Resilience and optimism are traits that define me as a person. My cousin Meg is the inspiration for why these traits are so important to me. Meg was diagnosed with Cerebellar Hypoplasia which is a variation in the CTBP1 gene. This affected multiple aspects of her development including her ability to walk and talk. Growing up I witnessed her struggle with health issues first hand, yet she was the most jovial person I have ever met. She did not let her battle with her diagnosis keep her down and that was incredibly inspirational to me. Although she passed away a year ago, her message and the lessons she has taught will stick with me forever. I have many shared memories with Meg that I hold dear but one that is my favorite is having lunch at Burger King. Since my cousin Ally and I were the oldest, we took turns helping her through the tubes of the playplace. Even though it was hard work, it was so worth it to see the happiness on her face because she got to play too. This experience taught me that the enjoyment of helping others truly goes both ways. Throughout Meg's life, she was constantly in and out of the hospital because her condition caused other health problems such as pneumonia and spinal surgeries. Despite these challenges, she continued to light up rooms with her smile. This was extremely inspirational to me because even as a little kid, she was braver than most adults. As an athlete, I keep this in mind in every lacrosse game I play and I will never let the smallest of injuries keep me off the field. As a student, I strive for perfection and work hard to get good grades. Having Meg in my life has taught me many things. Most notably, always be positive, never give up regardless of the situation, and cherish the time spent with loved ones. Being consistently positive is not something that is easy but just makes life more enjoyable for those around you as well as yourself. I believe that it is never okay to give up on even the smallest things because if you can't do the small things, how do you expect to be able to do the big ones? Lastly, the time you spend with those you love is worth more than anything in the world. As I move on to bigger and better things after high school, I know that these values will stay with me for the journey. I know that my resilience and work ethic will help me do great things in college and beyond. In Meg’s short eleven years on this Earth, she was able to impact thousands through her role as a Children's Miracle Network ‘champion’. Nothing would make me happier than to positively influence as many people as she did.

I have wanted to fly since I was old enough to remember my grandfather's stories about his time in the Air Force. I have been putting on his flight helmet for almost 18 years now. If there is an airplane in the sky, I will see it. I can't wait to earn my wings, just like my grandfather. For my birthday, I am getting to go on a 3 hour flight experience and my grandfather will go with me. I think I was a pilot for Halloween more than any other costume. I am planning on getting my bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering before I enter the United States Air Force. I am fascinated by anything aeronautical and I look forward to learning more about the mechanics of aviation. I am a hard-working student with a 4.04 GPA. I am the oldest of 4 boys and I strive to the be the best role model to my brothers that I can be. My parents have taught me to be determined, competitive, and driven. More importantly, my parents have taught me to be honest, caring, and helpful. I try to show all of these attributes. As a student, I always give 100% and strive to do my very best in all areas. I also work hard to be respectful and helpful to my teachers, just like I hope all students treat teachers like my mom. As a student athlete, I always give 100% to my team. This past year, my lacrosse team won the first State Title for Lacrosse in our school history! I have a large family that supports me in all areas. There is always a large cheering section at any event I take part in and I am very thankful. My family experienced a huge loss this past fall when my cousin, Meg, passed away. She only lived 11 years, but her impact on the world has been large and important. She was born with a rare degenerative disease that only 13 people has been disagnosed with ever. She spent her life in and out of hospitals, confined to a wheel-chair, and fed by a feeding tube. Her life was full of pain and loss and struggle, but she was the happiest person I've ever met. Her smile was ever-present, no matter how sick she was or how much she struggled. That smile made her the perfect poster child for Carilion's Children Miracle Network and she raised/continues to raise money for children with medical issues. She lit up every room she entered. I will continue to live my life like Meg. I will be positive, fearless, kind, helpful, happy, resilient, useful, and loving.