Ethan Joner Memorial Scholarship

Residing in an economically-strained neighborhood, our district faces challenge after challenge. Stepping into my high school the first year after COVID, I took notice of the copious lack of necessities my peers had access to. Witnessing this, I perceived the opportunity to quietly assist my classmates and chose to posit a solution to my district school board, suggesting the opening of a free, anonymous, resource closet in the school with accessibility to all students. Starting bereft of stock, the resource closet grew immensely. After sharing this story to Fox News, boxes and bags of clothing, feminine hygiene products, general hygiene products, as well as shoes, and laundry products poured into our inventory. Little by little, more and more students began to utilize the closet which would become known as the Knight’s Chamber. Eventually, students from other schools would come to make use of the Knight’s Chamber. Consequently, this experience has significantly altered my outlook when it comes to being the one to step up and create change for the better as opposed to continuing to be the bystander I once was. This chapter of my life led me to the conclusion that no matter how big or small something may seem, with the right resources (pun intended) nothing is impossible. Ever since this once small project was initiated, I’ve found ceaseless exultation in contributing to my compeers' glee in, and out, of my community from volunteering to coach another borough’s cheerleading team, to hosting a trash pickup in association with my local national wildlife refugee. This has additionally revelutionalized the way i view my horizons. I now set my standards higher than how i may have back in my freshman year. Each year, my confidence increases alongside my experience with this adventure. I push myself to endure greater things consisting of AP classes and increased difficulty in my assignments. My experiences are consistent with the age-old truth that obstacles always present chances for growth, resiliency, and the quest for self-improvement. Knowing Ethan and the selflessness he contributed to others, it has inspired me to carry on that legacy by working harder and staying dedicated to those in need. He’s influenced me to stay kind regardless of the situation because we don’t know what others are going through. Having him comfort me in times i haven’t expressed my pain shows me just how far kind company can go. I aspire to continue to work and reach the level of selflessness he distributed to the world.