Kelly Smith Memorial Scholarship

After I graduate high school, I plan to pursue a career in biomedical engineering, focusing on assistive and rehabilitation technology. My goal is to design affordable, human-centered devices, prosthetics and therapy tools that help people regain independence and freedom, regardless of their financial situation. I want to develop solutions that evolve with the user, not with pricing models, and that reach communities locally and globally. This career path combines my curiosity, problem-solving skills, and deep empathy, allowing me to turn technical knowledge into tangible impact. At John Jay Science & Engineering Academy, I’ve built a foundation that directly supports these goals. Courses in Engineering Design, Additive and Subtractive Manufacturing, Project Management, Calculus BC, and Calculus-based Physics taught me the technical principles I need to design, prototype, and test devices. More than formulas or CAD software skills, these classes taught me to approach problems methodically, anticipate failure, and iterate toward solutions, skills I’ve already applied to projects with real-world consequences. Certifications in SolidWorks and AutoCAD allowed me to turn ideas into precise 3D models, which I later tested through physical prototypes. Each course prepared me not just to understand engineering, but to apply it creatively in ways that improve people’s lives. Technology has been an innovative part of my experience in NISD, shaping both what I create and how I collaborate. Working under a mentor at Southwest Research Institute, I have led the design of a pediatric therapy device for children with cerebral palsy. A system that uses 3D-printed connectors, bungee-based suspension, and LED pressure sensors to provide gait feedback. I’ve conducted iterative testing, analyzed load distributions, and refined device performance, combining engineering rigor with human-centered design. Beyond technical growth, this project taught me that innovation is meaningful only if it is accessible, that innovation without equity is just privilege. Beyond my classes, I’ve applied technology and leadership through extracurricular projects. I co-founded and led CMAC, a student-run medical volunteer club that has implemented over 20 large-scale service initiatives and coordinated with 32 local organizations, logging more than 1,700 volunteer hours. I also serve as Team Lead for the NASA Hydrology Capstone Program, managing research, data analysis, and communication with NASA scientists. These experiences taught me that technology is most powerful when paired with teamwork, planning, and a drive to solve real problems. All of these experiences, my courses, projects, and leadership, have reinforced my commitment to designing technology that helps people. Whether improving mobility for a child with cerebral palsy, developing prosthetics for my grandfather, or coordinating a volunteer initiative, I’ve learned to combine technical knowledge with empathy, persistence, and innovation. Technology has been the tool, but the goal has always been meaningful impact. Post-high school, I plan to continue leveraging both, developing devices that restore independence, dignity, and opportunity, and ensuring that my work in engineering makes a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

After high school, I plan to pursue a career as a pediatric psychologist. I want to major in psychology and follow a pre-med or clinical track so I can fully understand both the science behind the brain and how to support patients emotionally. My goal is to work with children and adolescents, helping them navigate challenges related to mental health, behavior, and development. I’m especially interested in how early experiences shape a person’s mindset and how early support can make a long-term difference. The courses I’ve taken in high school have really helped prepare me for this path. Psychology has been one of the most important fields because it introduced me to concepts like behavior, development, and mental health, which confirmed my interest in this field. My science classes, especially biology and my health science courses, have also helped me understand how the body and brain work together. Being part of a health-focused program at my school has strengthened my critical thinking skills and taught me how to approach situations with both logic and empathy, which I know will be important in my future career. Technology has been a big part of my experience in NISD and has made learning more interactive and efficient. I’ve used different digital platforms for research, projects, and collaboration, which has helped me become more independent and organized. For example, I’ve used online databases and resources to dig deeper into topics for assignments and presentations, especially in my health and science classes. Technology has also helped me communicate and work with others more effectively, whether through shared documents, presentations, or virtual collaboration tools. These experiences have made me more adaptable and comfortable with using technology in different settings. This will definitely help me in the future, especially since technology plays such a big role in psychology today through research, data collection, and even telehealth. Throughout high school, I’ve tried to stay involved in activities that challenge me and help me grow. Being part of the Health Career program has allowed me to explore real-world medical and psychological concepts and apply what I’ve learned in class to more hands-on situations. My involvement in HOSA, especially in epidemiology, has helped me develop skills in data analysis, pattern recognition, and critical thinking about real-world health issues. Outside of academics, I’ve also been involved in band and karate, both of which have shaped me in different ways. As a French horn player in the varsity band, I’ve learned how to work as part of a team, stay disciplined, and consistently improve. Karate has been a huge part of my life as well, and earning my black belt has taught me leadership, perseverance, and self-discipline. Overall, these experiences have helped me grow not just academically, but as a person. They’ve taught me how to stay committed, think creatively, and push myself to improve, which I believe reflects the kind of innovation and dedication that Kelly Smith stood for.

