The skilled trades have shaped my life from an early age and have played a major role in the person I have become. Growing up in a family of HVAC professionals, I was surrounded by the trade for as long as I can remember. My grandfather, father, uncle, and great-uncle all built their careers in the HVAC industry, and watching their work taught me the value of hard work, responsibility, and taking pride in doing a job well. What started as helping clean furnaces, organizing tools, and tagging along on service calls gradually turned into assisting with installations and maintenance. Those early experiences sparked an interest that has grown into my career path. Being raised around the trades allowed me to see both the challenges and rewards that come with the profession. I watched my family work long hours in difficult conditions while solving problems that directly impacted people's comfort and safety. They showed me that success in the trades is about more than technical skill. It requires patience, perseverance, attention to detail, and a commitment to doing quality work because people depend on the systems you install and repair. Their example taught me to take pride in my work and always do the job right the first time. As I gained more experience, I discovered that what I enjoy most about HVAC is the problem-solving. I have always preferred learning by doing rather than simply reading about something in a classroom. I enjoy walking into a situation where something isn't working, diagnosing the problem step by step, and seeing the satisfaction that comes from restoring a system to proper operation. Every job presents a new challenge, and I appreciate that HVAC combines hands-on work with critical thinking. Knowing that my work helps provide safe, reliable heating and cooling for families and businesses makes the job even more meaningful. The trades have also shown me the importance of teamwork and continuous learning. For the past three summers and holiday breaks, I have worked at Meier Supply Company in the warehouse. While the work differs from being on a job site, it introduced me to another side of the industry. I worked with contractors, organized equipment, prepared orders, and gained a better understanding of how suppliers, technicians, and manufacturers all work together to keep projects moving. That experience reinforced that the HVAC industry is built on strong relationships and cooperation, and it gave me an even greater appreciation for the community within the skilled trades. Today, I am continuing my education at Alfred State College, where I am studying HVAC and preparing to enter my senior year. My coursework has strengthened the foundation I built growing up while giving me hands-on experience with electrical systems, plumbing, sheet metal, diagnostics, and energy-efficient technologies. My education has confirmed that this is the career I want to pursue and has motivated me to continue building my knowledge as the industry evolves. The trades have impacted my life by giving me direction, purpose, and a strong work ethic. They have taught me the value of learning from experienced professionals, solving problems through hard work, and serving my community through meaningful work. Looking ahead, I hope to continue growing as an HVAC technician, embrace new technologies like geothermal and high-efficiency systems, and eventually mentor future tradespeople just as my family and others have mentored me. The skilled trades have given me opportunities that have shaped both my career goals and my character, and I look forward to building on that foundation for years to come.

Growing up, I learned early that life does not always go according to plan. One of the biggest challenges I faced happened when I was sixteen years old. While working at a restaurant, I was severely burned over more than ten percent of my body with second burns. The injury changed my life physically and mentally. I spent a long time recovering, going through painful dressing changes and working with physical therapy while trying to stay focused on school, sports, and my future. There were times when I felt frustrated and uncertain about whether I would ever return to normal activities again. However, the experience taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of perseverance. One of the hardest parts of recovery was being away from wrestling. Wrestling has always been an important part of my life because it taught me accountability, toughness, and how to push through difficult situations. My biggest goal was to get healthy enough to compete again. There were many days when progress felt slow, but I stayed committed to recovery and refused to give up. Through hard work and determination, I was able to return to wrestling during my junior year of high school. My senior year I made it as a New York State qualifier. Today, I continue wrestling in college, something that once felt impossible while I was recovering from my injuries. That experience showed me that adversity can either stop you or strengthen you, depending on how you respond to it. I chose to keep moving forward. My challenges also helped shape the path I want to pursue in life. Coming from a family of trade workers, I grew up respecting hard work and understanding the importance of skilled trades in helping communities function every day. I chose to pursue HVAC because it is a career where I can directly help people. Reliable heating and cooling are necessities, especially in New York where harsh winters can create dangerous situations for families without proper heat. HVAC technicians provide an essential service that keeps homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses safe and comfortable. I take pride in knowing that my future career will allow me to serve others in a meaningful and practical way. In addition to my career goals, I have always tried to give back to my community. I have helped coach and mentor younger wrestlers through youth wrestling programs, sharing lessons about discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. I have also helped my church with various maintenance projects, church dinners and even helped run conduit for its Wi-Fi system so it could better serve members of the community who are unable to attend services in person. When I’m home I also help maintain a local cemetery. At college I volunteer with various groups around campus and work concessions and clean ups. Being involved in these activities has shown me how important service is, even in small ways. John F. Rowe Jr.’s story is inspiring because he overcame obstacles and dedicated his life to serving others. I relate to that mindset. My path has not been perfect or easy, but the adversity I faced has motivated me to work harder and build a future where I can make a difference in people’s lives. I hope to continue growing both personally and professionally while serving my community through a skilled trade career. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue that journey and honor the values of resilience, hard work, and service that this scholarship represents.

