I always knew mental health was important, but for a long time, I only understood it from the outside. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been involved in mental health advocacy. I’ve helped organize events like the Using Our Voices Mental Health Run Series, and I’ve had the honor of participating in "Breaking the Stigma", a televised CBS event that brought awareness to those with mental health struggles. I’ve handed out flyers, raised money, spoken on stage, and encouraged open conversations. In 2023, I experienced my first struggle with mental health when my dad was diagnosed with cancer. The fear, the stress, and the unknown hit me in ways I couldn’t have prepared for. It was the first time I truly felt the weight of my mental health suffering. I was scared and I was anxious, not just for him, but for what life might look like without the person who had always been my rock. My dad is a law enforcement officer and the person who first introduced me to community service. He’s always been strong and steady. Seeing him vulnerable made the world feel unfamiliar and, for a while, overwhelming. And yet, it was during this time that I learned what mental health really is. I was no longer the volunteer raising awareness, I was also on the other end learning how to cope, how to ask for help, and how to be there for the people I love. I realized that no one, no matter how strong they seem, is immune to mental strain. And I learned that being vulnerable doesn’t make you weak, it connects you to others in a deeper way. The support we received from our Long Island community during this time was incredible. People brought food, sent messages, and really showed up. It reminded me why I love being involved in service. Community isn’t just something you give to, it’s something you can lean on when you need it most. That experience changed my goals, too. As I prepare to study in the Honors Program at Misericordia University and pursue a career in sports medicine, I’m more focused than ever on mental wellness in addition to physical recovery. As an athlete, I have learned to deal with pressure, injuries, setbacks, and identity shifts. Now I’ve seen the emotional side of healing, too. I want to be the kind of healthcare provider who doesn’t just treat a body, but supports the person as a whole. Before my dad’s diagnosis, mental health was a cause I believed in because of my friend's struggles. Now, it’s part of my own story. It’s shaped my relationships, made me more open, more empathetic, more present. And my mental pain has helped shape how I see things. I once was a helper but it was as an outsider looking in. Now I am a helper who can truly empathize with others and am able to share my personal trauma, which might help someone, somewhere, at some time. Life is big and beautiful but it can be tough too, and no one is immune, which is why we all can stand to be more kind, caring, and open. Thank you for this opportunity and for listening to my story.

Football has always been more than a sport to me. It has been an irreplaceable mentor and an unrelenting teacher. As a four-year starter and the senior year captain of my varsity football team at Center Moriches High School, I’ve experienced success and setbacks on the field and off the field. Through it all, football has molded my character in ways I never expected when I first stepped onto that field all those years ago. Playing "center" is not the most glamorous position, but it requires strength, precision, and complete responsibility. As the anchor of the offensive line, I have learned the value of preparation, communication, and trust. Every play begins with my hands on the ball, but success depends on the unity of the entire team. That truth has taught me humility, knowing that while my role is vital, it’s never about just me. As a leader, I faced the challenge of earning not just the title of captain, but the respect of my teammates. Leadership isn’t just about loud speeches or being the best player. It’s showing up early, staying late, lifting others when they’re down, and holding yourself accountable. I have learned that leadership is service to others. It’s pulling a teammate aside when they’re struggling, not to criticize but to support. It’s giving everything, every day, even when nobody’s cheering you on. The recognitions I’ve received through the years have truly humbled me. Being named All-Division twice, honored with the National Football Foundation’s Scholar-Athlete Award, and receiving the Suffolk Zone Award from the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance are not just accolades to me, they are reminders that hard work, both on the field and in the classroom, matters. These awards are a representation of a balance I’ve worked hard to maintain: Pushing my body in practice while pushing my mind in school. Football taught me how to prioritize, manage time, and stay disciplined in all areas of life. More than anything, football has shown me how to be tough, mentally and physically. There were incredible games we lost by a point, practices in the snow, and injuries that tested my limits. But through every challenge, I learned to stay grounded, to get up when I was knocked down, and to lead with integrity even in defeat. Those moments forged a resilience that I now carry into every area of my life. Today, as I look back on my journey, I see how football didn’t just influence my character, it built it. It taught me perseverance, discipline, empathy, and courage. I carry these lessons with me off the field, into the classroom, into relationships, and I will utilize them with every challenge ahead. Football gave me far more than memories; it gave me the foundation of the person I am and the leader I strive to be.