I want to use technology, service, and leadership to make a real difference in the world, and that’s why I plan to study cybersecurity at the University of Texas at San Antonio. I’m also considering careers in pharmacy like my dad, physical therapy, or law. I want a career that combines problem-solving, helping people, and applying the skills I’ve developed in school and through my projects. Courses at O’Connor High School, especially in the Agricultural Science and Technology program, along with my technology and business classes, have prepared me by teaching hands-on problem-solving, planning, and how to use technology to manage projects. These skills will help me succeed in college and in a career where I can make an impact. When I was in fifth grade, I lost my dad. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever faced, but it inspired me to start the Kingston Kindness Campaign—a way to give back to families in need, support first responders, and honor my dad’s legacy. He instilled in me to give to others first and love your community. Every project I take on reminds me that even small efforts can make a difference. NISD has been a huge part of my life—my mom, dad, and I all grew up in NISD schools. My mom has been a teacher in the district for 29 years, and seeing her dedication has shown me the value of hard work and helping others. I raise egg-laying chickens, and through my student-owned business, King’s Layers, I donate the eggs to the Helotes Fire and Police Departments and families in need. Running my business has taught me how to plan, stay organized, and use technology to track results—turning ideas into action that helps people. Technology has been a constant tool in my life. I use it in class for research, data tracking, and presentations, and I rely on it for King’s Layers, Gerlach Shows, and the Kingston Kindness Campaign. coordinating donations, tracking progress, creating business proposals, flyers, business cards, and managing projects has shown me that technology is more than a tool—it’s a way to solve problems and create impact. I’m on the varsity basketball team and a member of the National Honor Society. Balancing sports, school, my business, and the Kingston Kindness Campaign has taught me teamwork, discipline, and leadership. Being part of Scholars and Athletes Serving Others has given me even more opportunities to take initiative in the community and see the results of service firsthand. Kelly Smith’s legacy in NISD is about innovation, leadership, and making things happen. She inspired students and educators to think creatively, use technology, and get involved. I hope to carry those values forward—using technology, service, and leadership to make a difference, honor my dad’s legacy, and continue my family’s NISD tradition. That’s the kind of impact I hope to leave wherever I go.

