Kindness in Action: Today I given an award at lunch. All the teachers chose a student that they felt deserved this "Terrific Troubadour" award. We were seated with lunch and the chosen students were treated to the teacher who nominated them, speaking on a video of why they were chosen. I think of this because I was acknowledged for kind acts, helping classmates, being a team player and always being inclusive. I realize in the moment of reading the prompt that this was also an important lesson and moment. Having someone take the time to call you out, when truthfully you weren't doing it to be noticed, that is important. My dad always taught me, be the person that puts your shopping cart back. That stuck with me. All these moments are important because it's the right thing to do. Helping a friend, taking the time to do my part, seeing someone as they are. These are acts that apparently are special but they really are just being the kind of person that puts their shopping cart back. Unapologetically me: I am a senior in HS and can say loudly I've never done drugs, or gotten into trouble. It's not that I'm a straight and narrow kid. It took years to find my people. High School students spend a whole lot of time trying to be something else. I choose to be me. No frills, no fooling. Authentic me. Finding cool friends who are also more interested in running around in a park and being silly over parties where your character might be compromised was hard. Being okay with not following trends or talking about meaningless things takes a lot of work finding similar people. I'm far from boring! I do spend a lot of time on my studies, but I love hanging out, learning dances and being silly! Creating Connection: Service is a big thing to me. Might have been all that talk about putting your cart away. Nevertheless, I help run a food distribution every Saturday and have for about 5 years now. We ask no questions, gather no information... we just serve donated goods with a smile. We volunteer with an organization called Zawadii Cultural Collective and feeding our community is absolutely a way to bring people together. I live in a lower to middle class neighborhood where I'm reminded about how Los Angles has a large population of unhoused and food insecure people. My commitment is to make them feel part of our family. I've watched children grow, elders pass and young people starting off. I'm grateful to be a part of their journey, helping feed them and their families. I get involved with a few different organizations but this Saturday ritual of community members have become a family to me in a way. I look forward to seeing them almost as much as they look forward to seeing us.

My family has always been an ally of the LGTBQ community! An early picture of me and my identical twin sister in our stroller exists, my mom still with her post pregnant belly holding up a sign for Gay Rights! I say I was actually born with it! My sister came out to the family first. They were surprised but supportive. She was in 4th grade and it was so easy for her. It wasn't until my Uncle Joey became Auntie Joie that I watched persecutions and hate directed at my secret community that I put on my brave girl panties and used my voice to fight back. I was appalled hearing her talk to my parents about the fear she newly faced now that she's living her true authentic self! What kind of people behave in such a way??? It wasn't long after that my sister outed me at the dinner table. I was so upset with her to take away my personal experience and was hysterical over my meatloaf and potatoes. We all had a big talk about how that changes the path a bit. How some people may treat us differently and unfairly but how important it is to live and walk in truth. Since then, I've been open and honest about who I am and a fierce advocate for Trans rights as well as my rights! It seems nowadays all the rights are being wronged but I will continue to love and support my LGTBQ community. These experiences have changed the trajectory of my life for sure. Supporting my schools equity clubs, where i put my financial support and in my volunteering ventures which is also a giant part of my life. My Auntie Joie is a large part of my upbringing. She never misses a birthday, a stage production even if it's the teeny tiniest of parts.. I'm grateful to know first hand the beauty of someone who lives out loud at all costs. It gives me extra courage to do the same. I believe knowing her and being raised the way my sister and I have been raised has made us tolerant young woman. We accept people who they are and judge their character. Some of my friends would have never known a Trans person had it not been for me. It starts a conversation at a young age and I truly believe being exposed and knowing someone as a person, it makes it harder to hate out of fear. I will continue to be an example and an advocate for my community and fight to protect our rights.