I have been playing team sports since I was two years old. Being a part of a team has impacted my life in such a great way, from forming lasting friendships to learning to be a good team player, and even taking a leadership role in my varsity years. As captain of both the Varsity Lacrosse and Football teams, I have had to step up my leadership game, as well as my athletic game. Serving my teammates as a leader is one of the proudest things I have done. Being on a sports team instills humbleness, as it comes with adversity from losses and having a bad game. But, being a part of a team also gives you a sense of pride, to be a part of something bigger than yourself is such an incredible, yet indescribable experience. It is truly rewarding and it has enhanced my life in so many ways. My interest in sports led to my passion for being fit and healthy. Keeping my body and mind strong through exercise, good nutrition, and a positive attitude has inspired me to help others do the same. This is why I have committed to the Honors Health and Science program at Misericordia University in the fall of 2025. I want to support all athletes young and old, by helping them stay fit, keeping their immune systems strong, and assisting them when they need medical attention. The trainers on the field, the sports orthopedics, and the physical therapists have all inspired me even further. I look forward to the day I can start blending modern medicine with natural therapies, helping the body's innate ability to heal. I am passionate about the healthcare field and I am excited to further my education in it. In addition to sports, academics are incredibly important to me. I have worked very hard to maintain a 4.0 GPA and am proud to say I am in the top 10% of my class. Being an athlete and balancing my studies has been challenging, especially because I also work part-time. But all of these things have helped me become the person I am today, strong, resilient, and motivated. As for hobbies, I enjoy playing the guitar (self-taught), going on nature walks, and having meaningful conversations. I am happy when talking about innovative medical technology and biohacking, historic events, and current events. One fun fact about me, I love all things Batman.

I have been passionate about health and wellness since my mom had a medical trauma 13 years ago. I was very young, but remember how scary that time was for my family. I also remember how she went to so many doctors in search of help, and only one of them was able to. Since then, my mom has made being healthy a priority through nutrition, exercise, and open communication with medical professionals. These experiences are what inspire me to want to practice medicine, as I am enrolled in the Health Sciences Honor program at Misericordia University for the Fall of 2025. Blending modern medicine with the body’s natural ability to heal is my passion for being a part of the future in revolutionizing healthcare. I am interested in how modern technologies can integrate with the body’s innate processes. I believe that by tapping into the body's natural abilities paired with future medical technologies, we can improve health outcomes and enhance longevity. Because of my mom's unique situation, I am inspired by the concept of personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored to an individual’s genetic makeup and lifestyle. By learning to understand how factors such as diet, exercise, and stress, impact a person’s genetic predispositions, we can contribute to the development of healthcare for each person’s unique needs. I aim to ensure that healthcare doesn’t just focus on treating illness but also on fostering an environment where the body can actively heal itself. By focusing on a personalized approach to health, I hope to contribute to a more effective healthcare system. Community service has been a defining aspect of my high school career, and I am humbled by the service opportunities I have had. One of the most impactful has been my role in directing the Using Our Voices Mental Health Run Series. Mental health awareness is an issue that affects countless individuals, and through this initiative, I have helped create a positive space and event where people can support each other while raising money for mental health organizations. Organizing this event requires extensive planning, open communication with local organizations, including political offices and media outlets, and a deep understanding of how to foster meaningful conversations about mental health. The planning took several weeks and required many days of classroom push-ins, media posts, and phone calls to get participants to register. In the end, seeing participants come together to break the stigma surrounding mental health has been one of my most rewarding experiences. This is my third year supporting this event. I have dedicated over 200 hours of community service in my Junior year alone, working toward the Suffolk County Distinguished Youth Award (Gold Tier). I am proud to say I was the only student in my legislative district to earn this award. Most of my volunteer work has been centered around athletics and civil service. I have had a blast coaching local youth lacrosse clinics and refereeing PAL youth flag football. Through these roles, I have learned the importance of patience, encouragement, and leading by example. I spent time volunteering with my local legislator, Jim Mazzarella. I assisted with community outreach in his office, helped with National Night Out, and volunteered at many Suffolk County Sheriff's Office events. I am also a varsity football and lacrosse player, serving as a team captain on both teams. I take great pride in motivating my teammates. Balancing academics and athletics has been challenging, but my dedication to excellence has resulted in my current 103.47 GPA. Thank you for taking the time to read about me and for this scholarship opportunity.

