Unlike myself, my mom was never presented with the opportunity to play sports, join academic clubs, or achieve a higher education. As a child, her ambitious pursuits to excel beyond her public education were constantly shut down due to a lack of money. Even as she grew older, my mother’s opportunities were limited, as she gave birth to me and my twin at the age of 17. Her dream of attending college and becoming an architect was redirected by her obligation to care for us. Despite her many challenges as a young, single mother in rural NC, my mom established a sound career as an insurance agent with a local company. Even though her opportunities have been limited, she has always recognized the importance of a good education and the opportunities that follow. Thus, my mother has worked tirelessly to ensure my siblings and me the opportunity to achieve a well-rounded education. After all, education goes beyond the classroom, and my mom understood this. During my early childhood, my mother worked diligently to give me a head start in school. Every day she worked to teach me and my sister our numbers, ABCs, and shapes on a felt board made from cloth scraps. She even set aside designated times to read books with us, despite her hectic schedule as a working mother. When we began attending school, my mom always made sure we were doing well in our classes and helped us improve if we were not. Our mother's dedication to our academics enabled us to excel in school, opening a gateway of opportunities for my sister and me, despite our poor financial state. We partook in multiple school clubs, sports, and activities, where I learned many life lessons, met hundreds of diverse individuals, and discovered my dream of becoming an elementary teacher. Thanks to my mother's endless support, I am now pursuing my dream career at Appalachian State University, where education continues to be a propelling force in my life. Attending college has allowed me further opportunities to learn and grow as an individual. As I dive deeper into my studies, I am excited to obtain further knowledge and understanding of how to provide students with an excellent education, nurture their ambitions, and instill within every child a sense of curiosity and belonging. I am also eager to continue engaging in extracurriculars at Appalachian, such as App Ed and ACES, where education students create community and seek further learning opportunities together. Another wonderful program I am a member of is the App State Honors College, where I have the privilege of engaging in additional studies of interest, as well as conducting independent research to obtain an enhanced understanding of a topic of my choice, alongside many knowledgeable professors. While my experience attending college has taught me so much about myself and has better prepared me for my dream profession in elementary education, there is still more for me to learn. As I dive deeper into my studies, I will continue to focus on my education so that I may one day return to my small community to provide needed support to all students, whether by passing on words of encouragement or staying late after school to tutor a child. I want to guide and inspire future generations so that they have the opportunity to read, write, and excel beyond the classroom. Ultimately, I aspire to pursue a career in education so that I can support and counsel hundreds of children in their journey to discover success and happiness as my mother has done for me.

Actors, athletes, firefighters; inspiration comes in various forms. However, one of the most inspirational occupations is often overlooked by society, the job of teaching. It’s easy to neglect the significant impact educators have on children when watching societal idols like Steph Curry and Taylor Swift. Yet, in reality, teachers are some of the most influential figures in the world. Every day educators are given the chance to connect, encourage, and teach the future generations of the world. Ultimately, teachers act as role models to all students. As a future educator, I will aim to inspire my students through words of encouragement, sincere understanding, and actions of righteousness. Throughout my life, I have been told repeatedly that “words have power.” Though it is a considerably cliche phrase, experiences throughout my educational journey have confirmed the significance of a simple “great job” or “I believe in you.” Words of encouragement from my various teachers throughout my school career have instilled academic confidence within me, enabling me to succeed in the classroom and discover my passion for education. I, too, hope to inspire my students through sincere words of encouragement that provide support and confidence to their young minds. As a teacher, I will also seek to understand my students. Doing so will allow me to better support them in their educational journey. After all, every student has a different home life, faces diverse challenges, and has a unique perspective on the world. Even so, all children deserve to feel understood. Developing a connection with each student will enable me to adequately provide a safe environment for my students to express themselves freely. Feeling supported and understood in the classroom will inspire creativity and self-discovery within students so they may flourish into their true selves. Lastly, as an educator, I will strive to be a positive role model for my students. Children often think highly of their teachers, especially when they feel supported and understood in the classroom. Hence, teachers must live a virtuous life, promoting ideals of kindness, perseverance, and hard work with the intention of inspiring students to do the same. To inspire moral behavior, personal growth, and self-discovery within the classroom, I will seek to connect, support, and encourage my students daily through my words and actions.

