Losing my dad to cancer when I was just fourteen was the most difficult experience of my life. His battle with the disease changed everything for my family and me. Since then, my mom has been raising me on her own, showing incredible strength and dedication. This experience has deeply impacted my perspective on life, shaped my values, and inspired my passion for business and entrepreneurship. Growing up in a single-parent household has meant facing many financial and emotional challenges. My mom worked tirelessly to provide for us, balancing her jobs while ensuring I had the support I needed to succeed academically and personally. Watching her resilience in the face of adversity has motivated me to work hard and pursue my dreams with unwavering determination. During high school, I discovered my passion for entrepreneurship through the Junior Achievement program. I co-founded a company that has not only won numerous awards and competitions but is also currently patent pending. This venture has been a journey of creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork—skills that I am eager to develop further as I pursue a business degree. Starting this company gave me a real-world understanding of what it takes to build something meaningful from an idea. It’s not always easy; there are risks and setbacks along the way. But, like Charles Bowlus, who took a huge gamble when founding ECRM, I believe that with hard work, innovation, and resilience, it’s possible to create lasting impact. Charles’s story of dedication and success despite uncertainty inspires me as I continue on my entrepreneurial path. My dad’s cancer diagnosis also plays a role in my career goals. It taught me the importance of perseverance, hope, and making the most out of every opportunity. I want to honor his memory by building a business that not only succeeds financially but also positively affects the lives of others. I see entrepreneurship as a way to create jobs, solve problems, and contribute to my community. This scholarship would be an incredible support as I prepare to enter college and pursue a business major. The financial help would ease the burden on my family and allow me to focus more on my studies and entrepreneurial endeavors. It would also be a meaningful recognition of the challenges my family has faced and the resilience we have shown. Charles Bowlus’s legacy of taking risks, building connections, and creating lasting impact resonates deeply with me. I want to carry that spirit forward by continuing to innovate, lead, and inspire others through business. Being part of this scholarship community would motivate me even more to push boundaries and make a difference. In conclusion, my experiences as a young person from a single-parent household affected by cancer have shaped my goals and fueled my passion for entrepreneurship. I am committed to working hard, learning, and growing as a future business leader. With the support of the Charles Bowlus Scholarship, I will be one step closer to turning my dreams into reality. Thank you for considering my application.

Being part of a community has profoundly shaped my sense of hope for the future. Communities are where we find connection, support, and shared purpose—and I have been fortunate to experience this through my family, school, work, and volunteer activities. These experiences inspire me to contribute positively to the world around me and to help build spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued. Growing up, I saw how strong community bonds could uplift people through difficult times. My family’s encouragement, my school’s support, and the opportunities I’ve had to serve others have all shown me the power of kindness and connection. This foundation gives me hope that, together, we can create a better future full of understanding and shared success. One meaningful way I have contributed to my community is through my involvement with student council. Volunteering at events—especially those that focus on young children—has allowed me to foster positive connections and encourage kindness. For example, I helped organize activities that teach empathy and respect, helping kids feel safe and supported. Watching those children grow more confident and joyful showed me the real impact of community care. Alongside volunteering, I work at Chick-fil-A, where I have also taken on leadership roles, such as leading craft classes that engage customers in fun and creative ways. This job has taught me the importance of patience, teamwork, and providing welcoming experiences. It’s more than just a job; it’s a chance to bring a little joy and connection to people’s days. My internship with the local committee of fine arts gave me a deeper understanding of community through culture. I helped organize public art events and festivals that brought people together to celebrate creativity and diversity. Being part of these events showed me how the arts can unite communities, foster pride, and inspire hope for the future. These gatherings are more than entertainment—they’re opportunities to build relationships and celebrate what makes each community unique. These experiences together have strengthened my belief that hope grows when people come together to support one another. Whether it’s through helping children feel safe, sharing a smile at work, or organizing an event that celebrates art and culture, every effort matters. I want to continue building these connections as I pursue a degree in hospitality management, where I hope to create inclusive events that bring communities closer. Receiving this scholarship would help me turn these aspirations into reality by supporting my education and enabling me to keep serving my community. I want to be a leader who not only succeeds personally but also uplifts those around me—someone who builds bridges and creates spaces where everyone belongs. In conclusion, being part of a community has shown me that hope is not just a feeling—it’s an active choice to connect, support, and inspire others. I am committed to carrying this mission forward, and I believe that with education and opportunity, I can help build stronger, kinder communities for generations to come. Thank you for considering my application.