I have been driven by a desire to understand how things work and to use that knowledge to make a difference in the lives of others. This interest has led me to explore the field of civil engineering coursework while at a magnet high school and pursue a career in construction. My academic journey has led me to take the most rigorous and advanced mathematics and science courses. I am an active member of the Architecture, Construction, and Engineering (ACE) Mentor Program that collaborates with business professionals in the field of engineering. Through this program, I have been granted a few opportunities to shadow an engineer, visit job sites under construction, fly a drone to check on construction progress, and interpret blue prints. My civil engineering classes have allowed me to experience hands-on activities and become a project manager leading a team of peers to design and build projects. These experiences have prepared me for my future career by allowing me to merge creative and analytical thinking to solve real-world problems. My career as a civil engineer depends on showcasing advanced technological capabilities. This has led me to obtain several certifications in civil engineering with an emphasis in technology. The certifications I have earned while in NISD are Certified Survey Technician (CST) Level I, AutoCAD, Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) in Inventor for Mechanical Design. These certifications will allow me to be marketable in attaining an internship while pursuing my degree. Internships are a foot in the door for the competitive job market for civil engineers. While at my magnet school, I have had the opportunity to be a leader and innovator on campus and at the district level. I serve on the NISD Superintendent Student Council by providing input on which programs to continue and initiatives should be started for the almost 98,000 students. Through the NISD Athletic Council Beyond the Game, I discuss topics such as perseverance, loyalty, commitment, and integrity with multiple sport athletes, then impart that knowledge back to my baseball team displaying a scholar athlete both on and off the field. I am the baseball captain and serve on the leadership board creating practices, workouts, and teambuilding activities. Serving as Construction Careers Academy Recruitment Engineering Team Leader, I provide insight on the coursework to potential students and families on how to balance rigorous classes with extracurricular activities. For the last three years, I have created and supported the Warren Freshman Summer Orientation Program by developing activities and reassuring students and parents about the uncertainty of high school. Every day when I look in the mirror, I remind myself that my choices and actions influence others and that responsibility drives me to keep improving myself now and for my future career as a civil engineer.

After high school, I plan to pursue a college degree in mathematics with applications in engineering and healthcare systems. I want a career where I can work on real problems that affect people every day, especially in healthcare, where technology and decision-making directly shape outcomes for patients, families, and staff. I attend a medical magnet high school in Northside ISD, and my coursework has pushed me toward this path. Classes like calculus, statistics, physics, and computer science taught me how to think precisely and test ideas instead of guessing. Health science courses and hospital volunteering showed me where those skills matter. I learned that strong systems don’t come from effort alone. They come from planning, data, and tools that help people make better decisions under pressure. Technology has been a central part of my time in NISD, not just as something I used, but as something I built with. When I noticed inefficiencies during my hospital volunteering, I didn’t just complain about them. I went home and tried to understand them. I taught myself Python and began building simple models to visualize patient flow and bottlenecks in emergency departments. The goal wasn’t to make something flashy. It was to make something honest that reflected what nurses and staff were actually experiencing. That mindset carried into my academic work. Through the Northside ISD Summer Research Mentorship Program, I worked at UT Health San Antonio on liver disease research. I used Python to clean and analyze longitudinal datasets, built visualizations to track trends, and flagged anomalies for review. Technology allowed me to turn raw data into something interpretable, and it taught me how small errors or assumptions can change conclusions. That experience showed me how technology supports learning when it’s used carefully and responsibly. Outside of formal research, I’ve used technology to support others. I tutor classmates in calculus and programming, often using simple code, graphs, or visual explanations to help concepts click. I’ve learned that technology can lower the barrier to understanding when it’s used thoughtfully, especially for students who feel overwhelmed by math or science. Innovation, to me, isn’t about inventing something entirely new. It’s about using the tools you have to solve the problem in front of you more clearly than before. That’s how I try to approach projects, whether it’s research, tutoring, or independent learning. I don’t stop at completing assignments. I ask whether the result actually makes sense and whether it could be improved. Kelly Smith believed in engaged learning and forward thinking, and that philosophy matches how I’ve grown in NISD. I’ve learned to use technology not as a shortcut, but as a way to deepen understanding and make work more meaningful. Those habits will carry with me into college and into a career where I want my work to be practical, reliable, and useful to others. This scholarship would support my next step and allow me to continue building skills that connect technology, education, and healthcare. I want to do work that holds up in real environments, and my time in Northside ISD has prepared me to do exactly that.

