Coach Pat was my sixth-grade basketball coach, and that year I learned more about the person I wanted to become than about basketball. I can still hear his voice, stern and strong, giving orders in practice. I knew from that season on I wanted to be a “Coach Pat”. He helped me realize coaching basketball in my community could catalyze a lasting impact in my future classroom. The education profession is my dream and passion. Education is undeniably the highest form of community service, which drives me to make a difference in students' lives. I have found that kids are more willing to take feedback in a casual setting - like a basketball court. So, I have poured hours into kids for the last three years as a basketball coach. With Coach Pat’s words still ringing in my ears, I work to create an environment for the players to grow in character. We focus on drills and conditioning while maintaining a positive culture. Between dribbles of the ball, the players didn’t realize that they were evolving as community role models. They begin as individual contributors on the court not having ever met and as the season progresses, they begin to gel as a team - the weaker players looking to the stronger ones for pointers, the playmakers coming to life, and me as the coach helping them see that each one of them is important and integral to our team’s success. My hope is my players take these lessons with them as they leave the court, becoming leaders among their peers. “Tell me what you think?” Coach Pat asked me. This question at practice let me know that Coach cared about my opinion and valued the answer that followed. He was the adult, but he was asking me what I thought. He let me know that I mattered. As a volunteer coach, I ensure my players know I respect and encourage them to share those thoughts mutually and respectfully. As I step from the court to the classroom, I am committed to being the teacher who listens, who students come to with their problems, and who students trust to share their opinions because they know I value their answers. Being able to meet kids where they are, I take very seriously. Just as I assess my basketball players and help build them up in the areas where they are less skilled, I plan to do the same with my students. I am committed to providing all of my students with equal opportunities for success and a safe environment that fosters mutual respect. Although for now, I am a volunteer coach, I take my role very seriously. I see firsthand the impact community service has on my players, and as such I plan to encourage and promote my love for community service at the school where I work. I believe the best acts of service come from investing in your local community, and I am ecstatic to continue to do my part. I now look forward to bringing what started on the basketball court into my classroom. The lasting impact of engaging with youth is what drives me to make a difference Community service is more than a weekend commitment; it is my calling. I plan to encourage my love for community service at the school where I work. The lasting impact of engaging with youth is what drives me to make a difference in the lives of students. I now look forward to bringing what started on the court into my classroom. Three seasons in, and I am Coach Pat.

Ever since I was little I first thought about the question “What do I want to be when I grow up?”. Now most other kids my age at the time most likely would've said a basketball player or maybe an astronaut, but for me it wasn't as easy. From a young age, all I knew I wanted to do was work with kids. I have always had a passion for helping kids be the best they can be and to leave a positive impact on them. I first thought about maybe being a pediatrician, but after more thought, I found what was right for me; a teacher. The person who impacted my choice to be an early childhood educator is very important and special to me, my mom. My mom is an elementary art teacher and she is the best mom I could ever ask for. Her ability to always be patient, be loving, and do what's right not only to me but also to her students, has done nothing but inspire me to become a teacher. My mom has been my role model my entire life and I strive to be like her in her work ethic, drive, kindness, compassion, and overall care for others no matter what. She has helped and influenced me in my journey to being a future educator, and I cannot wait until I finally have my classroom. Being someone who has been bullied and treated wrongly before, I cannot wait to be a teacher and to make a positive impact on my future class and school. I plan to start as an elementary teacher and then eventually go on to get my masters in administration where I would love to become a principal. My future classroom will be nothing but positive, hard-working, and inclusive to every student that walks through my door. I plan to build each of my students up into the best person they can be and when I eventually become a principal, I plan on making my school open-minded and positive. I intend to encourage open communication in my school so that we can create the best environment possible for not only every student but also staff. In a world where a good number of students lack a positive male role model, my plan is to be that role model for them. I am a firm believer that every child should have a male role model and that the lack of male role models in today's world can be blamed for some social and political issues that happen. I believe if a student has a positive male role model that supports and inspires their dreams and ambitions, students will strive to be the best they can be and become good hard-working people in the future.

