Since I was little, my grandmother always told me, "Christian, you must leave this world knowing you made a difference!" Every day, I wake up with service and advocacy in mind. Since I was little, all I've ever wanted to do was help others, and I've been grateful to be a part of numerous programs and opportunities, including Student Government, JROTC, and Law Enforcement Explorers, which showed me the true meaning and importance of serving and giving back to one’s community. I am the son of two hard-working parents, who do everything they can for their three children. My father has instilled a work ethic in me, ensuring the job gets done right and nothing receives less than 110%. My mother has given me the attention to detail and planning skills, enabling me to map out problems and come to reasonable solutions. My parents have been an inspiration to me, showing me I can do whatever I put my mind to if I work hard enough and give it a little bit of elbow grease. However, my story is not all butterflies and rainbows. I grew up in poverty. Since I was little, all me my two younger brothers have known is free and reduced lunch, food stamps, and other welfare programs to help provide basic necessities. For years, I watched my parents struggle and try to conceal their pain and compromise for the good of their children in the process. Currently, my grandmother, a retired instructional assistant with the local school system, works every day doing DoorDash, Instacart, and other mobile delivery services to make ends meet because her social security benefits aren't enough and her retirement funds have ran dry in this economy. And myself expierencing financial struggles trying to pay for college. But these struggles are not weaknesses to me, rather strengths and inspirations to fix our system that has harmed so many Americans. Living outside of our nation's capital and residing in the district of Congressman Stenny Hoyer, the former Majority Leader and Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, and being so close to the heart of the places where our country's decision-making process. This sparked my interest in Government and led me to join my High School's Student Government Association (SGA). During my time in SGA, I got to lead advocacy and policy changing initiatives on the County and State educational level. As an incoming Freshman at York College of Pennsylvania, I will be majoring in Political Science and minoring in Intelligence Analysis, which I plan to use to acquire a public administration and or national security job in the Federal Government. By doing so, this would give me a platform to administer government programs and or advise government officials, find errors, and help deliver results for the American people. Sometimes it takes an outsider to come in and shake things up to make positive change, and I believe that is what is lacking from our Government leaders in Washington, we are too used to the norms of 20 century politics, and it's time to switch to the 21st century. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay!

Service and advocacy have been the pillars of my lifelong strive towards making a difference in this world. Since I was little all, I’ve ever wanted to do was help others through various means. I’ve been grateful for the numerous opportunities that have allowed me to expand and better myself. With the increased societal influence, schools have become all too familiar with violence. My younger brothers and I have been direct targets of bullying that resulted in physical injuries and the school’s inability to act and protect victims of assault. Rather than deal with it, they apply a temporary solution to a bigger problem: representation. This sparked my interest in advocacy and sticking up for what’s right, which got me interested in constitutional law. The hit legal drama JAG (1995-2005) follows Harmon “Harm” Rabb Jr., a third-generation Naval Aviator and Officer who later became a lawyer. During a night landing on the USS Midway, then-Lieutenant Rabb faced landing difficulties resulting in the death of a Radar Intercept Officer. It became apparent that Lieutenant Rabb “suffered from night blindness,” and he was later “grounded” by his Commanding Officer. After further examination, it was discovered that Rabb was misdiagnosed, and he returned to service, getting little to no-fly time aboard the USS Patrick Henry. Realizing there was little chance for career progression, he started taking law classes at Georgetown University Law Center, passed his bar exam, and transferred into the Navy Judge Advocate General (Corps). He went on to serve in JAG for 10 years, ensuring the equitable treatment of all accused and convicted service members, even when the crimes and situations violated his morals. The “Rabb adventures” inspired my desire to go into law for the pursuit of representation, equality, and justice. I live in a low income family that has been affected by poverty. Growing up most of my and my brothers' meals were provided by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Woman, Infant & Children; and Free and Reduced Meal Service which we got at school. My father suffers from a condition known as Degenerative Disc Disease which causes the disk in his back to start to degenerate causing back pain, weakness, numbness, and shooting pains in his arms and legs. Last week he underwent major back surgery and caused him to receive short-term disability benefits. I'm currently employed as a crew trainer at Taco Bell but due to scheduling and labor I only work two days-a-week accumulating on average 12-16 hours. I only make enough money to cover basic costs, and I can pay for a diminutive portion of the tuition but the full tuition as well as additional cost of supplies, fees, housing, and food are too much for me to handle alone. This scholarship would enable me to pursue higher education and meet my goals. Expanding on this inspiration, I’ve sought out numerous opportunities to engage in advocacy through service volunteering with local organizations that provided me with a platform to address social issues within our schools and community. These experiences have reinforced my devotion to pursuing a career in constitutional law where I can fight for justice and ensure equitable treatment under the law. Recently, I committed to York College of Pennsylvania where I will study political science and minor in intelligence analysis with a focus on counterterrorism. After college I plan on commissioning into the United States Air Force as an Intelligence Officer. later down the line I want to use the military to attend law school and become a lawyer who makes a meaningful impact on the lives of others, much like Harmon Rabb Jr. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay. I am ecstatic about the opportunities to pursue my passion for law and advocacy.

