Sherman S. Howard Legacy Foundation Scholarship

Getting involved with my local church has really shaped my dedication to community service and opened up a ton of opportunities to make a real impact. One of the coolest things I’ve done is participate in programs aimed at feeding the homeless. Every week, our church sets up a meal service where volunteers, including me, prepare and hand out hot meals to those in need. It’s been super humbling to connect with people from all different backgrounds and provide them with not just food, but also a little bit of dignity and care. Seeing the gratitude in their eyes and knowing we’re making a difference—if only for a day—is truly rewarding. Besides feeding the homeless, our church regularly hosts food drives to support local food banks. These drives bring the community together, as everyone chips in by donating non-perishable items and helping out with sorting and distribution. I've stepped up to help organize these events, coordinating with local businesses and rallying volunteers. The success of these food drives really shows how powerful community can be and how much we can achieve when we work together for a common goal. It’s so heartwarming to see the shelves of our local food banks filled with supplies that can truly help families in need. Fundraising is another big part of my service through the church. We often put on events like bake sales, charity runs, and benefit concerts to raise money for various causes, including disaster relief and support for families in tough situations. I've been part of planning these events and making sure everything runs smoothly. One memorable fundraiser was a community fair we organized to help a local family whose home was destroyed by a fire. The support from the community was overwhelming, and we raised enough to help them get back on their feet. These experiences have taught me a lot about empathy, teamwork, and the importance of sticking with it. Through all these activities, my involvement with the church has not only allowed me to help others but has also helped me grow as a person. I've built leadership skills, learned about the power of community, and gained a better understanding of the challenges faced by those less fortunate. More importantly, these experiences have reinforced my belief in the necessity of giving back and being an active part of creating positive change. Looking ahead, I’m really committed to keeping up my service and finding new ways to support my community. Whether it’s expanding our meal services, organizing bigger food drives, or coming up with new fundraising ideas, I’m all in for making a lasting impact. My time at the church has shown me that even small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect, inspiring others to contribute and promoting a spirit of generosity and compassion. In conclusion, being involved in my local church has played a huge role in shaping how I approach community service. Through feeding the homeless, organizing food drives, and fundraising, I've been able to make a real difference in people’s lives. These experiences have not only enriched my life but have also deepened my commitment to serving my community and striving to make the world a better place.

My Story My name is Tera Draper, a 19-year-old second-year student at Johnson and Wales University in Charlotte, North Carolina, majoring in Culinary Arts. I am deeply in love with Jesus Christ. I love talking to Him and reading His word. I grew up in the church, my mother and her mother are strong women of God. Growing up with an abusive father, I had to find comfort and happiness; I found it in Jesus and in the joy of food. I remember seeing my grandmother praise God, and hearing my mother and aunts join in prayer over the phone. I also can recall my grandmother cooking breakfast, my auntie would bake homemade cookies, and my mom prepare her delicious sweet potato pies during the holidays. These things were a comforting distraction from my father's cruelty. I was inspired to pursue culinary arts as my field of study; I take pleasure in creating happiness for others with the meals I prepare. My background in psychology has also revealed to me that foods contain compounds that produce chemicals like serotonin, which can physically affect your brain. Food has served as a source of healing for me, leading me to understand that it can also be healing for others. In 2019, I became a member of a Christian organization called the GLOSS GIRLS in Atlanta, GA, which engages us in service projects aimed at assisting and supporting those in need. Growing up, I developed a desire to assist women and children who may have experienced similar challenges as I did. I aim to assure them that joy exists and that there is hope in everything. This passion for spreading happiness through food motivates me to cook and prepare meals that provide comfort to others. Therefore, I have had the honor of cooking and sharing my culinary creations at homeless shelters, park events, and other venues. The feeling of doing something wonderful, such as providing a memorable spectacle, even if just for a moment, was something to behold. The expressed gratitude and the many acknowledgments for the time we devoted to making sure everyone was well-fed were touching. I vividly remember volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House in Augusta, GA in 2022, where I led a team from the GLOSS Girls organization. We made breakfast for all those present, and in return, we received with numerous expressions of gratitude and kind words for dedicating our time to provide them with a meal. I've had the opportunity to serve with my church, helping with the children's ministry by providing snacks, and we occasionally extended our services to hotel guests to assist those less fortunate through a food truck. Seeing the joy and smiles on their faces has made my desire to help and serve even more clear. During my senior year of high school, I had the opportunity to work alongside my teacher, Chef Roberts, serving both my class and the community at a Senior Class event. Witnessing these events has inspired my aspiration to own a food truck and it has giving me a desire to serve those in less fortunate circumstances who are unable to dine at restaurants. I want to be able to travel from one location to another, hoping that the food I prepare will uplift those who taste it. I am inspired to evoke the same sentiment in others as I pursue my goals. I am committed to continuing my support for those in need in the most effective way I know. The passion for serving and aiding others is deeply embedded in my heart.

