Experiencing a sense of one's own presence means becoming aware of oneself as a valuable, capable, and unique individual. For special needs students, this can include recognizing their emotions, their strengths, their ability to communicate and connect with others. It’s about helping a child feel seen, heard, and important. My mission in helping special needs students experience their own presence is would be expressed in three goals. First, empower through Acceptance. Creating a safe, inclusive environment where each student feels loved, accepted, and supported exactly as they are. Next, through building self awareness and expression. This could be accomplished by visuals, such as a feeling chart with real photos or emojis, using this method student can choose an image that shows how they’re feeling. another example could be the use of a choice boards, using this type of board can help students make decisions about activities, snacks, or sensory tools by choosing from a board with pictures or symbols. For example a student who struggles with verbal communication chooses between painting or puzzles using a two-picture board. Finally, I would celebrate strengths and individuality, I work towards designing activities that allow each student to shine in their own way whether it’s through art, movement, words, or interaction this way I could try and to reinforce a positive sense of identity and worth. Through trust, respect, and steady support, my goal is to help students connect who they are on with the world around them ideally so they can confidently say, "This is me. I have a voice. I have a place here." A Tale of what it could feel like learning and growing in a urban city, inspired by "Philadelphia" Once upon a time, in the heart of a city paved with concrete and sirens, where buildings stood tall and playgrounds were cracked with time, there was a neighborhood often overlooked by the world. In this city, there was a school, tucked between boarded-up shops and busy streets where children with powerful hearts and bright minds came every day. These children carried more than just backpacks. They carried stories of strength, of survival, and of dreams because they had learned the world didn’t always listen. Their laughter was often muffled by noise. Their feelings, dismissed as too much or too loud. Their brilliance, hidden behind barriers no one took the time to understand. Until one day, a teacher named Mr. Valerio walked through the school’s faded doors. He didn’t come with a grand speech or a promise to “fix” anything. He came with something much greater presence, patience, and purpose. He looked at each child not as a problem to solve, but as a soul to know. Where others saw “attitude,” Mr. Valerio saw armor. Where others saw “defiance,” he saw a desperate need to be seen. Mr. Valerio brought a different kind of magic He created quiet corners for kids who needed peace in a world too loud. He brought art supplies for the ones who didn’t have words, but had so much to say. He taught through rhythm, movement, and music for students whose energy couldn’t sit still. He used visuals, tech, hands on tools meeting every learner exactly where they were. But more than anything, Mr. Valerio listened. He listened to the stories behind the silence. He honored the anger, the tears, the walls never judging, only building trust, one moment at a time. He told them, again and again, “You’re not invisible. I see you. You are powerful. You are enough.” And slowly, the school began to change. The students started to believe him. One by one, they began to show themselves. Not just the masks they wore to survive, but their real selves. A boy once known for throwing chairs sat down and helped a classmate read. A girl who hadn’t spoken all year started drawing pictures of how she felt. Students who used to fight for attention began to advocate for what they needed with words, and gestures. And the school once filled with echoes now with real voices. These voices that said: “I am here.” “I can learn.” “I matter.” Mr. Valerio didn’t change the world. But he changed their world. Not with magic wands, but with steady love. Not by saving anyone, but by giving them the tools to see themselves. And in doing so, he helped turn a forgotten school into a place of light.

I am pursuing a career in teaching because I want to make a lasting impact in the lives of young people the same way a teacher once did for me. During my high school years, especially throughout the challenges of the pandemic, I experienced firsthand how powerful a supportive, committed educator can be. My teacher, who was also my athletic coach, became a guiding presence in a time of deep uncertainty. The pandemic disrupted everything we once knew as normal classes moved online, sports seasons were canceled, and for many students, motivation and hope were hard to find. But this teacher never gave up on us. He made sure we stayed connected, both in our schoolwork and in our personal lives. He reached out regularly, not just to check on our grades, but to see how we were really doing. He reminded me that I was more than just a student or an athlete I was a person with potential and purpose. What stood out most was the way he made each of us feel seen and valued. Whether it was during a virtual class, a one-on-one conversation, or on the field during a socially distanced practice, he showed genuine care and encouragement. His dedication helped keep me grounded and motivated during a time when many of us felt lost. Having someone like him in my corner taught me what mentorship truly means. He wasn’t just a teacher or a coach he was a role model. He believed in me even when I wasn’t sure what to believe in myself. That experience inspired me to follow in his footsteps and become that kind of mentor for someone else. I believe teaching is more than delivering lessons it’s about shaping character, building confidence, and creating a safe space where students can grow into the best versions of themselves. I want to be the kind of teacher who shows up fully, both in and out of the classroom. I want to support my future students through their challenges, celebrate their victories, and help them find their voice, just like my teacher did for me. Choosing a career in education is my way of giving back. It’s how I hope to carry forward the same compassion, strength, and leadership that meant so much to me. I’m excited to pursue my career in teaching, mentoring, and making a difference one student at a time.