My family and I live in Los Angeles County which has the highest homeless population in America. California has many people, families, under the poverty line. Groceries are a huge expense for people. My family and I live in an urban area, on a major street and sometimes it's lined with run down RV's. That can be a daily reminder of the hardships my community is experiencing. My mom used to run a farmers’ market at my grade school. She would pick up weekly food and set it up like an actual market! It was free to all because she didn't want the people who needed it to feel singled out or embarrassed. Our school was a title 1 school and certainly helped many. Seeing this impact had a huge influence on me. An opportunity arose to start a food distribution with a non profit organization called Zawadi Cultural Collective and we immediately felt like this was a solution to a very evident issue we could see out our front door. Every Saturday morning, for now my 3rd year, I help create a food distribution. It is completely free and open to all. We don't require any information or ask any questions. The line starts forming hours before we arrive. We bring excess goods from stores such as Trader Joes and Bristol Farms. These are items that maybe are close to the sell by date, or they had overstock of an item. In the morning, we set up in a church parking lot all the items ranging from loaves of bread, eggs, to dragon fruit. It takes about an hour. We easily serve over 200 pounds of food weekly. Not only does it reduce food waste, but I know firsthand how it can be the saving grace for families. My dad lost his job a few years ago and shopping for groceries was difficult. The food drive provided the food on our tables and lifted a huge economic burden off my household Through this organization I have the pleasure of seeing around eighty members of the community who come to the line and allow me to be of service. I've met elderly couples, new families, young college students and unhoused men and women who all rely on the food drive for their meals. I love learning their names and greeting them with a smile. This group has become like family, coming together on a Saturday morning, rain or shine. I've made some special connections with many in my community. I've celebrated birthdays and sadly, even attended a funeral. We volunteers paid our respects not as an organization but rather as a friend. I hope to inspire the next generation to get involved and serve their own communities. I'll have friends want to come volunteer or consider starting one in their neighborhood. That is such a huge win! We can all extend a hand to one another with compassion and dignity. I was even surprised this summer with a Certificate of Appreciation from Councilmember, Bob Blumenfield! For me it’s not about recognition, but about making a difference. An example to the youth in my neighborhood seeing me consistently show up. I am committed to continuing volunteering. It keeps me humble, connected and of service, which is deeply instilled in me. I donate blood, and write letters to soldiers through a great organization called Operation Gratitude as well, but feeding my community has always been a priority. I'll find a way to see what the need is in my community and take pride knowing I can make a difference.

Art: My passion Art became a passion for me after I found my voice. For a few years I felt really stifled and struggled to survive. Covid really did a number on me and that, combined with switching schools at such a critical stage in my development, I spiraled downward. It was hard to get out of bed sometimes and my depression was something my parents didn't have much experience with. Once I let my insider pains and thoughts share space with a canvas, I felt a freedom I hadn't experienced before. I was able to use my paintbrush as a microphone to work out my anxieties and fears about the world around me. I still use my art to express my thoughts about social justices, and that which I strongly care about but I have found a way to also allow for joy and peace. Saying Art saved me feels a bit overdramatic but truly it did. I am very fortunate to be a curious person and have had the ability to travel as I have. It's exciting to learn about other cultures, experience different foods and immerse myself in the fabrics of other traditions. I believe its made me a richer artist. It's made me a more rounded community member. I am passionate about showcasing the differences and using my creativity to pose questions to others or expose them to a different perspective. I also love using natural resources and materials to craft my work. I have made my own paper and most of the time, my canvas's are made using my old bed sheets. I like the feel of choosing my own wood to build a frame and working with my hands to create it. I see my paintings as a full expression from beginning to end. Every nail is intentional, every staple thought out. This is a way for me to process my vision and see it unfold. I find Art all around me. We are surrounded by art. It has enhanced my life and I'm grateful I can recognize in a snowflake, in a cloud, in a ring made by a coffee cup. I find I'm typically around creative people and they too, can feel art all around them. We are the creatives in the world. Taking the ongoings of life and highlighting something to ponder, that is true art. I am considering a teaching degree after I finish college and become a fine arts teacher. I want to give back to young people and be a pathway for their own expressions. I want to support and inspire them. I'd love to offer healing through art if needed, or fight through art, love, expose, exist through their art. Art is often the first to be discarded in schools, and it's art that illuminates possibilities. Art that can transform you. We have to embrace art and appreciate all that it gives us.

