Camari Hunt 4x Foundation Independent Living Expenses Scholarship

Last summer changed my life forever. It was the summer, and I had to undergo two hip surgeries. I went from being an athlete my whole life to not being able to walk. My name is Bryson Clarson, and I am a student at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, majoring in Social Work with minors in Coaching and Creative Writing. I’m also a Black man who was adopted at a few months old into a transracial family. My journey has been anything but easy, but it has shaped a powerful purpose within me: to serve others, especially young men of color who feel unseen, unheard, or misunderstood. “He was only one year older than me.” That was my first thought when I read about Camari Hunt. A life taken so soon, and this hits home. When I look at Camari’s spirit and smile, I see myself. The way he intentionally poured into those who came after him stood out to me. His life inspired me because it was not just about him; he wanted to see others around him grow. I seek to carry out his legacy and the mission of the Camari Hunt 4x Foundation by doing just the same. In some ways, I believe I already am. Camari was a coach for Evolve, a youth mentorship program, and I am one of the leaders of a campus ministry also called Evolve. A turning point in my life came when I got involved with Evolve Whitewater, a student-led branch of Evolve Church, on our campus. In 2024, I helped start this ministry alongside a few passionate peers. I now serve as the Men’s Outreach Leader. Through Evolve, I’ve had the opportunity to lead Bible studies, mentor younger men, and foster an inclusive space where people can find both faith and friendship. We meet weekly to worship, learn, pray, and talk through life’s challenges. Many students have shared how Evolve helped them return to faith, seek help for their mental health, or find a sense of belonging on campus. This ministry has not only helped others, but it has also transformed me, and I am very excited to be entering my third year in serving this college ministry. It gave me purpose, taught me how to lead with humility, and showed me what it means to live selflessly. After reading Camari’s story, I know these are all things that align with the spirit of who he was. Living independently has brought many financial challenges. Unlike many of my peers, I don’t have a traditional safety net to fall back on. With having two major hip surgeries last summer, I could not work to support my schooling or rent. As a result, I have had to take out student loans. My adoptive parents love me deeply but are not in a position to financially support all aspects of my college journey. From rent, food, and transportation, to basic living expenses, I’ve had to figure things out on my own. Despite these pressures, I’ve stayed committed to my academic, personal, and spiritual growth. My long-term goal is to become a licensed social worker and open a nonprofit center dedicated to mental health, mentorship, and empowerment for youth and young adults, particularly those from foster care, low-income households, or underserved communities. I believe that no one should be defined by where they came from or what they’ve been through. As someone who battled anxiety, identity struggles, and performance-based self-worth, I know how crucial it is to have access to safe, healing-centered spaces. My dream is to build those spaces that combine counseling, faith-based mentorship, creative outlets, and leadership development. This scholarship would lift a significant financial burden and allow me to focus more intentionally on my education, faith work, and career development. With your support, I can afford living costs, pursue internships, attend leadership trainings, and graduate without overwhelming debt. My story isn’t one of perfection but of perseverance, faith, and purpose. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship, and I commit to using it not just for my own success, but to uplift others who need a reminder that their story matters, too.

My name is Jhamari Hill, and I come from Irvington, New Jersey a place filled with violence, poverty, and limited opportunities. Growing up in such an environment has shaped me in many ways. It’s a place where kids often fall into the wrong paths simply because they don’t see any other options. But I’ve always known I wanted more for myself. I’ve always believed that with hard work, faith, and the right support, I could change the direction of my life and become someone who gives back and creates opportunities for others. My biggest supporter has always been my mother a single parent who has sacrificed everything for me. She took on debt to send me to junior college because she believed in my dreams, even when we didn’t have the money. Unfortunately, that financial burden has now left us in a situation where she can no longer help me continue my education. She isn’t eligible to co-sign a loan or take out any more credit, and I’m currently unable to secure the funding I need to continue at a four-year university where I’ve been offered the chance to play football and pursue my degree. This is why I’m applying for this scholarship. Without it, I won’t be able to move forward in my academic journey this year. I’ve come too far to stop now, and I’m not ready to give up on my future. Educationally, I’ve already earned my associate’s degree in Business and Sports Management from Monroe College, graduating with honors. My goal is to now complete my bachelor’s degree while continuing to play football, with the ultimate dream of transferring to a Division I school and earning opportunities through NIL. Beyond that, I want to become an educator and youth mentor someone who uses both knowledge and lived experience to inspire the next generation. I’ve already begun doing that in my own way. Back home, I’ve worked as a personal teacher’s aide at Peshine Avenue Elementary School in Newark and spent time training kids in my neighborhood in football and fitness. I also help with a local recreation club, giving my time to younger kids who remind me of myself at their age. Many of these children don’t have role models or support systems, and I want to show them that it’s possible to make something of yourself even if you come from a rough place like Irvington. Being involved in my community has taught me responsibility, compassion, and the importance of giving back. It’s helped me grow into a leader and realize that my purpose goes beyond personal success. Every time I encourage a kid, help them with schoolwork, or push them to keep going when they want to give up, I feel like I’m fulfilling my mission. And I’m just getting started. This scholarship would mean the world to me. It would allow me to continue my education and football career without having to pause or drop out due to financial barriers. More importantly, it would bring me one step closer to becoming the type of role model and educator I needed when I was younger. I know what it’s like to feel stuck, to have dreams bigger than your circumstances, and I also know what it’s like to keep going anyway. With your help, I can continue building a future not just for myself, but for the many young people I hope to guide and uplift. I want to be living proof that where you start doesn’t define where you finish. Thank you for considering my application and believing in students like me who are chasing a better future.