A scholarship is more than just financial relief; it is an investment in proof. Motivated students from disadvantaged backgrounds deserve these opportunities because they have already proven they can thrive in conditions where others might falter. Financial hardship often forces young people to grow up quickly, teaching them resourcefulness, resilience, and adaptability. When you give a grant to a high-achieving student who has already overcome systemic barriers, you aren’t just funding an education you are unleashing a proven leader who knows exactly how to maximize every resource given to them.My own life has been a testament to this truth. Navigating the world of competitive athletics as a female player from a low-income background meant facing obstacles that had nothing to do with my performance on the field. The quiet stress of funding travel tournaments and securing proper safety equipment was a constant hurdle. Instead of letting these financial constraints limit my potential, I used them as fuel to sharpen my mind. I threw myself into mastering my craft, relying on an intense work ethic and developing a deep, analytical sports IQ. I learned to view the game through a quantitative and strategic lens, breaking down plays with mathematical precision.This dedication resulted in one of the most defining moments of my life: receiving a student-athlete award from the Miami Dolphins. Standing on that stage, recognized equally for my academics and athletics, I realized that my background didn’t define my future. Beyond the turf, I poured that same determination into my community, volunteering weekly for five years as a Sunday school teacher and stepping up to coach younger athletes in my travel program, Vice City. Now, I am preparing for my next chapter as a collegiate student-athlete, having officially committed to play NAIA flag football on an athletic scholarship at St. Thomas University. I plan to major in Sports Information, a field where I can combine my communication skills and strategic mindset to elevate other athletes, helping them share their stories and get the recognition they deserve.The Marcia Bick Scholarship would be the ultimate catalyst for my success, bridging the remaining financial gap of my collegiate life. By covering essential costs like textbooks, specialized turf cleats, and protective headgear, this funding would buy me the time to focus entirely on my academic goals and athletic responsibilities without the constant weight of financial anxiety. With your support, I am determined to prove that a student’s potential is defined by their drive, their intellect, and their heart not by their zip code or their background

Balancing the demands of elite athletics, academic excellence, and community service requires a level of resilience that defines my journey. For me, sports have never been just about winning games they have been the crucible in which my character was forged. Navigating the athletic world as a female player from a low-income background has presented unique, quiet barriers from the financial stress of funding travel tournaments to the simple struggle of securing proper safety equipment. However, much like Sloane Stephens, who used her platform to break barriers and level the playing field for underserved youth, I chose to turn these hurdles into fuel. I channeled my energy into mastering my craft, relying on a relentless work ethic and a high sports IQ to prove that your background does not define your potential. My athletic foundation was built over the past two years with Vice City, an elite travel flag football program, alongside my varsity high school team. Being part of the explosive expansion of women’s flag football has been incredibly empowering. My dedication to the game culminated in one of the most defining moments of my life: receiving a student athlete award from the Miami Dolphins. Standing on that stage, recognized equally for my academics and my athletics, something clicked inside me. I realized I never had to choose between being smart and being athletic I could confidently be both. That moment gave me a profound sense of self belief and belonging in the sports world, proving I am capable of making a lasting impact behind the scenes. The true joy of my athletic career, however, has come from leadership and mentorship. As a team captain, I learned that true leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice it is about kindness, listening, and showing up for others. My coaches modeled this perfectly. They invested in me as a whole person and trusted me to coach our younger athletes. Watching those girls build confidence brought me a sense of fulfillment that inspired me to expand my mentorship beyond the field. For the past five years, I have volunteered weekly as a Sunday school teacher, which has instilled in me a deep patience and empathy for children who think and learn differently. Now, as an incoming college student-athlete officially committed to play NAIA flag football on an athletic scholarship at St. Thomas University, I am preparing to build toward something even bigger. I plan to major in Sports Information, a career path where I can use my communication and leadership skills to help other athletes share their stories and ensure they feel recognized for their sacrifices. My commitment to my roots remains unbroken; I will return to my high school and Vice City teams to volunteer as a coach, creating a continuous cycle of empowerment for the next generation. The Doc & Glo Scholarship would be a transformative bridge for my journey, directly alleviating the financial strains of collegiate life. From specialized turf cleats and protective headgear to the rising cost of textbooks, this $2,500 award would grant me the ultimate gift: the time to focus entirely on my studies, excel on the field, and continue giving back to my community. Representing the legacy of Doc & Glo as a collegiate athlete would be an incredible honor, allowing me to prove to young girls everywhere that with resilience, kindness, and self-belief, you can be fiercely competitive, deeply intellectual, and a leader who shapes a better future.

