I am Carson Marti, a high school student from Tulsa. As I look toward my future in business and leadership, I have become increasingly aware that sustainability is not just an environmental issue, but also a responsibility that applies to every profession. No matter the field, daily decisions about resources, efficiency, and waste have long-term consequences. Because of this, I believe sustainability should be a priority in any career path, especially in service-based and business environments where operations directly interact with the community and environment. Sustainability matters in business because even small actions scale over time. Choices such as how materials are used, how efficiently travel is planned, and how waste is managed all add up to a larger environmental footprint. In many cases, businesses focus only on productivity and profit, but I believe long-term success also depends on responsibility. When professionals prioritize sustainability, they are not only protecting the environment but also building trust with their communities and creating systems that can last into the future. My education has helped me develop the communication skills needed to influence others in this area. Through a speech class at Oral Roberts University, I learned how to present ideas clearly, organize arguments, and speak in a way that connects with different audiences. These skills are important because sustainability often requires awareness and cooperation. Being able to explain ideas clearly can help encourage others to adopt better habits, whether in a workplace, classroom, or community setting. In the future, I see myself working in business and leadership roles where I will have the opportunity to make decisions that affect both people and resources. I want to be intentional about those decisions by prioritizing efficiency, reducing unnecessary waste, and supporting environmentally responsible practices. This could include adopting smarter systems, being mindful of resource use, and encouraging a culture where sustainability is part of everyday thinking rather than an afterthought. I also hope to influence others by example. I believe that leadership is not only about directing people, but also about demonstrating values through consistent action. If I can show that success and sustainability can go hand in hand, I can help shift how others view environmental responsibility in business. Even small changes, when practiced consistently, can create meaningful impact over time. Ultimately, I see sustainability as a mindset that should guide how I approach my future career. It is about thinking long-term, acting responsibly, and recognizing that every decision has consequences beyond immediate results. As I continue my education and professional development, I want to build a future where success and environmental stewardship are not separate goals, but shared priorities.

My name is Carson Marti, and I am a high school student from Tulsa. My educational journey has been shaped by both academics and real-world experience as I balance school with running my own business, Superior Shine LLC. Managing a window cleaning company while still in high school has challenged me to grow in responsibility, time management, communication, and leadership. It has also given me a deeper understanding of work ethic and what it takes to serve people well in a professional setting. One of the most impactful parts of my education has been my experience in public speaking, including taking a speech class through Oral Roberts University. At first, I struggled with confidence when speaking in front of others, but over time I developed the ability to organize my thoughts clearly and present them with confidence. Speech and debate helped me learn how to communicate under pressure, think critically, and listen to others with respect. These skills have not only helped me in school, but also in my business and personal life, where communication is essential every day. My strengths include discipline, leadership, and perseverance. Running a business while keeping up with school has taught me how to stay organized and committed even when life becomes overwhelming. I have also learned how to take initiative and solve problems independently, whether it is handling customer needs or managing scheduling conflicts. Another strength I have developed is my ability to work with people. Through my business and speech training, I have learned how to communicate respectfully and adapt to different situations and personalities. At the same time, I recognize that I still have weaknesses I am actively working on. One of my biggest challenges is balancing time effectively, especially during busy seasons when school, work, and personal responsibilities overlap. I sometimes take on too much at once, and I am learning the importance of pacing myself and delegating when necessary. I also continue working on reducing stress in high-pressure situations by staying calm and focused rather than overthinking outcomes. My personal journey is deeply connected to my Christian faith. I strive to live by biblical values such as integrity, service, and humility in everything I do. My faith influences how I treat customers, how I approach school, and how I make decisions about my future. I want my life to reflect not only success, but also purpose and character. Looking ahead, my dream is to continue growing as an entrepreneur while also pursuing higher education that will equip me to lead and serve others more effectively. I see myself building businesses that not only succeed financially but also positively impact my community. I want to develop skills that allow me to create opportunities for others while continuing to grow spiritually and personally. This scholarship would be a meaningful support in helping me reach these goals. It would reduce the financial burden of education and allow me to focus more on learning, leadership development, and expanding my business experience. It would also give me the opportunity to invest more deeply in my education without being overwhelmed by financial stress. Ultimately, this scholarship would help me continue building the foundation I need to achieve my vision of becoming a disciplined, faith-driven leader who serves others through both business and personal influence.

