Throughout my track and field running career here in Pennsylvania, I've been blessed to have coaches that believed in me more than I sometimes believed in myself. One of those coaches that readily comes to mind is Coach McCord. Not only was he concerned about my success as a runner on the track, but he took an interest in the type of individual I was developing into off of the track. His belief in me, particularly when I was about to give up, encouraged me to change my attitude not just towards the sport, but towards life. My sophomore year was a battle. I'd changed events and was struggling to find my footing. Bad weeks of competition and self-doubt had me defeated. I figured I just wasn't made for this and began to run late to practices, go through the motions, and hope no one would notice. But Coach McCord did. He called me out one day and told me, “You can't check out on yourself. You're a fighter even when you do not think you are.” He did not yell. He did not put me on the bench. No, he arrived early the very next day to work one-on-one with me. And the following day. And the one after that. He worked with me to fix my form, recreate my confidence, and most of all, learn to believe in myself. The season didn't end in a medal, but it did end in pride. I ran my personal best at the final competition, and I knew that I'd worked for it the hard way—with grit, with determination, and a coach who would not quit on me. Coach McCord reminded me of the heart, warrior spirit, and desire to lift others up that defined David G. Sutton. Those are the same values by which I seek to do everything that I do. As a leader of my school's Black Student Union, Student Government Association, and the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, I aspire to be the kind of person who shows up for others the way Coach McCord would show up for me. Whether it is mentoring young underclassman, planning community events, or just being a friend who will listen, I want to lift others up and lead with heart. Like Dave, I am driven—but not just for myself. I have to succeed so that I can open doors for others who come from where I do. I know what it’s like to be doubted by others or to feel like giving up. For this reason, I will go to Morehouse College and study business so that I can go on to create a business that provides underrepresented youth with job pipelines and support systems. I'm still a competitor, though coaching is part of my path as well—just not specifically in athletics, though, but in life. I want to teach, to encourage, to urge, and to challenge others as Coach McCord—and men such as David Sutton—did for me. What I've learned from their example is not so much the importance of crossing the line first, it's the number of people you bring with you.

Growing up in Pennsylvania, specifically in the suburban community of Monroeville has clearly defined me and what I am passionate about. As a black child in the otherwise monochromatic school system, I’ve consistently had the challenge of standing out, being heard, and holding firm to who I am. All of those have influenced my perceptions of the world, the kind of people I’m drawn to, and the direction I’m steadfastly following. Having grown up in a state that has both rural and urban inequities, I witnessed firsthand the difference that inequitable access to resources can make in the possibilities for individuals. I’ve watched friends fall behind just because they lacked the same network or access to be heard. That’s what sparked my interest in community, equity, and leadership. I knew as a youth that I didn’t want to wait for things to change—I wanted to be one of those who created the change. This enthusiasm led me to become one of the co-presidents of the Black Student Union (BSU) for my high school. Some of the events we have put together to promote Black culture and heritage included a Divine Nine presentation and a GET UP (Gateway Equity Team Unites People) summit that brought hundreds of students together to engage in discussion about harmony and inclusion. I even got a chance to share this work with an even broader audience at the Eradicate Hate Summit to talk about our achievement and vision. My experiences in Pennsylvania have also impacted my relationships. I've developed strong relationships with mentors and peers who encourage me and challenge me to be my best. I've learned the power of holding space for others, especially for those who are unseen. My relationships have shown me the power of empathy and the power of community—and I carry that with me wherever I go. Professional-wise, I have an interest in the business world. I would like to be a business owner one day. But it's not just about making a profit—I want to bring opportunity to those who are presently underserved. I want to give back to communities such as my community, where there is talent and hustle all over the place, yet access and capital are missing. For that reason, I decided to attend Morehouse College, an HBCU with a rich tradition of excellence, brotherhood, and African American leadership. It's a place that will help me become a scholar, a leader, and eventually a business owner. But college is costly. My family does not have a safety net, and even though we work hard and qualify for scholarships, the cost is out of our realm. Not only would this scholarship be dollars—it would be an investment in a young Black man who is prepared to shatter the cycles, lift others up, and live with purpose. Life in Pennsylvania has not always been easy, but it's been shaping. It's taught me how to lead, how to love with no conditions, and how to dream without limits. I'm proud to call it my home and even more optimistic about my future.