Community service is defined as work or activities done by a person or a group of people that benefit others, usually in your area or community. To many, community service is a simple act, merely a hobby, to go out and help others who are in need or to contribute to the general betterment of their community. But for me, it's much more than that. Through countless hours of meaningful involvement in my community, I have learned what community service means to me; it's my true calling. Whether at church, the basketball court, or even the classroom, I seize every opportunity available to me. I know that the lasting impact of engaging in community service provides me with a valuable opportunity to not only assist others but also fulfill the desire I have to serve others. One meaningful act of service I devote my time to is coaching basketball for the Boys and Girls Club. Several players I have coached have come from families that are economically confined, making paying for a club sport or more intensive training for their child unattainable. Taking this into account, I make the most of the players’ experience on the team. As someone who grew up playing basketball, I love to coach and help them become not only better players but better people. I work to nurture an inclusive environment for the players to act as a space for them to grow their basketball skills and character. My team focuses not only on working on basketball drills and conditioning but also on the importance of treating others with kindness and having a positive culture for all. Being able to develop this skill in others is something I will take with me as I step away from the court and into my future. Planning to be an educator, I have also equipped myself with countless connections, certifications, and even hours in the classroom. I know, without a doubt, that this is what I am meant to do. Through volunteering over 200 hours of my time in the classroom, I have been able to redefine what serving looks like to me. Making an impact on the educational trajectory of students, I see my impact ripple into my community immensely. The field of education is my calling and ultimate dream. Education is one of the many forms of serving others, and this is what drives me to make a difference in the lives of students. My determination is fueled by the aspiration to serve and provide every one of my students with equal opportunities for success and, above all, to create a safe environment where no one has to endure the same painful experiences with bullying that I once did. Although I am not yet an educator and cannot engage in that level of service to my community, I actively seek opportunities to volunteer and help in meaningful ways. Through education itself, I plan to encourage my love for community service at the school where I work. I believe some of the best acts of community service come from local schools and school districts, and I am ecstatic to do my part in leading and running these. Community service is a driving force in my life. Whether it's improving my community, supporting local businesses, or contributing to raising the future generation, it defines me and my passion, and it gives me purpose in life. Although many people engage in community service for fun or to get out of the house, it means everything to me, and I cannot wait to unlock my full potential in serving others.

As we took a left into the parking lot, I admired how beautiful this place was. There were huge oak trees everywhere, and their leaves danced in the sunlight. However, I also couldn't help but feel nervous. This was my opportunity to leave behind all the sports I had ever known and try something completely new to me. With little experience at the time, I knew I had to show up and perform well to make the team and work hard to earn a spot on the varsity team. I grabbed my bag, put on my hat, and confidently walked to the range. Now the rest is history. My name is Brett Potts, I am a senior at Bentonville West High School in Bentonville Arkansas, and the captain of the golf team at my High School. I intend on pursuing an education degree, then eventually getting my Masters in Administration to hopefully become an elementary-high school level principal. I am also part of a selective program in my school district called Ignite CAPS. In this program, I am in the Education Innovation strand. In this strand, I receive real and relevant learning in education. Through this program, I have already received multiple Autism certifications, my Parapro certification, Google educator certification, and I am even going to be receiving my certified teaching assistant certification in May of this school year. As mentioned before I am the captain or what we call on the team "the one bag" on my high school's golf team. I have been playing golf since my freshman year of high school and on the varsity team since my sophomore year. Golf has always been my favorite sport and one of my passions. I went from not being able to swing a club my freshman year to now in my senior year having a 5 handicap. Golf has been a huge influence on my life and has benefited me for the better ever since I first picked up a club. Throughout high school, I have successfully balanced my academics with my role as a varsity golfer. This experience has taught me the importance of organization, focus, and developing skills that will benefit me in my future career. I have learned to juggle multiple responsibilities and make the most of my time, valuable lessons that will serve me well as a teacher and future principal. I believe I should be considered for this unique scholarship because of my work ethic and drive to become the best I can be as a person and a future educator. My work ethic can be seen in not only my academics but also at work and on and off the golf course. This scholarship would allow me to pursue my dream and passion of being a teacher without acquiring debt that would financially pressure me in the future, especially off of a teacher's salary.

