From the farmland of Sykesville to the racetrack in Baltimore, I am rooted in Maryland like an old oak tree: grounded, resilient, and constantly reaching upward. I’ve grown up immersed in foodservice and agriculture, two worlds that most wouldn’t expect to intersect. As a hospitality student, I am combining my love for food, service, sustainability, and Maryland’s unique culture to preserve and elevate the spaces and stories that make my home state special. One of the most defining experiences in my journey has been being crowned Miss Chesapeake Bay 2025 and Miss Baltimore’s Teen 2024. These titles have given me a platform to advocate for heartfelt causes, particularly environmental stewardship and preserving Maryland’s thoroughbred racing legacy. As a guest on WJZ and The T.J. Smith Show, I’ve spoken about my journey as a young female farmer, small business owner, and watershed advocate. As the founder of The Chesapeake Promise, I educate others about for watershed conservation. Whether it's fundraising, speaking, or posting weekly “Watershed Wednesday” facts, I am inspiring younger generations to take pride in their environment and understand the importance of clean, healthy waterways, not just for recreation or aesthetics, but for public health, biodiversity, and even local food systems. My advocacy has also led me to secure thousands in undergraduate research grants to study the feasibility of using invasive species in restaurant menus, a project that combines sustainability and culinary innovation in a very real-world application. All of this ties into my long-term goal of becoming a restaurateur who not only feeds people, but brings them together. I dream of creating a community-centered restaurant that sources locally, employs from the area, and becomes a space where people feel known. I want to create an establishment that honors Maryland’s agricultural and equestrian traditions, offering tourists and locals a hospitable experience that recognizes history through a blend of flavor and storytelling. That is where my dream of a revitalized Maryland horse racing legacy comes in. For too long, this historic part of our state’s identity has been overlooked or misunderstood. But I see potential, for tourism, for job creation, for hospitality experiences unlike any other. This Spring, I have been working as a luxury hospitality associate at Keeneland, and through this experience, I’ve seen the impact that well-managed, high-end hospitality can have on a sporting institution. With the right vision and heart, Maryland’s racetracks will become cultural hubs again, welcoming guests from all over and giving locals a reason to take pride in their heritage. I plan to use my education in Hospitality Management to make that vision a reality. Whether it’s through revenue management, service design, or event planning, my coursework is giving me the skills I need to bring a high level of professionalism and a sustainability mindset to everything I do. Graduating two years early and starting college at 17 has given me a head start, but it has also taught me how to manage time, set ambitious goals, and follow through on them.

Little did I know that every extracurricular activity, interest, and aspect of my life would lead me to find my passion. Even as a young kid, I wasn’t on my iPad or coloring on a napkin when I went out to dinner with my family. I was observing the menu and the presentation and the atmosphere of the restaurant. I was bound to pursue hospitality before I even knew what that word meant. It is an industry that is diverse, growing, and so incredibly exciting to me. As someone who is always “soaring” to new heights, my current career plan is to become a flight attendant right after I graduate with a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management and Tourism. As a lifelong lover of travel, I believe the job of a flight attendant suits my personality well. It will give me the opportunity to interact with a large background of people, each with their own story and destination. It will give me the social skills, ability to respond to a crisis, and customer service knowledge that I need in the next steps of my career plan. My long term goal is to become an entrepreneur in the food service industry. Food influences our culture and our society, and that is something I know will never change no matter what happens in the world. I am in the Culinary Science Career Academy at my high school, which is already preparing me with a multifaceted set of skills and certifications that I need for success. Additionally, my parents have had a food service operation here in Howard County through our farm since 2014. Growing up immersed in this has opened my eyes to not just the good, but also the bad of day-to-day operations. Seeing both the worst and the best that food service has to offer, it has not become any less of a passion or future aspiration of mine. The “Notes” app on my phone is filled with restaurant ideas. I am not yet sure what my future holds, but I know that I am passionate, dedicated, and always willing to learn new things no matter what. As I hold that determination close to my heart, I can't wait to see what dreams I will turn into a reality one day. I have made the choice to attend college because it is the gateway to an open variety of opportunities within the workforce. But this however, has been a decision that has come with anxiety and stress. Many young people are driven away from the idea of higher education because of how costly it is. Lots of entrepreneurs don’t go to college, so I have debated the right move for my career path. I am optimistic that pursuing a degree will equip me with the skills to be successful in my future. By telling my story and ambitions to organizations like the Kappa Alpha Psi Scholarship Foundation, I hope that I can earn financial support towards my degree. Investing in my future today is investing in tomorrow’s hospitality industry.

