My name is Ciara Singleton, and I am an 18-year-old student at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. I graduated from Wilson High School with a 5.1 GPA, and I was also enrolled in dual enrollment courses that allowed me to earn college credits while still in high school. Because of those courses, I entered USC already a semester ahead, which has given me both confidence and momentum as I begin my college journey. While academics have always been a priority for me, my path has not been an easy one. I come from a single-parent household where my mom worked two jobs to support me and my older brother, who has Down syndrome. Watching my mom juggle so many responsibilities taught me lessons that no textbook ever could. She showed me what determination looks like when the odds are stacked against you, and she demonstrated the value of sacrifice, hard work, and perseverance. Growing up in this environment made me more resilient and gave me a strong sense of responsibility, not only for myself but for my family as well. My brother has also shaped the person I am today. Helping to care for him has taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of advocacy. It made me realize that strength isn’t just about personal achievement, it’s about supporting others and making sure they have the opportunity to thrive too. These experiences at home continue to fuel my motivation and remind me of the “why” behind everything I do. Academically, I have always been drawn to subjects that involve structure, logic, and problem-solving. Numbers have a way of telling stories, and I enjoy the challenge of analyzing them to find solutions. This passion has led me to pursue a double major in Accounting and Finance. My long-term career goal is to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and, eventually, a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). I know that reaching these goals will not happen overnight; it will take years of dedication, discipline, and continued learning. But I am prepared for that journey, because I have already seen the power of perseverance in my own life and my family. For me, success is not just about a title or a paycheck. It’s about creating stability and opportunities that my family did not always have. My mom has carried so much on her shoulders, and one of my biggest aspirations is to be able to give back to her in the future and provide her with the same security she worked so hard to provide me and my brother. At the same time, I want to serve as a role model to others who may come from similar backgrounds. Too often, young people believe that their circumstances limit their potential. I want to show that your background doesn’t define you, it prepares you. The challenges I’ve faced have not held me back; they’ve given me the determination to move forward. I am passionate about growth. I want to use my education, career, and experiences to make an impact. Whether it’s through mentoring, leading, or simply sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to push past limitations and believe in themselves. I realize that every part of my journey, the late nights studying, the responsibility of caring for my brother, the sacrifices my mom made, and the discipline required to excel academically, has shaped me into the person I am today: resilient, ambitious, and driven by purpose. My story is not just about overcoming challenges, but about using them as fuel to create a future full of possibilities.

After my freshman year of high school, my GPA was a 2.8. Now, it’s a 3.9. This transformation didn’t happen because things suddenly got easier. It happened because I learned to work harder, think differently, and believe in the possibility of change. Starting high school was like stepping into an entirely new world. I entered ninth grade with high hopes, but those hopes quickly gave way to the reality of harder classes, a faster pace, and more responsibilities than I’d ever had before. I didn’t know how to manage my time well. I would come home exhausted, trying to juggle homework, family responsibilities, and my own feelings of anxiety and self-doubt. I often procrastinated out of fear—fear of failing, fear of not being good enough. And my GPA at the end of that first year reflected that struggle. But even though I stumbled, I didn’t stop. Something inside me refused to let that 2.8 define my story. During the summer after freshman year, I made a decision. I wanted to be better—not perfect, not someone else, just better. I began with small steps. I bought a planner and started mapping out my days. I color-coded assignments, set reminders, and broke big projects into manageable pieces. I taught myself how to study more effectively, using flashcards, practice tests, and spaced repetition techniques. I also learned when to ask for help, something I used to think meant weakness. It turns out, asking for help is one of the strongest things you can do. One of my biggest challenges throughout high school has been managing stress. At times, the pressure to succeed academically while handling responsibilities at home felt overwhelming. There were days I wanted to give up—but I didn’t. I began practicing mindfulness, journaling when I felt anxious, and taking daily walks to clear my mind. These simple coping skills made a huge difference. They helped me stay grounded, especially during exam season or when personal challenges spilled into my school life. As my mental and emotional habits improved, so did my academic performance. Sophomore year, my GPA rose to a 3.4. Junior year, it climbed to a 3.7. Now, as I near graduation, I proudly hold a 3.9 GPA. That number doesn’t just represent academic achievement—it reflects a journey of perseverance, personal growth, and the belief that I am capable of more. What makes me most proud is not just how my GPA improved, but how I’ve grown as a person. I’ve become someone who takes initiative, who supports others in their learning, and who understands that success isn’t a straight line. I’ve mentored younger students who were struggling, sharing my own story to remind them that a rough start doesn’t define your finish. I’ve also volunteered in my community, helping kids with homework at a local afterschool program—because I know what it feels like to be lost and unsure, and I want to be the helping hand I once needed. Receiving the William Phillips Lacy Memorial Scholarship would be more than financial support—it would be a validation of the hard work, growth, and resilience I’ve shown over the past four years. It would also allow me to pursue my dream of attending college, earning a degree, and one day giving back to the community that shaped me. I am no longer the student who doubted herself. I am someone who has proven, to herself and others, that setbacks can lead to strength and that with determination and the right support, improvement is always possible.