My name is Brett Potts, and I am a senior at Bentonville West High School in Centerton, Arkansas. I have always been passionate about teaching and making a difference in students' lives. As a result, I am excited to pursue my degree in Education at the University of Arkansas and become a teacher. Throughout high school, I have successfully balanced my academics with my busy schedule as a varsity golfer. This experience has taught me the importance of staying organized, focused, and developing skills that will carry over into my future career in education. The ability to juggle multiple responsibilities and make the most of my time has been a valuable lesson that will benefit me as a teacher and future principal. In addition to my academic pursuits, I have actively sought out opportunities to gain practical teaching experience. One such opportunity is through the Ignite CAPS program offered by my school district. This program has allowed me to develop teaching skills, enhance my patience, and become more adaptable – all qualities necessary for an effective educator. Through this program, I have also completed college courses and earned certifications, including the Google Education certification and Para-Professional certification. By May of this school year, I will also achieve my Certified Teacher Assistant certification. These experiences have equipped me with the necessary tools and knowledge to excel in the field of education and make a positive impact in the lives of my future students. What sets me apart as a candidate is my unwavering dedication and drive to become a teacher. I am constantly seeking opportunities for further learning and growth. I firmly believe that education is a transformative force that can create opportunities and change lives. I am eager to inspire my students and instill in them a passion for learning, critical thinking, and innovation. Furthermore, my experience as a varsity golfer has shaped me into a leader. As the team captain, I have learned the importance of teamwork, communication, and motivating others. I strive to create an inclusive environment where every member of the team feels supported and encouraged. These leadership skills will be invaluable as I work towards becoming a principal and aim to create a positive and inclusive school culture where everyone can thrive. I am committed to advocating for quality education and ensuring that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed. I believe that education should go beyond the classroom and focus on the holistic development of each student. By creating engaging and student-centered lessons, I hope to foster an environment where curiosity and creativity flourish. Receiving this scholarship would enable me to pursue my dream of becoming a teacher without the financial burden of student loans. It would provide me with the necessary resources to continue my education and acquire the skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact in the field of education. This scholarship would not only support my personal goals, but also allow me to dedicate more time and energy to my studies and extracurricular activities, further enhancing my skills as an educator. In conclusion, I am passionate about education and dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students. My commitment, work ethic, and leadership skills set me apart as a candidate for this scholarship. With this financial support, I will be able to pursue my degree in Education and fulfill my dream of becoming a teacher and a future principal. I am grateful for your consideration and the opportunity to be considered for this scholarship.

Growing up, I was picked on for my kindness and caring demeanor, and through all of it, I prayed. Bullying is something I have always experienced. For years, I asked God every single day to be treated with kindness and love. Finally, now in my senior year of high school, I can say the Lord answered my prayers. From experiencing people who pretended to be my friends and care, I am now surrounded by many great friends who genuinely care about me, just as I care about them. These friends would never treat anyone so brutally. However, I have not forgotten what it felt like, and I am determined to work towards a world where no one else has to endure what I did. This example of the Lord answering my prayer pales in comparison to the other things He has done for me. The Lord has shown me love, grace, peace, faithfulness, and kindness. I know that my love for Him, and His love for me, has shaped me into the person I am today: someone who won’t give up, determined to do what is right. Additionally, experiencing what I did and being described as empathetic and patient, has influenced my decision to pursue a career in the field of education. I feel that it is my calling to help others through my role as a future educator. As I begin to teach, and eventually lead my school as an administrator, I will show the same love and grace that Jesus shows me. I aim to be the hands and feet of Jesus, doing everything so that others can see Him reflected in me. As a follower of Jesus, I am called to serve, and part of this service is helping students reach their full potential. My goal is for every student to succeed in their calling. Having experienced bullying and unfair treatment myself, I understand the pain of being torn down and ridiculed. This is something that I will not tolerate in my classroom or school. Regardless of background, financial situation, skin color, or any characteristic that contributes to our uniqueness, bullying will be absolutely impermissible in my school. My life is centered around Christ, and each day, I strive to follow the path He has set for me. My passion for education extends beyond personal ambition; I believe it is a calling from the Lord. As an educator, I intend to not only teach but to spread His love every day.

The driving range, group chats, and bus rides. No matter the approach or how hard I tried it never ended. Sheer, unwavering, and brutal. These are the words that I can only use to describe the first two years of my high school golf career. After those two years and until the present day I am left helpless and empty of understanding. When I attempt to reflect upon what happened, I am left with more questions than before, with that, I struggle to reflect as it feels like it never happened. Something of pure imagination, a dream, a made-up story. That is what it feels like. I am talking about bullying. Every time a teacher, parent, or even friend talks about bullying, many, including myself before my experience, take it with a grain of salt. They just don't care or listen. It's simple to ignore stories and lessons when inexperienced with being bullied, but after being bullied and feeling as if you are nothing, it is nearly impossible to forget or ignore the sheer brutality and feeling of being bullied. Like many others, my life has been filled with challenges and hardships, but I have not let that stop me. I have always wanted to be an educator, and role model. I have made it my mission to learn everything I can to not become a good future educator but a great one, even before I graduate high school and get into college. How I was raised, how I have been treated in school, and my personal morals and beliefs have influenced me to become a future educator and principal. Becoming a teacher is a calling. I have witnessed the power teachers possess, and I’m excited to make an impact on the lives of future generations. I intend to make my future classroom and school an environment where everyone feels safe and they can be who they are. I want to bring out the best in everyone whether student or staff. Inclusivity is also a requirement I have for my future classroom and school. No one deserves the way I was treated, and I will fight and make it my mission for this to never happen to any of my students. My passion for education goes beyond the classroom. I work on taking advantage of the opportunities I have to gain practical teaching experience. Through a selective program my school district offers I am getting an early start on my future in education. This program is called Ignite Education Innovation through the Ignite CAPS program. This opportunity has allowed me to develop teaching skills, patience, and adaptability, all of which are excellent qualities for an effective educator. Not only have I gained practical experience through this program, but I have also taken many college courses that will contribute to my degree, and I have gained certifications that I need as an educator too. Some of the certifications I have gained are the Google Education certification, Para-Professional certification, and two Autism certifications. I also will be receiving my Certified Teacher Assistant certification by May of this school year. My mission, my dream, my aspiration is to be an educator and principal, with this unique scholarship opportunity, I can make this mission, dream, and aspiration a reality without the burden of student debt.