Service and advocacy have been the pillars of my lifelong strive towards making a difference in this world. Since I was little all, I’ve ever wanted to do was help others through various means. I’ve been grateful for the numerous opportunities that have allowed me to expand and better myself. With the increased societal influence, schools have become all too familiar with violence. My younger brothers and I have been direct targets of bullying that resulted in physical injuries and the school’s inability to act and protect victims of assault. Rather than deal with it, they apply a temporary solution to a bigger problem: representation. This sparked my interest in advocacy and sticking up for what’s right, which got me interested in constitutional law. The hit legal drama JAG (1995-2005) follows Harmon “Harm” Rabb Jr., a third-generation Naval Aviator and Officer who later became a lawyer. During a night landing on the USS Midway, then-Lieutenant Rabb faced landing difficulties resulting in the death of a Radar Intercept Officer. It became apparent that Lieutenant Rabb “suffered from night blindness,” and he was later “grounded” by his Commanding Officer. After further examination, it was discovered that Rabb was misdiagnosed, and he returned to service, getting little to no-fly time aboard the USS Patrick Henry. Realizing there was little chance for career progression, he started taking law classes at Georgetown University Law Center, passed his bar exam, and transferred into the Navy Judge Advocate General (Corps). He went on to serve in JAG for 10 years, ensuring the equitable treatment of all accused and convicted service members, even when the crimes and situations violated his morals. The “Rabb adventures” inspired my desire to go into law for the pursuit of representation, equality, and justice. Expanding on this inspiration, I’ve sought out numerous opportunities to engage in advocacy through service volunteering with local organizations that provided me with a platform to address social issues within our schools and community. These experiences have reinforced my devotion to pursuing a career in constitutional law where I can fight for justice and ensure equitable treatment under the law. Recently, I committed to York College of Pennsylvania where I will study political science and minor in intelligence analysis with a focus on counterterrorism. After college I plan on commissioning into the United States Air Force as an Intelligence Officer. later down the line I want to use the military to attend law school and become a lawyer who makes a meaningful impact on the lives of others, much like Harmon Rabb Jr. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay. I am ecstatic about the opportunities to pursue my passion for law and advocacy.