I grew up in a family of trade workers, my father, grandfather and uncle are all in the HVAC industry. From a young age I understood the value of hard work and the importance of skilled labor. Watching members of my family build careers through the trades showed me that success does not only come from a traditional four-year college degree. It comes from dedication, reliability, and being willing to work hard for what you want. Because of those influences, I decided to pursue a career in HVAC and attend trade school so I can build a stable future doing meaningful, hands-on work. I have always enjoyed working with my hands and solving problems, which is what drew me toward the HVAC field. I like the idea of being able to help people directly by keeping their homes and businesses safe and comfortable throughout the year. My goal is to become a licensed HVAC technician, gain experience in the field, and eventually grow into a leadership position or even own my own business someday. I know skilled trades are in high demand, especially in Upstate New York, where I live and I want to be someone people can rely on for quality work and professionalism. Pursuing this path has not been without challenges. My family works hard, but with three children, finances are still limited. My dad works in HVAC and my mom is an RN, their income makes me ineligible for most financial aid other than loans. I understand the importance of supporting myself while continuing my education, and I have worked full time on summers and breaks while attending school and learned valuable lessons about responsibility, time management, and perseverance. Paying for tuition, tools, transportation, and other training expenses can be overwhelming at times, especially while trying to balance work and school responsibilities. The trade school I attend is over two hours away from my hometown (it is the closest school to me that offers HVAC) so unfortunately I am also needing to cover expenses to live on campus (room and board, meal plan and various other costs). This scholarship would make a major difference in helping me continue my education and focus on reaching my goals. It would relieve some of the financial stress that comes with attending trade school and allow me to focus more on developing the skills and certifications I need to succeed in the HVAC industry. More importantly, it would help me continue building a future where I can support myself, help my family, and eventually give back to my community through my work. Choosing the trade school path has given me a clear sense of direction and purpose. I am proud of the career I am pursuing, and I am committed to making the most of every opportunity through hard work, determination, and persistence.

I come from a family where skilled trades are not just a job, but a way of life. My grandfather, father, uncle, and great uncle have all worked in the HVAC field, and I was introduced to the trade at a young age. Growing up around it gave me early exposure to the importance of hard work, reliability, and problem-solving. I didn’t just observe the work being done—I was given opportunities to take part in it. From helping clean and service furnace units to learning about installation and maintenance, I gradually developed a real interest in how HVAC systems operate and how essential they are to everyday life. What drew me in most was the hands-on nature of the work. I enjoy learning by doing, and I take pride in figuring out problems and seeing the results of my effort firsthand. There is something satisfying about troubleshooting a system, identifying the issue, and getting it running properly again. Over time, I realized this wasn’t just something I enjoyed helping with—it was something I wanted to build a career in. Outside of my interest in the trades, I am a dedicated student-athlete. I was a three-sport varsity athlete in high school and have served as a captain for my cross country, wrestling, and track teams. Wrestling, in particular, has played a major role in shaping my work ethic. I have continued my wrestling career at Alfred State, where I have maintained a 3.1 GPA. Balancing athletics, academics and time / travel for training has taught me discipline, time management, and perseverance—skills that I know will carry over directly into the trades. My career goal is to become a skilled and reliable HVAC technician. In the long term, I want to continue developing my knowledge and expertise so I can take on more advanced work, possibly even leading projects or mentoring others in the field. I understand that the trades require continuous learning, adaptability, and a strong work ethic, and I am committed to putting in the effort it takes to succeed. I am especially excited about entering a career where I can work with my hands, solve real-world problems, and provide a service that people depend on every day. HVAC is a field where your work directly impacts comfort, safety, and quality of life, and that responsibility motivates me. I take pride in doing work the right way, and I want a career where that mindset matters. I see the trades not just as a job path, but as a long-term profession where I can grow, build a stable future, and make a meaningful contribution through my skills and effort.