Ever since I was little and first thought about the question, "What do I want to be when I grow up?" Now, most other kids then, most likely would've said a basketball player or maybe an astronaut, but for me, it wasn't as easy. From a young age, all I knew was that I wanted to work with kids. I have always had a passion for helping kids be the best they can be and to leave a positive impact on them. I first thought about maybe being a pediatrician, but after more thought, I found what was right for me: a teacher. The person who impacted my choice to be an early childhood educator is very important and special to me—my mom. My mom is an elementary art teacher and the best mom I could ever ask for. Her ability to be patient, loving, and do what's right not only for me but also for her students has done nothing but inspire me to become a teacher. My mom has been my role model my entire life, and I strive to be like her in her work ethic, drive, kindness, compassion, and overall care for others, no matter what. She has helped and influenced me in my journey to being a future educator, and I look forward to having my own classroom one day. Being someone who has been bullied and treated wrongly before, I look forward to becoming a teacher and making a positive impact on my future class and school. I plan to start off being an elementary teacher, then eventually going on to get my master's in administration where I would love to become a principal. My future classroom will be nothing but positive, hardworking, and inclusive to every student that walks through my door. I plan to build each of my students up into the best person they can be, and when I eventually become a principal, I plan on making my school open-minded and positive. I intend to encourage open communication in my school so that we can create the best environment possible for not only every student but also staff. In a world where many students lack a positive male role model, my plan is to be that role model for them. I am a firm believer that every child should have a male role model and that the lack of male role models in today's world can be blamed for some social and political issues that happen. I believe if a student has a positive male role model that supports and inspires their dreams and ambitions, students will strive to be the best they can be and become good, hard-working people in the future.

Ever since I was little and first thought about the question, "What do I want to be when I grow up?" Now, most other kids then, most likely would've said a basketball player or maybe an astronaut, but for me, it wasn't as easy. From a young age, all I knew was that I wanted to work with kids. I have always had a passion for helping kids be the best they can be and to leave a positive impact on them. I first thought about maybe being a pediatrician, but after more thought, I found what was right for me: a teacher. The person who impacted my choice to be an early childhood educator is very important and special to me—my mom. My mom is an elementary art teacher and the best mom I could ever ask for. Her ability to be patient, loving, and do what's right not only for me but also for her students has done nothing but inspire me to become a teacher. My mom has been my role model my entire life, and I strive to be like her in her work ethic, drive, kindness, compassion, and overall care for others, no matter what. She has helped and influenced me in my journey to being a future educator, and I look forward to having my own classroom one day. Being someone who has been bullied and treated wrongly before, I look forward to becoming a teacher and making a positive impact on my future class and school. I plan to start off being an elementary teacher, then eventually going on to get my master's in administration where I would love to become a principal. My future classroom will be nothing but positive, hardworking, and inclusive to every student that walks through my door. I plan to build each of my students up into the best person they can be, and when I eventually become a principal, I plan on making my school open-minded and positive. I intend to encourage open communication in my school so that we can create the best environment possible for not only every student but also staff. In a world where many students lack a positive male role model, I plan to be that role model for them. I am a firm believer that every child should have a male role model and that the lack of male role models in today's world can be blamed for some social and political issues that happen. I believe if a student has a positive male role model that supports and inspires their dreams and ambitions, students will strive to be the best they can be and become good, hard-working people in the future.

