recognize the importance of having my music be heard, especially this early in my composition career. So, I remain grateful for this opportunity from your organization, that will help me greatly in my studies at Conservatory. Thank you, Kade Slayton

Leo Senesac

Dear WC & EJ Thornton Foundation, I’m truly grateful to be chosen as a recipient of the WCEJ Thornton Foundation Low-Income Scholarship. Your support has brought me tremendous relief, allowing me to focus more on my studies and my responsibilities as a father, rather than constantly worrying about the financial strains of pursuing my education. As a fourth-year student at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, my path to becoming a medical doctor is personal and deeply rooted in my identity as a Native Hawaiian. I’m passionate about addressing the physician shortage in our islands, where so many in my community go without proper care. Balancing my academic pursuits, fatherhood, and work hasn’t been easy, but knowing there are organizations like yours that believe in students from underrepresented backgrounds makes an incredible difference. Your commitment to advancing education and supporting youth who show promise, but may lack resources, truly resonates with me. Everything I strive for is centered around giving back—to my son, to Hawai‘i, and to future generations. Your generosity not only eases my financial burden but motivates me further to serve my community as a healthcare provider and role model. Thank you for your kindness, encouragement, and belief in students like me. I’m inspired by your foundation’s mission, and I look forward to the day I can make a lasting impact in the lives of others, just as you have in mine. Thank you, Leo Senesac

Carla Rojas Rojas

Dear WC & EJ Thornton Foundation, I'm truly grateful for being chosen as a recipient of the WCEJ Thornton Foundation Low-Income Scholarship. Knowing that there are organizations like yours dedicated to supporting students who face financial barriers gives me immense encouragement as I pursue my cybersecurity degree. This scholarship provides significant relief for my family and me, allowing me to devote myself more fully to my studies without the constant worry of tuition costs. As a first-generation college student from an immigrant background, receiving this support brings me one step closer to achieving my dream of graduating and making a difference in the digital world. Your foundation’s mission to uplift underrepresented youth and promote education resonates deeply with me. The opportunities you provide empower students like myself to overcome obstacles and strive for excellence. Thank you for your generosity and belief in my potential. Your support inspires me to continue working hard and, one day, give back to my community in meaningful ways. Thank you, Carla Rojas Rojas

Atasha Alcaraz

Dear WC & EJ Thornton Foundation, I'm immensely and utterly grateful for being chosen, one of the many applicants, as a recipient of the WCEJ Thornton Foundation Low-Income Scholarship. To the world, it may seem small, but to me and my family, it is a grand prize to have your support as I pursue higher education out of my hometown. Having grown up in Saipan, CNMI, I've witnessed how limited resources can prevent communities from reaching their full potential, and the need for advancement in my place, which has only fueled my passion to improve global healthcare access and media outreach in the healthcare field. Receiving this scholarship reduces the burden and eases my way through financial limitations for low-income and out-of-state students pursuing higher education. This allowed me to keep going and to follow my studies-- there is hope in the future generation of scholars. I sincerely give many thanks for your belief and support in students like me, serving underprivileged communities around the world, and for helping make higher education more accessible. Thank you, Atasha Alcaraz

Ivette Flores

Dear Donor, I am grateful about being selected as one of the winning candidates for your WC & EJ Thornton Scholarship award, and I would like to thank you so much for the consideration. Ever since enrolling back into school I have run into many shortfalls with tuition, but despite that, I have maintained a steady GPA and am now enrolled in my choice of nursing program. With your WC & EJ Thornton Scholarship award, I am very grateful that this award will aid in improving my chances of having successful future quarters in my nursing journey. Thank you again for believing in me and supporting my career goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. Best regards,

Andre Allen

Hello WCEJ Thornton Foundation Low-Income Scholarship Committee, Thank you for the opportunity to submit my essay and share my personal story. Although I did not win a scholarship, I was a finalist and I am happy to have been considered for this award. Congratulations to all the award recipients. All my best!

zoey vagner

Thank you so much for considering me as a finalist. I appreciate the time you took to review my and others' applications in the process. Your consideration gives me hope of winning a scholarship soon to pursue my dreams.