From a young age, I've understood "different." My neurodivergent brain often meant I acted before thinking, or constantly shifted in my seat, drawing puzzled looks from peers. Yet, surrounded by friends who embraced their own unique ways of being, I never felt the need to mask. A cherished home video captures this perfectly: me, vigorously spinning in my dress, playing the recorder, and peeking from a bucket on my head as my mom’s voice narrates, "and then there's Clare..." Sixth grade brought an abrupt shift. Changing schools plunged me into a foreign social landscape where my authentic self was mocked, leading to name calling and sometimes physical abuse. As I struggled to find my footing, the COVID-19 pandemic thrust me into complete isolation. Undiagnosed neurodivergence and unaddressed trauma converged, leading to daily panic attacks and meltdowns. Without structure, missing assignments suffocated me, and my social life vanished. In this suffocating flurry, art became my lifeline. Many days, I lacked the motivation to lift my eyes from my bedroom wall, but drawing my emotions finally burst open the jar of feelings I had tucked away. Artistic expression empowered me to speak up for social justice and articulate my darkest feelings. The paintbrush, for me, became a sword of emotion. With the unwavering support of multiple therapists, an incredibly loving family, and the clarity that came with my ADHD diagnosis, I have dramatically improved. I've made meaningful friendships, set ambitious goals, and found compelling reasons to embrace each new day. It is profoundly thrilling to finally feel manageable. To be comfortable in my own body. Once I began treatment to manage my ADHD symptoms, years of struggling grades transformed into a consistent A average. I can now focus in class and control the impulses that held me back from success. I could love learning again and get back to the outside things that made me happy! I got into the musical theater program at my school and continued dance. I got an award to my volunteer efforts from our city Counselman. I got back to myself. Ultimately, my goal is to become a fine artist and an art teacher, inspiring and guiding the next generation to harness the power of self-expression. My paintbrush allowed me to articulate my neurodivergent experience, and I am driven to show others that they don’t have to mask. I adore teaching and am deeply committed to uplifting others to achieve their full potential. If my work can ignite motivation, curiosity, or simply the desire to draw in just one person, I will have achieved my dream. To me, that means one more person has the tools to express themselves, and one more person can find recovery. As someone who was once so clouded by darkness, I want to extend art's light to those who need it, just as countless artists did for me. Today, my art is a platform for my anxieties and a megaphone for social justice. As a young queer woman, I constantly confront the uncertainties of our political climate, and while the news can pull me back to past struggles, I refuse to be paralyzed. Instead, I use my art to process, to advocate, and to demonstrate that even when the world tries to weigh us down, we can still move forward, creating and campaigning for a more understanding and just future for all.

Wicked was one of the first shows I saw on stage! It created my love for Musical Theater. I admit, I was a little too young to understand the story, I just loved the characters and the costumes, the songs were passionate catchy! Seeing the movie was so exciting to me!! I think I had my mouth open the whole time! I sat high in my seat as my twin sister and I clung to ever familiar song! This summer I was so lucky to see Cynthia play Jesus on stage at the Hollywood Bowl! Oh my goodness was she ever incredible!! Her voice is just majestic and powerful. The role was literally made for her! We had great seats that night and to watch her, in person, perform... it was truly something I will never quite forget. I haven't seen the second movie of Wicked yet. I'm looking forward to it. I was sad they had to have it adapted into two films. I hate having to wait for things for one, and secondly... I will have to rewatch the first one to recall again. It's alright though. I don't mind. Maybe we can have a viewing party and head to the theater to watch the second portion!! :)