Ever since I was little and first thought about the question, "What do I want to be when I grow up?" Now, most other kids then, most likely would've said a basketball player or maybe an astronaut, but for me, it wasn't as easy. From a young age, all I knew was that I wanted to work with kids. I have always had a passion for helping kids be the best they can be and to leave a positive impact on them. I first thought about maybe being a pediatrician, but after more thought, I found what was right for me: a teacher. The person who impacted my choice to be an early childhood educator is very important and special to me—my mom. My mom is an elementary art teacher and the best mom I could ever ask for. Her ability to be patient, loving, and do what's right not only for me but also for her students has done nothing but inspire me to become a teacher. My mom has been my role model my entire life, and I strive to be like her in her work ethic, drive, kindness, compassion, and overall care for others, no matter what. She has helped and influenced me in my journey to being a future educator, and I look forward to having my own classroom one day. Being someone who has been bullied and treated wrongly before, I look forward to becoming a teacher and making a positive impact on my future class and school. I plan to start off being an elementary teacher, then eventually going on to get my master's in administration where I would love to become a principal. My future classroom will be nothing but positive, hardworking, and inclusive to every student that walks through my door. I plan to build each of my students up into the best person they can be, and when I eventually become a principal, I plan on making my school open-minded and positive. I intend to encourage open communication in my school so that we can create the best environment possible for not only every student but also staff. In a world where many students lack a positive male role model, I plan to be that role model for them. I am a firm believer that every child should have a male role model and that the lack of male role models in today's world can be blamed for some social and political issues that happen. I believe if a student has a positive male role model that supports and inspires their dreams and ambitions, students will strive to be the best they can be and become good, hard-working people in the future.

Ever since I was little and first thought about the question, "What do I want to be when I grow up?" Now, most other kids then, most likely would've said a basketball player or maybe an astronaut, but for me, it wasn't as easy. From a young age, all I knew was that I wanted to work with kids. I have always had a passion for helping kids be the best they can be and to leave a positive impact on them. I first thought about maybe being a pediatrician, but after more thought, I found what was right for me: a teacher. The person who impacted my choice to be an early childhood educator is very important and special to me—my mom. My mom is an elementary art teacher, and she is the best mom I could ever ask for. Her ability to be patient, loving, and do what's right not only for me but also for her students has done nothing but inspire me to become a teacher. My mom has been my role model my entire life, and I strive to be like her in her work ethic, drive, kindness, compassion, and overall care for others, no matter what. She has helped and influenced me in my journey to being a future educator, and I look forward to having my classroom one day. Being someone who has been bullied and treated wrongly before, I look forward to becoming a teacher and making a positive impact on my future class and school. I plan to start off being an elementary teacher, then eventually going on to get my master's in administration where I would love to become a principal. My future classroom will be nothing but positive, hardworking, and inclusive to every student that walks through my door. I plan to build each of my students up into the best person they can be, and when I eventually become a principal, I plan on making my school open-minded and positive. I intend to encourage open communication in my school so that we can create the best environment possible for not only every student but also staff. In a world where many students lack a positive male role model, I plan to be that role model for them. I am a firm believer that every child should have a male role model and that the lack of male role models in today's world can be blamed for some social and political issues that happen. I believe if a student has a positive male role model who supports and inspires their dreams and ambitions, students will strive to be the best they can be and become good, hard-working people in the future.

Ever since I was little and first thought about the question, "What do I want to be when I grow up?" Now, most other kids then, most likely would've said a basketball player or maybe an astronaut, but for me, it wasn't as easy. From a young age, all I knew was that I wanted to work with kids. I have always had a passion for helping kids be the best they can be and leaving a positive impact on them. I thought about maybe being a pediatrician, but after more thought, I found what was right for me: a teacher. The person who impacted my choice to be an early childhood educator is very important and special to me—my mom. My mom is an elementary art teacher and the best mom I could ever ask for. Her ability to be patient, loving, and do what's right not only for me but also for her students has done nothing but inspire me to become a teacher. My mom has been my role model my entire life, and I strive to be like her in her work ethic, drive, kindness, compassion, and overall care for others, no matter what. She has helped and influenced me in my journey to be a future educator, and I look forward to having my classroom one day. Being someone who has been bullied and treated wrongly before, I look forward to becoming a teacher and making a positive impact on my future class and school. I plan to start off being an elementary teacher, then eventually going on to get my master's in administration where I would love to become a principal. My future classroom will be nothing but positive, hardworking, and inclusive to every student that walks through my door. I plan to build each of my students up into the best person they can be, and when I eventually become a principal, I plan on making my school open-minded and positive. I intend to encourage open communication in my school so that we can create the best environment possible for not only every student but also staff. In a world where many students lack a positive male role model, I plan to be that role model for them. I am a firm believer that every child should have a male role model and that the lack of male role models in today's world can be blamed for some social and political issues that happen. I believe if a student has a positive role model that supports and inspires their dreams and ambitions, students will strive to be the best they can be and become good, hard-working people in the future.

