My name is Aly, and I am a recent graduate of Southeastern Regional Vocational School in Easton, MA where I not only earned a diploma, but also a certificate in automotive collision repair. I am an athlete. I played volleyball all four years of high school and have been an all-star cheerleader for the past 10 years. I am the youngest of three children. I am a lover of all animals and have spent the past few years volunteering at a local animal shelter on Saturday mornings. My plan to attend the University of New England, where I have been recruited to the cheer team, and pursue a major in Marine Biology or Animal Behavior stems from a lifelong passion for science, particularly in marine and animal studies. Ultimately, I would love to continue my education and pursues a degree in veterinary medicine. Throughout high school, I maintained a 3.9 GPA, while taking a rigorous course load that included AP Biology and AP Physics. These courses not only deepened my understanding of scientific principles but also reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in a science related field. While my academic path is clear, funding my education presents a significant challenge. I am actively applying for scholarships to offset costs and have diligently saved from my job at a collision repair shop during my junior and senior years of high school. Despite these efforts, the reality of college expenses means I will likely need to rely on student loans to finance my education. I know that’s a chance, but in the words of Metallica “ Those people who tell you not to take chances, they are all missing on what life’s about. You only live once, so take hold of the chance. Don’t end up like others, the same song and dance.” You want to know what Heavy Metal means to me? Heavy Metal music holds a profound personal significance in my life. In 2020, at the age of 9, I experienced a devastating loss when my oldest brother, Emmett, passed away from a heroin overdose at just 20 years old. Emmett was not only a sibling but a mentor and musical guide who introduced me to bands like Metallica, Avenged Sevenfold, Disturbed, and Lamb of God. I cherished the moments we shared listening to these bands, eagerly anticipating the day he would take me to see them live—a dream we were never able to realize together. (although, I did get to see a Metallica concert in 2022 - AMAZING!) Heavy Metal music serves as a powerful link to Emmett, reminding me of times when he was happy and healthy - and home with me. It reminds me of being 7 or 8 and my big brother goofing around with me on the trampoline teaching me how to “mosh”. It reminds me of being in his car with the windows down and listening to him belt out the lyrics to one of his favorite songs and me just laughing with joy. Heavy Metal is the soundtrack to a time when my life was complete. Despite his absence during milestones like my high school graduation and the start of college, I find solace in cranking up the volume and singing along to the music we loved together. In those moments, I feel connected to him, imagining him rocking out in heaven and feeling proud of my accomplishments. In conclusion, my journey to pursue higher education at the University of New England with a focus on Marine Biology or Animal Behavior is driven by a passion for science and a dedication to honoring my brother's memory. While the financial road ahead may be challenging, my determination to succeed and my reliance on student loans underscore my commitment to achieving my academic goals. Moreover, Heavy Metal music remains more than just a genre; it embodies memories of my big brother, Emmett, and serves as a source of comfort and inspiration as I navigate the next chapter of my life.

Education is not merely a journey of acquiring knowledge; it's an experience that shapes character, cultivates skills, and molds one's worldview. Reflecting on my educational journey, I recognize the many ways in which I have excelled, not only academically but also in terms of personal growth and community impact. Through dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence, I have not only advanced my own prospects but also endeavored to leave a meaningful legacy for my family and community. From the outset of my academic journey, I have approached learning with curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. I firmly believe that education is the cornerstone of personal development. Thus, I have consistently sought out opportunities to challenge myself, whether through rigorous coursework, extracurricular activities, or volunteer work. This proactive approach has enabled me to excel academically, consistently achieving high grades and receiving recognition for my achievements. I will be graduating high school as a member of the National Honor Society with a 3.9 GPA, after taking all honors and/or AP courses. Because I attend a vocational school, this was done will holding down a full-time cooperative education job every other week during my junior and senior years. Beyond academic excellence, I have actively contributed to the betterment of my community through my volunteer work - whether it be at my local animal shelter (where I have volunteered weekly for the past two years), at my church, coaching younger athletes, or through advocacy work surrounding substance use disorder (a cause close to my heart after losing my oldest brother to an overdose in 2016). Recognizing the privilege of education, I have been deeply committed to paying it forward and uplifting others. Through volunteer work and community service projects, I have sought to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds and provide them with the support they need to thrive. Whether tutoring students, helping to organize and/or staff charity events, or advocating for societal change, I have endeavored to make a tangible difference in the lives of those around me. My actions have not only impacted my own trajectory but have also, I hope, left a lasting legacy on my family and community. By prioritizing education and embodying the values of hard work, perseverance, and compassion, I have set a positive example for friends, relatives, and future generations. I am especially proud of the work I have done with younger children - whether it be coaching their teams, helping in Sunday School or simply acting as a role-model. In conclusion, my journey of excelling in education has been characterized by a steadfast commitment to growth, service, and impact. Through my academic achievements and community contributions, I hope to leave a lasting legacy that transcends individual success and uplifts others. As I continue to pursue excellence in all endeavors, I remain deeply grateful for the opportunities afforded to me and committed to making a meaningful difference in the world.