My greatest achievement thus far has been serving as the President of the Black Student Union (BSU) at Gateway High School and organizing the GET UP Summit—a movement that I co-founded and spearheaded from the ground up. GET UP stands for "Gateway Equity Team Unites People," and this summit was not just a conference; it was a movement. When I first entered office as BSU President, our school had never experienced an event of this magnitude. I knew I wanted to lead something that would outlast my time at Gateway—something that would redefine the way that students, faculty, and the community engage with Black student voices and equity work. So I pitched the idea of a school-wide summit focused on unity, racial equity, and leadership. What had started as an idea came into reality after months of planning, fundraising, networking, and relentless meetings. The GET UP Summit brought together hundreds of students, teachers, and community leaders for a single day of workshops, keynote speeches, and panel discussions—most of which I had organized and moderated. I invited the members of the Divine Nine fraternities and sororities to join us, and we emphasized student-led programs that tackled racial gaps in the moment. We even partnered with local groups to provide transportation and nutrition, making it accessible to everyone. On that day, I witnessed classmates and teachers lean into discussions they had previously been too afraid to engage in. I saw freshman students who had never spoken in public before take the microphone and share their experiences. It was a lesson that showed me two powerful things about myself. One, I am not shy about leading with courage. I don't wait for change to occur—I organize it. Two, I learned that my voice, directed with purpose and clarity, can awaken people to movement. It taught me that leadership is not a title—it's about believing in others, raising others, and leaving something behind that others can use to build upon. As I was organizing the GET UP Summit, I was also busy applying to colleges. There was one school that was always number one on my list: Morehouse College. The brotherhood, the purpose, the excellence—it all spoke to who I am and who I wish to become. Getting accepted into Morehouse wasn't an acceptance letter into a college. It was a validation. Validation that my contribution, my vision, and my belief in myself mattered. I didn't get in because I filled a box—I got in because I generated something real, something enduring. In fact, when I visited Morehouse's campus in person, I marched straight to the admissions office and explained to them why I was meant to be there. I spoke from the heart, just like I had spoken at the GET UP Summit. I explained to them how I hoped to empower voices, establish community, and bring about change—not just at Morehouse, but across the world. That same day, they offered me a place. I'll never forget it. But that's only part of my tale. I will study Business Administration at Morehouse, where I will continue to learn how to translate ideas into action. My ambition is to be a business owner and a community leader—someone who can create opportunities for other people to achieve.". I would like to start mentorship programs for youth, build relationships between schools and the community, and ultimately have a foundation in place to support student-led equity projects like GET UP across the country. I'm proud of the summit I constructed. I'm proud of the movement we created. And I'm proud that I was accepted into Morehouse College—not because it was my top option, but because it's where my mission and my passion can flourish. My greatest achievement was not a moment. It was a mission. And I'm just getting started.

Growing up in a single-parent household with my Cameroonian immigrant father has shaped every facet of who I am—my goals, values, and aspirations. While losing a second parent brought hardship, my father's resilience and sacrifice instilled within me a fierce example of strength that I hold every day. My dad immigrated to America from Cameroon seeking opportunity—not opportunity for himself, but opportunity for the family he had a vision of creating. He assumed all the responsibilities after my mom left: provider, protector, disciplinarian, motivator, and even sometimes shoulder to cry on. He worked through long hours, at times taking multiple jobs, so I could have dinner on the table, clothes to wear, and an opportunity for a brighter tomorrow. We didn't have much, but we had what mattered most: love, discipline, and determination. Seeing how hard my father worked taught me the value of sacrifice. There were times that I returned home from school to an empty apartment, not because he cared less, but because he was working late shifts to keep us afloat. It would've been easy enough for me to quit or complain about our situation—instead, I made it motivation. I pushed myself in school, volunteered for leadership roles, and found purpose in my struggle. As a first-gen college student, I'm not only achieving higher education for myself—next to my father, my family, and for every young Black boy who was told he couldn't. I have served as a co-president of the Black Student Union at my institution, where I've helped plan programs that empower and inspire our community. I am also part of the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, where I've helped plan service projects benefiting local schools and first responders. Through these efforts, I've been able to learn how to lead confidently and compassionately—skills that I will bring with me to college and into my professional life. My dream is to pursue a business degree with a concentration in marketing or entrepreneurship. My goal is to one day own my own company that not only generates wealth but also invests in underprivileged communities—specifically those that are similar to the one where I grew up. I believe that business can be good, and I'd like to make something that allows others to break through the barriers they were born with. Through mentoring, job creation, or education advocacy, I aim to create a legacy that extends beyond myself. Growing up with just my dad also gave me a very strong sense of cultural pride. He made me know where I came from—infusing within me Cameroonian values of respect, humility, and hard work. This sense of cultural identity has rooted and centered me. It reminds me to keep in mind that I belong to something bigger than myself: the story of migration, struggle, resilience, and hope. Being raised in a single-parent household did not make me weak. It made me stronger. I possess the motivation to excel, the vision to lead, and the hunger to empower others. I do not take this journey casually, and with this scholarship, I will continue to proceed fearlessly towards a future that my father and I had dreamed of for many years.

