Mema and Papa Scholarship

From a young age, I discovered that being helpful isn’t just about offering a hand—it’s about offering hope. Whether I’m tutoring young girls in math, singing for seniors, or educating my peers about ethical consumerism, I’ve always believed that the small, consistent things we do for others can ripple out in big ways. In 2022, I attended the Fair Trade Federation Conference in California. That experience completely reshaped how I understood global justice, labor rights, and environmental responsibility. I learned how many everyday items from coffee to chocolate to bananas are connected to systems of exploitation. And I realized that students like me have the power to push for change, starting right in our schools. That’s when Toucan-You-Can was born. As founder and president of our Fair Trade club, I’ve led school-wide campaigns to raise awareness about the hidden costs of unethical consumption. Our club hosts events, collaborates with teachers, and is actively working to get our school certified as a Fair Trade School by 2025. At our town’s annual “Taste of Lititz” festival, we handed out Fair Trade banana desserts to hundreds of visitors. Most had never heard of Fair Trade, but after a short conversation—and a few delicious bites—they walked away seeing their grocery choices differently. That’s what helpfulness looks like to me: giving people the tools and knowledge to take action in their own lives. But if helpfulness is my why, perseverance has always been my how. I was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis when I was just 18 months old. While other kids were learning how to run, I was learning how to walk without pain. Even as I built a life onstage as a professional performer acting, singing, and dancing in theaters across Lancaster County, I was managing a condition that doesn’t care about stage lights or show schedules. There were days when I’d rehearse through aching joints or perform with a smile while my foot throbbed under my costume. But I never let my diagnosis define me. That same determination helped me grow Toucan-You-Can from an idea into a movement. When meetings were small or people seemed uninterested, I kept showing up. When the certification process seemed overwhelming, I kept pushing forward. And when I traveled to Ecuador in 2025 for a sustainability and service field experience, I was reminded why this work matters. I helped plant trees in the Amazon with Indigenous communities, deepening my understanding of the environmental stakes behind our consumer choices. It wasn’t the beginning of my journey, but it solidified the path I’m on. Whether through education, advocacy, or performance, I’ve committed myself to helping others, even when it’s hard, even when it hurts. Because the most lasting change is created not just by those who care, but by those who keep going.