Agriculture has played a major role in shaping both my interests and my future goals. Through my experiences at Sandra Day O’Connor High School and the Agriculture Science & Technology Academy within Northside ISD, I discovered a passion for problem solving, hands-on learning, and innovation. After graduating high school, I plan to attend Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. My goal is to combine engineering with my agricultural background to design equipment, structures, and systems that improve efficiency and sustainability in farming, ranching, and land management. Many of the courses I have taken in NISD have prepared me for this path. Agricultural Mechanics classes introduced me to welding, fabrication, and design while teaching me the importance of precision and craftsmanship. Through these courses I became certified in AWS D9.1 stick and MIG welding and built several projects, including a smokeless fire pit, a horseshoe coat rack, and an eight-sided swing structure. My smokeless fire pit project won my class at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo and earned blue ribbons at both the Walter Gerlach Agricultural Mechanics Show and the San Angelo Agricultural Mechanics Contest. These experiences strengthened my interest in design and engineering while teaching me the value of persistence and attention to detail. Technology has also been an innovative part of my time in NISD. While preparing for Career Development Events, I used digital tools, mapping resources, and research platforms to study agricultural systems and analyze land and soil data. Competitions such as Homesite Evaluation, Land Evaluation, Environmental & Natural Resources, and Agricultural Technology & Mechanical Systems required the use of modern technology to evaluate land use and environmental management practices. Using these tools helped me understand how technology can improve agricultural practices and reinforced my interest in engineering solutions for the agricultural industry. Outside the classroom, I have been heavily involved in leadership, academic organizations, and community service. I serve as an officer in my school’s chapter of the National FFA Organization and am also a member of National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Academic Decathlon, orchestra, and my school’s Jesus Club. Through FFA, I have competed in several Career Development Events including Homesite Evaluation, Land Evaluation, Horse Judging, Environmental & Natural Resources, Veterinary Science, and Agricultural Technology & Mechanical Systems. These experiences allowed me to represent my school at numerous contests and walk across the stage at the National FFA Convention as part of a national placing team. Community service has also been an important part of my high school experience. I volunteer at God’s Dogs adoption events, participate in Panther Pals mentorship, assist with church events, lead campus tours for prospective students, and present at Agriculture Science & Technology Academy recruitment fairs. I also volunteer at Gerlach workdays and benefit auctions, helping support agricultural events that benefit local youth exhibitors. Through my time in Northside ISD, I have developed the leadership, academic skills, and technical experience needed to pursue engineering. Agriculture and FFA introduced me to the value of hard work and hands-on problem solving, while technology and coursework showed me how innovation can improve the future of agriculture. I look forward to continuing my education at Texas A&M University and using what I have learned to make a positive impact on the agricultural industry and the communities that depend on it.

Do I agree that a normal person cannot work without technology? Absolutely. In today’s world, almost nothing is possible without technology—whether it’s using search engines to gather information, sending messages online, programming with coding languages, designing games, or developing hardware and software. My journey with computers started at the age of three. While my mom fed me, she would turn on our computer and play rhymes. I remember sitting there and thinking that was such a wow moment. As days passed, my interest grew, and my father, a software engineer, encouraged me to explore how computers worked. I would watch movies about technology, ask questions, and try to understand the mechanisms behind everything I saw. One memory that shaped me was when our air conditioner broke. Instead of calling a technician, my dad grabbed a screwdriver and fixed it himself. I was amazed that technology wasn’t just computers; it was everywhere, helping people solve problems in practical ways. That experience showed me that engineering is about thinking creatively, solving problems, and improving life. From that point on, I knew I wanted to understand how technology works and how I could use it to make a difference. As I grew older, I took computer science courses like AP Computer Science Principles and AP CS A, learning programming languages such as Java and Python. I also developed several mobile apps that solved small problems for my peers and community, applying my coding skills to real projects. These experiences, combined with earning certifications as a Python Developer and in AI Proficiency, gave me confidence in my abilities and deepened my interest in technology. Whether building robots in my FTC robotics team, experimenting with apps, or working on projects, I discovered how much I enjoy problem-solving, creativity, and innovation. Technology