1) Why are you interested in pursuing the HVAC field? My interest in the HVAC field comes from both my upbringing and my hands-on experience. I come from a family of skilled tradesmen—my grandfather, father, uncle, and great uncle have all worked in HVAC. Growing up around them, I learned the value of hard work, problem-solving, and taking pride in what you do. I was able to actively participate by helping clean and service furnaces, assisting with installations, and learning basic troubleshooting skills. Over time, I discovered that I genuinely enjoy figuring out how systems work and solving problems when they don’t. What attracts me most to HVAC is the opportunity to make a real impact on people’s lives. Restoring heat in the winter or ensuring systems run efficiently directly affects comfort and safety, which makes the work meaningful. Now as an HVAC student at Alfred State College, I am building on the foundation I grew up with. I am also a member of the wrestling team, which has strengthened my discipline and work ethic. Balancing academics, athletics, and travel has taught me how to stay organized and focused. I want to turn my experience and passion into a long-term career where I can continue developing my skills and become a reliable, knowledgeable technician. 2) What is one obstacle you have had to overcome and how did you overcome it? One of the biggest obstacles I have faced is balancing academics, athletics, and work. As an HVAC student at Alfred State College and a member of the wrestling team, my schedule is demanding. Wrestling requires long practices, strict discipline, and frequent travel, sometimes out of state, which can make it difficult to stay on top of schoolwork. I overcame this challenge by developing strong time management and organization skills. I learned to plan ahead, stay disciplined, and use my time efficiently. While traveling for wrestling, I make sure to complete assignments on time and communicate with professors when needed. I also learned how to manage fatigue and stay focused even during busy or exhausting weeks. Through this experience, I have maintained a 3.1 GPA while continuing to compete and grow as both a student and athlete. This challenge has made me more resilient and taught me how to handle responsibility under pressure—skills that will help me succeed in my HVAC career. 3) If a boss was reviewing your performance, what would they say about you? If my boss were reviewing my performance, I believe they would describe me as dependable, hardworking, and disciplined. He would say I’m the first to arrive, the last to leave and complete every job to the best of my ability. I show up every day ready to work, even when my schedule is demanding. They would likely say I am eager to learn and willing to improve. I understand I am still developing my skills, so I ask questions, take feedback seriously, and use it to grow. I don’t avoid challenges—I use them as opportunities to improve. They would also recognize my ability to work well with others and stay composed under pressure. Wrestling in college has heightened my accountability, teamwork, and perseverance, which carry over into the workplace. Whether working on a team or completing a task independently, I aim to be reliable and consistent. I believe my boss sees me as a motivated individual committed to putting in the effort needed to succeed and build a strong future in the HVAC field.