The driving range, group chats, and bus rides. No matter the approach or how hard I tried it never ended. Sheer, unwavering, and brutal. These are the words that I can only use to describe the first two years of my high school golf career. After those two years and until the present day I am left helpless and empty of understanding. When I attempt to reflect upon what happened, I am left with more questions than before, with that, I struggle to reflect as it feels like it never happened. Something of pure imagination, a dream, a made-up story. That is what it feels like. I am talking about bullying. Every time a teacher, parent, or even friend talks about bullying, many, including myself before my experience, take it with a grain of salt. They just don't care or listen. It's simple to ignore stories and lessons when inexperienced with being bullied, but after being bullied and feeling as if you are nothing, it is nearly impossible to forget or ignore the sheer brutality and feeling of being bullied. Like many others, my life has been filled with challenges and hardships, but I have not let that stop me. I have always wanted to be an educator, and role model. I have made it my mission to learn everything I can to not become a good future educator but a great one, even before I graduate high school and get into college. How I was raised, how I have been treated in school, and my morals and beliefs have influenced me to become a future educator and principal. Becoming a teacher is a calling. I have witnessed the power teachers possess, and I’m excited to make an impact on the lives of future generations. I intend to make my future classroom and school an environment where everyone feels safe and they can be who they are. I want to bring out the best in everyone whether student or staff. Inclusivity is also a requirement I have for my future classroom and school. No one deserves the way I was treated, and I will fight and make it my mission for this to never happen to any of my students. My passion for education goes beyond the classroom. I work on taking advantage of the opportunities I have to gain practical teaching experience. Through a selective program my school district offers I am getting an early start on my future in education. This program is called Ignite Education Innovation through the Ignite CAPS program. This opportunity has allowed me to develop teaching skills, patience, and adaptability, all of which are excellent qualities for an effective educator. Not only have I gained practical experience through this program, but I have also taken many college courses that will contribute to my degree, and I have gained certifications that I need as an educator too. Some of the certifications I have gained are the Google Education certification, ParaProfessional certification, and two Autism certifications. I also will be receiving my Certified Teacher Assistant certification by May of this school year. My mission, dream, and aspiration is to become an educator and principal, with this unique scholarship opportunity, I can make this mission, dream, and aspiration a reality without the burden of student debt.

Ever since I was little and first thought about the question, "What do I want to be when I grow up?" Now, most other kids then, most likely would've said a basketball player or an astronaut, but for me, it wasn't as easy. From a young age, all I knew was that I wanted to work with kids. I have always had a passion for helping kids be the best they can be and to leave a positive impact on them. I first thought about maybe being a pediatrician, but after more thought, I found what was right for me: a teacher. The person who impacted my choice to be an educator is very important to me—my mom. My mom is an elementary art teacher, and she is the best mom I could ever ask for. Her ability to be patient, loving, and do what's right not only for me but also for her students has inspired me to become a teacher. My mom has been my role model my entire life, and I strive to be like her in her work ethic, drive, kindness, compassion, and overall care for others, no matter what. She has helped and influenced me in my journey to be an educator, and I look forward to having my classroom. Being someone who was bullied and treated wrongly, I look forward to becoming a teacher and making a positive impact on my future class and school. My classroom will be nothing but positive, hardworking, and inclusive to every student that walks through my door. I plan to build each of my students up into the best person they can be, and when I eventually become a principal, I plan on making my school open-minded and positive. I intend to encourage open communication in my school so that we can create the best environment possible for not only every student but also staff. In a world where a good number of students lack a positive role model, I plan to be that role model for them. I believe if a student has a positive influence that supports and inspires their dreams and ambitions, students will strive to be the best they can be and become good, hard-working people in the future.

