The definition of a good leader is subject to perspective; however, I believe a good leader is responsible, possesses a good moral compass, and knows how to communicate effectively. Being responsible helps to ensure that the leader is accountable for their actions, keep their word, and follow through with their commitments. Having a good moral compass helps to ensure the integrity of a leader and ensures that they can make ethical decisions even in challenging situations. Lastly, having good communication skills allows for effective communication between them and those who look up to them. Historically speaking, there have been many good leaders. Many people meet the qualities I previously mentioned, and many have even more excellent characteristics. Good leaders aren't always the most well-known; many are everyday people: leaders in kids programs, teachers, law enforcement, or managers. I believe that the best leader is Corporal Eckstein. While she may not be famous, she is an extraordinary leader and a remarkable role model for those within the community. She was the driving force that helped to start the Explorer Program in my county. Leading by example, she showed responsibility by following through with everything, setting up the program, keeping track of inventory, and getting us ready for delegates and state competitions. She demonstrated a strong moral compass through her actions, such as telling the truth, treating us fairly, and through the kindness she showed to us, including those still in their shell. Lastly, she helped to communicate effectively with us by keeping the team's app up to date with events, letting us know of things ahead of time, and keeping us all updated with any information that recently came to her. She also made time to mentor each of us individually, helping to foster growth and confidence. Inspired by Corporal Eckstein, I took the initiative to be the lead on the Crime Scene scenio at the FSEA state competition. During the scenario when my team faced confusion, I helped delegate tasks, calm nerves, and made sure everyone stayed focus under pressure. I worked hard to maintain clear communication and collaboration, which helped us to earn second place at the state competition. That experience taught me the importance of staying calm and being supportive when others are relying on you. During high school and college, students are easily influenced by those around them. That is why a good leader is so important; they are the ones the younger generation looks up to. Many people model behaviors they observe in their leaders, which is why having a good leader is so important. A strong leader can inspire, motivate, and guide others toward success. Corporal Eckstein is someone many people, including myself, have looked up to for years. She is an amazing role model for me, showcasing responsibility, good ethics, good communication, and many other valuable skills. She was able to teach me many life lessons, including the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and integrity. This illustrates the importance of a good leader in shaping future generations.

Throughout high school, I participated in the VHS Cheer team. On the team we learned more than just cheers and stunts, but also balanced responsibility, built discipline, and how to push through challenges; skills that I will carry with me in my life. Cheer may not always get the credit it deserves. Behind the glittery bows and pom poms, there is a team of hard working young women: waking up early for competitions and practices, pushing their limits in the weight room, and staying up late to do homework. Balancing cheer with academics, Explorers, tutoring, babysitting, and caring for my grandmother wasn’t easy. I had to learn to manage time down to the minute–fitting practice, games, weight lifting, and competitions around late night study sessions and dr appointments. Cheerleaders are often overlooked as athletes, but make no mistake; we train like athletes, commit time like athletes, perform like athletes, and make sacrifices like athletes. That pressure forced me to grow up fast and sharpen my ability to manage competing priorities without letting anything slip. On top of cheer, Explorers, tutoring, and caring for my grandmother, I’ve taken a schedule full of AP and honors courses; classes that will push me academically while potentially gaining college credit. I’ve also earned multiple industry certifications in areas such as Python, Adobe, and small business, proving that I’m driven both in the classroom and tech world just as I am on the mat. In both cheer and Explorers, I built strength in spaces that I initially wouldn’t expect. I didn’t just survive in male-dominated areas–law enforcement with Explorers–I thrived. This shaped who I became, someone not afraid to ask questions, push boundaries, or lead, even if I am the only woman in the room. This mindset is already helping me make strides towards entering the computer forensics field, a field where I will combine both software engineering and forensic science, both heavily male-dominated industries. But I know I have the grit and focus to push myself and thrive in this industry. Cheerleading was more than just a sport to me, it was the start of becoming a strong, capable woman, who can handle pressure well and break stereotypes. I've learned to balance it all, speak up, and put in the work when no one is watching. Most importantly, I’ve learned that being a strong woman isn't just about holding your own; it's about showing up fully, lifting others up, and proving through action that we belong anywhere we choose to be.