Losing a loved one can leave an indelible mark on our lives, impacting the way we form relationships. For me, the loss of my oldest brother, Emmett, was an unbearable burden that seemed to weigh down my spirit, suffocating me with grief. However, I found a glimmer of light through volunteering with animals. This unexpected journey not only provided comfort but also became a catalyst for healing, helping me navigate through my grief journey and setting the path for my future - it made me realize that a future working with animals was what I wanted. As such, I'll be attending school in the fall for animal behavior with the intent of going on to attain a doctorate in veterinary medicine. Emmett's sudden death left a void in my life that seemed insurmountable. The pain was overwhelming, threatening to engulf me entirely. In those dark moments of despair, I sought solace in my animals. As I immersed myself in the company of these furry companions, something remarkable began to happen. Interacting with animals offered a respite from the constant ache in my heart. Their unconditional love and unwavering loyalty became a source of comfort, soothing the raw edges of my sorrow. Whether it was cuddling with a cat, taking a dog for a walk, or simply observing the playful antics of puppies, each moment spent with them was a precious reprieve from the weight of grief. Moreover, volunteering with animals has provided me a sense of purpose amidst the chaos of loss. In caring for these babies, I found a sense of meaning and fulfillment. The simple act of nurturing and tending to their needs instilled a sense of responsibility and empowerment within me. It reminded me that even in the face of loss, there are still opportunities to make a difference, no matter how small. One of the most profound lessons I learned through volunteering with animals was the power of connection - something I have really struggled with since losing my brother. Despite our differences in species, there existed a deep and inexplicable bond between us. In their eyes, I saw reflected a purity of spirit, and most importantly zero judgement. And in those fleeting moments of connection, I felt a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness, a reminder that love transcends even the barriers of grief and loss. Through this journey of volunteering with animals, I began to rediscover myself in the wake of my brother's death. I learned to embrace the pain rather than suppress it, to acknowledge my grief as a testament to the depth of my love for Emmett. And in doing so, I found the courage to confront my emotions head-on, allowing myself to heal and grow in the process. In retrospect, I realize that volunteering with animals was not merely a means of coping with loss but a transformative experience that fundamentally altered the trajectory of my healing journey. It taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, compassion, and the profound interconnectedness of all living beings. And while the pain of losing Emmett will always linger, I take solace in knowing that his memory lives on in the love and kindness I continue to share with the world. In conclusion, working with animals became my guiding light - shining the way for my future goals of working with animals. Emmett may no longer be with me in body, but his spirit lives on in every wag of a tail, every purr of contentment, and every moment of connection with the animals I cherish dearly. And for that, I am eternally grateful.