has been a part of my life from the very beginning, and it continues to shape my future. My fascination with computers and engineering motivates me to major in computer science at UTSA, where I can explore AI, robotics, and cybersecurity while gaining hands-on experience through research and projects. My activities and achievements reflect my dedication to this path. During my internship at UTSA, I worked on a Raspberry Pi honeypot deployment project, collecting and analyzing real cyberattack data. It taught me how curiosity, attention to detail, and perseverance can create real-world impact. In our FTC robotics team, I led outreach events at Cody Library, teaching younger students coding and problem-solving skills. Volunteering with the San Antonio Tamil Sangam and library earned me the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award, but more importantly, it taught me that giving back requires empathy, consistency, and effort. Through these experiences, I’ve learned that computer science is not just about code—it’s about leading, teaching, and using technology to help people. Moving to the United States was exciting but challenging. Everything was new—the schools, the expectations, even the way people worked. I struggled at first, but staying honest with myself, working hard, and keeping a positive attitude helped me succeed. Integrity, responsibility, and perseverance became the values that guide me in school, volunteering, and leadership. Receiving the Kelly Smith Memorial Scholarship would be an incredible milestone. Because of my residency status, many scholarships are unavailable to me. This award would allow me to focus fully on my studies at UTSA, continue gaining experience in computer science research, AI, and cybersecurity, and keep building the skills I need to create technological solutions that make a difference in the world.

I am a disciplined and dedicated person who places a strong emphasis on the opportunities education can bring. My desire is to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Cybersecurity to inspire the next generation of cybersecurity students to strive to be the best and keep the world a safer place. My dream school is to graduate from University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), which has a nationally ranked cybersecurity program. While at UTSA, I want to be part of the Honor College and pursue an internship with the National Security Agency. I look for opportunities to challenge myself academically, socially, and physically by playing golf and taking the most rigorous classes available. By choosing to go to a magnet school, my high school curriculum consisted of advanced placement core classes and dual credit cybersecurity classes equipping me for the academic demands I will face in college. Each summer, I have attended Summer Camps to enrich what I learned during the school year. These camps have taught me how to work with Raspberry Pi, code with Java and Python, learn web design utilizing three different computer languages, and learn game development. These camps are held at a college campus exposing me to the most advanced technology available. NISD affords me this opportunity to further my skillset in technology, that my parents would not be able to afford. Due to NISD’s technology preparation, I have obtained a certification in Information Technology Fundamentals Professional. This certification will allow me to get an internship while in college because it predicts my aptitude in technology. During the school year or in the summer, becoming knowledgeable and using the most up-to-date technology becomes a crucial part of my computer abilities in cybersecurity. I am currently enrolled in Northwest Vista’s Dual Credit Practicum in Cybersecurity. I took Cyber Networking I and II dual credit classes last year. Prior to my high school graduation, I will receive a Level I Cyber Security Certificate through Northwest Vista. These classes have allowed me to practice protecting operating systems, networks, and sensitive data. These classes are revolutionizing the cybersecurity realm. I have been a team leader for my group projects, introducing ideas to provide foresight into potential obstacles. I am also an active member of the CyberPatriots Team. CyberPatriots is the nation's largest cyber defense competition where teams compete to secure virtual networks. Being involved in CyberPatriots, allows me an avenue to explore unique approaches to real-world problems. This forces me to make split-second decisions under pressure. By being the captain of the boys and girls golf team, I help my teammates improve upon their existing mental and physical game; a necessity the game of golf requires. As a mentor for a middle school student, I have to lead while inspiring my mentee to make decisions that will help his future. Due to my computer skills, my peers asked me to be their computer programmer for the Virtual Enterprise International Team. I designed their website and aided them to produce an award-winning product. As a member of the recruitment team for my magnet school, I provide insight into the field of cybersecurity. Through Young Astronauts, I am able to help elementary students by introducing new ideas incorporating their love for science and exploration. To be an innovator means you are willing to take chances on your abilities for the ultimate goal of improving efficiency. In academics, extracurricular activities, and through golf, I am an innovator, creating positive changes in my life and the lives of others.