From a young age, I've understood "different." My neurodivergent brain often meant I acted before thinking, constantly shifting in my seat, drawing puzzled looks from peers. Yet, surrounded by friends who embraced their own unique ways of being, I never felt the need to mask. A cherished home video captures this perfectly: me, vigorously spinning in my dress, playing the recorder, and peeking from a bucket on my head as my mom’s voice narrates, "and then there's Clare..." Middle school was tough, changing schools plunged me into a foreign social landscape where my authentic self was mocked, leading to name calling and physical abuse. As I struggled to find my footing, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed me into complete isolation. Undiagnosed neurodivergence and unaddressed trauma converged, leading to daily panic attacks and meltdowns. Without structure, missing assignments suffocated me, and my social life vanished. In this suffocating flurry, art became my lifeline. Many days, I lacked the motivation to lift my eyes from my bedroom wall, but drawing my emotions finally burst open the jar of feelings I had tucked away. Artistic expression empowered me to speak up for social justice and articulate my darkest feelings. The paintbrush, for me, became a sword of emotion. With the unwavering support of multiple therapists, an incredibly loving family, and the clarity that came with my ADHD diagnosis, I have dramatically improved. I've made friendships, set goals, and found compelling reasons to embrace each new day. It is truly thrilling to finally feel manageable. Once I began treatment to manage my ADHD symptoms, years of struggling grades transformed into a consistent A average. I can now focus in class and love learning again. I can be the first in my family to attend college! Ultimately, my goal is to become a fine artist and an art teacher, inspiring and guiding the next generation to harness the power of self-expression. Winning the scholarship would help make that happen. I adore teaching and am deeply committed to uplifting others to achieve their full potential. If my work can ignite motivation, curiosity, or simply the desire to draw in just one person, I achieved my dream. That means one more person has the tools to express themselves, and one more person can find recovery. As someone who was once so clouded by darkness, I want to extend art's light to those who need it, just as countless artists did for me. Today, my art is a platform for my anxieties and a megaphone for social justice. As a young queer woman, I constantly confront the uncertainties of our political climate, and while the news can pull me back to past struggles, I refuse to be paralyzed. Instead, I use my art to process, to advocate, and to demonstrate that even when the world tries to weigh us down, we can still move forward, creating and campaigning for a more understanding and just future for all.

I recently finished watching the six episode documentary of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour! I was captivated by how talented she is but also, the documentary is an intimate look at her character without saying. I really appreciated how she featured her dancers and focused on some of their stories. I realized how truly humble Taylor is to pass the torch to shine light on them. You don't often see that. I had never really been a fan. I don't listen to her music unless i have to and never really thought much about her until this documentary. It gave me an enormous amount of respect and admiration for her. What a brain to calculate such a vigorous tour. Such a talent to be able to commit to such a giant extravaganza. What a good human, what she does for her community and giving back. What I appreciate most about Taylor's songs is that they are vulnerable like me. She is clever in her choice of words and she isn't afraid to scream, cry and gloat in her emotions. We see the story of her life and revel in the similarities. Taylor is someone many can relate to. Be it a heartbreak, a feeling or a statement!

From a young age, I've understood "different." My neurodivergent brain often meant I acted before thinking, or constantly shifted in my seat, drawing puzzled looks from peers. Yet, surrounded by friends who embraced their own unique ways of being, I never felt the need to mask. A cherished home video captures this perfectly: me, vigorously spinning in my dress, playing the recorder, and peeking from a bucket on my head as my mom’s voice narrates, "and then there's Clare..." Sixth grade brought an abrupt shift. Changing schools plunged me into a foreign social landscape where my authentic self was mocked, leading to name calling and sometimes physical abuse. As I struggled to find my footing, the COVID-19 pandemic thrust me into complete isolation. Undiagnosed neurodivergence and unaddressed trauma converged, leading to daily panic attacks and meltdowns. Without structure, missing assignments suffocated me, and my social life vanished. In this suffocating flurry, art became my lifeline. Many days, I lacked the motivation to lift my eyes from my bedroom wall, but drawing my emotions finally burst open the jar of feelings I had tucked away. There were days I didn't want to be here anymore. Growing up with a twin sister, I felt at times we both were hurting in our own ways, we couldn't be there for one another. Our parents were dealing with the pandemic in their own ways. Fear took over. Finding paint and a paintbrush was actually a saving grace. Artistic expression empowered me to speak up for social justice and articulate my darkest feelings. The paintbrush, for me, became a sword of emotion. With the unwavering support of multiple therapists, an incredibly loving family, and the clarity that came with my ADHD diagnosis, I have dramatically improved. I've made meaningful friendships, set ambitious goals, and found compelling reasons to embrace each new day. It is pretty thrilling to finally feel manageable in my body again. Once I began treatment to manage my ADHD symptoms, years of struggling grades transformed into a consistent A average. I can now focus in class and control the impulses that held me back from success. I can love learning again and the burdens are lifted off my back. Having the clarity to move freely allowed me to spend my space time working with an incredible organization that feeds the community and also continue other things like Dance and Musical Theater. Art was no longer just my emotions moving a paintbrush but my whole body in different styles and rhythms. Being part of an ensemble was special because it allowed me to create with other people whereas my art is mostly done alone, in private. I found my singing voice through musical theater as well! Ultimately, my goal is to become a fine artist and an art teacher, inspiring and guiding the next generation to harness the power of self-expression. As my paintbrush allowed me to articulate my neurodivergent experience, and I am driven to show others that they don’t have to mask. I adore teaching and am deeply committed to uplifting others to achieve their full potential. If my work can ignite motivation, curiosity, or simply the desire to draw in just one person, I will have achieved my dream. To me, that means one more person has the tools to express themselves, and one more person can find recovery. As someone who was once so clouded by darkness, I really hope to extend art's light to those who need it, just as countless artists did for me. Today, my art is a platform for my anxieties and a megaphone for social justice. I also tackle our over consumption in my work. I create all my canvases from recycled material and use sheets to make the canvas. I've been told that my artwork is very detailed and carries a message to ponder. As a young queer woman, I'm constantly confronting the uncertainties of our political climate, and while the news can pull me back to past struggles, I refuse to be paralyzed. Instead, I use my art to process, to advocate, and to demonstrate that even when the world tries to weigh us down, we can still move forward, creating and campaigning for a more understanding and just future for all. I hope to inspire that in my students, and certainly hope to have viewers think deeply about what my work conveys. We can change the world for better by having open conversations and deep connections. We can change perspectives and increase our understanding in our quiet spaces, listening to our inner voice, and creating something from our soul.