On April 20, 2016, I lost my big brother, Emmett Scannell, to a heroin overdose. Emmett was a 20-year-old college sophomore studying computer science on a full academic scholarship. He had an amazing spirit – with an infectious smile that could just light up a room. I can’t even begin to tell you about him in 600 words - but bottom line – Emmett was the average American teen. He loved video games, hanging out with his friends and BMX biking. Em was an accomplished student, graduating high school as a member of the NHS (and a 4.27 GPA which he loved to brag about). He was the best big brother that I could ever ask for – often spending hours bouncing on the trampoline and mastering new “tricks” with me. Until Heroin found him. After experimenting with marijuana briefly in high school Emmett embraced sobriety and was substance free for two years. He knew how recovery worked and had a strong support system. He had an unusually open relationship with everyone in our family – he talked to us about everything. (I often joked that our family shared TOO much!) Until Heroin found him. Within 6 weeks of beginning college, Heroin found my big brother Emmett and for lack of any better word, he became enslaved by this drug. It dictated how his money was spent, how his time was spent, even when he saw his family & friends – Em was no longer a free person. My mom did EVERYTHING in her power to help him –unfortunately, because he was 18yrs old and still living what appeared to be a “normal” life to outsiders (great grades, never in trouble with the law, no threats of violence) her options were extremely limited. Beyond two “spin-dry” detox stays (the second of which Em signed himself out of early), treatment wasn’t deemed “medically necessary” by our insurance company – and the $30,000 price tag was financially prohibitive for our family. And so this horrible dance with the dragon continued – Emmett lied, he stole, he manipulated those around him – worst of all he shut his family out. I couldn’t figure out why my big brother suddenly hated me and wouldn’t talk to me. I knew in my heart that this wasn’t MY big brother, this was his disease. Heroin had found him…and within 18 short months…it killed him. Throughout the progression of his disease, Em sold almost all of his personal possessions, and those not worth any money were essentially discarded. Three things he held on to – his prized BMX bike that he had built and re-built numerous times over the years – a wonderful reminder of hours spent with his best friends, and two framed photographs – one of he and our mom, and one of the two of us (the love between us just radiating out through our smiles). Emmett’s sudden death left a void in my life that seemed insurmountable. The pain was overwhelming, threatening to engulf me entirely. In those dark moments I sought solace in my animals. As I immersed myself in my furry companions, something remarkable began to happen. Interacting with animals offered a respite from the constant ache in my heart. Their unconditional love and unwavering loyalty became a source of comfort, soothing the raw edges of my sorrow. It was then that I knew that pursuing a future in caring for animals was the right path for me. I will be studying animal behavior this fall with the intention of going on to attain my doctorate in veterinary medicine.

Losing a loved one can leave an indelible mark on our lives, impacting the way we form relationships. For me, the loss of my oldest brother, Emmett, was an unbearable burden that seemed to weigh down my spirit, suffocating me with grief. However, I found a glimmer of light through volunteering with animals at my local animal shelter. This unexpected journey not only provided comfort but also became a catalyst for healing, helping me navigate through my grief journey and setting the path for my future plans of studying animal behavior with the goal of continuing on for my doctorate in veterinary medicine. Interacting with animals offered a respite from the constant ache in my heart. Their unconditional love and unwavering loyalty became a source of comfort, soothing the raw edges of my sorrow. Whether it was cuddling with a cat, taking a dog for a walk, or simply observing the playful antics of puppies, each moment spent with them was a precious reprieve from the weight of grief. Moreover, volunteering with animals has provided me a sense of purpose amidst the chaos of loss. In caring for these babies, I found a sense of meaning and fulfillment. The simple act of nurturing and tending to their needs instilled a sense of responsibility and empowerment within me. It reminded me that even in the face of loss, there are still opportunities to make a difference, no matter how small. One of the most profound lessons I learned through volunteering with animals was the power of connection - something I have really struggled with since losing my brother. Despite our differences in species, there existed a deep and inexplicable bond between us. In their eyes, I saw reflected a purity of spirit, and most importantly zero judgement. And in those fleeting moments of connection, I felt a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness, a reminder that love transcends even the barriers of grief and loss. Through this journey of volunteering with animals, I began to rediscover myself in the wake of my brother's death. I learned to embrace the pain rather than suppress it, to acknowledge my grief as a testament to the depth of my love for Emmett. And in doing so, I found the courage to confront my emotions head-on, allowing myself to heal and grow in the process. In retrospect, I realize that volunteering with animals was not merely a means of coping with loss but a transformative experience that fundamentally altered the trajectory of my healing journey. It taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, compassion, and the profound interconnectedness of all living beings. Most importantly the time spent at the animal shelter made me realize that I wanted to pursue a career caring for animals and that becoming a veterinarian was the path for me. In conclusion, volunteering with animals became my guiding light - shining the way for my future goals of working with animals by studying animal behavior with the goal of continuing on to obtain my doctorate in veterinary medicine. Emmett may no longer be with me in body, but his spirit lives on in every wag of a tail, every purr of contentment, and every moment of connection with the animals I cherish dearly. And for that, I am eternally grateful.

