Aserina Hill Memorial Scholarship

My name is Elijah Jones, and I am currently a senior at Northeast Guilford High School. Throughout my high school journey, I have developed a strong passion for athletics, particularly football and track and field. Being actively involved in sports has shaped not only my physical abilities but also my character, discipline, and work ethic. The lessons I have learned on the field are teamwork, perseverance, leadership, and resilience which have prepared me for both academic and personal success beyond high school. After graduation, I plan to attend college and major in Kinesiology. I am drawn to this field because it focuses on the science of human movement and performance, which directly connects to my love for sports. Earning a degree in Kinesiology will provide me with the academic foundation necessary to apply to physical therapy school. My ultimate goal is to become an athletic physical therapist who works specifically with athletes. I want to help individuals recover from injuries, rebuild strength, and safely return to the sports they are passionate about. I understand firsthand how devastating injuries can be for athletes, both physically and mentally. Being able to guide someone through recovery and watch them regain confidence and return stronger than before would be incredibly rewarding. Currently, I volunteer as an athletic performance training assistant with the Pop Warner team I once played for as a child. In this role, I help younger athletes improve their agility, coordination, and strength so they can perform at their highest potential. Working with these children has strengthened my desire to pursue a career in sports medicine and physical therapy. I enjoy mentoring young athletes, encouraging them to push themselves, and teaching them proper techniques to prevent injuries. Seeing their growth and development reminds me of how influential positive support and opportunity can be in a young athlete’s life. Sports have played a major role in shaping who I am today. They have provided me with structure, motivation, and a sense of belonging. However, I have also witnessed how financial barriers can prevent talented and passionate kids from participating. If I were to start a charity, I would create an organization called “Every child plays.” This charity would raise funds to support children whose families cannot afford the costs associated with sports participation. Registration fees, uniforms, equipment, and even athletic shoes can create financial strain for many households. “Every child Plays” would aim to remove those barriers so that every child has the opportunity to compete, grow, and thrive through sports. Too many of my friends were unable to play or were turned away simply because their families could not afford the fees. By covering these expenses, the charity would relieve financial stress and allow families to focus on enjoying their child’s athletic experience. Every child deserves the chance to step onto the field, build confidence, and pursue their passion without being limited by financial hardship.

My name is Kennedy Hope Berryman, and I am a student from Durham, North Carolina, a city rich in history, culture, and diversity. Growing up in such a vibrant and bustling community has shaped my values of perseverance, hard work, and service to others. Being surrounded by people from many different backgrounds has taught me the importance of understanding, empathy, and collaboration, and it has motivated me to become actively involved in both my school and community. Athletics have played a significant role in shaping who I am today. I have been a competitive swimmer for twelve years, for Yota Swim Team. Through swimming, I have developed discipline, resilience, strong time-management skills, and a deep appreciation for teamwork. The dedication required to balance long practices with academics has taught me how to set goals and remain committed even when challenges arise. In addition to swimming, I have been dancing for four years at Hillside High School. Dance has strengthened my flexibility, coordination, and endurance, while also increasing my awareness of how the body moves and performs. Participating in both sports has deepened my passion for nutrition, as I have learned how proper fueling, recovery, and mental wellness directly impact athletic performance and overall health. Alongside athletics, I am actively involved in several academic and leadership-based organizations at my school. I am a member of Hillside High School National Honor Society, where I strive to uphold academic excellence while contributing to service initiatives within my community. I am also part of the debate team, an experience that has helped me build confidence, improve my public speaking abilities, and strengthen my critical thinking skills. Additionally, I serve as the Vice President of the Teen Leadership Club. In this role, I help plan events, lead meetings, and encourage other students to become engaged leaders who make positive contributions to their communities. These leadership experiences have taught me responsibility, communication, and the importance of working collaboratively toward shared goals. After high school, I plan to attend a 4 year college and pursue a degree in international business while continuing my studies in nutrition. I believe that business and wellness are closely connected, as healthy individuals form the foundation of strong communities and successful organizations. By studying international business, I hope to gain a global perspective on how different cultures approach health, nutrition, and wellness. This knowledge will allow me to create programs, initiatives, or corporate wellness strategies that promote healthier lifestyles across diverse populations. If I were to start my own charity, its mission would be to provide accessible nutrition education and wellness resources to underserved communities. The charity would serve children, students, and families who may lack access to reliable health information, nutritious food options, or wellness support. Volunteers would lead educational workshops, assist with community and school-based wellness programs, help with meal-planning education, and organize health-focused events. Ultimately, my goal is to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to make healthier choices, improve their quality of life, and create lasting, positive change within their communities and beyond.