My name is Christopher Valerio I am currently a college athlete, I have played baseball for as long as I can remember! I grew up in Philadelphia, South Philadelphia to be precise. Walking distance to the Philadelphia Phillies! in a very urban community the diamond was my outlet. I’ve spent countless hours on the field—training, competing, winning, and sometimes losing. But more than anything, I’ve spent that time learning. The lessons I’ve taken away from baseball go far beyond the game itself. It has helped shape who I am, how I treat others, and how I see my future. Much like the man this scholarship honors whom was a devoted father, teacher, and coach. I’ve come to believe in the deep, lasting power of mentorship, hard work, and resilience. Baseball has taught me discipline and commitment. There were early mornings and late nights, practices sometimes in the rain and cold especially playing fall ball. There have been moments when I doubted my ability to keep going. But I learned that showing up especially when it’s hard is what separates good from great. That’s a mindset I now carry into every part of my life. Whether I’m in the classroom, helping a teammate, or making plans for my future career, I remember that consistency and effort always matter. One of the most powerful influences in my life has been my coach. He wasn’t just someone who drew lineups and called plays, he was a mentor who truly cared about who we were as people. He used baseball as a tool to teach us about life. He taught us to own our mistakes, take pride in the smallest details, and support each other no matter what. Watching him lead with such purpose has inspired me to do the same. I now mentor younger athletes on my team as well as when I volunteer in youth programs, not just to help them improve their game, but to help them grow as people. Playing college sports also helped me understand the importance of teamwork and empathy. You can’t win a game alone. Everyone on the field has a role, and when one of us falls short, we all feel it. That sense of shared responsibility has made me a better friend, student, and teammate. I’ve learned to listen more, to lift others up, and to work through challenges together. These experiences have also shaped my goals. I hope to pursue a career that allows me to work with young people as a coach and teacher. Becoming a mentor for children to look up to. I want to be the kind of role model that my coach was for me, and that this scholarship’s namesake clearly was for so many others. I believe that one of the most meaningful things you can do in life is help someone believe in themselves. In receiving this scholarship, I would not only be honored, but I would also feel a deep responsibility to carry forward the values it represents. I want to live and lead with purpose, just as this loving father and lifelong coach did using education, mentorship, and sport to inspire the next generation.

If I could create a class that all students from kindergarten through 12th grade were required to take, it would be a class focused on life skills and emotional understanding. I believe this type of class is essential because, while students are taught math, science, and reading, they often don’t get the opportunity to learn how to manage their emotions, solve real-life problems, or navigate relationships in healthy ways. These are the kinds of skills that follow you far beyond the classroom and impact nearly every area of your life from personal well-being to career success. The class would cover topics such as self-awareness, emotional regulation, goal setting, stress management, conflict resolution, communication skills, empathy, and even financial literacy. The curriculum would grow with the student’s age. For younger students, the focus might be on identifying feelings, making friends, and learning how to express themselves. For older students, the lessons would focus on decision-making, time management, handling peer pressure, managing money, and preparing for adult responsibilities. I think the impact of a class like this would be meaningful. First, students would be better equipped to handle the stress and anxiety that many of them face in and out of school. With the rise of social media, academic pressure, and personal struggles at home, students today are carrying a lot. Giving them tools to manage their mental and emotional health could lead to fewer behavior problems, stronger relationships, and a more positive school environment overall. Second, it would prepare students for the real world. Not every student will use algebra every day in their adult life, but every student will need to manage their emotions, communicate with others, and make smart decisions. Teaching these skills early on could prevent a lot of issues later, such as financial trouble, relationship conflicts, or mental health struggles. It would also build confidence. Students would feel more in control of their lives and more capable of overcoming obstacles. This type of class would also promote kindness, respect, and understanding among students. If kids were taught from a young age to understand their own emotions and empathize with others, I truly believe bullying would decrease and school communities would become more supportive and inclusive. Looking back, I know I would have benefitted from a class like this myself. Sports taught me a lot about teamwork and discipline, but there were still moments when I struggled with confidence or didn’t know how to handle stress. I think every student deserves a chance to learn how to handle life’s ups and downs in a healthy, constructive way. In the end, my hope is that a class like this would help students not just survive school, but truly thrive in all areas of life.