My name is Avery, and I am passionate about making a positive impact in my community through leadership, service, and advocacy. Throughout high school, I have been deeply involved in student council, where I have volunteered in a variety of events, especially those focused on supporting young children. These experiences have taught me the importance of creating safe, welcoming spaces for youth to grow and thrive. Growing up, I faced many challenges, including managing anxiety. This experience has made me especially aware of the emotional and social pressures that children and youth face today. I understand how difficult it can be to cope with bullying, both in-person and online. This is why I am committed to promoting safety and kindness among young people in my community. One way I contribute is by organizing and supporting anti-bullying campaigns and workshops through student council. These events focus on teaching children about empathy, respect, and the harmful effects of bullying. I’ve helped lead activities where younger kids role-play positive communication and conflict resolution, helping them learn how to stand up for themselves and others in safe ways. In addition to in-person efforts, I work to raise awareness about cyberbullying—an issue that is increasingly affecting youth today. Many students do not fully realize the impact that online words and actions can have on others. I advocate for responsible social media use and encourage kids to speak up if they see bullying happening online. I also promote resources such as school counselors and trusted adults that youth can turn to if they feel unsafe or overwhelmed. Financially, I face significant challenges as I prepare to enter higher education. Like many students, the cost of college tuition, books, and living expenses is a major concern for me and my family. My mother works hard to support us, but with limited resources, affording college is a serious worry. This scholarship would greatly alleviate the financial burden and allow me to focus more fully on my studies and community goals without constant financial stress. My career goal is to pursue hospitality management, where I plan to use my skills to create events that give back to the community and foster connection. This dream motivates me to work hard academically and continue developing leadership through student council and volunteer work. I believe that by supporting children and youth today, I am helping build a stronger, safer community for tomorrow. In summary, my experiences with anxiety and community service have fueled my passion for creating safe spaces where young people can feel valued and protected from bullying in all its forms. I am committed to continuing this work as I grow, both personally and professionally. This scholarship will not only support my education financially but will empower me to keep making a difference in the lives of youth around me. Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to carry forward this mission with your support.

Living with anxiety has shaped much of my life, presenting challenges but also teaching me resilience, strength, and self-awareness. Like many others, my journey with anxiety has had its ups and downs, but it has not defined or limited who I am or what I want to accomplish. Instead, it has inspired me to pursue my goals with even greater determination and compassion. Anxiety affects me in many ways—sometimes it makes everyday tasks feel overwhelming, and other times it can hold me back from stepping fully into new experiences. I have learned to recognize the signs early: the racing thoughts, the tightness in my chest, or the nervous energy that can make focusing difficult. While these moments are tough, I do not let them stop me. Instead, I have developed coping strategies such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and seeking support from trusted friends, family, and mental health professionals. My anxiety has impacted my academic journey, but I have not let it derail my dreams. There have been days when the pressure felt too much and I doubted whether I could keep up with school. But through perseverance, I have maintained a solid GPA, stayed involved in extracurricular activities, and continued to set higher goals for myself. I have learned to balance my mental health with my responsibilities by prioritizing self-care and asking for help when I need it. This balance has been critical to my growth. One of the biggest lessons anxiety has taught me is empathy. Experiencing mental health struggles firsthand has deepened my understanding of others facing similar challenges. This empathy motivates me to support peers and advocate for mental health awareness in my school and community. I want to help break down the stigma surrounding mental illness so that no one feels alone or ashamed for what they are going through. Living with anxiety has also strengthened my ambition. It has shown me that pursuing my dreams is possible, even when the path feels uncertain. I am passionate about my future career goals and am committed to working hard to achieve them. Whether it’s through further education, community involvement, or personal development, I intend to turn my experiences into a source of strength that propels me forward. This scholarship would be a vital support on my journey. It would ease the financial burden of college and give me peace of mind so I can focus on my studies and personal growth. More importantly, it would honor the resilience of young adults like me who face mental health challenges but continue to push toward their dreams every day. I want to be a testament to the idea that a mental health diagnosis does not have to limit success or happiness. Derick Canty’s story is a powerful reminder that mental illness can affect anyone, but it doesn’t have to define them. His life inspires me to keep moving forward despite the obstacles anxiety sometimes creates. I hope to carry forward his legacy by showing strength, kindness, and determination in my own life. Thank you for considering my application and for supporting students who overcome mental health struggles to pursue their dreams.