Service and advocacy have been the pillars of my lifelong strive towards making a difference in this world. Since I was little all, I’ve ever wanted to do was help others through various means. I’ve been grateful for the numerous opportunities that have allowed me to expand and better myself. With the increased societal influence, schools have become all too familiar with violence. My younger brothers and I have been direct targets of bullying that resulted in physical injuries and the school’s inability to act and protect victims of assault. Rather than deal with it, they apply a temporary solution to a bigger problem: representation. This sparked my interest in advocacy and sticking up for what’s right, which got me interested in constitutional law. The hit legal drama JAG (1995-2005) follows Harmon “Harm” Rabb Jr., a third-generation Naval Aviator and Officer who later became a lawyer. During a night landing on the USS Midway, then-Lieutenant Rabb faced landing difficulties resulting in the death of a Radar Intercept Officer. It became apparent that Lieutenant Rabb “suffered from night blindness,” and he was later “grounded” by his Commanding Officer. After further examination, it was discovered that Rabb was misdiagnosed, and he returned to service, getting little to no-fly time aboard the USS Patrick Henry. Realizing there was little chance for career progression, he started taking law classes at Georgetown University Law Center, passed his bar exam, and transferred into the Navy Judge Advocate General (Corps). He went on to serve in JAG for 10 years, ensuring the equitable treatment of all accused and convicted service members, even when the crimes and situations violated his morals. The “Rabb adventures” inspired my desire to go into law for the pursuit of representation, equality, and justice. Expanding on this inspiration, I’ve sought out numerous opportunities to engage in advocacy through service volunteering with local organizations that provided me with a platform to address social issues within our schools and community. These experiences have reinforced my devotion to pursuing a career in constitutional law where I can fight for justice and ensure equitable treatment under the law. Recently, I committed to York College of Pennsylvania where I will study political science and minor in intelligence analysis with a focus on counterterrorism. After college I plan on commissioning into the United States Air Force as an Intelligence Officer. later down the line I want to use the military to attend law school and become a lawyer who makes a meaningful impact on the lives of others, much like Harmon Rabb Jr. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay. I am ecstatic about the opportunities to pursue my passion for law and advocacy.

Prompt Selection: "4. Verifiable Involvement: Please list any civic, leadership, mediation, or policy-related roles you’ve held (e.g., student government, Model UN, city council internship, community organizing, etc.). Include organization names, dates, and contact information for verification if selected as a finalist." Throughout my middle and high school career I have been fortunate to hold a plethora of roles within civics and leadership. One of the most prominent in Student Government Association (SGA) as the Student Liaison to the Board of Education. Within this role, I was able to serve as the bridge between the Charles County Board of Education and my school [Thomas Stone High School]. This provided me with the opportunity to advocate for many reforms within our school system including dress code, eligibility, and school safety. I have been fortunate to have been provided with opportunities to attend state and regional student council conferences which has allowed me to speak with leaders from across the state of Maryland to share and gain insight on creating positive change within our schools. In addition to this, I am the Battalion Commander of my school's Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) unit. This position has enabled me to get hands-on leadership training. In this role, I oversee all cadet operations, run command and staff meetings, create, brief, and publish policies and directives to positively affect our battalion's climate, and mentor my fellow cadets. Moreover, this year I lead our unit through our annual JROTC Program of Accreditation Inspection passing with flying colors. These roles have taught me the importance of advocacy speaking up for what's right and using my position to make change. I have recently committed to York College of Pennsylvania where I will major in Political Science and Minor in Intelligence Analyst with a focus on counterterrorism. After college, I plan to be commissioned into the United States Air Force as an Intelligence Officer. This will enable me to protect the United States and its allies from foreign adversaries who pose a threat to our nation's sovereignty and interests. I'd like to thank you for taking the time to read my application and look forward to any opportunities that may be provided to me in the future. SGA: Gary Winsett gwinsett@ccboe.com Regional Advisor, Charles County Association of Student Councils - - Angelisha Wells awells@ccboe.com SGA Advisor, Thomas Stone High School - - Maria Navarro mnavarro@ccboe.com Superintendent of Charles County Public Schools JROTC: Karen Himmelheber khimmelheber@ccboe.com Lieutenant Colonel (retired), U.S. Army Senior Army Instructor - - Douglass Otten dotten@ccboe.com First Sergeant (retired), U.S. Army Army Instructor