My name is Carson Marti, and I am a high school student from Tulsa. Along with my academics and extracurricular activities, I own and operate Superior Shine LLC, a window cleaning business that serves homes and businesses throughout the Tulsa area. Balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities has taught me discipline, communication, and leadership at a young age. One of the experiences that has impacted me the most has been my involvement in speech and public speaking, including completing a speech class through Oral Roberts University. These experiences have prepared me not only for professional success, but also for sharing my Christian faith with confidence and purpose. Before taking speech classes and developing my public speaking abilities, I was often nervous speaking in front of groups or expressing my ideas clearly. Speech and debate taught me how to organize my thoughts, communicate effectively, and speak with confidence under pressure. I learned how to present ideas in a respectful and thoughtful way while also listening carefully to others. These skills are important in every area of life, but they have especially helped me grow in my ability to share my faith with others. As a Christian, I believe that faith is not only something you believe privately, but something you live out daily through your words, actions, and character. Public speaking taught me that communication is powerful. The way a person speaks can encourage others, build trust, and create opportunities for meaningful conversations. Through speech and debate, I learned how to communicate difficult or important topics with confidence while still showing kindness and respect to people who may have different beliefs or perspectives. This has helped me become more comfortable discussing my faith openly and honestly. Owning my own business has also strengthened these skills in practical ways. Every day I interact with customers, schedule jobs, solve problems, and represent my company professionally. Running Superior Shine LLC has taught me responsibility, consistency, and the importance of treating others with integrity. I believe my business gives me an opportunity to reflect my Christian values through hard work, honesty, and service. Even small actions, such as showing up on time, communicating respectfully, and doing quality work, can demonstrate character and leave a positive impact on others. My faith in God is the foundation of my life and influences the goals I have for my future. Scripture teaches the importance of serving others, working diligently, and living with integrity, and those principles guide both my personal life and my business. Speech and debate prepared me to confidently express what I believe, while my experiences as a young business owner have allowed me to put those beliefs into practice every day. In the future, I hope to continue growing as a leader, student, and businessman while using the opportunities God gives me to encourage and positively influence others. Whether through public speaking, business, or everyday conversations, I want to represent my faith in a way that reflects Christ through both my words and my actions.

Carson Marti Metro Christian Academy SBJ Scholarship 14 April 2026 My name is Carson Marti, and I am a senior at Metro Christian Academy. I enjoy playing football and running my own window cleaning business, Superior Shine, which serves the Tulsa area. Both have played a major role in shaping who I am and have taught me important lessons about responsibility, discipline, and how to work with others. Starting my business has been one of the most valuable experiences I’ve had. It began as a simple way to make money, but it quickly turned into something more meaningful. I’ve learned how to communicate with customers, manage my schedule, and take pride in my work. Running Superior Shine has also shown me that even small jobs can make a difference. When I finish a job and a customer is genuinely appreciative, it reminds me that providing a service well can positively impact someone’s day. That perspective has helped me understand the importance of consistency and effort in everything I do. Football has also been a big part of my life and has helped shape my mindset. Being part of a team has taught me discipline, accountability, and how to push through challenges. There have been times when balancing school, football, and my business felt overwhelming, but those experiences have helped me grow. Football has shown me that success comes from hard work and commitment, and that no one achieves anything alone. Learning how to rely on teammates and support others is something I will carry with me into my future. Looking ahead, I plan to continue developing as a business owner and find ways to make a positive impact in my community. I want to build something that not only supports me but also creates opportunities for others. Whether that means expanding my business, offering jobs to other students, or mentoring others who want to start something of their own, I want to use what I’ve learned to help people grow. I also want to stay involved in my community in ways beyond business. Volunteering, helping neighbors, and being someone, people can count on are all important to me. I believe impact is not just about what you build, but how you show up for others day to day. By staying grounded, continuing to learn, and giving back where I can, I hope to make a lasting and positive difference. I believe making a positive impact starts with the way you treat people and the effort you put into your work. By staying consistent, working hard, and being dependable, I hope to contribute to my community in a meaningful way. My experiences so far have given me a strong foundation, and I am motivated to continue building on that as I move forward in my career.