I talked with our school’s SRO, Deputy Eckstein, every morning for over a year. Several times, she mentioned starting up a program called Explorers. At the time, I didn’t know much about it, but as the year went on, I gained more insight into it, especially when she talked about her experience as an Explorer for Citrus County. During my freshman year of high school, Deputy Eckstein was able to start the program, with the help of several other SROs. Through this program, I gained a valuable insight into law enforcement. I learned about scenarios many officers encounter daily. I also experienced the community outreach aspect of the job. As Explorers, we had the opportunity to attend countless events with the Sheriff’s Office. One of these events was “Kids, Cops, and Christmas.” During this event we had the opportunity to help kids who might not otherwise receive presents on Christmas. This event was particularly meaningful as it showed the direct impact that law enforcement had on the lives in my community. Throughout the year the Sheriff Office raised money to go in the Benevolent fund, which would be used for events with local youth. It was heartwarming to see the children’s faces as they got to shop and pick out their christmas presents. This experience helped me to realize the importance of community involvement and the positive impact that law enforcement can have on people’s lives. This was just one of the many events we engaged in throughout the year. Thanks to the Explorer program, I gained over 130 volunteer hours in three years. This program taught me many valuable life lessons and provided me with many valuable connections I might not have otherwise had the opportunity to make. Originally, I was skeptical about the program and had no interest in law enforcement. However, after being in the program and gaining first-hand experience, I became more interested in law enforcement. Now I am interested in pursuing forensic studies as a minor or double majoring with forensic science in college. In conclusion “Kids, Cops, and Christmas” was a meaningful and impactful event that not only impacted the lives of the children involved, but also showed me how law enforcement can make a positive impact. I would love to see more community driven events like this in the future as they foster a positive impact between law enforcement and the community.

I come from a working-class family in Central Florida. Growing up, we often lived paycheck to paycheck—a struggle that isn’t fully reflected on paper. Both of my parents work full time: my father recently accepted a job as a TSA agent that came with a significant pay cut, and my mother works as a medical coder. My grandmother helps with whatever she can from her retirement, and I work as a tutor during the school year to contribute. Despite what our household income suggests, rising living costs and financial setbacks have left no room for savings toward my college education. My older brother, Andrew, faced the same challenges and postponed college until he joined the Army, which offered him the opportunity to pursue higher education—making him the only sibling so far to do so. My motivation to pursue an education stems from both personal passion and financial necessity. I’m determined to break into the field of computer forensics—a path that combines my love for technology and my interest in criminal justice, which began during my time in the Sumter County Sheriff’s Explorer Program. As a woman pursuing a career in this male-dominated field, I’m prepared for the challenges and driven by the impact I can make. Earning a degree will open the door to a future where I can break barriers and help protect digital spaces, while also easing the financial burden on my family.

I talked with our school’s SRO, Deputy Eckstein, every morning for over a year. Several times, she mentioned starting up a program called Explorers. At the time, I didn’t know much about it, but as the year went on, I gained more insight into it, especially when she talked about her experience as an Explorer for Citrus County. During my freshman year of high school, Deputy Eckstein was able to start the program, with the help of several other SROs. Through this program, I gained a valuable insight into law enforcement. I learned about some scenarios many officers encounter, many of which they face on a daily basis. I also experienced the community outreach aspect of the job. As Explorers, we had the opportunity to attend countless events with the Sheriff’s Office. One of these events was “Kids, Cops, and Christmas.” During this event we had the opportunity to help kids who might not otherwise receive presents on Christmas. This event was particularly meaningful as it showed the direct impact that law enforcement had on the lives of many in my community. Throughout the year the Sheriff Office raised money to go in the Benevolent fund which would provide back to the local youth in the area. It was heartwarming to see the children’s faces as they got to shop and pick out their christmas presents. This experience helped me to realize the importance of community involvement and the positive impact that law enforcement can have on people’s lives. This was just one of the many events we engaged in throughout the year. Thanks to the Explorer program, I gained over 130 volunteer hours in three years. This program taught me many valuable life skills lessons and provided me with many valuable connections I might not have otherwise had the opportunity to make. Originally, I was skeptical about the program and had no interest in law enforcement. However, after being in the program and gaining first-hand experience, I became more interested in law enforcement. Now I am interested in pursuing forensic studies as a minor or double majoring with forensic science in college. In conclusion “Kids, Cops, and Christmas” was a meaningful and impactful event that not only impacted the lives of the children involved, but also showed me how law enforcement can make a positive impact on the community. I would love to see more community driven events like this in the future as they foster a positive impact between law enforcement and the community.