1) After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning). I come from a long line of skilled tradespeople and have been working with my father, grandfather, and uncle for many years. 2) I’m interested in HVAC because I’ve grown up around skilled trades, and that environment has had a big influence on me. Seeing family members work with their hands and solve real problems every day showed me the value of this kind of career. It’s not just about fixing things—it’s about helping people stay comfortable and safe in their homes and businesses. What really draws me to HVAC is that it’s not repetitive. Every job is different and requires critical thinking and adaptability. One day you might diagnose a heating system, and the next you’re installing or maintaining equipment. I like that balance of physical work and problem-solving. It’s also a growing field, especially with energy efficiency and new technologies, so I know I’ll always be learning and improving my skills. Another reason I’m interested in HVAC is the stability it offers. Skilled workers are always needed, and that’s important as I think about my future. I want a career where I can support myself and eventually my family while doing something I enjoy and take pride in. 3) I’ve developed my skills by working alongside my dad on a variety of hands-on projects, including installing and maintaining HVAC units, working on furnaces, and learning how systems operate and how to troubleshoot issues. These experiences have taught me patience, problem-solving, and how to work through challenges step by step. One of my biggest learning experiences has been helping restore my great-grandparents’ original 1833 farmhouse. Because of its age, we’ve faced many unexpected challenges that don’t always have simple solutions. We’ve had to think creatively to make modern systems work within an older structure, whether that’s adjusting installations, working around layouts, or safely updating materials. This has taught me how to adapt, pay attention to detail, and solve problems effectively. These projects have helped me become more comfortable using tools, understanding systems, and thinking outside the box. They’ve also shown me the importance of doing work correctly and safely—something I will carry into my HVAC career. 4) I already have a clear plan for entering the HVAC field and have taken important steps to get started. I am currently a student at Alfred State College, studying HVAC and gaining both technical knowledge and hands-on training. This program is helping me build a strong foundation in how heating and cooling systems work, along with the safety practices required in the field. In addition, I work during the summer at Meier Supply Company, an HVAC distribution warehouse. This experience allows me to be around equipment, parts, and tools used in the trade every day. I’ve also interacted with contractors, which has helped me learn more about the industry and build valuable connections. My plan is to continue my education while gaining as much hands-on experience as possible. After completing my program, I plan to move into a full-time HVAC position, where I can continue learning and advancing in my career. I am already on my way by combining school, real-world experience, and networking. 5) They would most likely describe me as hardworking, dependable, and motivated. When I commit to something, I take it seriously and follow through. I show up on time, put in the effort, and don’t give up when things get challenging. They would also say I have a strong interest in the trades and am focused on building a future in HVAC. This isn’t something I’m just considering—it’s something I’ve committed to. I want to keep learning and improving my skills. They would probably add that I take pride in doing things the right way. Whether it’s schoolwork or hands-on tasks, I pay attention to detail and focus on quality. I understand that in HVAC, doing the job correctly matters. Overall, they would recommend me because I’m serious about my goals, willing to work hard, and committed to building a successful career in the trades.

Wrestling has always been the one thing that defined me. Even when no one else saw me as an athlete I saw myself as a wrestler. From a young age I have struggled with my weight. I began wrestling at the age of five and my weight had a direct impact on the matches I was presented with. In wrestling, matches are divided into weight classes. Unfortunately for me since I was always the “big kid” I had to wrestle kids much older than I was because of my weight. I really struggled with matches in my youth but continued to work hard in practice to learn new skills and grow as a competitor. At the end of my modified wrestling season I only had won two matches and I struggled with my stamina. My coach was very transparent. He was concerned for my health, and was worried if I did not get my weight under control that I would not be able to wrestle at all next season since the bracket capped at 285 lbs. That fall I was determined to get into shape and I joined the cross country team. Running is hard, running a 5k when you’re 300 lbs seems impossible but I was going to see it through. I worked to set small goals and at the end of the season I finished my first 5k. From that day forward I finished every race! By my senior year I was captain of our cross country team! My junior year was supposed to be my year for wrestling. Unfortunately about a month before my season was to start I was in a work related accident. I was a dishwasher at a restaurant, and was involved in a work related accident that left me burned over 10% of my body. I was transferred from our local hospital to a burn center and I was out of wrestling for over a month. I worked very hard to rehab and get back to wrestling my junior year, but I fell short of my goals to make it to states. At the end of the season I promised myself I would make it to states and I would wrestle in college. My senior year I came in with something to prove! I had worked harder in the off season than ever before. I was running, lifting and wrestling every chance I got. I was named captain of the wrestling team. I never lost a home dual. I won the IAC championship, class A champioships and a sectional qualifier. At sectionals I had an unfortunate call that knocked me into wrestle backs, I was able to win the next 4 matches and wrestle all the way back to qualify for states! I also accepted a spot with Alfred State College on their wrestling team! Wrestling has taught me so much over the years, and has helped shape me into who I am today. It has taught me the value of hard work. It has helped me learn to navigate disappointment and grow from it. It has helped me grow into a leader. It has helped me communicate better with my peers. It gave me confidence in myself and my abilities to overcome hard things. I learned it’s ok to struggle but its never ok to quit. When I finish college I hope to volunteer with our local youth wrestling program. I want to inspire other kids to fall in love with the sport like I have. Maybe it will be as life changing for them as it has been for me.

