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Caleb Ward

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • FFA
  • Agriculture
  • Bible Study
  • Economics
  • Music
  • Piano
  • Pickleball
  • Drums
  • Public Speaking
  • Running
  • Singing
  • Spending Time With Friends and Family
  • Community Service And Volunteering
  • Spirituality
  • Tennis
  • Youth Group

Reading

  • Christianity

I read books daily.

Bio

Leadership has been a defining part of my life from an early age, from taking on major roles in school productions to leading group projects throughout my education. Today, I put that passion into action through service, faith, and academics. I have served for several years as a student leader in my church’s youth worship band, where I combine my love for music with mentoring others and leading worship collaboratively. I am also the co-president of the Fellowship of Christian Students at Providence Grove High School, where I help organize weekly meetings, coordinate speakers, plan events, and lead outreach and fundraising initiatives. This role has strengthened my skills in communication, organization, and patience while teaching me how to lead others effectively toward shared goals. In addition to leadership roles, I participate in the Ag Academy program, which allows me to take college-level courses through Randolph Community College and the University of Mount Olive while completing high school. I will graduate in May with an associate’s degree in agricultural sciences and plan to pursue a degree in agricultural business management at North Carolina State University. Through these experiences, I have developed strong time-management skills and a commitment to service-driven leadership. I have been honored with awards such as the Star 3 Student Award and the Golden Patriot Award, recognizing my contributions to my school and community. Leadership is more than a title to me—it is a lifelong commitment to serving others and making a meaningful impact.

Education

Randolph Community College

Associate's degree program

2024 – 2026

University of Mount Olive

Associate's degree program

2024 – 2026

Majors:
  • Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields, Other

Providence Grove High School

High School

2022 – 2026

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Majors of interest:
Agricultural Business and Management
Desired degree modality:
In-Person
Medical school interest:
No

Career

  • Handyman / Groundskeeper – Work weekly with a family friend who is wheelchair bound to ensure his property is well-maintained.

    Individual & Family Services · Private Families-Family Friend

    Jan 2020 – Present

  • Pet Sitter

    Individual & Family Services · Private Families

    Jan 2021 – Present

  • Chauffer-Provided weekly transportation for an elderly church member with dementia.

    Hospitality · Church

    Jan 2025 – Jan 2025

  • Farmhand- Unpaid Labor on Family Farm

    Farming · Ward Cattle Co

    Jan 2017 – Present

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Agriculture
Work experience:
3 years
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Politics
  • Volunteering
  • Entrepreneurship
J.D. Currin Memorial Scholarship
Winner
“No one knows what curves life will throw at you, but if the driver has the courage to create his own conditions, then the rain is simply rain.” This quote from The Art of Racing in the Rain encapsulates adversity and shows how, with a bit of courage, you can overcome the obstacles and challenges life presents. Adversity can appear in unexpected ways, shaping who we become long before we recognize its impact. For me, it began with a speech impediment that made even simple conversations feel intimidating. However, I chose to face adversity with a positive mindset, allowing me to overcome it, leading to significant growth in my personality and character. Growing up, I had a speech impediment, which affected my educational and social opportunities, as I was often anxious to speak to other people or ask questions out of fear of being made fun of. This made me shy for many years throughout elementary school. Despite this, I began taking speech classes at school, where we worked on my speaking and pronunciation of various letters. This was a long process, which at the time I despised as I felt like the odd person out, leaving class each day. However, the results were worth the discomfort, as I began to speak more concisely and with greater clarity. I started to feel more confident speaking, which made me more extroverted and willing to talk to new people. Each day, I still have to work inwardly on my speech and focus on slowing down when I talk to avoid stumbling, slurring, or stuttering. However, the progress in my speaking abilities from my timid, shy self in the beginning of kindergarten to the outgoing, extroverted leader I am today is exponential. Once I began learning to speak concisely and confidently, I was able to join various groups, such as the children's worship team at my church, where we performed plays and skits. This was another way for me to become more confident in my public speaking craft. In the present day, I am able to apply those lessons, plays, and skits to various clubs, teams, church events, and other extracurricular activities. For example, I serve as the Co-President of the Fellowship of Christian Students, a club that meets each week to grow in fellowship and in our relationships with Christ. By serving as a leader of this club, I can speak to members struggling with challenges in their lives and guide the club toward growth and increased membership. In addition, I have spoken at the club several times, as well as at my church, teaching Bible lessons and sermons. Another way I have become a public speaker and a leader is by serving through my youth band and planning and leading student worship nights. In my youth band, I help lead worship every week, guide many members as they grow in their craft, and play drums and sing. These clubs are just a few examples of the opportunities I have been blessed with to serve as a leader and speaker. Overall, if you knew me in those early years of my life, the kid who would stand on the edge of the playground, afraid to talk to new people, you would never expect me to become who I am today. A public speaker, leader, and outgoing encourager who wants to help those around me grow and beat adversity, such as the speech impediment I learned to face and overcome. Looking forward, I want to continue growing by serving others and encouraging them to face adversity with the same positive attitude.
Caleb Ward Student Profile | Bold.org