I was in seventh grade when my family expanded our business from our farm to a brick-and-mortar grocery store and food service operation. Throughout middle school and high school, my friends and classmates would say things like "I bet your family is so rich", such an apathetic and unknowledgeable statement. It is so often that people miss the intricacies that define this realm of the workforce. Nobody understands what true work and dedication are like until it becomes their way of life. It is both the hardships and successes I have witnessed that drive me towards pursuing the hospitality industry as my future career. My mind is filled endlessly with new concepts and ideas, blending yesterday’s cherished traditions and tomorrow’s cutting-edge innovations. My passion emphasizes a commitment to shaping tomorrow's hospitality landscape. The pursuit of entrepreneurship isn't merely a career choice for me; but rather a lifestyle. I don’t have one particular career goal but instead envision a long journey of growth, exploration, and impact. I plan to use my passion to take calculated risks, pioneer new ventures, and even franchise. Some of the sectors of the industry I find most appealing are bars, distilleries, food trucks, and tea rooms. In pursuing a career in the restaurant and hospitality industry, I aspire not only to build a successful enterprise but also to inspire positive change. I started my small business when I was 14 years old and that has taught me the success that comes from networking and personally interacting with my customers. Having a connection helps to reach people on a personal level, and that skill I have learned is something I will carry with me to my future hospitality career to leave a positive impact on others. I will also prioritize community re-investment as a part of my business plans, giving back to the communities that will give so much to me in my entrepreneurial ventures. My creativity and devotion will allow me to have an excellent and promising career, and I can’t wait to see how far I go.

Plenty of young kids run around their houses singing little songs, but after shining in my first school play, people told my mom I needed private voice lessons. And that is what marked the beginning of my musical journey at just 7 years old. Throughout my childhood and teenage years, I sang in musicals, restaurants, and cafes. I taught myself to play the ukulele and piano when I was 10, wrote my first song at 13, started working with my original music in a recording studio at 15, and picked up a guitar for the first time at 16, not knowing it would become my main instrument. Never once have I been told I need to project my voice more; it has always been loud, just like my love and passion for music. But there were times I had to be quiet, times when my light and my voice were silenced. I have turned down more than one opportunity I earned in an audition because of the obstacles in my life: mental health struggles and money—realities of this world that shaped my maturity in ways I'm still not sure if I appreciate yet. I have come to realize that I am faced with a choice. I can let the anxiety over financing my future and my battle with depression be the enemy, or I can use it to motivate me and drive me further. Changing my mindset turned my musical endeavors from my hobby to an aspect of my transformation that is both supportive and therapeutic. Creating and beginning to produce my original music has inspired me to express myself, identify my emotions, and find light in the darkness. Not only does music have a psychological impact on the brain, but it helps to tell and understand each other's stories. Shaping cultures and societies around the world through generations, it is clear that music holds the power to alter one's mood, change perceptions, and inspire change. While everyone has a relationship with music that is personal and unique to them, its effects on the culture around us may not be immediately apparent. As I use music as a resource for combating my obstacles with an open mind, new outlook, and more confidence, I am ready to inspire others to do the same. I will continue to face adversity and utilize my musical gifts to amplify my voice and tell my story.

Creativity is a force that transcends boundaries, providing individuals with a unique avenue to express themselves and make a positive impact on the world. For me, this creative passion is the art of songwriting. Creating my own lyrics and melodies is my form of therapeutic expression and storytelling, with a broader mission to contribute to the collective human experience. Songwriting, for me, is far more than just a creative skill. It's a vessel through which I can navigate the intricate landscapes of my feelings, and translate them into verses and choruses that resonate with both myself and others. The ability to encapsulate a range of emotions in just a brief composition is a potent form of communication, fostering connection and empathy among listeners. Music possesses a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. When I write a song, I aim to foster unity by creating something that truly resonates with people. In doing so, I believe that my creative endeavors contribute to making the world a better place by fostering empathy and encouraging open dialogue about shared human experiences. By sharing my emotions that others may relate to or apply to their own lives, I am letting others know that the way they feel is valid and they are not alone. If granted an extra 24 hours in a day, I would dedicate a substantial portion of that time to honing my craft. The creative process is both demanding and rewarding. It requires lots of patience. Sometimes I can finish a song on a given concept in 15 minutes, other times it takes me months to complete. With an additional day's worth of time, I could delve deeper into my musical pursuits by refining my skills, experiment with new styles and genres, and collaborating with other artists. This extended time would allow me to not only enhance my individual capabilities but also contribute to the broader musical landscape. My creativity is often sparked by personal experiences or intense emotions. I utilize songwriting as a form of expressing such experiences and emotions. Moreover, collaboration and interaction with other creative minds also fuel my creativity. Engaging with fellow musicians, sharing ideas, and drawing inspiration from different perspectives elevate the creative process, resulting in compositions that are more nuanced and reflective of the human experience. In conclusion, my creative passion for songwriting serves as a medium to convey emotions, share stories, and contribute to the betterment of the world through the universal language of music. With an additional 24 hours in a day, I would invest more time in refining my craft and collaborating with others. Creativity, for me, blossoms during moments of emotional intensity, shaping my songs into vessels that connect people on a profound level. Through the transformative power of music, I have not only found an activity that is therapeutic, but I believe I can contribute to a more empathetic and interconnected world.