My name is Austin DeBolt and I am a senior at Newark Valley High School. I come from a long family lineage of skilled trade workers. My grandfather, father, uncle and great uncle are all in the HVAC industry. I was given the opportunity to learn and work with my hands from a young age. From assisting in cleaning and working on furnaces to learning about installation and maintaining HVAC units, I fell in love with trouble shooting and being able to be “the guy” that can get things working. This past summer I also worked for a HVAC distribution center. It gave me insight into what goes into a job and gave me an opportunity to interact with contractors. It seemed to be a field I belonged in. I have been lucky enough to have been exposed to opportunities within this industry from a young age. I have worked alongside my father and grandfather installing and maintaining units in our own homes but also for areas within our community. I have been able to meet and talk with others in the field and have always been inspired to pursue a career in HVAC. Recently the small town I live in Speedsville, NY was selected by Egg Geothermal to be a trial area for a community thermo energy network (TEN). A community geothermal system would provide heating and cooling for about 35-40 residents and/ or small businesses in my local community. With no natural gas options in my area, most of my neighbors rely on costly options like propane, fuel oil and electricity to heat their homes. Our community center, fire department, church and small local store are also impacted by the high energy costs. This project will be funded by NYSERDA, and would be life changing for my community. I have been able to attend meetings about the project and how it will work. I have been fascinated in learning about the types of systems, and how the project will evolve and move forward. Seeing this project evolve from its infancy, collecting baseline data etc to now seeing the proposed closed loop system plan, has really inspired me to focus my own HVAC career on green energy. By focusing on “green energy” HVAC, I hope to contribute to a more energy sustainable and environmentally friendly future. I would love to help others reduce their reliance on high cost fossil fuels. I hope to be a part of helping others utilize renewable energy resources, while still providing savings, comfort and safety on their heating and cooling needs. I love that this career path will continue to advance and evolve throughout my career and it is something great I can be a part of while still providing myself with a comfortable lifestyle. I hope to one day instruct and mentor others in the newest technologies and always keep learning!