Service and advocacy have been the pillars of my lifelong strive towards making a difference in this world. Since I was little all, I’ve ever wanted to do was help others through various means. I’ve been grateful for the numerous opportunities that have allowed me to expand and better myself. I live in a low income family that has been affected by poverty. Growing up most of my and my brothers' meals were provided by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Woman, Infant & Children; and Free and Reduced Meal Service which we got at school. My father suffers from a condition known as Degenerative Disc Disease which causes the disk in his back to start to degenerate causing back pain, weakness, numbness, and shooting pains in his arms and legs. Last week he underwent major back surgery and caused him to receive short-term disability benefits. I'm currently employed as a crew trainer at Taco Bell but due to scheduling and labor I only work two days-a-week accumulating on average 12-16 hours. I only make enough money to cover basic costs, and I can pay for a diminutive portion of the tuition but the full tuition as well as additional cost of supplies, fees, housing, and food are too much for me to handle alone. With the increased societal influence, schools have become all too familiar with violence. My younger brothers and I have been direct targets of bullying that resulted in physical injuries and the school’s inability to act and protect victims of assault. Rather than deal with it, they apply a temporary solution to a bigger problem: representation. This sparked my interest in advocacy and sticking up for what’s right, which got me interested in constitutional law. The hit legal drama JAG (1995-2005) follows Harmon “Harm” Rabb Jr., a third-generation Naval Aviator and Officer who later became a lawyer. During a night landing on the USS Midway, then-Lieutenant Rabb faced landing difficulties resulting in the death of a Radar Intercept Officer. It became apparent that Lieutenant Rabb “suffered from night blindness,” and he was later “grounded” by his Commanding Officer. After further examination, it was discovered that Rabb was misdiagnosed, and he returned to service, getting little to no-fly time aboard the USS Patrick Henry. Realizing there was little chance for career progression, he started taking law classes at Georgetown University Law Center, passed his bar exam, and transferred into the Navy Judge Advocate General (Corps). He went on to serve in JAG for 10 years, ensuring the equitable treatment of all accused and convicted service members, even when the crimes and situations violated his morals. The “Rabb adventures” inspired my desire to go into law for the pursuit of representation, equality, and justice. Expanding on this inspiration, I’ve sought out numerous opportunities to engage in advocacy through service volunteering with local organizations that provided me with a platform to address social issues within our schools and community. These experiences have reinforced my devotion to pursuing a career in constitutional law where I can fight for justice and ensure equitable treatment under the law. In college, I plan to major in political science or pre-law. I am eager to participate in internships and extracurricular activities to further and develop my understanding of the legal system and my advocacy skills. My goal is to attend law school and become a lawyer who makes a meaningful impact on the lives of others, much like Harmon Rabb Jr. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay. I am ecstatic about the opportunities to pursue my passion for law and advocacy.

Service and advocacy have been the pillars of my lifelong strive towards making a difference in this world. Since I was little all, I’ve ever wanted to do was help others through various means. I’ve been grateful for the numerous opportunities that have allowed me to expand and better myself. With the increased societal influence, schools have become all too familiar with violence. My younger brothers and I have been direct targets of bullying that resulted in physical injuries and the school’s inability to act and protect victims of assault. Rather than deal with it, they apply a temporary solution to a bigger problem: representation. This sparked my interest in advocacy and sticking up for what’s right, which got me interested in constitutional law. The hit legal drama JAG (1995-2005) follows Harmon “Harm” Rabb Jr., a third-generation Naval Aviator and Officer who later became a lawyer. During a night landing on the USS Midway, then-Lieutenant Rabb faced landing difficulties resulting in the death of a Radar Intercept Officer. It became apparent that Lieutenant Rabb “suffered from night blindness,” and he was later “grounded” by his Commanding Officer. After further examination, it was discovered that Rabb was misdiagnosed, and he returned to service, getting little to no-fly time aboard the USS Patrick Henry. Realizing there was little chance for career progression, he started taking law classes at Georgetown University Law Center, passed his bar exam, and transferred into the Navy Judge Advocate General (Corps). He went on to serve in JAG for 10 years, ensuring the equitable treatment of all accused and convicted service members, even when the crimes and situations violated his morals. The “Rabb adventures” inspired my desire to go into law for the pursuit of representation, equality, and justice. Expanding on this inspiration, I’ve sought out numerous opportunities to engage in advocacy through service volunteering with local organizations that provided me with a platform to address social issues within our schools and community. These experiences have reinforced my devotion to pursuing a career in constitutional law where I can fight for justice and ensure equitable treatment under the law. In college, I plan to major in political science or pre-law. I am eager to participate in internships and extracurricular activities to further and develop my understanding of the legal system and my advocacy skills. My goal is to attend law school and become a lawyer who makes a meaningful impact on the lives of others, much like Harmon Rabb Jr. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay. I am ecstatic about the opportunities to pursue my passion for law and advocacy.