As I embark on my academic journey, my path is guided by a desire to merge my passion for hospitality with a vision of becoming a successful commercial and residential real estate agent. Ultimately, I aspire to intertwine these pursuits in my future as an entrepreneur in the hospitality industry. This scholarship serves as a catalyst in the affirmation that my dreams are within reach. My journey in the academic realm is rooted in my determination to learn and grow. I envision myself navigating the intricate landscape of the hospitality industry, where I can orchestrate memorable experiences and foster an environment that transcends mere transactions. Earning a Bachelor's degree in hospitality management is my first significant step toward acquiring the knowledge, skills, and insights needed to thrive in this competitive field. The dream doesn't end there; it seamlessly extends into the realm of real estate. Armed with a solid foundation in hospitality, I aim to bring my unique perspective to the real estate market. I see myself not just as an agent but as a facilitator of dreams, connecting individuals with spaces that resonate with their visions and aspirations. This dual expertise will position me to create innovative and immersive spaces, whether it be for commercial enterprises or individuals seeking a place to call home. This scholarship symbolizes the bridge between my aspirations and their realization. It will alleviate the financial burden associated with pursuing higher education, allowing me to focus more on my studies, gain relevant experience through internships, and actively engage in extracurricular activities that will enrich my learning. Moreover, this scholarship serves as a vote of confidence, affirming that my goals are not just lofty dreams but achievable milestones with the right support. Beyond academics and professional aspirations, my commitment to community service has been a cornerstone of my personal development. For the past few years, I have dedicated over 600 hours as the head coach and choreographer of a cheerleading team. In this role, I have not only designed routines but also imparted invaluable life skills and discipline to young athletes. Coaching has been a transformative experience, shaping my perspective on leadership, teamwork, and the extent to which mentorship can be impactful on individuals. Through tireless dedication, I witnessed the growth of resilient young athletes who carry the lessons of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance into various facets of their lives. The joy of seeing their accomplishments extends beyond a routine, illustrating what community involvement can do for an individual's growth. This experience has reinforced my belief in the transformative power of mentorship and community engagement. As a future entrepreneur, I am committed to giving back to the communities that have shaped me. I envision creating spaces that not only contribute to economic development but also foster a sense of community and collaboration. In conclusion, this scholarship is not just a financial boost; it is a testament to the belief that dreams, when pursued with passion and purpose, are attainable. With a Bachelor's degree in hospitality management as my foundation and aspirations to navigate the real estate market, I am poised for a journey that goes beyond personal success. My dedication to community service, exemplified through coaching, showcases my commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. As I embark on this transformative journey, I carry with me the invaluable lessons that I have learned from my community contribution, reinforcing my belief in the power of mentorship and the potential to be a positive changemaker.