The belief that everyone deserves an opportunity to receive a high quality education is fundamental, yet the reality is that socioeconomic status remains a pervasive barrier across the country. For many low-income students, the transition out of high school is defined by a heavy, conflicting choice: do I enter the workforce immediately to support my family, or do I take on the burden of massive student loans to invest in a distant future? It is a stressful decision to make at eighteen. As a low income high school graduate preparing to enter college, I have felt the weight of that exact crossroad.I view higher education not as a financial risk, but as the essential tool I need to break the cycle of poverty, hone my professional craft, and build a platform where I can create a lasting positive impact on my community.Attending St. Thomas University this upcoming fall to pursue a degree in Sports Information will directly facilitate everything I hope to achieve in the future. Sports have always been a cornerstone of my life but they have taught me far more than just how to compete. Being part of a team, learning how to communicate effectively under pressure, and pushing through structural and personal challenges have shaped my identity. My long term goal is to transition from the turf to a career behind the scenes in sports information a field where I can help athletes share their stories and ensure they feel recognized for the immense sacrifices they make.To excel in sports information one must possess deep communication skills, leadership, patience, and the ability to cooperate with vastly different personalities. Higher education is the arena where I will formalize and refine these exact traits.By earning my degree, I will gain the professional credibility and network needed to enter the sports industry as a qualified professional, transforming my lived passion into a sustainable career that provides financial stability for my family and opens doors that once felt completely closed to us.While achieving professional stability is a personal necessity, my ultimate plan is to use my education to create a profound, positive impact on others. I have always believed that true leadership is defined by how well you show up for the people around you. I have actively practiced this philosophy outside of the classroom through extensive volunteer experience. For the past five years since the age of thirteen I have dedicated myself to teaching Sunday school at my church. Working with children every week has given me a deep sense of empathy, kindness, and flexibility, as I have learned to adapt my teaching styles to accommodate children who think, process, and learn differently.This passion for mentorship carries directly over into my athletic life. Over the last two years, I have trained at an elite level with Vice City, a competitive travel flag football team, while also playing for my high school varsity team. My academic dedication and athletic performance ultimately earned me a student-athlete award from the Miami Dolphins, a defining moment that proved to me that intellect and athletic capability can run hand-in-hand. As an older player and team captain on both my travel and high school squads, I was granted multiple opportunities to coach and mentor our younger girls. Seeing them grow, build confidence on the field, and refine their own skills brought a unique, overwhelming happiness that I want to sustain for the rest of my life.Even though I am graduating and moving on to play collegiate flag football on an athletic scholarship, my plan to create a positive impact involves returning to both my high school and Vice City programs to volunteer as a coach. Higher education will directly fuel this mission as I earn my degree and compete at the collegiate level my own sports IQ and knowledge of the game will deepen. I will bring that advanced knowledge back to the younger girls in my community, helping them refine their craft and pursue their own athletic dreams. Ultimately, the WCEJ Thornton Foundation Scholarship represents more than just financial assistance it represents the ultimate gift of time and focus. By helping the immediate financial strain of textbooks, school supplies, and commuting costs, this scholarship ensures that I do not have to compromise my academic focus or my volunteer commitments by overextending myself in survival jobs. It allows me to step confidently into higher education, graduate with the tools to succeed, and continuously pour my heart, work ethic, and education back into helping the next generation.

Balancing the demands of elite athletics, academic excellence, and community service requires a level of resilience that defines the very essence of a "You Got It Girl." For me, sports have never been just about winning games or executing flawless plays; they have been the crucible in which my character was formed. Navigating the world of athletics as a female player from a low-income background has presented unique, quiet barriers, from the financial stress of funding travel tournaments to securing proper safety equipment. However, instead of allowing these hurdles to limit my potential, I chose to turn them into fuel. I threw my entire energy into mastering my craft, focusing on work ethic and developing a high sports IQ. This journey taught me who I am, showing me that the obstacles we push through are precisely what give us a story worth telling. My athletic foundation was forged over the past two years with Vice City, an elite travel flag football program, alongside my varsity high school team. Flag football is a rapidly growing sport, and being part of its expansion has been incredibly empowering. My dedication to the sport culminated in one of the most defining moments of my life: receiving a student-athlete award from the Miami Dolphins. Standing on that stage, recognized for both my academics and my athletics, something clicked inside me. I realized I never had to choose between being smart and being athletic I could confidently be both. This moment gave me a profound sense of belonging in the sports world, not just as a player on the turf, but as someone capable of making a lasting impact behind the scenes. The true joy of my athletic career, however, has come from leadership and mentorship. As an older player and team captain for both my travel and high school squads, I learned that true leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice; it is about listening, supporting, and showing up for others. My coaches, whom I deeply admire, modeled this behavior perfectly. They invested in me as a whole person and trusted me with opportunities to coach our younger girls. Watching those younger athletes grow, build confidence, and refine their craft brought me a unique happiness that is impossible to fully understand until you experience it firsthand. This passion for mentorship extends beyond the field; since the age of thirteen, I have also volunteered weekly as a Sunday school teacher. Working with children for five years has instilled in me a deep patience, flexibility, and empathy, as I’ve learned to connect with individuals who think and learn differently. Now, as an incoming college student-athlete officially committed to play NAIA flag football on an athletic scholarship at St. Thomas University, I am preparing to build toward something even bigger. I plan to major in Sports Information, a career path where I can use my communication, organization, and leadership skills to help other athletes share their stories and feel recognized for their sacrifices. Even though I am moving on to the collegiate stage, my commitment to my roots remains unbroken; I plan to return to both my high school and Vice City teams to volunteer as a coach for as long as I can, creating a cycle where the younger girls refine their skills and I continue to grow in my knowledge of the game. The YGIG Scholarship would be a transformative bridge for my journey, directly alleviating the financial strains of collegiate life. From specialized turf cleats and protective headgear to the cost of textbooks, this funding would grant me the ultimate gift: the time to focus entirely on my studies, excel on the field, and continue giving back to the community. Representing YGIG as a collegiate athlete would be an incredible honor, allowing me to prove to young girls everywhere that you can be fiercely competitive, deeply intellectual, and an impactful leader who paves the way for the next generation.