One of my mentors always says "success isn’t measured by personal achievements, but by the positive impact we have on those around us." I believe this is a beautiful way to live life. Throughout my high school journey, I have committed myself to serving my community, peers, and teammates in meaningful ways. Whether advocating for mental health awareness, mentoring younger athletes, or dedicating over 200 hours of community service, I use my time and abilities to help others and lead by example. A big part of my service has been my involvement in P.S. I Love You Day and the “Using Our Voices” mental health run series. P.S. I Love You Day, an event dedicated to suicide prevention, is celebrated at my school with activities that engage students in spreading awareness through decorations, assemblies, and fundraisers. The “Using Our Voices” mental health run series, which I am a race director for, includes 5k runs across Long Island to raise funds and awareness for mental health. These events bring the community together, creating an atmosphere of support, kindness, and positivity. By organizing and managing these events, I have been able to serve others by spreading awareness and offering support, particularly for those struggling with mental health. These efforts have reinforced my belief that service through action and advocacy have an impact. As a varsity football and lacrosse captain, I have also used my position to serve my teammates by setting an example of athletic excellence and good character, teamwork, and accountability. I’ve made it a priority to mentor younger athletes, sharing the lessons I’ve learned and helping them become not just better players, but better teammates and individuals. Through local lacrosse clinics, I have also had the opportunity to give back to the younger generation of athletes, teaching them the values of hard work. Additionally, my involvement in the Student Leadership Group at school has allowed me to lead by example and promote a culture of accountability and respect. Beyond athletics, I have invested more than 200 hours in community service, an effort that earned me the Suffolk County Distinguished Youth Award (Gold Tier). A big portion of this service has been dedicated to coaching lacrosse and working in the local legislative office with Legislator Jim Mazzarella. In these roles, I have had the privilege of not only teaching others but also learning valuable skills that have shaped my character. Through my service, I’ve learned the importance of leadership and the powerful effect it can have on others. These opportunities have left me with a desire to continue helping those in need and I am inspired to continue advocating for positive causes. Through these acts of service, I can see that I have contributed to making a difference in the lives of others. In turn, these experiences have helped me grow into a better and more compassionate person. I am very lucky to have had service-oriented adults in my life from an early age, from my dad starting me off at St. Baldrick's annually to my Assistant Principal having the faith in me to let me facilitate the Mental Health Run Series. I plan on keeping service in my life through college and beyond. Thank you for this opportunity.

Jesus and I are best friends. Seriously, even as a young child, I had a deep interest in faith, God, and Christ. Growing up, I was fortunate to be surrounded by family who encouraged spiritual growth, and I developed a curiosity about the teachings of the Bible and the importance of a relationship with God. As I learned more about God’s love, grace, and guidance, my own faith deepened, and I began to understand that God is not just someone to turn to in times of need, but also a constant companion in all areas of life. My early interactions with God weren’t just through formal prayer or rituals but also through quiet moments, and loud ones too, where I would simply talk to Him. Sometimes my mom and I would talk to him together, which I really loved. These conversations, filled with gratitude, laughter, hope, and even doubts, formed the foundation for my friendship with Jesus. I found solace in knowing that He was always present, listening, and ready to offer guidance. Over time, I learned that faith was not just about believing in what I could not see, but more about trusting in God's big plan, even when I didn't understand. As more challenging situations arose in my life, whether in school, with sports, or in my health, I sometimes had to remind myself to fall back on my faith. And when I did, it was always like a breath of fresh air. During these tough times, I learned to rely on my conversations with Him and trust that He has a purpose for everything. When I feel overwhelmed by doubt or fear, I turn to God, seeking His comfort and reassurance. Now, as I pursue my aspirations in the medical field, I plan to continue using my faith as a guiding force in my life. I am well aware that the field while rewarding, can come with big challenges. I imagine long hours, emotional stress, and the responsibility of caring for others in their most vulnerable moments. In these times, I know that Jesus will be walking with me and that I will lean on Him. I will trust in God, that He will guide my heart and my hands as I work to heal others. By keeping God at the center of my life, I am confident that I can face challenges with grace and remain dedicated to serving others with the love and care that I have always been taught.