Excellence, kindness, and determination have always been values I live by. Whether it’s in academics, sports, or volunteering, I put my full effort into everything I do and encourage others to do the same. Reading about Kalia D. Davis’s life inspired me deeply—she was someone who worked hard, showed kindness, and left a positive mark on everyone around her. I strive to honor that legacy in my own life. I have played basketball since I was seven years old. I still remember my very first game—the ball seemed enormous, but I dribbled down the court with confidence. Over the years, basketball taught me discipline, teamwork, and the importance of commitment. Countless practices and games showed me that success isn’t only about points scored, but also the attitude and support you bring to your team. Even after stepping away from competitive play, the leadership and perseverance I gained continue to shape how I face challenges today. Helping others has become a central part of who I am. Through student council, I have volunteered at many community events, especially those involving children. One memory I cherish is running a craft table at a local school carnival. A shy girl came up, hesitant to join, but by the end, she was smiling and proud of her glitter-covered creation. Moments like that remind me that service isn’t just about completing tasks—it’s about making others feel valued and encouraged. Life hasn’t always been easy. Losing my dad was the hardest experience I have ever faced. His absence left a silence in our home that felt impossible to fill. During those difficult times, I leaned heavily on my faith, praying for strength and purpose. I realized that honoring his memory meant living with hard work, integrity, and generosity—values he always encouraged me to embrace. He told me once, “If you’re going to do something, do it with your whole heart.” That advice remains my guiding light through both struggles and successes. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a degree in hospitality management. I’ve always loved bringing people together—whether by planning school events, organizing fundraisers, or hosting friends and family—and I want to use this passion to strengthen and celebrate my community. I dream of organizing charity fundraisers that bring hope to families, cultural festivals that showcase diversity, and local celebrations that remind people of the joy found in gathering. To me, hospitality is more than just hosting; it’s about creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels cared for and connected. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial burden of my education and serve as a daily reminder of the values I aim to live by. Kalia’s legacy—living, loving, laughing, learning—reflects the life I want to lead. Like her, I want to greet each day with enthusiasm, find joy in the little things, and strive for excellence in all I do. I want my words and actions to inspire others, just as hers have inspired me. Being awarded the Kalia D. Davis Scholarship would be a true honor. It would not only support my educational goals but also challenge me to uphold the example she set through her ambition, kindness, and joy. I hope to carry forward her spirit, creating a legacy of service, gratitude, and positivity for generations to come.

In February of 2022 after a month of being on a ventilator my father passed. After surviving his fight with cancer back in 2018 he had a weak immune system and contracted Covid. This is my story of my ongoing grief. My grief truly started in 5th grade when he first started chemo. The grief was not of my father per se, but more of normal life itself. My dad was in and out of the hospital for months, I was kept in the dark about everything and throughout all that I was battling with an undiagnosed anxiety disorder. But as suddenly as my life had been interrupted, everything was suddenly normal again. He was “cured” and in my mind the fight was over. Fast forward to February 22, 2022, my life was shattered. After just being told a month ago my father was fine and would just need to stay at the hospital a couple nights to recover from pneumonia, I was told that he would not make it. Needless to say that was one of the worst moments of my life. Nobody understands the feeling until it happens to them, a close family member unexpectedly dying. It’s like the rug being pulled out from under you, like you can’t live without them and the panic sets in. The next days were awful, grieving what was to come. February 28, 2022 he was gone. Everything was so unreal for the next week. A whirlwind of funeral planning, dress shopping, paperwork, and the uneasy realization I’ll never see my father again. Then came the strange denial. The feeling that this didn’t really happen. I mean how could it! He was in perfect health! (It wasn’t until after he died I learned that the doctors had given him ten years until the cancer returned and ultimately took his life). With this new discovery, came the thought of maybe it’s better he didn’t have to suffer. But still, almost a year after his death I refused to think about it. Even after multiple counseling sessions of me just avoiding talking about him, still I could not bear the thought of not having my dad to teach me to drive, scare my boyfriends away, walk me down the aisle, and be the amazing grandpa I know he would’ve been. My everlasting denial was mixed in with short outburst of excessive crying for almost a year. After that first year I started to accept what had happened. While at first it was healthy acceptance it had then turned into a crippling sense of regret. Regret for how things ended. Regret that I didn’t once call him while he was in the hospital awake. I was 14 and stupid, not understanding the gravity of the situation, to caught up in my own life. I was stuck in this stage for awhile, consumed in grief. But, with help from a counselor I was able to refocus, realizing the best thing I can do now is look forward and try to lead a life that would make him proud. So I threw myself into working towards a better future for myself . My father always wanted me to happy, that was his biggest aspiration for me. I joined student council, where I found a sense of belonging, I quit basketball where I found myself weighed down and out of place. I decided to start a new club about something I’m passionate about, German class. I even got a job that I love and enjoy doing. I have put forth my best effort into classes, studying like he would’ve liked me to when he was alive. I also started attending church more often, something he wished we made more time for. I have started noticing a difference in my mindset and behaviors, I feel like a whole new person, a person I’ve always wanted to be but never had the ambition to strive for. Losing someone is one of the worst things that can happen to you. Sometimes though, good things can come out of it. The best thing you can do is put one foot in front of the other and do your best to get through the devastating circumstances, because while it might not seem like it, I promise: there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