Outside of school, I train and hone my skills with Vice City, a competitive travel flag football team. Over the two years I spent with the program, it served as a massive catalyst for my growth. It didn't just help me refine my technical craft as a flag football player; it fundamentally shaped me as a leader. As one of the older players on the roster, I was named captain and entrusted with the responsibility of coaching our younger girls. I was fortunate enough to have that same coaching opportunity on my high school team. Stepping into a mentorship role and watching those younger athletes grow, build confidence, and truly excel brought a unique sense of happiness the kind of fulfillment you can't fully understand until you experience it firsthand. Because flag football has had such a profound impact on my life, leaving both teams after high school graduation won't mean the end of my involvement. I plan on returning to both my high school and Vice City programs to assist the coaches and train the next generation of players. I want to keep giving back for as long as I can. It’s a mutually rewarding cycle the younger girls get to refine their skills, while I continue to deepen my own IQ and knowledge of the game. This sport has opened incredible doors for my future. Thanks to the guidance and support of my amazing coaches, I am thrilled to announce that I have officially committed to St. Thomas University to continue my flag football career at the collegiate level. While I carefully considered an extensive list of colleges during the application process, St. Thomas ultimately felt like the perfect fit for me to grow both academically and athletically. I cannot wait to bring the passion, leadership, and craft I developed at Vice City to the university stage.

One passion outside the classroom that has shaped me more than anything else is teaching Sunday school. I’ve been doing it for five years now, ever since I was thirteen, and it has become one of the most meaningful parts of my life. What started as simply helping out with younger kids at church has grown into something that has shaped my character, my leadership, and the way I see the world. Every Sunday, I work with kids who all have different personalities, backgrounds, and ways of learning. Some are shy and need gentle encouragement. Some are full of energy and need structure. Some learn quickly, and others need extra time and patience. Being responsible for them has taught me how important it is to meet people where they are. I’ve learned to slow down, listen, and adjust my approach depending on what each child needs. That kind of patience is something I didn’t have when I first started, but it’s something I’m proud to say I’ve grown into. Teaching has also helped me develop real leadership skills. When you’re in charge of a room full of kids, you can’t just hope things go well you have to step up. I’ve learned how to communicate clearly, how to keep a group focused, and how to create an environment where everyone feels safe and included. These skills have carried over into other parts of my life, especially in sports. As a student‑athlete and team captain, I use the same patience, encouragement, and understanding that I’ve learned from teaching. Whether I’m helping a teammate through a tough practice or supporting someone who’s struggling, I try to lead with empathy instead of pressure. This experience has also shaped my sense of purpose. Being around kids every week has shown me how much of a difference one person can make just by showing up consistently and caring. It made me realize that leadership isn’t about being the loudest or the strongest it’s about being someone others can rely on. It’s about lifting people up, making them feel seen, and helping them grow. That’s the kind of leader I want to be in everything I do, whether it’s in sports, school, or my future career. Teaching Sunday school has helped me become more patient, responsible, and compassionate. It has influenced the way I treat people, the way I lead, and the way I see my future. It’s more than just something I do on Sundays it’s something that has shaped who I am and who I want to become. And it’s one of the biggest reasons I feel confident in my ability to make a positive impact wherever I go next.

