Mrs. Yvonne L. Moss Scholarship

Although I attend Justin F. Kimball High School and not South Oak Cliff, I still represent the same Oak Cliff community that raised, challenged, and inspired me. At Kimball, I’ve grown up surrounded by students who are full of potential and staff members who don’t let us forget that. Being a student here has made me believe I can achieve anything I put my mind to—and more importantly, that I have a responsibility to uplift others along the way. Kimball High School pushed me to take my goals seriously. I want to become a pediatric dentist, and I plan to major in biology on the pre-dental track. My love for healthcare started when I watched my mother go through breast cancer treatment. I was in middle school, but I remember the way the doctors and nurses cared for her with patience and empathy. That experience shaped everything I want to be in the future. Being a dentist isn’t just about cleaning teeth—it’s about helping kids feel safe, building trust with families, and showing up for your community with consistency and care. At Kimball, I’ve learned what it means to be part of something bigger than myself. I’ve served in the Armor Knights inclusion group, where we help students with special needs feel supported and seen. I’ve been part of mental health walks, volunteered my time to help others, and cheered on my peers not just in school spirit but in life. I try to show kindness and compassion wherever I go because I know what it feels like to need support—and I know how far it can go. As a student from Oak Cliff, I’m aware of the statistics. Fewer than 4% of dentists in the U.S. are Black, and even fewer are Black women in pediatric specialties. That motivates me. I don’t just want to get a degree—I want to represent my neighborhood, my school, and young girls who look like me and wonder if there’s a space for them in healthcare. My answer to them is yes. Mrs. Yvonne Moss’s legacy means something to me because she represents what many students in Oak Cliff grow up seeing: women of strength who carry entire communities on their shoulders. Her commitment to education and her continued support of students—especially while being a cancer survivor—reminds me of my own mother’s resilience and the generations of Black women who fight for the next one. I may not have walked the halls of SOC, but I come from the same community. I’ve experienced the same pride, the same challenges, and the same motivation to break barriers. I want to use my education to give back to Oak Cliff—to open my own dental practice and to mentor students who don’t think college or a medical career is possible for them. This scholarship would help lighten the financial load for my family, and it would give me the chance to continue my journey of learning, leading, and giving—just like Mrs. Moss did.

The funny thing about my high school is that I am already pursuing a higher education. By that, I mean I go to Lassiter Early College High School. We are based at Dallas College’s El Centro Campus. Every single one of my classes takes place in the college building, and after experiencing it all, I am even more eager to pursue higher education. I have encountered various aspects of college life at my current high school, and they only fuel my desire for more. For instance, we have considerable input regarding our classes. We can choose our courses from a set of about five and select the days they occur. We can even determine their start and end times. Some students load all their classes into just two days and have the other three free. We also have the option to leave school early if we do not have any classes, though only Seniors enjoy that privilege. One final perk I have as a dual-credit student is joining college clubs and accessing college resources. I have taken part in a few college clubs and organizations, and the people I met there are vastly different from the students in my high school. Additionally, the resources are plentiful; the college always seems to host some sort of event every week. Not to mention the library, both physical and online, which gives me access to a wealth of books for my classes, knowledge, or entertainment. After witnessing the selection of classes, the flexibility of our schedules, the student resources offered, and the diverse clubs available, I believe there is no better choice than to pursue an education at a four-year university. If all this exists at a community college, I can only imagine it being four times greater at a larger institution. I am eager to explore a wealth of diverse classes to broaden my knowledge and thinking. I want to tailor a schedule that works best for me so I can discover my most productive hours. I seek resources that allow me to develop and research my own projects, and I crave student clubs where I can make lifelong friends. I make a positive impact in my community in numerous ways. I regularly volunteer at my church, Holy Cross. I lector during Mass and events, and I serve on the altar. Another way I contribute is through Teen Court, a program where high schoolers hear real cases from their peers. With adult supervision, teens take on the roles of Prosecution, Defense, Judge, and Jury, who ultimately decide the punishment that should be executed. I also volunteer with various organizations, such as Jack and Jill Inc. and the All Stars Program of Dallas. After all my time at this early college, I understand why many adults view it as a crucial period. The opportunities and freedoms provided are truly significant for personal growth. I believe I have developed a good habit of giving back to my community, so I will continue to dedicate my time and resources to it in the future. As I continue to grow into myself, I will not forget to look back down.