In February of 2022 after a month of being on a ventilator my father passed. After surviving his fight with cancer back in 2018 he had a weak immune system and contracted Covid. This is my story of my ongoing grief. My grief truly started in 5th grade when he first started chemo. The grief was not of my father per se, but more of normal life itself. My dad was in and out of the hospital for months, I was kept in the dark about everything and throughout all that I was battling with an undiagnosed anxiety disorder. But as suddenly as my life had been interrupted, everything was suddenly normal again. He was “cured” and in my mind the fight was over. Fast forward to February 22, 2022, my life was shattered. After just being told a month ago my father was fine and would just need to stay at the hospital a couple nights to recover from pneumonia, I was told that he would not make it. Needless to say that was one of the worst moments of my life. Nobody understands the feeling until it happens to them, a close family member unexpectedly dying. It’s like the rug being pulled out from under you, like you can’t live without them and the panic sets in. The next days were awful, grieving what was to come. February 28, 2022 he was gone. Everything was so unreal for the next week. A whirlwind of funeral planning, dress shopping, paperwork, and the uneasy realization I’ll never see my father again. Then came the strange denial. The feeling that this didn’t really happen. I mean how could it! He was in perfect health! (It wasn’t until after he died I learned that the doctors had given him ten years until the cancer returned and ultimately took his life). With this new discovery, came the thought of maybe it’s better he didn’t have to suffer. But still, almost a year after his death I refused to think about it. Even after multiple counseling sessions of me just avoiding talking about him, still I could not bear the thought of not having my dad to teach me to drive, scare my boyfriends away, walk me down the aisle, and be the amazing grandpa I know he would’ve been. My everlasting denial was mixed in with short outburst of excessive crying for almost a year. After that first year I started to accept what had happened. While at first it was healthy acceptance it has now turned into a crippling sense of regret. Regret for how things ended. Regret that I didn’t once call him while he was in the hospital awake. I was 14 and stupid, not understanding the gravity of the situation, to caught up in my own life. This is where I am now. Regretful grief. As I continue through my grief journey I hope to grow and become the person he’d want me to be, including graduating college.

The character I resonate most with is without a doubt Michael Scott. While I will say his character is definitely a more dramatized version of my personality I definitely think his personality and mindset has shaped me. The way he always stays positive and holds humor most important is definitely something I admire. What’s the point of life if you can’t laugh at the humorous situations? I have found myself acting more like him and looking at the bright, funny side of bad situations. I have even caught myself saying “that’s what she said”, far too many times, much to the displeasure of my friends and family on occasion. Michael also often tends to romanticize relationships, namely the wreck that was his time with Jan. Even though the relationship was toxic, inappropriate, and sometimes even one sided, Michael always thought that they were perfect together. Which is something I have admittedly done in the past. I also love how Michael treats his office like a family, that is something I do in my own work life. Some of my best friends I have met at work, and they are much more valuable to me than “just some coworker”. Finally, Michael’s farewell. It’s something that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. His relationship with Holly is perfect. She understands him in a way nobody else does and I think that’s what makes their relationship end game. Though Michael can barely stand to leave he also knows that his life with Holly will be worth it. How does this relate to me? Well that’s what I’m waiting for. The perfect relationship that just clicks. A relationship where you’re on the same page and everything all the sudden just makes sense. Watching Michael fall for Holly sealed the deal for me, I am now certain that waiting for the right person will be very worth it. While Michael’s is a little crazy and maybe not the most focused person I think we could all stand to be a little more like him, finding the funny in life and bringing it to others.