My name is Jonesh Johnson, and I have a passion for making a positive impact in my community. I am part of Delta Gems, FCCLA, DECA, and the Spanish Honor Society. These organizations have taught me important skills in leadership, teamwork, and academic excellence. Besides these activities, I also love dancing and cheering. I often compete in dance and cheer competitions, showing my dedication and hard work. However, my true dream is to become a teacher. I believe education can change lives, especially in low-income communities where resources are often limited. I want to help young students reach their full potential and create opportunities for themselves through education. To support this mission, I already volunteer at three elementary schools as a “Literacy Leader.” In this role, I work with young students to help them improve their reading and writing skills. This experience has shown me firsthand the impact that dedicated support and resources can have on a child's educational journey. Building on this experience, I plan to start a charity focused on improving literacy rates in underserved areas. The charity would offer various services to help people improve their reading and writing skills. We would provide free tutoring sessions, donate books, and hold literacy workshops for different age groups. By working with local schools, libraries, and community centers, we can create a strong support network for those who need it most. Additionally, we would host community events and reading circles to foster a culture of literacy and learning. These events would encourage families to engage with reading and make it a regular part of their lives. We would also provide resources for parents, offering guidance on how to support their children's literacy development at home. The main goal of my charity is to give people the tools they need to succeed in school and life. Personalized tutoring sessions would cater to the specific needs of each learner, ensuring they get the guidance and attention they need to improve their literacy skills. Our book donation program would aim to build home libraries, encouraging a love for reading and lifelong learning. In addition, our literacy workshops would engage both children and adults. These workshops would offer practical tips and techniques to enhance reading comprehension and writing abilities. By focusing on low-income communities, my charity would help bridge the gap in educational resources and support, creating a brighter future for everyone involved. Through my charity, I hope to inspire others to value education and take steps to improve their own literacy skills. I am committed to making a difference and believe that by working together, we can create lasting change in our communities. With dedication and passion, I am confident that we can achieve our goal of improving literacy rates and providing more opportunities for success.

My name is Nathaniel Abrams, and I am a senior at Brookwood High School, pursuing a BS degree in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Bioinformatics/Computer Science. I aim to graduate from medical school and obtain my Medical Doctorate, ultimately becoming a pediatrician. I am confident that I will excel during my undergraduate and graduate experience while also contributing to the workforce. Once I achieve my goal, I will spend my career helping as many children as possible. Throughout my high school journey, I have prioritized making a positive impact on my peers and teachers, demonstrating leadership, integrity, and honesty. I am honored to have been elected Senior Class President of BHS, overseeing a student body of over 3,800 students. I actively engage in various school activities, such as sports, academic clubs, and student research, including participation in events organized by clubs like the Student Government Association, DECA, Hispanic Organization Promoting Education, and more. Additionally, I am involved in a research project called Advanced Molecular Detection, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This experience aligns with my aspirations for a future career that combines clinical practice and research. I am currently wrestling for my school, and my extracurricular involvement extends to events and initiatives that I find compelling. I am also dedicating my next three months to learning about clinical practices by shadowing a doctor at a local clinic. As I continue along this path, I am preparing for a career that integrates medicine, research, and engineering, aspiring to create a positive impact on both individuals and the broader field. I plan to take advantage of the knowledge given and become an innovative leader who will help change the world. Looking ahead, I envision starting a charity for children facing illness and lacking the necessary resources for assistance. Every child deserves a chance to grow as a person, and as a pediatrician, I can contribute to their well-being. However, by establishing a charity, I aim to broaden my impact globally. Children, being the most vulnerable population in today's society, deserve the support of many as they grow and shape the world. Through children, we would be able to aid the world and give later generations a wonderful world to thrive in. Initially focusing on low-income areas in the United States, the charity will provide aid to children in need. As the organization expands, we will extend our reach to other countries facing significant challenges and medical needs. Collaborating with others, we can conduct research and develop cures for common diseases affecting children worldwide. I am driven by the belief that countless children across the globe require someone to care for them, and through collective efforts, we can make a meaningful difference in their lives.