You're too slow. You're too short. You're too small. You aren't flexible enough. You don't have enough time. You need to eat more. You have to study first. You're going to miss the party. You have to wake up at 4 am. Two a days. Exhaustion. These are some common challenges faced by athletes when they are passionate about playing a sport and refuse to give up. But it's not just these. There will be a coach you don't get along with. There will be a team mate who doesn't like you. There will be injuries and bumps and bruises. There will be rude fans and angry parents. The truth is, being an athlete is all about being challenged on and off the field. Mental toughness, the ability to be a team player, having an open mind, perseverance, resilience, consistency, and grit are all ways to get through. Being an athlete helps to develop these characteristics and build a strong personal foundation. Being an athlete also humbles you, which makes you appreciate your sport, coaches, and teammates so much. Being a part of a team has been a key element of who I have become as a person. I have been a part of many teams, and each of them has its own important place in my life. Being the Center of my varsity football team has been one of the greatest experiences of my life, as football has taught me many valuable life lessons, including teamwork, discipline, leadership, respect, and resilience. I am proud to say that I was named one of four team captains for the 2024 season, which has just come to an end. Without a doubt, it is one of the greatest honors I have received. Being able to work with a team is one of the most important life skills someone can have, on and off the field. Playing a team sport is something everyone should try, as it builds confidence, character, and teamwork skills. I have some of the best memories of my life while being a part of the football team, all while consistently growing as a person alongside my teammates and friends. So you see, the challenges of being an athlete are what lead to the benefits of being an athlete. And it's this experience that can take a person from good to great. Using the challenges as motivation and teachable moments that you can take with you into college and beyond is the big takeaway.

Death is never easy, but there is a collective mourning that occurs when a bright young person is taken too soon. Kalia's death has created a ripple of sorrow, touching all who hear her story. But with that sadness also comes inspiration and even a sense of pride. As a scholar-athlete, I understand the drive, consistency, dedication, and effort Kalia had, as well as the long study nights, sore legs, and constant juggling she endured. Being an academic achiever, an athlete, and a community advocate is difficult, but it is a choice that we get to make. Kalia chose to be the best version of herself and this is why, although grossly unfair and sad, her story motivates me further. Kalia was committed to excellence and whether you are an aspiring athlete, an artist, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, everyone has the choice to live like Kalia. I will be attending Misericordia University in the Fall of 2025 to play lacrosse and study in the Honors pre-health program. Early in my life, my mom suffered a severe illness which had a great impact on our family. Her survival was based on extreme dietary and lifestyle changes, which put her in the best health of her life. Experiencing this led me to focus on my health and I started exercising and studying nutrition at a young age. Throughout the years, this knowledge has come in handy many times and as a multi-sport athlete, I feel very blessed to be aware of the impact nutrition and exercise have on the mind and body. This influenced my decision to pursue a career in the field of medicine. The healthcare industry is the ideal platform for me to help others. Coupled with my interest in science and the complexities of the human body, my decision to pursue a pre-medical track in college is solid. I am passionate about the pre-health/ biology track because I know it will provide me invaluable opportunities to take part in clinical experiences and research, as well as community outreach initiatives. I get excited when I think of shadowing physicians and conducting lab research on medical advancements. This scholarship will help fund my undergraduate education, allowing me some breathing room to pursue graduate school. I am committed to excellence and I hope that more young people realize that life can be short and unpredictable, so it's that much more important to be the best you can. Kalia's legacy of "Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning" are daily life goals and I have already written these on a Post-It note and attached it to my mirror so I am always reminded of what is important. I am grateful for this opportunity and appreciate you reading my essay.

In 2009, my mom went through a medical crisis. Although I was only a young child, I distinctly remember the change in our family dynamic and the in my mom. It took two years for her to heal and her incredible story is the inspiration behind my professional plans for the future. I plan on majoring in Biology, focusing on blending modern medicine with the body's natural ability to heal. Watching my mom use food, exercise, and lifestyle changes as her primary healing tools left a huge impact on me. While there is a need and a place for modern medicine, I think it’s important to contribute to the revolutionizing of healthcare through biohacking. My goal is to tap into the body's natural mechanisms, think about regenerative capabilities, immune responses, and adaptive physiology, and integrate these with modern medical technologies to improve health and longevity. I want to help develop innovative approaches to optimize the body's natural healing processes. This could include personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored to a person's genetic makeup and lifestyle, or using interventions such as stem cell therapies and gene editing to promote tissue repair and regeneration. I am also interested in exploring wearable devices and biofeedback technologies that can monitor and enhance biological functions in real-time, offering individuals the tools to optimize their health daily. I believe that by focusing on the connection between biology, chemistry, and technology, I can contribute to a future where medicine doesn't just treat illness but actively helps the body to heal itself. I think this approach can improve patient outcomes and create sustainable health solutions. I imagine helping to create a world where people can live longer, healthier lives through prevention and natural healing combined with scientific inventions. As I go through my college courses and internships, I look forward to narrowing these big ideas down and getting into the right field where I can use my skills and education to make a difference. Whenever my mom recounts her story and the experiences she went through with many specialists, it pushes my desire further to become one of the good guys. Caring about the patient as an individual and not as another number is how one doctor helped my mother. I am forever grateful to that doctor because she gave me my mom back. In summary, seeing first-hand how exercise and nutrition can turn a person's health around has been a pivotal part of my life so far. I am grateful for the experience and the passion to pursue a career that can make the world better by making people healthier.