Growing up with a single mother has shaped me more than anything else in my life. My mom moved from Venezuela to the United States with me when I was young, leaving behind her home, her family, and everything familiar so I could have a safer life and better opportunities. Starting over in a new country is hard enough, but doing it alone while raising a child takes a kind of strength that I didn’t fully understand until I got older. Watching her work, struggle, and still show up for me every single day is what taught me what real resilience looks like. For most of my life, it was just the two of us. My mom worked long hours sometimes multiple jobs but she always made sure I felt supported. Even when she was exhausted, she made my education her top priority. She checked my homework, pushed me to do my best, and reminded me constantly that school was the key to a future she never had the chance to reach. Because of her, I learned early on that education isn’t just something you go through; it’s something you fight for. Her sacrifices are the reason I take school so seriously and the reason I’m determined to build a better life for both of us. Growing up with a single mom also taught me responsibility and independence. I learned how to take care of myself, how to stay focused, and how to appreciate the little things. It made me more mature, more understanding, and more grateful for everything I have. It also taught me empathy. When you grow up watching someone you love work so hard just to give you a chance, you learn to treat people with kindness and compassion. You learn to notice when others are struggling, and you learn to help however you can. My mom is the person who inspires me every day. She taught me courage, determination, and the importance of never giving up, even when life feels overwhelming. She showed me that you can start from nothing and still build something meaningful. Because of her, I want to pursue higher education not just for myself, but for her. I want to make her sacrifices worth it. I want to create a future where she can finally rest and see that everything she did led to something beautiful. Growing up with a single mother didn’t just shape me; it made me who I am. It made me stronger, more driven, and more determined to succeed. And it’s the reason I’m applying for this scholarship to continue the journey she started when she brought me here, hoping I would have a chance to become someone she could be proud of.

I believe I’m deserving of this award because everything I’ve achieved comes from hard work, resilience, and the sacrifices my mom made for me. She moved from Venezuela to the United States with me and raised me as a single mom for most of my life. Watching her start over in a new country, work long hours, and still make my education her number‑one priority is what has pushed me to keep going, even when things were hard. She is the reason I take school so seriously and the reason I want to build a future that honors everything she’s done for me. My “why” for pursuing higher education comes directly from her. She gave up so much so I could have opportunities she never had, and I want to make her proud. Going to college means stability, independence, and the chance to create a life where her sacrifices weren’t for nothing. It also means becoming someone younger kids at church and on my teams can look up to. Being a student athlete and team captain has shaped me too. Receiving a student‑athlete award from the Miami Dolphins was one of the most meaningful moments of my life. It showed me that I can be both smart and athletic, and it gave me confidence to chase bigger goals. I’ve also been a Sunday school teacher for five years, starting when I was thirteen. Working with kids every week has taught me patience, empathy, and how to understand different personalities and learning styles. It’s one of the main ways I try to show kindness and give back to my community. All of these experiences my mom’s strength, my dedication to school and sports, and my love for helping others have shaped who I am. Higher education is my chance to build the future my mom dreamed of for me and the future I’m determined to create for myself.

Sports have always been a huge part of my life, not just because I love playing them, but because they’ve taught me who I am. Being on a team, learning how to communicate, and pushing myself through challenges have all shaped me in ways I never expected. That’s a big reason why I want to pursue a career in sports information. I want to stay connected to the world of sports while helping athletes share their stories and feel recognized for everything they put into what they do. I think the most important skills in sports information are communication, leadership, patience, and the ability to work with all kinds of personalities. I’ve been building these skills for years without even realizing it. As a student‑athlete and team captain, I’ve learned how to motivate others, stay organized, and represent my team with pride. Being captain isn’t just about being the loudest voice it’s about listening, supporting, and showing up for people. Those are the same qualities I want to bring into a future career. One moment that really changed how I see myself was receiving a student‑athlete award from the Miami Dolphins. It was honestly one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Standing there, being recognized for both my academics and my athletics, made something click for me. I realized I didn’t have to choose between being smart and being athletic I could be both. That moment gave me confidence I didn’t even know I needed. It made me believe that I belong in the sports world, not just as a player, but as someone who can help tell the stories behind the scenes. Another huge part of my life has been teaching Sunday school. I’ve been doing it for five years now, ever since I was thirteen. Working with kids every week has taught me patience, kindness, and how to understand people who learn and think differently. Not every child responds the same way, and figuring out how to help each one has made me more compassionate and flexible. It also gave me a whole new appreciation for teachers and how much effort they put into helping students like me and my peers. Teaching Sunday school is also one of the main ways I try to show generosity and kindness in my everyday life. I love being someone kids can trust and look up to. Whether I’m helping a teammate, supporting a friend, or volunteering at church, I try to lead with empathy and make people feel included. All of these experiences sports, leadership, teaching, and community have shaped who I am and who I want to become. I’m excited to keep growing and to bring my heart, my work ethic, and my love for sports into a future career in sports information.