Sitting down at the kidney bean-shaped table, I eagerly called five third graders to join me for a group read. Never before had I had the opportunity to teach a group of students; I could barely retain my excitement. Even as a toddler, I stood aside my three-foot-tall whiteboard with an Expo marker at hand, dreaming of becoming a teacher. Now, as a high school Teacher Cadet student, my dream was about to become a reality. The students surrounded the circular table and opened their thin paperback books. One by one, they successfully mastered sentences from the booklet. As I called on the last child to read he gazed down at the black and white page with confusion. The tall brunette boy attempted to sound out each letter of every word but struggled to do so. I was disheartened to discover his inability to read even the small words. After class, my instructor, Mrs. Wood, sorrowfully informed me that this boy is still on a kindergarten reading level and lacks support at home to help him improve. Throughout my life, my blue-collar, middle-class family has sacrificed their hard-earned money and valuable time to allow myself and my sisters to play sports, participate in clubs, and engage in community service. Their support has even allowed me the opportunity to attend Appalachian State University in pursuit of my dream career in Elementary Education. Recognizing that not every child is given the same support throughout life as I was is extremely upsetting. Without my family’s support, I would have never excelled academically, discovered my interest in sports, or developed necessary life leadership skills. Every child deserves the opportunity to explore their interests and reach their full academic potential. My experience volunteering in the classroom environment has reinforced my passion for teaching. As an educator, I hope to provide needed support to all students, whether by passing on words of encouragement or staying late after school to tutor a child. I want to inspire future generations so that they have the opportunity to read, write, and excel in the classroom. Ultimately, I aspire to pursue a career in education so that I can support hundreds of children in their journey to discover success and happiness as my family has done for me. My family’s commitment and my dedication to achieving my dream career as an elementary teacher has allowed me the opportunity to attend Appalachian State University with membership in both the Honors College and Appalachian Community of Educators program. Through my engagement in extracurricular programs while in college, I will be able to further focus on teacher leadership so I can adequately provide for my future students. However, my family does not have the funds to support me financially throughout college. To continue my educational journey at Appalachian State I have obtained two part time jobs, cut back on my spendings, and I have sacrificed my spare time to complete scholarship applications. I would be honored to receive the Kerry Kennedy Life is Good Scholarship to help support my academic journey to become a teacher.

I stood patiently on the glossy wooden gym floor. I was honored to be selected as a 2022-2023 Miss North High nominee. Only four students from my high school are chosen annually by the school faculty to attend the court. Those on the Miss North High Court must be active school leaders, academically excelling students, and community role models; all nominees were well deserving of the title. I eagerly waited to hear who the winner would be. Suddenly, my heart stopped as the announcer proclaimed my name as the next Miss North High. I could not believe that I had been chosen! As a shimmery tiara was placed on my head, it became apparent that my countless hours attending practices, studying relentlessly, and volunteering within the community did not go unnoticed. Throughout my life, I have been fortunate enough to be an active leader within my community. As a high school student, I participated in nearly ten clubs, while holding leadership positions in Key Club, Student Council, and the school newspaper. I was also a three-sport athlete, competing in North Wilkes’ tennis, basketball, and track programs, while maintaining A’s in my honors, AP, and college classes. Now, as a college freshman, I am honored to continue my personal and academic pursuits at Appalachian State University, where I have become a member of the Appalachian Community of Educators and Honors College. I am also an active participant r of numerous college-sponsored clubs, such as Women’s Club Basketball, Appalachian Educators, and Intervarsity. Community engagement has shaped me into the hardworking leader I am today. It has even allowed me to discover my dream to become an elementary educator. Clubs, such as Key Club, provided me the opportunity to volunteer within the local elementary schools as a high school student. Typically, my volunteer work consisted of working game booths for events such as the Mountain View Elementary Fall Festival and Mulberry Elementary Carnival. However, on special occasions, I was allowed to tutor local elementary students. By working within the schools, I discovered my passion for teaching. Children have a unique and optimistic view of the world; their joy and endless imagination inspire me to always seek the beauty of life. As a teacher, I hope to inspire my students in the same way that they inspire me. Volunteering at the local elementary schools, I have connected with the diverse population of children in my community, obtained classroom experience, and gained an understanding of the need for impactful educators. While I have been fortunate enough to receive the support of my family to achieve success and happiness, not all children receive such vital support in their lives. Instead, teachers often become the positive role models and sources of encouragement that all children deserve. I aspire to support and encourage my future students, so that they too may discover their dreams and pursue them. Despite my ambition to become a teacher, I cannot achieve my dream alone. Though the support of my family has allowed me to find success in my life and discover my passion for teaching, they cannot afford to support me financially throughout college. Last year, I was fortunate to receive financial support from various sponsors to attend Appalachian. To continue my journey at Appalachian State, I will need financial support. Receiving funding from scholarships like the Kalia D. Davis Memorial Scholarship would assist me in cutting the cost of books, housing, and tuition so that I can focus on achieving my dream of becoming an educator and inspiring the future generations of America.

