Bruce Tucker Scholarship

One of the things I am constantly being recognized for is dedication. My dedication to my family, my passions, the people around me, and my community. My little brothers have attended all of my events as they were growing up, and that is why whenever they have a function I do my best to be there. Whether they wanted to or not, they sat through my soccer and softball games, dance competitions and recitals, National Honor Society events, they have even sat in the back of a classroom while I ran science club meetings. Their support is why I do everything in my power to make their days better, even if it’s just helping them with their homework or chores. My service to my brothers is little compared to how much they have done for me. My parents are teachers, which means they work a ton, and yet we still struggle to afford things. Even then, they always try to make the most of every situation and do what they can do to make their kids happy. Because of that, I work my hardest to help around the house with what I can. Whether it’s doing the dishes before school, or simply listening about their day after they’ve had a tough one, I try to return the kindness and selflessness they show me. My community supports me and my passions tremendously. When my soccer team won the state championship, we were welcomed home to numerous gifts and celebrations. We had goodies and gifts for us as we made the journey to states, and parades as we came home. The church community is also a major part of my life. I attend church every Sunday, help teach Sunday school classes, feed the community through food pantries, spaghetti dinners and chicken barbecues. I became closer with my church community when I went through the confirmation process. I spent more and more time with the elderly, and visited many home-bound church members. Seeing the smiles on people’s faces when I showed them kindness made the service so enjoyable. As it is stated in the Bible, we must put others before ourselves in order to live like Jesus, that is why community service is beneficial for my mind and soul. My teammates are extremely important to me. We share the same passion. I have been dancing, and playing soccer and softball for 14 years, and the friendships I have made along the way have not only made me a better person, but a better athlete. My teammates are constantly pushing me to succeed, and cheering me on along the way. I owe them so much. That is why my service to them is so important. For instance, I will run with the teammate that is behind and struggling to help them finish. I am constantly giving my teammates advice on how to improve, while raising their confidence in the process. Just like they do for me, we all work together to develop into the athletes we want to be, and who we are working towards becoming. All of these people in my life make me feel loved and valued. That is why it is so essential for me to return the favor.