I read a quote once that read “the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”. I think that true self discovery and fulfillment is realized through acts of helping and giving to others. It was a core value displayed throughout my upbringing, and I try every day to help others where I can, and be there for my family, friends, neighbors, teammates and community. My family has always been the best support system in my life. Both of my parents are “blue collar” workers, and work jobs that serve others. My dad teaches HVAC and my mom is a Registered Nurse. Even though they have busy jobs, I can't remember a time in my life that my parents missed a school or sporting event. Our house quickly became the house my friends came to hang out at and our door was always open for anyone who needed a hand. I was taught from a young age the significance of service to others. I take my younger sister places, help my dad with projects around the house, and give support back to my family to show how much I appreciated that they support me. When my grandfather had surgery my mom and I went to their home in Maine to help. My mom took care of things medically and I helped keep the snow out of the driveway, the dog walked and took care of other tasks I knew were important to him. That's just how family works. I was blessed to be raised in a small community in upstate NY. When you grow up in a small town, neighbors are friends and friends are treated like family. People often work together to accomplish tasks. I have always loved being part of this community. We live next door to our local church and throughout my life I have worked many of their events. I have assisted my father in maintaining their furnace. I have helped install electrical outlets and updated their wifi capabilities which included running underground conduit so they could broadcast their sermons to those unable to travel or make it to services on Sundays. I also work the church fundraisers, suppers and free food giveaways when I am able. I have worked pancake breakfasts for our local fire department as well. I also work and manage the coffee shop for my high school as part of my business curriculum. I’m in charge of inventory, scheduling, ordering as well as working during my free periods. I help my sister’s local travel softball team maintain their concession stand in the summer. I also help with my local cemetery with lawn mowing and landscaping as I am able and just try to be a good neighbor, do my part and help others when I can. Sports, especially wrestling, are also a huge part of my life. I have been a Varsity Captain for all three sports I play. As captain I always tried to be a good example. I’m the first guy there, the last guy to leave, and my coaches will attest I’m always the guy loading and unloading the equipment. I try to mentor the younger kids when they have a bad match and need a pick me up. I often take kids home from practice, or into practice on Saturdays. I volunteer with our youth wrestling group, and I do my best to make sure my teammates always feel supported, valued and welcome. That is one of the reasons I’m going into HVAC, so that I can continue to help people.

1) I come from a long family lineage of skilled trade workers. My grandfather, father, uncle and great uncle are all in the HVAC industry. I was given the opportunity to learn and work with my hands from a young age. From assisting in cleaning and working on furnaces to learning about installation and maintaining HVAC units, I fell in love with trouble shooting and being able to be “the guy” that can get things working. I have worked on units in our own home as well as worked on units in our community and assisted my dad on jobs in the field. I have been able to meet and talk to others in the field and have always been inspired to pursue a career in HVAC. This past summer I also worked for a HVAC distribution center. It gave me insight into what goes into a job and gave me an opportunity to interact with contractors. It seemed to be a field where I belonged. Recently the small town I live in Speedsville, NY was selected by Egg Geothermal to be a trial area for a community thermo energy network (TEN). A community geothermal system would provide heating and cooling for about 35-40 residents and/ or small businesses in my local community. With no natural gas options in my area, most of my neighbors rely on costly options like propane, fuel oil and electricity to heat their homes. Our community center, fire department, church and small local store are also impacted by the high energy costs. This project will be funded by NYSERDA, and would be life changing for my community. I have been able to attend meetings about the project and how it will work. I have been fascinated in learning about the types of systems, and how the project will evolve and move forward. Seeing this project evolve from its infancy, collecting baseline data etc to now seeing the proposed closed loop system plan, has really inspired me to focus my own HVAC career on green energy. 2) Wrestling has always been “my” sport. The summer before my junior year I was working really hard to get ready for the season. I was working out, lifting weights and was really in a good spot to have a competitive season and win our sectional title. One weekend before the season started I was in a work related accident and burnt over 10% of my body. I was transferred from our local hospital to a burn center. It took me a good part of the season to rehab and I fell short of my goal of making states that season. I took it in stride and kept working hard. I was in the gym everyday. I attended a ton of skills camps over the summer and my senior year I came in with something to prove! I never lost a home dual. I was the IAC champion and a NYS qualifier in one of the hardest brackets in the division. 3) My boss would tell you I’m the guy who always gives 110%. I show up early, stay late and really care about doing a quality job. I treat everyone with respect and I am always trying to learn and pick up new skills. I am honest, reliable and have great attention to detail. I am a good communicator, and take responsibility for my actions. I’m prepared and am ready to do any task presented to me. They would say I have a good work ethic, and they are confident in the work I do.