I have been a part of my Pentecostal church, Victorious Church of God in Christ, since I was three years old. When I was younger, when I would go to church the only things that stuck with me and that I understood were taught in Sunday school. As I got older, I was faced with more responsibility to be more involved with the church. Being involved was not just about going to church on Sundays, it was about expanding my knowledge and being a part of every event I could. Youth conventions, prayer conferences, bible bowls, vacation bible school, and many other events are brought to our attention in the church. Everyone in the church is encouraged to attend these events and advise others in our community to as well. A lot of people in the community near the church have big families and are not able to make it to church. Being a long-time member of the church, I am always eager to share information about what's going on and how anyone can be a part of our family. I have promoted our VBS program each summer to the community. It gives those parents with big families a chance to get their kids involved in the church and also take a load off their backs during the day. During the holiday season, there are lots of people in the community who are not as fortunate as others to provide their family or themselves with a nice Thanksgiving dinner. Once a month at the church we have a mobile food pantry come to our church and distribute free food and groceries to the community. Other members of the church and I were advised of the dates and then spread this information around the community. This continues to warm my heart because of the relief and happiness of the people coming to collect food. They are so grateful and the fact that we have the means to do this each month is amazing because they will always have someone to go to. During Christmas, people are working overtime to be able to put gifts under the tree for their children. In December, Me and my family, as well as other members of the church, buy toys and donate them to children of the community around us. This is something I'm extremely passionate about because seeing that huge smile on a child's face is so heartwarming. Encouraging everyone in the church to participate, even if it's just one toy each, makes all the difference. Each year the amount of toys grows, exceeding our expectations. Being involved in my church has helped my community out tremendously and I am continuing to come up with more ideas to help the people around us. My church is open to anyone coming in and being a part of our family. We are open to helping anyone, regardless of if they are involved in the church. Everyone has a story we don't know about. God loves everyone and encourages us to do the same. Helping out the people around me, regardless of whether I know them or not, has become a part of my values because of my church and I am forever grateful for that.

Nurturing Community Through Faith: My Involvement in the Local Church The Sherman S. Howard Legacy Foundation Scholarship presents a unique opportunity for me to reflect on the profound impact of my involvement in the local church and its instrumental role in shaping my commitment to community service. As a dedicated member of my church community, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of faith-driven service and its lasting effects on the well-being of our local community. Active participation in my local church has not only deepened my spiritual convictions but has also instilled in me a sense of responsibility toward serving others. Through various church-led initiatives, including community outreach programs and volunteer opportunities, I have been able to channel my faith into meaningful action. These experiences have provided a platform for me to extend a helping hand to those in need within our community. One of the key ways my involvement in the church has contributed to community service is through organized outreach events. From food drives to clothing donations, our church community actively engages in initiatives that directly benefit the less fortunate. This hands-on involvement has taught me the importance of empathy and the value of lending support to those facing challenges. Additionally, my church has been a catalyst for collaborative community projects. By partnering with local organizations and charities, we have been able to amplify the impact of our service efforts. Through teamwork and shared values, we have tackled issues such as homelessness, education disparities, and access to healthcare. These collaborative ventures have broadened my perspective on community needs and fostered a spirit of unity among diverse groups. Furthermore, my involvement in church-led youth programs has allowed me to connect with and mentor younger members of the community. Through activities like tutoring, mentorship, and leadership development, I have had the privilege of contributing to the personal and academic growth of local youth. These experiences have reinforced my belief in the power of education as a tool for empowerment and community upliftment. Receiving the Sherman S. Howard Legacy Foundation Scholarship would not only recognize my commitment to community service but also provide the financial support needed to continue making a positive impact. This scholarship would enable me to pursue higher education and, in turn, equip me with the knowledge and skills to contribute even more effectively to the well-being of my community. In conclusion, my involvement in the local church has been a guiding force in my dedication to community service. It has been a source of inspiration, fostering a sense of compassion and a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others. The Sherman S. Howard Legacy Foundation Scholarship represents an opportunity to further align my academic pursuits with my passion for community service, creating a lasting legacy in the spirit of Sherman S. Howard. Thank you for considering my application.