In the pursuit of success and fulfillment, the role of faith, be it in God or a personal belief system, can be a profound driving force. For me, the journey from a struggling teenager battling mental health issues to a thriving entrepreneur in the hospitality industry has been intimately tied to my faith in God. My Christian faith has been a guiding light in my life, aiding my emotional well-being and laying the foundation for my entrepreneurial endeavors. My story begins at the beginning of adolescence, a period marked by internal struggles and challenges for me. Despite being an "old soul" and driven, I found my maturity has made it difficult to connect with other kids my age, leading me to a sense of isolation. Middle school brought about a tumultuous phase in my life, accompanied by mental health issues and substantial weight gain. It was during these dark times that I turned to my faith in God, seeking guidance and internal peace. Discovering God became my refuge, providing a newfound sense of purpose that propelled me towards positive change. Building a relationship with him marked a pivotal turning point, steering me away from despair and towards a path of self-discovery and growth. Through faith, I found the strength to confront the pain in my life, leading to a transformative journey toward mental and physical well-being. With newfound self-purpose, I ventured into entrepreneurship at the young age of 14. My first small business not only reflected my entrepreneurial spirit but also mirrored the resilience I had cultivated through my faith. The countless hours invested in my business were not merely a pursuit of financial success; they became a manifestation of the discipline and dedication fostered by my faith-driven journey. My future ambition to become an entrepreneur in the hospitality industry embodies the values of warmth, service, and community. These values align seamlessly with the principles instilled by my faith. As I navigate the intricacies of this industry, my faith serves as a compass, guiding me to approach business not merely as a profit-oriented venture but as a platform to foster genuine connections and create a positive impact on others. Furthermore, my faith continues to shape my personal and physical well-being. The transformative journey I underwent, guided by faith, extended to my approach to health and self-care. The discipline instilled by my faith translated into a commitment to treat my body as a sacred vessel, leading to not only weight loss but also a much-needed increase in happiness and confidence. This newfound self-assurance has a direct correlation with my ability to navigate the challenges inherent in entrepreneurship. Looking ahead, I envision my faith continuing to play a pivotal role in my personal and entrepreneurial journey. The values of integrity, compassion, and resilience, deeply rooted in my faith, are indispensable assets in the dynamic and competitive landscape of the hospitality industry. Moreover, the lessons learned through my faith-driven transformation provide a solid foundation for ethical decision-making and responsible leadership. In conclusion, the connection between my faith and entrepreneurial aspirations has been a transformative force in my life. From overcoming personal struggles to thriving in the hospitality industry, my faith has not only provided solace but also cultivated the values essential for entrepreneurial success. As I embark on my career path, I am confident that my faith will remain a source of inspiration of great importance, guiding me toward meaningful connections, ethical leadership, and continued personal and professional growth.

The dream version of my future self is a successful entrepreneur who remains active in serving her community, finds strength in God, and continues to improve herself in the gym.

I am deeply passionate and proud of the many extracurricular activities that I partake in. Not only do they shape my character and help me find my identity, but they also allow me to contribute to my community in a variety of ways. I am the head coach of a cheerleading squad for young girls aged 5 through 6. Having been a cheerleader in the same organization as a young girl, it is an honor to be able to give back to the program that built a part of me. I get to pass on my knowledge and passion for cheerleading to the next generation of cheerleaders while also growing and disciplining them as athletes. Coaching and choreographing have also been a transformative process for myself. I aim to apply everything I have learned about patience and leadership from this volunteer role to wherever my future takes me. As a highly driven individual, I am very involved in my work life and consider it a major part of who I am. I founded Farmer's Daughter Tea Company in June 2021, selling gourmet tea blends. This venture has been very successful and ignited my entrepreneurial spirit. It has shown me the value of hard work, creativity, and the power of community impact. I have learned how to partner with other businesses and maintain relationships with customers. Owning a small business has also been a journey of self-discovery. I now know that I want to pursue entrepreneurship as a career. My internship at a real estate group has opened so many doors for me. I currently specialize in social media marketing and information technology. Because of the pathway that this has carved out for me, I will become a licensed realtor when I turn 18. Real estate plays a pivotal role in my community and other communities too. I believe that by helping individuals find their homes, I can enhance community growth and development. I am vocally trained in musical theater, as well as a self-taught songwriter, guitarist, and ukulele player. I have found music to be a source of expression for me. During the years I battled my darkest stages of depression, music was my therapeutic outlet. Through song, I have had the opportunity to connect with others on an emotional level. It is amazing to see how music has the power to bring people together and create Growing up on a farm and participating in 4-H has instilled in me a strong work ethic. When a family member was hospitalized with a life-threatening illness, my brother and I had to step up to run the family produce business during the summer. This eye-opening event showed me the value of family. Raising, showing, and selling market swine allowed me to foster a sense of responsibility that I now carry with me in all of my endeavors. By gaining connections with the agricultural community, I have learned the importance of the industry, as well as the urgency for sustaining and caring for our land. I am welcoming new beginnings in my life as I embark on a new journey as a contestant in the Miss America organization. I will grow my talent and public speaking skills for my future by competing in pageants. As a titleholder, I will have the opportunity to elevate my advocacy platform, Invest in Success, mentoring diverse backgrounds of youth in entrepreneurship and promoting financial literacy as a whole. I believe that making informed financial decisions is the cornerstone of prosperity and I hope to nurture a new generation of leaders through my advocacy.