1) I come from a long family lineage of skilled trade workers. My grandfather, father and uncle and great uncle are all in the HVAC industry. I have seen first hand the quality of life it can provide for a family and was given the opportunity to learn and work with my hands from a young age. From assisting in cleaning and working on furnaces to learning about installation and maintaining HVAC units, I fell in love with trouble shooting and being able to be “the guy” that can get things working. This past summer I also worked for a HVAC distribution center. It gave me insight into what goes into a job and gave me an opportunity to interact with contractors. It seemed to be a field I belonged in. I have been accepted to Alfred State College in Alfred, NY where I plan to study HVAC. I will also be in their wrestling team. 2) After graduation I would like to take time to immerse myself in the trade and learn all I can. I hope to one day be a mentor and educator to others. I am very passionate about green energy systems and may look to continue my degree further into HVAC engineering. 3) I have been wrestling for as long as I can remember. It has always been the sport I have loved and excelled in. Going into my junior year, I had been putting in the work. I was stronger, faster, conditioned, and fully expecting it to be the best year of my high school career. Unfortunately about a month before my season was to start I was working at my part time job. I was a dishwasher at a restaurant, and was involved in a work related accident that left me burned over 10% of my body. I was transferred from our local hospital to a burn center and I was out of wrestling for over a month. I worked very hard to rehab and get back to wrestling my junior year, but I fell short of my goals to make it to states. At the end of the season I promised myself I would make it to states and I would wrestle in college. I put in more work than ever during the off season. I was named wrestling captain my senior year and I came in with something to prove! I never lost a home dual. I was the IAC champion, class A champion and a sectional qualifier. At sectionals I had an unfortunate call that knocked me into wrestle backs, I was able to win the next 4 matches and wrestle all the way back to qualify for states! Not only did I make it to states, but I was very competitive winning 2 of my 4 matches. I also accepted a spot with Alfred State College on their wrestling team!

The dictionary defines an “underdog” as a competitor who has little chance at winning in a fight or competition. I have been the underdog my entire life. From a young age I have struggled with my weight. I began wrestling at the age of five and my weight had a direct impact on the matches I was presented with. In wrestling, matches are divided into weight classes. Unfortunately for me since I was always the “big kid” I had to wrestle kids much older than I was because of my weight. I really struggled with matches in my youth but continued to work hard in practice to learn skills to grow. Wrestling has always been the one thing that defined me. Even when no one else saw me as an athlete I saw myself as a wrestler. At the end of my modified wrestling season I only had won two matches and I struggled with my stamina. My coach was very transparent. He was concerned for my health, and was worried if I did not get my weight under control that I would not be able to wrestle at all next season since the bracket capped at 285 lbs. I wasn’t willing to give up on the sport I loved and I joined his running club. Our wrestling coach you see was also the cross country coach and he had a running club year round to keep kids in shape. Running is hard. Running when you’re almost 300 lbs is almost impossible, but I kept with it. That fall I joined the cross country team. We worked to set small goals and at the end of the season I finished my first 5k. From that day forward I finished every race! My senior year I was captain of our cross country team! All this work was for my true goal, to be a better wrestler! While most guys my size were playing football I was running a 5k every day. On the mat that translated to being faster and having more “gas in the tank” at the end of the matches. My sophomore year I had my first winning wrestling season. I attended wrestling clubs and camps and worked really hard. I took all the feedback given and continued to make gains. I started working with a personal trainer and lifting. I knew my junior year was my year! About a month before my season was to start I was working at my part time job. I was a dishwasher at a restaurant, and was involved in a work related accident that left me burned over 10% of my body. I was transferred from our local hospital to a burn center and I was out of wrestling for over a month. I worked very hard to rehab and get back to wrestling my junior year, but I fell short of my goals to make it to states. At the end of the season I promised myself I would make it to states and I would wrestle in college. I put in more work than ever during the off season. I was named wrestling captain my senior year and I came in with something to prove! I never lost a home dual. I was the IAC champion, class A champion and a sectional qualifier. At sectionals I had an unfortunate call that knocked me into wrestle backs, I was able to win the next four matches and wrestle all the way back to qualify for states! I also accepted a spot with Alfred State College on their wrestling team!