Sitting down at the kidney bean-shaped table, I eagerly called five third graders to join me for a group read. Never before had I had the opportunity to teach a group of students; I could barely retain my excitement. Even as a toddler, I stood aside my three-foot-tall whiteboard with an Expo marker at hand, dreaming of becoming a teacher. Now, as a high school Teacher Cadet student, my dream was about to become a reality. The students surrounded the circular table and opened their thin paperback books. One by one, they successfully mastered sentences from the booklet. As I called on the last child to read he gazed down at the black and white page with confusion. The tall brunette boy attempted to sound out each letter of every word but struggled to do so. I was disheartened to discover his inability to read even the small words. After class, my instructor, Mrs. Wood, sorrowfully informed me that this boy is still on a kindergarten reading level and lacks support at home to help him improve. I was dispirited to discover the young boy’s struggle. I even began to doubt my own ability to become a teacher, thinking negative thoughts like “There is nothing I can do to help”, and “What’s the point of trying?” Returning to my high school Teacher Cadet class with a heavy heart, I explained the situation to my teacher Mrs. Miles. Despite the issue, Mrs. Miles was always there to listen to my concerns. She supported me in all of my personal and academic pursuits; her guidance even inspired me to attend my current college, Appalachian State University. After describing my internship experience, Mrs. Miles glanced at me with caring eyes and began to speak softly. She explained that teaching is a difficult job, and we as educators will often carry home the burdens of our students. However, unlike most careers, teachers have the unique ability to inspire and support hundreds of children no matter their circumstances. Mrs. Miles’ reassuring words of encouragement motivated me to continue to pursue my dream career as an elementary teacher. As an educator, I hope to provide needed support to all students, whether by passing on words of encouragement or staying late after school to tutor a child. I want to inspire future generations so that they have the opportunity to read, write, and excel in the classroom. Ultimately, I aspire to pursue a career in education so that I can support hundreds of children in their journey to discover success and happiness, as my teachers, like Mrs. Miles, have done for me. As a freshman at Appalachian State University, I am now closer than ever to achieving my dream of becoming an elementary teacher. I have even been presented with the honor to be a member of the Appalachian Community of Educators program to further focus on teacher leadership. However, my family does not have the funds to support me financially throughout college. After all, my twin sister is also pursuing a college degree, and my little sister will soon join us as first-generation college students. I would be honored to receive the Marie Humphries Memorial Scholarship to help support my academic journey to become a teacher and inspire the future of tomorrow.

Thump, Thump. My heart beat briskly as the cries of the fans escalated. I sat on the edge of my seat packed so tightly in the stands that I could hardly breathe. Even so, the fanatic atmosphere didn’t phase me. I was thrilled to be there at my first-ever North Wilkes Basketball game. Since 2nd grade, I have dreamed of becoming a student-athlete and playing the sports I love at a competitive level. Yet through my time playing for North Wilkes High School, I have discovered that athletics go far beyond competing. The opportunity to be a multi-sports student-athlete has allowed me to learn many valuable life lessons, create cherishable memories, and become a better version of myself. Participating in sports at North High taught me time management, the value of teamwork, and most importantly, the power of perseverance. Throughout my high school career, our athletic teams have been challenged by the impacts of COVID-19, losing streaks, low numbers, and poor team culture. Despite the negativity, I have had the privilege of playing on teams that continued to work hard, even during the off-season. As a result of our dedication, the North Wilkes women's athletics improved dramatically. Performing for North Wilkes athletics has also enabled me to establish lifelong friendships and memories. I will always remember the fun bus rides, nail-biting victories, and the joy of being a part of a team. Now, I am a college freshman attending Appalachian State University and no longer compete in high school sports. Even so, the values of determination, perseverance, and positivity, which I acquired through athletic engagement, will always be a part of who I am. My cherishable experience participating in school athletics has inspired me to continue in my athletic pursuits at Appalachian State University. I have become a member of the Appalachian State Women's Club Basketball Team, where I can continue to learn and grow as an individual. Furthermore, as an Education Major, I will be minoring in Sports Science and Coaching. With my college degree, I hope to volunteer my time as a coach to the local youth of my hometown in basketball, so that they too may discover their love for sports as I did. Overall, my experience being a student-athlete has shaped me into the resilient, motivated, self-disciplined leader I am today. As I achieve my dreams, I will hold the many lessons and memories that I have acquired through sports close to my heart. Now, as a college freshman attending Appalachian State University, I will continue to persevere through hard times, cherish the good times, and always strive to be my best self.