My background is in all-star cheer I am a solid level 4 tumbler who is continually working, through private lessons and group clinics, to improve my skills. If I could tell you a bit about myself: Academically, I currently have a 3.9 GPA (unweighted) and carry a challenging course load (3 AP classes this year). I am a member of the National Honor Society and a peer tutor. My ideal major is Animal Behaviors with a pre-vet track. Athletically, I am a two-sport athlete - volleyball and cheer - so I know the effort and dedication it takes to be successful. My all-star cheer career started at the age of 5 on a Mini 1 team. This year I am on a Senior 4.2 & U18 6 at Premier Spirit Athletics in Weymouth MA. In my cheer career, every Summit eligible team that I have been on has not only received a bid but has progressed to day 2. I may not have a ring - but I've been on many incredible teams and simply love the experience of attending Summit and competing at that level. I spent several years as a flyer early in my career - which I think has made me a stronger base. I have spent time in every position and consider myself a very versatile team member. Most years I have crossed over to two teams - so putting hours in at the gym is my norm. Most importantly, I am coachable, dedicated, and willing to put the effort in. I always strive to be a leader and motivator on whatever team I am on and am also a junior coach in my gym this year in an effort to be a positive role-model for the younger athletes. I am attending the University of New England in the fall and have already been recruited to their cheer team. (fun fact, I am the first ever recruit to UNE cheer!) Having the opportunity to be a part of such a great, up & coming cheer program is simply going to be the icing on the cake of my college experience. I knew that I was not ready for my cheer career to be finished after this year - I have so much more to give to the sport that has given so much to me over the years. You see, when I was 9 years old I lost my oldest brother, Emmett, to an overdose. Emmett was my person - and losing him completely rocked my world. The gym was my safe space, my teammates my rocks - it/they gave me the stability I needed when my world was in chaos. I truly do not know what I would have done without cheerleading in my life.

Losing a loved one can leave an indelible mark on our lives, impacting the way we form relationships. For me, the loss of my oldest brother, Emmett, was an unbearable burden that seemed to weigh down my spirit, suffocating me with grief. However, I found a glimmer of light through volunteering with animals. This unexpected journey not only provided comfort but also became a catalyst for healing, helping me navigate through my grief journey and setting the path for my future. Emmett's sudden death left a void in my life that seemed insurmountable. The pain was overwhelming, threatening to engulf me entirely. In those dark moments of despair, I sought solace in my animals. As I immersed myself in the company of these furry companions, something remarkable began to happen. Interacting with animals offered a respite from the constant ache in my heart. Their unconditional love and unwavering loyalty became a source of comfort, soothing the raw edges of my sorrow. Whether it was cuddling with a cat, taking a dog for a walk, or simply observing the playful antics of puppies, each moment spent with them was a precious reprieve from the weight of grief. Moreover, volunteering with animals has provided me a sense of purpose amidst the chaos of loss. In caring for these babies, I found a sense of meaning and fulfillment. The simple act of nurturing and tending to their needs instilled a sense of responsibility and empowerment within me. It reminded me that even in the face of loss, there are still opportunities to make a difference, no matter how small. One of the most profound lessons I learned through volunteering with animals was the power of connection - something I have really struggled with since losing my brother. Despite our differences in species, there existed a deep and inexplicable bond between us. In their eyes, I saw reflected a purity of spirit, and most importantly zero judgement. And in those fleeting moments of connection, I felt a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness, a reminder that love transcends even the barriers of grief and loss. Through this journey of volunteering with animals, I began to rediscover myself in the wake of my brother's death. I learned to embrace the pain rather than suppress it, to acknowledge my grief as a testament to the depth of my love for Emmett. And in doing so, I found the courage to confront my emotions head-on, allowing myself to heal and grow in the process. In retrospect, I realize that volunteering with animals was not merely a means of coping with loss but a transformative experience that fundamentally altered the trajectory of my healing journey. It taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, compassion, and the profound interconnectedness of all living beings. And while the pain of losing Emmett will always linger, I take solace in knowing that his memory lives on in the love and kindness I continue to share with the world. In conclusion, volunteering with animals became my guiding light - shining the way for my future goals of working with animals as either a veterinarian or animal behavioralist. Emmett may no longer be with me in body, but his spirit lives on in every wag of a tail, every purr of contentment, and every moment of connection with the animals I cherish dearly. And for that, I am eternally grateful.