Being part of the cheer team taught me many valuable life lessons that I will carry with me into my future. Among the most important were learning to manage my time effectively and always giving my full effort, both on and off the mat. These lessons I can hold onto for the rest of my life; carrying them into my future endeavors. Being a part of the cheer team was no small task, especially considering my other responsibilities. The commitment required from both me and my family was significant with games, practices, volunteer events, and competitions throughout the year. These events were in addition to my other commitments: taking care of my grandmother, being a member of NHS, being secretary of the Sumter County Explorer Post. I love my grandmother dearly, but taking care of her required a large time commitment: helping her at home, taking her to the store, and taking her and being responsible for her doctor appointments. Being able to manage time is something that will help me as I pursue my higher education in college by allowing me to handle multiple classes, clubs, and a job. Being part of the cheer team also showed me the value of giving everything my all. On any cheer team, the best stunts and routines happen when everyone is diligent and dedicated. A cheer team runs on dedication and teamwork. The best routines and stunts are only possible when every team member is willing to step up and push themselves, both in and out of practice. This is something I strived to do by getting outside of my comfort zone, practicing outside of practice, and showing up to the weightlifting sessions. Diligence is something in particular that will help me in advancing my education; even when my classes get tough I will still put forward maximum effort and keep going. Outside of sports I have a strong passion for criminal justice which I explored through the Sumter County Explorer Program. This hands-on experience has inspired me to pursue a career in computer forensics. My dream career is one where I can combine my love and skill for computers with my passion for criminal justice, this is why I want to become a computer forensic technician. I have also developed an interest in mentoring others through babysitting and tutoring. Being a student-athlete has shaped me into a hardworking, determined, and disciplined individual—lessons I will always be grateful for as I continue toward my future goals. Being an athlete has helped me to learn how to time manage and make sure I am always striving to do my best. Hard work and diligence have helped me get out of my comfort zone and change my perspective on exploring new things.

It was June 2013, and for the first time, I participated in a summer camp my school offered called Camp Invention. In one of the “experiences” we would work together to design an invention to fix a problem. We would brainstorm together and draw up our prototype in our inventor’s notebook. This was a new experience that helped me realize my passion. Even if it was with made-up scenarios the counselors created, it sparked something inside me. I realized I don’t only have to rely on solutions others have come up with; I can create my own. After the ended and I went home for the rest of the summer, I couldn’t stop talking about the experience to my parents. Every year after, I would return to this camp, either as a camper or a counselor in training (CIT), excited to expand my newfound passion. This experience had a lasting impact on my future. It ignited a curiosity and drive to explore and learn new technology with how it can be used to solve real-world problems. When I moved to Florida, I started exploring the possibility of computer science as a career. Eager to get started early, I asked our computer science teacher during my freshman year if they could teach me Java after school, since I couldn’t take the official class until later on. During my junior year of high school, I joined the computer science academy my school offered. Through the academy, I gained multiple industry certifications: Python specialist, CompTIA F+, and I am currently working on certifying in CompTIA A+, CompTIA Tech+, and JavaScript Specialist. These experiences have confirmed that software engineering is not just something I am interested in, but the direction I want for my future. Outside of technology, I’ve developed a passion for criminal justice and law enforcement through my involvement in the Explorer Program. This program gave me first hand knowledge into the world of law enforcement through hands-on experience like traffic stops, mock crime scenes, and community events. A memorable experience was leading the Crime Scene Investigation team at the 2024 FSEA state competition, where I led my team to second place. It was through the Explorer Program that I discovered my love for criminal justice and how I can combine it with technology. This eventually led me to minor in forensic studies at FGCU to complement my software engineering, combining two passions to prepare me for the digital forensics field. Receiving this scholarship would relieve some of the financial pressure and allow me to fully focus on my education and future career. As someone who plans to pursue a career in a field that is constantly changing and evolving, being able to dedicate time to my coursework, internships, and certifications is incredibly important. I want to be able to fully grasp what I am learning without having to worry about how I’ll afford my housing, food, or tuition. I am driven, passionate, and determined to make a real impact–whether that is through designing software programs that help solve real world problems or extract and collect digital data that would be used as evidence in court cases. Combining my skills in both areas, I plan to work in digital forensics—where technology meets justice—helping investigators uncover and analyze digital evidence. While in college I plan to work hard to achieve internships with law enforcement in the cybercrime unit. With your support, I'll be able to take the next step in my journey and continue building my future as I have dreamed about since my days as a camper at Camp Invention.