Jack Terry’s story is one of unimaginable hardship, perseverance, and purpose. As a Holocaust survivor who lost his family and endured horrific conditions in concentration camps, his survival alone is extraordinary, but what inspires me most is what he chose to do afterward. Instead of being defined by pain, he turned his experience into a mission to educate and uplift others. His story reminds me that resilience and a sense of purpose can carry us through even the hardest times, and that we all have the power to give back, no matter where we come from. While my own journey is very different, Jack Terry’s story deeply resonates with me. I am a student at Wilson High School with a 5.1 GPA, and I’ve worked hard to balance academic excellence with significant responsibilities at home and in my community. I was raised by a single mother, and I help care for my younger brother, who has Down syndrome. Between supporting my family, keeping up with school, working a part-time job, and participating in community service organizations, I’ve learned to juggle many roles at once. There have been moments of stress, exhaustion, and doubtbut there’s also been growth, purpose, and determination. These experiences have taught me the value of perseverance, discipline, and compassion. I’ve learned that adversity doesn’t have to hold you back, it can push you forward if you let it. My brother’s needs have taught me patience and empathy. My mom’s strength has shown me what resilience looks like. And my education has become a tool not just for personal success, but for making a real difference in the world. I plan to major in accounting because I believe financial literacy is a powerful, often overlooked tool, especially in low-income and marginalized communities like mine. I want to use my education to teach others how to manage their finances, build generational wealth, and pursue long-term goals. I’ve seen firsthand how a lack of financial knowledge can hold people back, and I want to help break that cycle. Whether it’s leading workshops, mentoring youth, or creating accessible financial education resources, I hope to make financial empowerment more attainable for those who need it most. Jack Terry’s legacy reminds me that education is not just a personal achievement — it’s a responsibility. He didn’t just survive, he chose to thrive in a way that helped others heal and grow. I want to follow that example by using my experiences and education to serve others. My goal is not just to succeed, but to lift others up along the way, especially those who, like me, know what it means to struggle but refuse to give up. Through hard work, resilience, and a heart for service, I hope to make a lasting impact just as Jack Terry did.

Dorothy Bell Moore’s values of perseverance, integrity, and commitment to education have profoundly influenced my life and shaped my aspirations. As a Black woman planning to attend the University of South Carolina - Columbia majoring in Finance, I find inspiration in her resilience and dedication to uplifting others. Her legacy serves as a guiding force in my journey toward becoming an accountant, empowering me to overcome challenges and remain steadfast in my ambitions. Growing up, I often faced obstacles that made me question my abilities and potential. However, learning about Dorothy Bell Moore’s unwavering perseverance in the face of adversity reminded me that barriers are meant to be broken. She demonstrated that success is not merely a product of circumstance but of determination and hard work. Her story has taught me to embrace challenges as growth opportunities and persist despite setbacks. This mindset has been instrumental in my academic journey, allowing me to push forward even in difficult times. I have learned that success is not only about talent but also about resilience and a willingness to work harder than the obstacles standing in my way. Integrity is another value I deeply admire in Dorothy Bell Moore. She understood the importance of ethical leadership and staying true to one’s principles, especially in spaces where one’s presence may not always be welcomed. In the field of finance and accounting, integrity is paramount. As I prepare for my future career, I am committed to upholding ethical standards and ensuring transparency in all financial dealings. Moore’s values remind me that success is not just about reaching personal milestones but about making a positive impact on the communities I serve. I want to be a financial professional who is trusted, ethical, and responsible, ensuring that financial systems remain fair and just for everyone, especially for marginalized communities who have historically been excluded from financial literacy and security. Education was a cornerstone of Dorothy Bell Moore’s philosophy, and her dedication to learning resonates with me deeply. As a first-generation college student, I understand the transformative power of education and its ability to break cycles of economic hardship. Moore’s emphasis on knowledge as a tool for empowerment motivates me to excel in my studies and to use my education as a means to uplift others. I aspire to mentor young Black women interested in finance, just as she inspired those around her. Financial literacy is a powerful tool that can help individuals and communities achieve economic stability, and I am committed to sharing my knowledge and expertise to help others achieve financial success. Additionally, Moore’s legacy has inspired me to think beyond my personal success and consider how I can give back to my community. I hope to use my career in finance to help small businesses and individuals from underprivileged backgrounds make informed financial decisions. Whether through nonprofit financial literacy programs, mentorship, or advocating for greater financial inclusion, I want to ensure that others have the resources they need to build a stable financial future. Just as Dorothy Bell Moore broke barriers and created opportunities for those who came after her, I want to be a force for change in the financial industry and beyond. Dorothy Bell Moore’s values continue to shape my life and aspirations. Through perseverance, integrity, and a commitment to education, she has provided a blueprint for success that I strive to follow. As I work toward my goal of becoming an accountant, I carry her legacy with me, determined to create a future where financial literacy and empowerment are accessible to all. By staying true to my values, embracing lifelong learning, and uplifting others, I hope to honor Moore’s impact and contribute to a better, more equitable world.