Refereeing PAL (Police Athletic League) Football while being a varsity football player myself has been more fun than I can express. Yes, the referee position has tested my patience and on occasion has had me questioning my confidence, but there is no doubt it has been fun. I thought going into this position that it would be difficult managing the players, but boy was I wrong. It is the parents that always seem to be the challenge. Creating a professional and positive relationship with these parents through the season is an experience that has helped strengthen my character. Learning how to handle the intense emotions of parents on the sidelines was something I was not initially prepared for. My parents have always taught me to be respectful and kind, especially to my elders, so trying to take control of a situation of unruly adults was pretty interesting. Football is a game that folks are pretty serious about, and as a player myself, I know that parents tend to channel their frustrations toward the refs. In the face of angry parents, I believe that I developed the ability to remain calm and composed, focusing on the game instead of getting overwhelmed by the sideline screaming. Reffing has helped further instill in me the importance of being professional. I realized that some of the parents would just remain inconsolable, however, if I made an effort to listen to some of their concerns, it did build a trusting relationship through the season. Reffing has improved my conflict resolution abilities and as the season progressed, I gained more confidence in my decision-making. Refs can make or break the tone of the game, so it's important to try to create an environment where players feel safe. It is equally important as a ref to ensure the players are adhering to the rules of the game. When a call is made, it must be firm and consistent, even under the pressure of the parents or players. Realizing that my decisions influence the game has inspired me to have an even higher standard of personal and professional integrity. These are the reasons I believe refereeing PAL Football has positively strengthened my character. I have been playing team sports since two years old. Being a part of a team has impacted my life in such a great way, from forming lasting friendships, to learning to be a good team player, and even taking a leadership role in my varsity years. I often find myself thinking that every person should be a part of a team sport at least once in their lifetime to experience the benefits. When I was asked to ref PAL and went through the training for it, I thought it was a good experience to add to my resume, but I did not know that it would be such an impactful one. From being with the kids to dealing with the parents and coaches, it's something I want to continue to do during my off-seasons. It is truly a rewarding experience and it has completely changed my perspective on refs and officials, as I now have so much more admiration for them and all they are responsible for.

Mental health awareness is an important part of my life. I am a co-founder of the Goal Getters Club, which my Assistant Principal helped me with during my sophomore year. The purpose was to create a safe and non-judgmental space where students could support one another in setting and achieving goals. Growing up, I’ve seen how important mental well-being is, from watching some of my friends struggle with anxiety and depression, to seeing the tragedy of multiple suicides on social media. These things have inspired me to prioritize my own mental health and to be more aware of the struggles that others face. This is why I wanted to create an arena where everyone could experience growth and positivity, or just have someone to talk to. The Goal Getters Club is open to all students, and some of my peers and I dedicate our lunch and study hall periods to being in the club. I believe my relationships have benefitted from my exposure to mental health struggles. I consider myself to be understanding and caring, and I always encourage open communication with my teammates, friends, and family. It is true that everyone may be facing a battle we know nothing about, and that battle can often be invisible. Mental health is something that should be a priority and spreading awareness about its importance is one way everyone can help. Whether through volunteering in my community, participating in mental health events such as Governor Hochul's Mental Health Symposium, or just being a good listener, I plan to continue spreading awareness on the importance of mental health. If everyone has access to the tools that can help promote positive mental health, then we may see less tragedy. The more awareness we spread and the more information that we can offer will only lead to helping those who are in need. With a trickle effect of support, more people will be inclined to help. There will be no stopping the positive effects and the world will only become better. I believe that when mental health is a priority, it can make every aspect of a person's life better and this will only create a better world to live in.