Middle and high school can be hard for everyone. They are especially hard when you're perceived as being "different". I have been the "big guy" my whole life. When the COVID pandemic hit, I was kept home most of my 8th grade year. This kept me from participating in sports, which ultimately led to me gaining even more weight. This contributed to my depression. Depression is so hard because it leaves you physically and mentally exhausted. This can contribute to unhealthy life choices. For some people it is drugs or alcohol, for me it was food. I would try to smile, crack jokes about myself before others could, but on the inside I was dying. My self esteem was lower than it had ever been and I pretty much was spending most of my days in my room. I was so anxious about going back to school and starting my 9th grade year. I had been tormented by classmates and teammates before the pandemic being called names like "fat" or "slow" and being told that I am "too big to play sports" or "not a real athlete" because of my weight. I was now bigger than I had ever been and I knew it would be that much worse. Wrestling also has weight restrictions and I was forced with the reality that I may be forced to give up a sport I love because I was over the allowed weight limit to wrestle in high school. I made a decision that I didn't want to give up on wrestling. I decided that I was going to set a goal to make weight to wrestle on the high school team. I knew that it was not going to be an easy road. I decided in the fall to "run" cross country. The HS wrestling coach is also the cross country coach, and was my 7th grade social studies teacher. He let me join the team and took me under his wing. He made me feel safe on that team. We set small goals and I kept working at it. Running is hard, running when you are over 300lbs is AWFUL. My first few months, I felt like I was dying! My legs always hurt, my chest would feel heavy and I felt like I was baking in the sun every time I would try to run. I didn't finish a race for the first 2 months of the season. The last race of the season was hosted at our school. That day I felt a burn I had never felt before. It was like all those kids who called me "fat" "slow" and "unathletic" were right behind me. I used that to keep pushing myself even though I wanted to give up. I knew the physical pain I was feeling as I ran was nothing compared to the mental pain I felt every time those kids cut me down. I used that to push myself and I finished my first race that day. It may not have been fast but I did it in front of everyone who doubted me. That day I made a promise to myself that I would never stop chasing my goals even if they seem impossible. I have finished over 40+ races in the last 4 years. I became captain of the cross country and wrestling team. I became an IAC wrestling champion and sectional qualifier! And I was recruited to wrestle in college, my ultimate childhood dream! I still have bad days but I also know I can keep going and I am worth it!

My name is Austin DeBolt. I am a senior at Newark Valley High School. I grew up in a blue collar family where my mother was a registered nurse and my father, grandfather, and uncle were all HVAC technicians. Growing up I have found that I am talented with using my hands and have a good mechanical thought process when it comes to troubleshooting. Working with my father and my grandfather I started doing minor HVAC installs and found it fascinating. To further explore my passion I spent my summer working at a local HVAC supply house. This allowed me to learn all the different types of equipment and tools that are required to work in this trade. Knowing that I have a passion for plumbing, heating and air conditioning. I have pushed myself to learn more about the theory behind this trade. The technology that is involved with the HVAC industry is constantly changing. Even today the way that we heat and cool our homes is ever evolving. The way that the technology is changing and the need for HVAC equipment to not only be dependable but also energy efficient. The push to eliminate the use of fossil fuels and lowering the nation's carbon footprint is a positive step in the right direction. I find this fascinating and want to prepare myself for a career in this industry where I can be truly cutting-edge and make a positive impact on this industry. My plans are to attend college at Alfred State College. Studying plumbing, heating & air conditioning. Getting my associate's degree in applied science. While I'm very excited about this opportunity, I also know that it takes lots of resources to be successful. Going to a trade college creates some unique challenges. Not only is there a cost of tuition, room/board, books and meal plans. We also have to buy all our own tools and have reliable transportation. These can cause some hurdles for me to accomplish my goal but I am very dedicated to be successful. A scholarship from the Grover Scholarship Fund would honestly be a huge benefit in me discovering my goals. My parents are very hard-working and make respectful wages, this however disqualifies them for some levels of financial aid. Making college costs even more difficult. I am hopeful that you would consider me for a scholarship. It truly would be life changing for me. Thank you for your consideration, Austin Warren DeBolt