Growing up, I was picked on for my kindness and caring demeanor, and through all of it, I prayed. Bullying is something I have always experienced. For years, I asked God every single day to be treated with kindness and love. Finally, now in my senior year of high school, I can say the Lord answered my prayers. From experiencing people who pretended to be my friends and care, I am now surrounded by many great friends who genuinely care about me, just as I care about them. These friends would never treat anyone so brutally. However, I have not forgotten what it felt like, and I am determined to work towards a world where no one else has to endure what I did. This example of the Lord answering my prayer pales in comparison to the other things He has done for me. The Lord has shown me love, grace, peace, faithfulness, and kindness. I know that my love for Him, and His love for me, has shaped me into the person I am today: someone who won't give up, determined to do what is right. Additionally, experiencing what I did and being described as empathetic and patient has influenced my decision to pursue a career in the field of education. I feel that it is my calling to help others through my role as a future educator. As I begin to teach and eventually lead my school as an administrator, I will show the same love and grace that Jesus shows me. I aim to be the hands and feet of Jesus, doing everything so that others can see Him reflected in me. As a follower of Jesus, I am called to serve, and part of this service is helping students reach their full potential. My goal is for every student to succeed in their calling. Having experienced bullying and unfair treatment myself, I understand the pain of being torn down and ridiculed. This is something that I will not tolerate in my classroom or school. Regardless of background, financial situation, skin color, or any characteristic that contributes to our uniqueness, bullying will be impermissible in my school. My life is centered around Christ and each day, I strive to follow the path He has set for me. My passion for education extends beyond personal ambition; I believe it is a calling from the Lord. As an educator, I intend to not only teach but to spread His love every day.

As we took a left into the parking lot, I couldn’t help but admire the beauty of this place. There were huge oak trees everywhere, their leaves were brilliant against the sunlight. Yet, I also felt a nervousness I hadn’t felt before. This was my opportunity to leave behind all the sports I knew and try something new. At that time I had very little experience in golf and I had to show up and perform well to earn a spot on the team. I grabbed my bag, put on my hat, and confidently walked to the range. Now the rest is history. My name is Brett Potts, I am a senior at Bentonville West High School in Bentonville, Arkansas, and I am the captain of the golf team. I intend to pursue an education degree and eventually a Master’s in Administration, with the goal of becoming an elementary to high school-level principal. I am also part of a selective program in my school district called Ignite CAPS. In this program, I’m enrolled in the Education Innovation strand that will prepare me for a future career as an educator and administrator. As mentioned earlier, I hold the position of ‘the one bag’ on my high school’s golf team, which is another way of saying I’m the team’s captain. I’ve played golf since my freshman year of high school and have been on varsity since sophomore year. Golf has always been my favorite sport and one of my greatest passions. I went from not being able to swing a club my freshman year to now having a 5 handicap my senior year. Golf has allowed me to succeed in something very difficult and time-consuming as it pertains to practice and hard work. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity. Golf taught me important values: patience, sportsmanship, honesty, resilience, and proper decision-making. It taught me to be patient with myself, control emotions when I play, and maintain my composure after a bad shot. Golf has also taught me the importance of sportsmanship and honesty, which work very closely together in golf. No matter how much your putt or shot was close to the hole, you must always stay honest in recording your score. Resilience and decision-making are also closely interconnected, and are essential for keeping a low score. In conclusion, I believe golf has transformed me into becoming a great educator. As I mentioned before, I’m going into the education profession as a science teacher, with the goal of becoming an administrator. Golf has taught me many leadership skills and the resilience that I will need in this profession. The education profession can be very challenging, especially if you lack specific qualities and skill sets. I believe my experience with golf has genuinely given me the skill set needed to not just be a good educator, but a great one. I am passionate about golf, not only because it is a fun sport, but because it has taught me important skills that I believe is a must to help teach the future generation.

Ever since I was little and first thought about the question, "What do I want to be when I grow up?" Now, most other kids then, most likely would've said a basketball player or maybe an astronaut, but for me, it wasn't as easy. From a young age, all I knew was that I wanted to work with kids. I have always had a passion for helping kids be the best they can be and to leave a positive impact on them. I first thought about maybe being a pediatrician, but after more thought, I found what was right for me: a teacher. The person who impacted my choice to be an early childhood educator is very important and special to me—my mom. My mom is an elementary art teacher, and she is the best mom I could ever ask for. Her ability to be patient, loving, and do what's right not only for me but also for her students has done nothing but inspire me to become a teacher. My mom has been my role model my entire life, and I strive to be like her in her work ethic, drive, kindness, compassion, and overall care for others, no matter what. She has helped and influenced me in my journey to being a future educator, and I look forward to having my classroom one day. Being someone who has been bullied and treated wrongly before, I look forward to becoming a teacher and making a positive impact on my future class and school. I plan to start off being an elementary teacher, then eventually going on to get my master's in administration where I would love to become a principal. My future classroom will be nothing but positive, hardworking, and inclusive to every student that walks through my door. I plan to build each of my students up into the best person they can be, and when I eventually become a principal, I plan on making my school open-minded and positive. I intend to encourage open communication in my school so that we can create the best environment possible for not only every student but also staff. In a world where a good number of students lack a positive male role model, I plan to be that role model for them. I am a firm believer that every child should have a male role model and that the lack of male role models in today's world can be blamed for some social and political issues that happen. I believe if a student has a positive male role model that supports and inspires their dreams and ambitions, students will strive to be the best they can be and become good, hard-working people in the future.

