When I was first diagnosed with ADHD, I didn’t fully understand what it meant. Teachers often told me I talked too much or couldn’t sit still, but to me it felt normal. At first, I even thought it sounded like something out of a comic book, like a superpower. Over time, I’ve learned that ADHD comes with challenges, but also surprising advantages. One of my biggest struggles has been disorganization. Staying on top of schoolwork is difficult when keeping track of details doesn’t come naturally. To manage this, I write down assignments, dates, and reminders so I can stay accountable. Another challenge is being overly talkative. While I enjoy conversations, they sometimes distract me from learning, so I seat myself away from distractions to stay focused. Lastly, my constant energy makes long school days difficult since sitting still feels almost impossible. Taking short breaks, like stretching or walking, helps me release extra energy and refocus. These strategies, though simple, have strengthened me as a student by giving me tools to manage my challenges. Yet ADHD also gives me advantages. What some see as restlessness, I see as fuel. My routine reflects this: I wake up early, attend school, train for wrestling two hours, work out another two, and still find time to study and complete homework. ADHD also gives me the ability to hyperfocus. Wrestling is the clearest example—I train rigorously, manage nutrition, and study opponents with laser-like attention. My talkative nature, once viewed as a weakness, has become a strength that helps me connect with others, build friendships, and approach people with confidence. ADHD has shaped both my identity and success as a student and athlete. Academically, I’ve achieved high grades and am a member of the National Honor Society and the Business Honor Society, both of which require maintaining strong GPAs. Athletically, I became a New Hampshire All-State wrestling champion my junior year and placed second in Division I states the same season. I have also won and placed in multiple tournaments across New Hampshire and beyond, competing year-round and traveling frequently to face strong opponents. In addition to this, I also have been voted wrestling team captain for the last two years and hold captain practices for my wrestling team where I help coach and lead new wrestling members on the team. Equally important, I give back through wrestling which also demonstrates my leadership within the sport as well. I have volunteered over 40 hours mentoring and coaching young athletes at Doughboy Wrestling Club, Litchfield Youth Wrestling Club, and the local Boys and Girls Club. This past summer, my National Honor Society independent service project focused on youth wrestling mentorship and coaching. Wrestling itself promotes leadership through respect, sportsmanship, and fair play, and coaching younger athletes allows me to pass on these values while helping them develop teamwork, communication, and confidence. Looking ahead, my education goals align with my career aspirations. I plan to attend college to study business with a focus on sports management while wrestling at the NCAA Division III level. My business coursework in high school—covering finance, marketing, and management—has prepared me for this path. Long term, I hope to continue coaching and mentoring athletes, combining my passion for wrestling with a career in leadership and sports. My journey has taught me that obstacles can become strengths when approached with resilience. ADHD is not just a challenge—it is a driving force that fuels my determination, energy, and growth. This scholarship will greatly support my academic and athletic goals by easing the financial burden of college and helping me continue pursuing my dreams.

Cancer has effected my life tremendously. Unfortunately, two highly influential family members in my life have been diagnosed with cancer. The first family member diagnosed with Cancer was my maternal grandmother, who I call Mema. She was diagnosed with breast cancer several years ago. This diagnosis was devastating to my family and especially for me, as my Mema has always been very close to me. She especially means alot to me because despite living several hours aways, she still makes sure to visit as much as possible. She has always supported my athletic journey of wrestling as well, which means the world to me. She makes to sure attend my wrestling tournaments, which are often all day events. She has always cheered me on. I realized how strong of a peraon my Mema was when she was eventually able to beat her cancer. It was not an easy journey for her to be as sick as she was, but she always made sure to stay positive and still always visited as much as her treatments would allow her to. Her strength has inspired me to always do the best in my life, whether it be at school or in sports. Another important family member that has been diagnosed with cancer was my paternal grandfather. Unfortunately, my grandfather, Papa Joe, currently has liver cancer. This cancer is very rare and does not have a very positive prognosis, as patients usually only have a life expectancy of five years or less. Despite this bleak diagnosis, though, my Papa Joe has remained strong and very positive. He is required to have chemotherapy three days per week for at least six months. He also has a significant amount of pain. Despite this pain and brutal treatment regime, he is fighting the cancer with a smile. He is always positive and loves to spend as much time with his family as possible. He has inspired me to be strong in my life and to persevere against any challenges that I may have. If he can be brave and fight cancer, than I can fight and overcome anything that might come along. I am inspired to be my best and my goal and dream right now is that my Papa Joe can hopefully see and attend my graduation from high school and begin my college journey. This is important because when that happens I would be the first male on his side of the family to attend college. I am determined to make this happen and make him and my Mema proud.