My academic and career ambitions are built around leadership, service, and empowering others—especially Black communities. My dream is to earn a degree in business with a major in marketing and entrepreneurship and, ultimately, launch my own brand or company that creates economic opportunity and social change. I believe that education is the key to change over time, and I am committed to using what I will have learned to serve others and leave a legacy of leadership, representation, and civic responsibility. As a student, I have always been attracted to leadership opportunities that allow me to be an advocate for others and help build community. Serving as a co-president of the Black Student Union (BSU) at my high school has been one of the most impactful parts of my experience. Our BSU exists to create a space where Black students can be heard, embraced, and supported—but most importantly, it has become a space for education, unity, and activism. Under my leadership, our club sponsored cultural events, organized difficult conversations about equity and race, and offered learning experiences for all students to learn about the richness of Black history and achievement. One of the most impactful experiences during my time at BSU was helping to organize our school's inaugural Divine Nine (D9) Greek Life presentation during Black History Month. It was heartening to see students engaged and enthusiastic about Black fraternity and sorority heritage and tradition. We also hosted our first GET UP Summit (Gateway Equity Team Unites People), where we brought together student leaders, teachers, and community members for a day of workshops, speakers, and action planning on racial equity and inclusion. Seeing an idea we initially sketched out on a piece of paper grow into a full-scale summit taught me the potential that vision, collaboration, and shared passion for community can create. Beyond BSU, I've had the opportunity to be involved in the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, a national leadership development initiative that brings together character development and community service. I helped organize and execute various service projects through the program, including reading to students at local elementary schools, meal service to first responders, and a kindness campaign for the school. What I learned along the way is that leadership isn't something about titles or fame—it's about being present, being consistent, and serving others before yourself when it counts the most. Going forward, I plan on bringing these values with me to college and beyond. I intend to attend a historically Black college or university (HBCU) since I believe that HBCUs are best suited to promote academic excellence as well as cultural pride. At the school of my dreams, Morehouse College, I will aim to develop my business knowledge, expand my network, and grow as a scholar and as a servant-leader. I desire to graduate equipped with the experience and education to start my own business—one that not only brings in revenue but also reinvests in the community. Whether it's an ad agency, wellness brand, or tech company, my aspiration is to create something that drives economic growth within underserved communities and creates opportunities for other young Black leaders. Professionally, I see using marketing to magnify the voices and stories of those who are marginalized. I want to work on campaigns that get people thinking about social change and challenge negative narratives. In the future, I'd love to establish a mentorship program for entrepreneurial high school students with the resources, confidence, and sense of community they need to have big ideas and make them happen. My public and civic service is lifelong. My calling is to leave each place that I travel in better condition than when I first arrived. Service is not something that I volunteer to do or do last-minute—it's who I am as a human being. Through BSU, the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, and beyond that, which I have not even dreamed of yet, I will continue to use my voice, my imagination, and my heart for justice to serve others. As I continue, I know that the path will never be easy, but I'm grounded in purpose. Every speech I've given, every service event I've coordinated, and every young student I've mentored has shown me that change can occur when passion is coupled with action. My goal isn't just to be successful—it's to be significant. And that means leading with integrity and always remembering the people and places that shaped me into who I am.