My Name is Christopher Valerio. I am currently entering my Junior year at Albright College. There was a time when I was helping coach a youth sports team, As I have volunteered at the middle school I attended in Philadelphia. This school is very diverse and servers a low income population, often times younger kids really struggle with confidence. This piticular situation really took my heart. I observed a child with drawing from the group and hanging back and hesitate during drills. I made an effort to encourage him one-on-one, showing him small techniques and celebrating his progress. Over time, he started speaking up more, playing with energy, and even became one of the more vocal leaders on the team. It felt good to know I had a role in helping him believe in himself, not just in sports, but in life. If I could change anything in education, it would be making emotional and mental well-being a bigger priority. A lot of students are dealing with stress, pressure, and personal challenges that affect their ability to learn. We do not know what a students home life looks like. If schools put more focus on building supportive environments and giving students tools to manage their emotions, I think it would create stronger learners and healthier individuals overall. This could include things like regular check-ins with counselors, incorporating mindfulness or mental health education into the curriculum, and training teachers to recognize when a student may need extra support. When students feel emotionally safe and understood, they’re more likely to stay engaged, take risks in their learning, and believe in their potential. Supporting mental health isn’t just about preventing problems it’s about building a stronger foundation for lifelong success. From a young age, I’ve noticed that education has the power to change lives. Education is an outlet for many children not just academically, but personally. My desire to have a career in education comes directly from one individual, a teacher who made a lasting impact on my life. Mr. Funario. Mr.Funario was my junior high as well as high school teacher and athletic coach. This teacher not only guided me in the classroom but also stood by me on the field and through some of the most formative years of my life. Especially durning my adolescent years when you are to cool to ask you parents for guidance. Mr. Funario believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself, he helped shape who I am today and inspired me to want to be that same kind of mentor for future students. Throughout junior high and high school, this teacher-coach supported me with patience, consistency, and understanding. Whether I was struggling with a tough lesson in class, trying to improve my performance in athletics, or even something personal they were there with encouragement and guidance. More than that, they taught me the value of hard work, discipline, and resilience. What stood out the most was how much he genuinely cared about all his students. Mr. Funario didn’t just teach a subject he helped shape character. Looking back this experience helped me realize that I wanted to do the same for others. I want to become an educator who not only teaches but also inspires, mentors, and makes a meaningful impact. This scholarship would play a crucial role in helping me reach that goal. With the rising costs of tuition, textbooks, and living expenses, financing my education has been a constant challenge. Receiving this scholarship would ease that burden, allowing me to dedicate more time toward my studies and hands-on learning opportunities like student teaching. Instead of worrying about how to pay for the semester, I could focus on becoming the best educator I can be. More importantly, this scholarship is not just a financial gift it shows confidence in my future. It would remind me that others believe in my ability to succeed and contribute to the field of education. I hope to one day become the kind of teacher who not only educates but also uplifts and empowers students, just as my teacher once did for me. Thank you for considering my application and helping me pursue my passion for teaching.

From a young age, I’ve noticed that education has the power to change lives. Education is an outlet for many children not just academically, but personally. My desire to have a career in education comes directly from one individual, a teacher who made a lasting impact on my life. Mr. Funario. Mr.Funario was my junior high as well as high school teacher and athletic coach. This teacher not only guided me in the classroom but also stood by me on the field and through some of the most formative years of my life. Especially durning my adolescent years when you are to cool to ask you parents for guidance. Mr. Funario believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself, he helped shape who I am today and inspired me to want to be that same kind of mentor for future students. Throughout junior high and high school, this teacher-coach supported me with patience, consistency, and understanding. Whether I was struggling with a tough lesson in class, trying to improve my performance in athletics, or even something personal they were there with encouragement and guidance. More than that, they taught me the value of hard work, discipline, and resilience. What stood out the most was how much he genuinely cared about all his students. Mr. Funario didn’t just teach a subject he helped shape character. Looking back this experience helped me realize that I wanted to do the same for others. I want to become an educator who not only teaches but also inspires, mentors, and makes a meaningful impact. This scholarship would play a crucial role in helping me reach that goal. With the rising costs of tuition, textbooks, and living expenses, financing my education has been a constant challenge. Receiving this scholarship would ease that burden, allowing me to dedicate more time toward my studies and hands-on learning opportunities like student teaching. Instead of worrying about how to pay for the semester, I could focus on becoming the best educator I can be. More importantly, this scholarship is not just a financial gift it shows confidence in my future. It would remind me that others believe in my ability to succeed and contribute to the field of education. I hope to one day become the kind of teacher who not only educates but also uplifts and empowers students, just as my teacher once did for me. Thank you for considering my application and helping me pursue my passion for teaching.