Jimmie “DC” Sullivan Memorial Scholarship

Sports have always been more than competition to me. They’ve been one of the clearest ways I’ve seen how leadership, discipline, and community come together to shape people, especially young athletes. At Seton Hall Prep, I serve as a manager for the varsity lacrosse team. While I’m not on the field during games, I’m deeply involved in everything that happens behind the scenes. I help organize practices, manage equipment, support coaches, and make sure players are prepared to perform at their best. Being in that role taught me that impact in sports doesn’t only come from scoring goals — it comes from showing up consistently and helping others succeed. Through that experience, I’ve learned how much young athletes rely on structure and encouragement. I’ve seen how small actions, like staying late to help a teammate or keeping practices organized, can shape a team’s culture. I’ve also learned how sports create accountability. Players learn to manage time, communicate, and push through challenges together, lessons that extend far beyond the field. Outside of school athletics, I’ve stayed involved in service initiatives that reflect the same values. I’ve participated in community efforts such as packaging over 7,000 meals with Unions Fight Against Hunger, and I continue to work with younger students through leadership roles at school and my church. These experiences reinforced what sports taught me early on: young people thrive when they feel supported, included, and believed in. What inspires me most about youth sports is their ability to reach kids who might not have many outlets for confidence or belonging. Coaches and mentors often become role models, sometimes without realizing it. I’ve seen how a positive environment can change the way a young athlete views themselves, and I want to be part of creating those environments. In the future, I plan to stay involved in youth sports through coaching, mentorship, or sports leadership. I’m interested in studying business and sport management so I can help shape programs that are accessible, organized, and focused on development, not just winning. My goal is to help young athletes build confidence, learn teamwork, and understand that their value extends beyond the scoreboard. Jimmie “DC” Sullivan’s legacy reflects everything I admire about sports at the community level: commitment, service, and investing in the next generation. I hope to carry those values forward by continuing to support youth sports in ways that help young athletes grow both on and off the field. For me, sports are a platform for impact, and I’m committed to using that platform to give back.

My name is Raja Bue, and I am a proud cheerleader and member of the dance team at Albany State University. I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a path I chose because of my passion for working with children and making a positive impact on their lives. Being actively involved in athletics while dedicating myself to community service has helped shape the person I am today and inspired me to continue giving back through sports and education. Growing up, sports were more than just a pastime they were a vital part of my personal growth. Cheerleading and dance taught me the importance of teamwork, perseverance, discipline, and time management. These experiences not only helped me balance academics and athletics but also enabled me to develop strong leadership skills. Through my involvement in athletics, I have learned how to motivate others, work collaboratively, and maintain a positive attitude even in the face of challenges. In addition to my athletic commitments, I am passionate about community service. I volunteer at local organizations focused on youth development, which has given me the chance to be a positive role model for young people in my community. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the impact that sports can have on building character, promoting healthy lifestyles, and fostering a sense of belonging. My goal is to combine my love for education and athletics by becoming an elementary school teacher who encourages students to be active and involved in sports. I plan to use my knowledge and experiences to create an inclusive environment where every child feels supported both academically and physically. Through coaching and mentoring, I want to help young athletes learn essential life skills such as teamwork, resilience, and leadership just as I was fortunate to learn through cheerleading and dance. Through my dedication to cheerleading, dance, and community service, I have witnessed firsthand how sports unite people and build strong character. I am determined to foster this same spirit in the children I teach and coach, empowering them to overcome challenges and succeed both on and off the field. Receiving the Jimmie “DC” Sullivan Scholarship would not only support my education but also enable me to further contribute to my community by investing in the next generation of student-athletes. I am committed to honoring Jimmie Sullivan’s legacy by being a dedicated student-athlete and community member who makes a lasting difference through sports. Thank you for considering my application.