In the five years ahead, I plan to make a positive contribution to the environment in my community as well as the world at large through marketing and wellness as two distinct lenses. I believe that they are connected—the manner in which we sell ideas (marketing) dictates how individuals behave and make choices, and the manner in which we cultivate our body and mind (wellness) has a direct bearing on the manner in which we co-exist in the world.". My vision is to utilize cutting-edge marketing strategies to propel healthy wellness habits that preserve our planet and strengthen our communities. Locally, I would like to start by creating campaigns that educate people—especially the youth—about how easy wellness-driven lifestyle changes can make a huge difference in the environment. Actions such as selecting refillable water bottles, eating less meat, cycling to work instead of driving short distances, or buying products from local farmers' markets can reduce our carbon footprint. However, people do not implement these changes because they are unaware of the effect or lack motivation. Marketing comes in here. I would like to use social media, visual storytelling, and community activities to show that green behaviors are cool, doable, and a good lifestyle. Being a communication and creativity enthusiast, I will develop online campaigns that speak directly to my generation. Through videos, infographics, and influencer partnerships, I would like to reshape the dialogue on wellness and the earth from "too hard" or "dull" to engaging and empowering in tone. For example, creating a challenge series like "30 Days of Greener Living" on Instagram or TikTok will help others join and track their progress. I'll use marketing not just to sell a product or an idea, but to sell a healthier world and head. Globally, I'd like to work with brands and companies that put sustainability forward. In expanding into the market space, I plan to help businesses develop messaging and campaigns that embrace environmental values. Today's consumers are more interested than ever in where their products come from, how they're made, and what they stand for. I'd like to help facilitate good companies being able to tell their stories in a way that speaks to people everywhere and inspires action. No matter if it is helping a startup launch a new biodegradable line or empowering a wellness brand to promote mental health through nature-based solutions, I will leverage my skills to make the voices of change-makers louder. In addition, I would like to start a nonprofit club or organization that brings together marketing and wellness-oriented students to work on sustainability projects within our communities. This might include sponsoring local cleanups, organizing social media campaigns for environmental causes, or hosting green-wellness events that benefit both mental wellness and sustainability. The more we bring community wellness and environmental awareness together, the more forceful we will be. Over the next five years, I see leveraging marketing as a tool for healing—not a career path, but a way of healing minds, bodies, and the planet. By creating more empowering decisions through the influence of storytelling, visual identity, and online engagement, I will work to create a cleaner, healthier, more conscious world—starting right here in my own community.

To me, college is everything. It is an opportunity to not only get by in life, but to get ahead and make something for myself. I want to study entrepreneurship and business in college so that I can learn the strategies and tools needed to start and maintain a successful business venture. I have always been a person who dreams big and thinks creatively. I believe that Morehouse College, specifically, will help me turn those dreams into my own reality. I want to take classes that focus on financial literacy, marketing, business development, and leadership. I also plan to engage in student organizations, internships, and networking opportunities that will provide me with opportunities to gain experience and learn from other people who have lived the same experience. My career goal is to become an entrepreneur and own my own business, something that will be built from nothing that reflects my values, ideas, and passion. I do not know exactly what type of business I want to create yet, but I do know that I want it to provide opportunities for my community. I feel attracted to entrepreneurship because it gives me the freedom to control my own future, be my own boss, turn my ideas into reality, and control how much money I make. Being able to take a risk, work hard, and see your hard work pay off is something that inspires me to go on this journey of entrepreneurship. In order to reach my goals, I plan to use my time in college to learn as much as I possibly can and gain experience. I look forward to building a strong network, looking for mentors, and staying open to learning from my failures just as much as my successes. Being an entrepreneur is not easy; it takes creativity, resilience, and the ability to keep going even when things are extremely tough. Despite this, I am ready to take these challenges head-on because I know that what I am working toward will pay off in the end. Besides personal success, I want to use my education and my business to give back to my community. Something that excites me about entrepreneurship is the chance to create opportunities like jobs for others, especially people who may not have had many opportunities before. I also want to help underprivileged communities not just to get by, but to get ahead in life. I want to invest in my community by mentoring youth and showing others that it is possible to succeed in life without leaving where you came from behind. I would love to support local events, offer internships, or even just be present in my community. I want to make sure I give back as much as I can to the place that created me. To me, entrepreneurship is not just about making money, it is about making a difference in the world. It is about turning your vision into something that you can be proud of. Something that lifts others up while also providing you with the life you always envisioned yourself having. That is what I am working toward, and college is my first stepping stone on that journey.