Service and advocacy have been the pillars of my lifelong strive towards making a difference in this world. Since I was little all, I’ve ever wanted to do was help others through various means. I’ve been grateful for the numerous opportunities that have allowed me to expand and better myself. With the increased societal influence, schools have become all too familiar with violence. My younger brothers and I have been direct targets of bullying that resulted in physical injuries and the school’s inability to act and protect victims of assault. Rather than deal with it, they apply a temporary solution to a bigger problem: representation. This sparked my interest in advocacy and sticking up for what’s right, which got me interested in constitutional law. The hit legal drama JAG (1995-2005) follows Harmon “Harm” Rabb Jr., a third-generation Naval Aviator and Officer who later became a lawyer. During a night landing on the USS Midway, then-Lieutenant Rabb faced landing difficulties resulting in the death of a Radar Intercept Officer. It became apparent that Lieutenant Rabb “suffered from night blindness,” and he was later “grounded” by his Commanding Officer. After further examination, it was discovered that Rabb was misdiagnosed, and he returned to service, getting little to no-fly time aboard the USS Patrick Henry. Realizing there was little chance for career progression, he started taking law classes at Georgetown University Law Center, passed his bar exam, and transferred into the Navy Judge Advocate General (Corps). He went on to serve in JAG for 10 years, ensuring the equitable treatment of all accused and convicted service members, even when the crimes and situations violated his morals. The “Rabb adventures” inspired my desire to go into law for the pursuit of representation, equality, and justice. Expanding on this inspiration, I’ve sought out numerous opportunities to engage in advocacy through service volunteering with local organizations that provided me with a platform to address social issues within our schools and community. These experiences have reinforced my devotion to pursuing a career in constitutional law where I can fight for justice and ensure equitable treatment under the law. In college, I plan to major in political science or pre-law. I am eager to participate in internships and extracurricular activities to further and develop my understanding of the legal system and my advocacy skills. My goal is to attend law school and become a lawyer who makes a meaningful impact on the lives of others, much like Harmon Rabb Jr. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay. I am ecstatic about the opportunities to pursue my passion for law and advocacy.

Service and advocacy have been the pillars of my lifelong strive towards making a difference in this world. Since I was little all, I’ve ever wanted to do was help others through various means. I’ve been grateful for the numerous opportunities that have allowed me to expand and better myself. With the increased societal influence, schools have become all too familiar with violence. My younger brothers and I have been direct targets of bullying that resulted in physical injuries and the school’s inability to act and protect victims of assault. Rather than deal with it, they apply a temporary solution to a bigger problem: representation. This sparked my interest in advocacy and sticking up for what’s right, which got me interested in constitutional law. The hit legal drama JAG (1995-2005) follows Harmon “Harm” Rabb Jr., a third-generation Naval Aviator and Officer who later became a lawyer. During a night landing on the USS Midway, then-Lieutenant Rabb faced landing difficulties resulting in the death of a Radar Intercept Officer. It became apparent that Lieutenant Rabb “suffered from night blindness,” and he was later “grounded” by his Commanding Officer. After further examination, it was discovered that Rabb was misdiagnosed, and he returned to service, getting little to no-fly time aboard the USS Patrick Henry. Realizing there was little chance for career progression, he started taking law classes at Georgetown University Law Center, passed his bar exam, and transferred into the Navy Judge Advocate General (Corps). He went on to serve in JAG for 10 years, ensuring the equitable treatment of all accused and convicted service members, even when the crimes and situations violated his morals. The “Rabb adventures” inspired my desire to go into law for the pursuit of representation, equality, and justice. Expanding on this inspiration, I’ve sought out numerous opportunities to engage in advocacy through service volunteering with local organizations that provided me with a platform to address social issues within our schools and community. These experiences have reinforced my devotion to pursuing a career in constitutional law where I can fight for justice and ensure equitable treatment under the law. In college, I plan to major in political science or pre-law. I am eager to participate in internships and extracurricular activities to further and develop my understanding of the legal system and my advocacy skills. My goal is to attend law school and become a lawyer who makes a meaningful impact on the lives of others, much like Harmon Rabb Jr. Thank you for taking the time to read my essay. I am ecstatic about the opportunities to pursue my passion for law and advocacy.