I am currently balancing my academic and work life, as a dual-enrolled high school junior and freshman in college, working towards achieving a Bachelor's degree in hospitality management. I volunteer as the head coach of a cheerleading team, where I dedicate hundreds of hours of service every year. I love to cook, I play the guitar and sing, and I love to educate myself on politics. In my work life, I am an intern at a real estate group, where I specialize in information technology. Because of the pathway that this has carved out for me, I will become a licensed realtor at 18. I also am the founder and owner of Farmer's Daughter Tea Company, a growing business selling gourmet tea blends. My entrepreneurial spirit and journey have led me to discover an advocacy platform that I am truly passionate about. When I discovered that only 57% of adults in the United States are financially literate, I was not shocked at all. The lack of financial literacy will have consequences and negative influences on the future of our economy. Upon entering adulthood, we are supposed to know what compound interest is, how to pay taxes, and how to finance our lives. The reality is that most high school graduates won't even know how to write a check. Through my candidacy in the Miss America organization, I have been able to design Invest in Success, a platform dedicated to mentoring youth of diverse backgrounds in entrepreneurship. I am in the process of starting outreach to schools and communities, hosting workshops, and utilizing social media to promote my message. I have gained so much from starting my own business when I was 14 and I aim to share that with others. My goal in mentorships is not to make major CEOs but rather to inspire a new generation of leaders who know how to make informed decisions with their money and finance their lifestyles. In conclusion, my life is a testament to the power of education, entrepreneurship, extracurricular involvement, and community engagement. As I continue to pursue higher education and entrepreneurial endeavors, I am committed to using my platform to make a lasting and positive impact on my community by mentoring young individuals of all backgrounds in entrepreneurship and promoting financial literacy. By investing in the success of the next generation, I hope to create a ripple effect of positive change that will benefit not only individuals but also the entire community.

In a world characterized by cutthroat competition and relentless pressure, my mental health began declining before I even reached my teenage years. As someone who has faced the demons I know as anxiety and depression, I recognize that these battles have shaped not only my journey but also my aspirations to become a major name in business one day. Struggling with my mental health has provided me with a unique lens of how I perceive the world. It has fostered my sense of empathy, allowing me to recognize and understand the hidden battles that many individuals face. These experiences have instilled in me a deep appreciation for the importance of human connection and emotional well-being in all aspects of my life. Overcoming anxiety and depression has allowed so much growth in mentality and mindset, not only shaping my ability to face personal challenges but also translating into my approach to my future career path. In the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, setbacks are inevitable. My experiences battling mental health issues have cultivated resilience, empowering me to view obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than roadblocks to success. By harnessing this resilience, I aspire to lead with determination, adaptability, and innovative problem-solving skills, becoming a major name in business and inspiring others to persevere in the face of adversity. A deep sense of purpose and determination has emerged as I am constantly learning. I am stronger than the issues I am labeled with.

Generational wealth is the ability to pass on assets and resources to future generations. It provides them with the means to achieve financial stability and success. To me, it illustrates the idea that hard work and sacrifices made by the past generations can have a lasting impact on the future generations. Achieving generational wealth requires both long-term and short-term goal setting, responsible financial planning, and the ability to make informed and educated decisions. In the future, I plan to achieve generational wealth by sustaining my income in my future career field and being strategic about how I choose to manage myself financially. From role models in my life, I am learning that it is important to not limit myself, as a job search never completely ends. New opportunities constantly appear, so one has to weigh the pros and cons of where they are and where they could go. I also recognize that one of the most important things is to start early. This is because the earlier you start, the more time you have to grow financially. You will be more experienced over time, as you learn from your mistakes and change previous habits, recovering from those previous losses and bouncing back from them stronger than ever. Higher education is extremely valuable in the present day because it increases an individual's appeal as a competitive job candidate in the workforce. Additionally, it equips one with the essential skills needed in exceptional job performance for their desired career field. However, going to college is very costly. As a high school student, I am currently taking advantage of the opportunity to enter scholarships. It is significant for me to use writing to inform and advocate for my ideas and opinions, but also to financially prepare for my goals of obtaining a bachelor's degree in hospitality management or sports management. I believe that it is important to pass on the knowledge and skills behind financial management to the next generation. One day when I am a parent, I will educate my children on the importance of responsible spending, saving, investing, and most importantly, hard work. I will do so to help them make smart financial decisions and build wealth for themselves, just like I am working to do for myself. In conclusion, achieving generational wealth is a long-term process that is a valuable investment in ensuring financial stability for myself and for future generations.

My best back-to-school tip is to expand on your learning. You could consider yourself done after doing the bare minimum. However, the learner who excels is an explorer of the concepts that spark their interest. Stay determined to answer your questions by getting involved within your community or conducting research.