Attending South Oak Cliff High School has been a transformative experience for me, inspiring me to pursue higher education and providing me with the tools I need to make a difference in my community. As a 17-year-old senior female named Mariana Zepeda, my experience at South Oak Cliff High School has been filled with both academic obstacles and personal growth, turning me into the person I am today. The unwavering passion of the educators at South Oak Cliff High School has been one of the most inspiring elements in my decision to seek higher education. From committed teachers who go above and beyond to assure our academic success to helpful counselors who lead us through the college application process, the faculty at South Oak Cliff High School have had a significant impact on my educational goals. Their conviction in my abilities and commitment to developing our capabilities developed in me a deep respect for learning and a desire to thrive beyond high school. Furthermore, the diverse and lively environment at South Oak Cliff High School has expanded my perspectives and fueled my desire to pursue new options in further education. South Oak Cliff High School, a melting pot of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, has exposed me to a variety of perspectives and ideas, forcing me to think critically and compassionately about the world around me. This rich tapestry of diversity has not only enhanced my educational experience, but also expanded my awareness of the value of inclusivity and social justice. In addition to impressing me academically, South Oak Cliff High School has given me several opportunities to give back to my community and make a positive difference. As a member of numerous clubs and groups at the school, I've had the opportunity to participate in community service projects and initiatives geared at uplifting and assisting those in need. Whether it's working at local food banks, organizing educational programs, or participating in community clean-ups, I'm committed to using my time and abilities to improve the lives of others. Furthermore, I have embraced the position of mentor and role model for younger students, providing guidance and support as they traverse their own academic and personal journeys. By sharing my experiences and advocating for the value of education, I hope to inspire my peers to follow their aspirations and attain their full potential. I am devoted to building a culture of compassion, resilience, and excellence within the South Oak Cliff High School community by serving in leadership positions in student clubs and extracurricular activities. Overall, my experience at South Oak Cliff High School has pushed me to seek higher education while also providing me with the skills, values, and motivation to make a significant contribution to my community. As I begin the next chapter of my academic journey, I am appreciative for the lessons taught and the relationships formed at South Oak Cliff High School, and I am eager to continue aiming for excellence and making a difference in the world around me.

South Oak Cliff High School was a great experience for me and being a part of the collegiate program made it even better. Knowing that I would graduate high school with my Associate's Degree made me ask myself, "Why not go further?". My school always painted the image of chasing my dreams and not stopping or quitting until I get there. Every adult in my entire high school career has encouraged me and pushed me to do everything that they know and I know I am capable of. My first high school experience that started the shaping of who I am today was being the only student in the collegiate history at South Oak Cliff High School to pass my TSIs on the first try, and the only student to pass the Math test in the Summer Bridge Program. Receiving accolades and acknowledgments for these accomplishments helped me so much and built my confidence going into high school. There were many other experiences such as trying out for the soccer team for the first time in my life and starting junior varsity and ending the season on Varsity. Running for student council this year was a great experience from the campaigning to the speech and watching the polls move up and down. Although I did not win, it was a tough race and it taught me that no matter what the situation around you is, persistence is key. I knew before I became a high school student that I would be a first-generation college grad, and that stayed with me up until now and will be with me until I graduate college. Being a smart student has been kind of challenging, but worth it. I have done many things to contribute to my community and to other parts of the world. It started on my 11th birthday, I was at school and asked my dad if I was able to collect clothes and shoes from students if we could send them to the children in Africa and he said yes, so I did. After that day, I started volunteering more. I fed the homeless, did a neighborhood food and school supply drive, and I volunteer at churches. I started my own tutoring service at school for the freshman, so that they would have help and be able to pass their classes. I believe that all these activities will help me be a great addition to society as an adult and be very successful in a few years.