If I could have everyone in the world read one book it would have to be The Book Thief By Markus Zusak. This past year The Book Thief was one of my English I-required reading books. Being the history nerd I am, I was super excited that we were going to read historical fiction, which is my favorite genre. While I was happy, some of my classmates were a little hesitant as many aren’t super familiar with the genre. As we read though, many of their opinions changed. The book is a beautiful story of how Liesel Meminger, a girl who at the beginning of the book doesn’t know how to read or write, falls in love with books. Her adoptive father Hans teaches her to read and write in the basement of their house. The book takes place in Nazi Germany during World War II, so when Max, the Jewish son of an old army friend of Hans, shows up at their doorstep they have to hide him in their basement. It turns out that Max also loves reading and writing. Liesel and Max quickly form a close bond over reading. When Max runs away to protect the family, he leaves Liesel with a book made of a painted-over copy of Mein Kampf. This book becomes instrumental in her love of books. My favorite part of the book is that it is narrated by Death. This interesting spin on the book makes it truly unique and unlike anything, I’ve read before. Death takes you throughout Liesel's story, highlighting her experiences with Death. Death’s commentary and quips make the book more engaging and appealing. I think this book is a must-read because it illustrates how important words are and the influence they have on people. This book has many different important ingredients that make it the perfect book including friendship, tragedy, romance, history, uniqueness, and most of all, a beautiful life lesson. One of my favorite quotes of all time comes from this book. At the end of the book Liesel says, “I have hated the words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right” (Zusak). This quote perfectly sums up the book in one beautiful sentence. By the time we were done with The Book Thief, it was added to many of my peers, and my favorite books list.

What I love most about math is that there is always a solution. Even if I struggle or have to ask for help from my teacher or peers I know that there is a way to solve the problem. More so, there are always multiple ways to solve the problem yet get the same answer. I like to look at math as a metaphor for life, sometimes there are problems we need to collaborate on to solve. Also sometimes people may take different paths to solve problems yet still get the same results as others. Math is incredibly important in our everyday lives. Without math, we wouldn't have computers, smartphones, and gaming systems. Even things other than electronics that we don't think about such as calendars, recipes, and even currency. We wouldn't even have the engineering knowledge to make buildings! Personally, I sometimes struggle with math. But, the feeling you get when something clicks after struggling with it for a while is honestly one of the best feelings in the world and makes the struggle completely worth it. Math is truly the only subject that I get to have that rewarding productive struggle, due to my being able to easily grasp concepts in other subjects. In other classes, I tend to find myself bored or unchallenged, but in math, my mind is constantly occupied and learning new things. I can push myself to get higher and higher grades. I get to strive to achieve an A and work hard to ensure I never fall below a B. I also find that my math classes tend to have the brightest and most engaging students. Since I am a grade ahead in math and in an advanced class I find that many of my peers are like-minded and are also more interested in excelling rather than just passing. I have made some of my best friends in these classes because we have struggled and succeeded together. Sometimes I find myself complaining about math homework or how much I’m struggling on a certain unit, but then I remember: Without math, I wouldn’t be pushing myself and challenging myself in school. Honestly, some of the greatest joys of my Freshman year of high school were getting my Geometry tests back and seeing how much progress I had made from the beginning of the unit and even the beginning of the year. Over my school career, I have truly fallen in love with math.

Ever since I was little Disney World has been my Dad and I’s favorite place in the world. Growing up in Texas not many people get to experience the magic that is Disney World. Fortunately, I was blessed to be able to get to experience Disney World four times throughout my childhood. The first three experiences were magical in their own way but the fourth and most recent trip was truly something I will never forget. In the Spring of 2019, my Dad beat cancer. The first thing he wanted to do was go to Disney World. So, as soon as we had enough money to go we started planning our vacation. Our vacation was set to take place in the Summer of 2020. Unfortunately this was during Covid and we were unable to make it due to the parks closing and having to quarantine. Even after the Disney parks opened back up we were unable to make the trip. Then in February of 2022, tragedy struck. My father had developed pneumonia and due to his weakened immune system, his body was not able to fight it off. After well over a month in the hospital and being on a ventilator for almost 2 weeks, my Dad, the most amazing father, the kindest man I’ve ever met, and the strongest person I knew, passed. As we mourned his loss we thought of all the things he never got to do, including going to Disney World one last time. So, this past Christmas we decided to spend our first Christmas without him doing something he would have loved to do; We went to Disney World. Those seven days spent at Disney World were some of the most emotional yet special days of my life. Getting to ride his favorite rides and remembering how excited he used to get for them, seeing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and thinking about how he would think it’s the coolest thing in the world, and most of all remembering all those amazing memories we made together on previous trips. As we were watching the fireworks I remembered how my dad would hoist me on his shoulders to be able to see. As we rode my Dad’s favorite ride, Avatar: Flight of Passage, I remember how he excitedly talked about it for weeks on end after waiting in line for hours to ride when it had just opened. And finally, as I rode roller coasters which I was once terrified to go on, I remembered how my dad would hold my hand in line and help me gain the courage to push through my fears. This past year and a half has been really hard for my family. There have been a lot of ups and downs, and unfortunately, there have been more downs than ups. Our trip to Disney World though has been one of the highlights. It’s not just the rides, the food, and the cast members that make Disney the magical place it is, don’t get me wrong they do play a crucial role in it, but the memories are what really make Disney World truly the happiest place on earth.