Losing a loved one can leave an indelible mark on our lives, impacting the way we form relationships. For me, the loss of my oldest brother, Emmett, was an unbearable burden that seemed to weigh down my spirit, suffocating me with grief. However, I found a glimmer of light through volunteering with animals. This unexpected journey not only provided comfort but also became a catalyst for healing, helping me navigate through my grief journey and setting the path for my future. Emmett's sudden death left a void in my life that seemed insurmountable. The pain was overwhelming, threatening to engulf me entirely. In those dark moments of despair, I sought solace in my animals. As I immersed myself in the company of these furry companions, something remarkable began to happen. Interacting with animals offered a respite from the constant ache in my heart. Their unconditional love and unwavering loyalty became a source of comfort, soothing the raw edges of my sorrow. Whether it was cuddling with a cat, taking a dog for a walk, or simply observing the playful antics of puppies, each moment spent with them was a precious reprieve from the weight of grief. Moreover, volunteering with animals has provided me a sense of purpose amidst the chaos of loss. In caring for these babies, I found a sense of meaning and fulfillment. The simple act of nurturing and tending to their needs instilled a sense of responsibility and empowerment within me. It reminded me that even in the face of loss, there are still opportunities to make a difference, no matter how small. One of the most profound lessons I learned through volunteering with animals was the power of connection - something I have really struggled with since losing my brother. Despite our differences in species, there existed a deep and inexplicable bond between us. In their eyes, I saw reflected a purity of spirit, and most importantly zero judgement. And in those fleeting moments of connection, I felt a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness, a reminder that love transcends even the barriers of grief and loss. Through this journey of volunteering with animals, I began to rediscover myself in the wake of my brother's death. I learned to embrace the pain rather than suppress it, to acknowledge my grief as a testament to the depth of my love for Emmett. And in doing so, I found the courage to confront my emotions head-on, allowing myself to heal and grow in the process. In retrospect, I realize that volunteering with animals was not merely a means of coping with loss but a transformative experience that fundamentally altered the trajectory of my healing journey. It taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, compassion, and the profound interconnectedness of all living beings. And while the pain of losing Emmett will always linger, I take solace in knowing that his memory lives on in the love and kindness I continue to share with the world. In conclusion, volunteering with animals became my guiding light - shining the way for my future goals of working with animals either as a veterinarian or animal behavioralist. Emmett may no longer be with me in body, but his spirit lives on in every wag of a tail, every purr of contentment, and every moment of connection with the animals I cherish dearly. And for that, I am eternally grateful.

Losing a loved one can leave an indelible mark on our lives, impacting the way we form relationships. For me, the loss of my oldest brother, Emmett, was an unbearable burden that seemed to weigh down my spirit, suffocating me with grief. However, I found a glimmer of light through volunteering with animals. This unexpected journey not only provided comfort but also became a catalyst for healing, helping me navigate through my grief journey and setting the path for my future. Emmett's sudden death left a void in my life that seemed insurmountable. The pain was overwhelming, threatening to engulf me entirely. In those dark moments of despair, I sought solace in my animals. As I immersed myself in the company of these furry companions, something remarkable began to happen. Interacting with animals offered a respite from the constant ache in my heart. Their unconditional love and unwavering loyalty became a source of comfort, soothing the raw edges of my sorrow. Whether it was cuddling with a cat, taking a dog for a walk, or simply observing the playful antics of puppies, each moment spent with them was a precious reprieve from the weight of grief. Moreover, volunteering with animals has provided me a sense of purpose amidst the chaos of loss. In caring for these babies, I found a sense of meaning and fulfillment. The simple act of nurturing and tending to their needs instilled a sense of responsibility and empowerment within me. It reminded me that even in the face of loss, there are still opportunities to make a difference, no matter how small. One of the most profound lessons I learned through volunteering with animals was the power of connection - something I have really struggled with since losing my brother. Despite our differences in species, there existed a deep and inexplicable bond between us. In their eyes, I saw reflected a purity of spirit, and most importantly zero judgement. And in those fleeting moments of connection, I felt a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness, a reminder that love transcends even the barriers of grief and loss. Through this journey of volunteering with animals, I began to rediscover myself in the wake of my brother's death. I learned to embrace the pain rather than suppress it, to acknowledge my grief as a testament to the depth of my love for Emmett. And in doing so, I found the courage to confront my emotions head-on, allowing myself to heal and grow in the process. In retrospect, I realize that volunteering with animals was not merely a means of coping with loss but a transformative experience that fundamentally altered the trajectory of my healing journey. It taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, compassion, and the profound interconnectedness of all living beings. And while the pain of losing Emmett will always linger, I take solace in knowing that his memory lives on in the love and kindness I continue to share with the world. In conclusion, volunteering with animals became my guiding light - shining the way for my future goals of working with animals. Emmett may no longer be with me in body, but his spirit lives on in every wag of a tail, every purr of contentment, and every moment of connection with the animals I cherish dearly. And for that, I am eternally grateful.