Every week my mom sacrifices her valuable time and hard-earned money to enable me the opportunity to participate in sports, clubs, community projects, and anything else I desire to try. Since my youth, she has encouraged me to chase my dreams no matter the size or expense. Without my mom's sacrifices and support for me, I would have never become the leader I am today. I am grateful for her commitment to me so that I can fearlessly pursue my dreams. Unlike myself, my mother was never presented with the opportunity to engage in extra-curricular activities as a child. Even as she grew older, my mother’s opportunities were limited as she gave birth to my twin sister and me at the young age of 18. Even so, my mother has always recognized the importance of opportunities for the benefit and development of one’s character, skills, and integrity through experience. To ensure that I have the opportunity to play sports, join clubs, and excel in academics, my mother works untiringly. I’m beyond thankful for the hours my mom spends working overtime so money doesn’t have to be a concern to my club involvement, the countless miles she has driven just so she can watch me play a game of basketball, and the “good luck” text I receive before a big test to calm my nerves. Thanks to my mom's support I have become a determined, hardworking leader of my community. My experiences have even allowed me to discover my dream career in elementary education. I am currently a freshman at Appalachian State University in pursuit of a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, and a minor in Sports Science. Attending Appalachian has enabled me the opportunity to continue growing as a student leader through club engagement. I have even become a member of the Appalachian State Women’s Club Basketball Team! There is no doubt that without my mother’s support, I would not be at Appalachian continuing to engage in the activities I love and working towards my dream career. Even so, the opportunity to further my education, become a first-generation graduate, and achieve my dream job is challenged by the cost of college. My family can not afford to support me financially in college. Without scholarships to help cut the cost of tuition, books, and housing expenses, paying for college will be incredibly difficult. My mom has sacrificed so much of her life so that I may have the opportunity to discover a life of success and happiness through my career. Now the only obstacle preventing me from achieving my dream is college expenses. I have been fortunate enough to receive scholarship funds from various sponsors to attend Appalachian State and will need to continue to reach out to generous donors for support. I would be honored to receive a scholarship from the Stephan L. Wolley Memorial Scholarship funds, so that I may have the opportunity to continue my personal and academic pursuits at Appalachian State University.

Sitting down at the kidney bean-shaped table, I eagerly called five third graders to join me for a group read. Never before had I had the opportunity to teach a group of students; I could barely retain my excitement. Even as a toddler, I stood aside my three-foot-tall whiteboard with an Expo marker at hand, dreaming of becoming a teacher. Now, as a high school Teacher Cadet student, my dream was about to become a reality. The students surrounded the circular table and opened their thin paperback books. One by one, they successfully mastered sentences from the booklet. As I called on the last child to read he gazed down at the black and white page with confusion. The tall brunette boy attempted to sound out each letter of every word but struggled to do so. I was disheartened to discover his inability to read even the small words. After class, my instructor, Mrs. Wood, sorrowfully informed me that this boy is still on a kindergarten reading level and lacks support at home to help him improve. Throughout my life, my blue-collar, middle-class family has sacrificed their hard-earned money and valuable time to allow myself and my sisters to play sports, participate in clubs, and engage in community service. Their support has even allowed me the opportunity to attend Appalachian State University in pursuit of my dream career in Elementary Education. Recognizing that not every child is given the same support throughout life as I was is extremely upsetting. Without my family’s support, I would have never excelled academically, discovered my interest in sports, or developed necessary life leadership skills. Every child deserves the opportunity to explore their interests and reach their full academic potential. My experience volunteering in the classroom environment has reinforced my passion for teaching. As an educator, I hope to provide needed support to all students, whether by passing on words of encouragement or staying late after school to tutor a child. I want to inspire future generations so that they have the opportunity to read, write, and excel in the classroom. Ultimately, I aspire to pursue a career in education so that I can support hundreds of children in their journey to discover success and happiness as my family has done for me. My family’s commitment to my success has brought me closer than ever to achieving my dream of becoming an elementary teacher. I have even been presented with the honor to be a member of the Appalachian Community of Educators program to further focus on teacher leadership. However, my family does not have the funds to support me financially throughout college. I would be honored to receive the Sacha Curry Warrior Scholarship to help support my academic journey to become a teacher.