As we took a left into the parking lot, I admired how beautiful this place was. There were huge oak trees everywhere, and their leaves danced in the sunlight. However, I also couldn't help but feel nervous. This was my opportunity to leave all the sports I had ever known behind and try something completely new to me. With little experience at the time, I knew I had to show up and perform well to make the team and also work hard to earn a spot on the varsity team. I grabbed my bag, put on my hat, and confidently walked to the range. Now the rest is history. My name is Brett Potts, and I am a senior at Bentonville West High School in Bentonville, Arkansas, and the captain of the golf team at my high school. I intend on pursuing an education degree, then eventually getting my Masters in Administration to hopefully become an elementary-high school level principal. I am also part of a selective program in my school district called Ignite CAPS. In this program, I am in the Education Innovation strand. Through this strand, I receive real and relevant learning in education. Already, I have received multiple Autism certifications, my Parapro certification, Google educator certification, and I am even going to be receiving my certified teaching assistant certification in May of this school year. As mentioned before, I am the captain, or what we call on the team, "the one bag," on my high school's golf team. I have been playing golf since my freshman year of high school and have been on the varsity team since my sophomore year. Golf has always been my favorite sport and one of my passions. I went from not being able to swing a club my freshman year to now, in my senior year, being a 5 handicap. Golf has been a huge influence on my life and has benefited me for the better ever since I first picked up a club. Throughout high school, I have successfully balanced my academics with my role as a varsity golfer. This experience has taught me the importance of organization, focus, and developing skills that will benefit me in my future career. I have learned to juggle multiple responsibilities and make the most of my time, valuable lessons that will serve me well as a teacher and future principal. I believe I should be considered for this unique scholarship because of my work ethic and drive to become the best I can be as a person and a future educator. My work ethic can be seen not only in my academics but also at work and on and off the golf course. This scholarship would allow me to pursue my dream and passion of being a teacher without acquiring debt that would financially pressure me in the future, especially on a teacher's salary. Thank you so much for considering my application.

My name is Brett Potts, I am a senior at Bentonville West High School in Centerton, Arkansas. I have been on the varsity golf team all four years. I plan to attend the University of Arkansas to pursue my degree in Education. My goals are to make a positive impact in the field of education and inspire not only my students but also those around me. I aspire to become a teacher and eventually a principal. From a young age, I have always been passionate about teaching and making a difference in students' lives. During my high school years, I have balanced academics with my busy golf schedule and it has taught me the importance of staying organized and focused and developing skills that will carry over into my future career as a teacher and principal. This has taught me the valuable lesson of taking advantage of every opportunity I get and to also take advantage of the little free time I have in my schedule. My passion for education goes beyond the classroom. I work on taking advantage of the opportunities I have to gain practical teaching experience. Through a selective program my school district offers I can get an early head start on my future career in education. This program is called Ignite Education Innovation through the Ignite CAPS program. This opportunity has allowed me to develop teaching skills, patience, and adaptability, all of which are excellent qualities for an effective educator. Not only have I gained experience through this program, but I have also taken many college courses that will contribute to my education degree, and I have gained certifications that I will need as an educator too. Some of the certifications I have gained are the Google Education certification, ParaProfessional certification, and two Autism certifications. I also will be receiving my Certified Teacher Assistant certification by May of this school year. What sets me apart as a student and candidate is my dedication and drive to be a teacher. I consistently seek out opportunities for further learning. My eagerness to learn and inspire others is something that I believe will greatly benefit my future students. Furthermore, my experience as a varsity golfer has taught me the importance of teamwork and leadership. As the team captain, I always encourage my teammates, I inspire them to be the best they can be on and off the course, and I create an inclusive environment for everyone on the team. These leadership skills will be helpful in my future role as a principal and teacher, where I seek to create a positive and inclusive school culture where every student and teacher feels supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. I believe education transforms lives and creates opportunities. I believe I can make a difference in the lives of others, instilling in them a passion for learning and equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in an ever-changing world. I am determined to advocate for quality education and create a safe and positive environment that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and innovation. In conclusion, I am dedicated to education, I possess a strong work ethic, leadership skills, and a passion for teaching which I feel makes me an ideal candidate for this scholarship. If I receive this scholarship I feel it will help me pursue my dream of becoming a teacher and working towards becoming a principal, making a positive impact on students without the debt of going to college.