From a young age, I've understood "different." My neurodivergent brain often meant I acted before thinking, or constantly shifted in my seat, drawing puzzled looks from peers. Yet, surrounded by friends who embraced their own unique ways of being, I never felt the need to mask. A cherished home video captures this perfectly: me, vigorously spinning in my dress, playing the recorder, and peeking from a bucket on my head as my mom’s voice narrates, "and then there's Clare..." Sixth grade brought an abrupt shift. Changing schools plunged me into a foreign social landscape where my authentic self was mocked, leading to name calling and sometimes physical abuse. As I struggled to find my footing, the COVID-19 pandemic popped me into complete isolation. Undiagnosed neurodivergence and unaddressed trauma converged, leading to daily panic attacks and meltdowns. Without structure, missing assignments suffocated me, and my social life vanished. In this suffocating flurry, art became my lifeline. Many days, I lacked the motivation to lift my eyes from my bedroom wall, but drawing my emotions finally burst open the jar of feelings I had tucked away. Artistic expression empowered me to speak up for social justice and articulate my darkest feelings. The paintbrush, for me, became a sword of emotion. With the unwavering support of multiple therapists, an incredibly loving family, and the clarity that came with my ADHD diagnosis, I have dramatically improved. I've made meaningful friendships, set ambitious goals, and found compelling reasons to embrace each new day. It is profoundly thrilling to finally feel manageable. Once I began treatment to manage my ADHD symptoms, years of struggling grades transformed into a consistent A average. I can now focus in class and control the impulses that held me back from success. Ultimately, my goal is to become a fine artist and an art teacher, inspiring and guiding the next generation to harness the power of self-expression. My paintbrush allowed me to articulate my neurodivergent experience, and I am driven to show others that they don’t have to mask. I adore teaching and am deeply committed to uplifting others to achieve their full potential. If my work can ignite motivation, curiosity, or simply the desire to draw in just one person, I will have achieved my dream. To me, that means one more person has the tools to express themselves, and one more person can find recovery. As someone who was once so clouded by darkness, I want to extend art's light to those who need it, just as countless artists did for me. Today, my art is a platform for my anxieties and a megaphone for social justice. As a young queer woman, I constantly confront the uncertainties of our political climate, and while the news can pull me back to past struggles, I refuse to be paralyzed. Instead, I use my art to process, to advocate, and to demonstrate that even when the world tries to weigh us down, we can still move forward, creating and campaigning for a more understanding and just future for all.

A few years back my Uncle Joey went completely missing. We called, searched and eventually filed a police report and were able to locate him. He had been "following angels to rid himself of three demons that had invaded his insides." Uncle Joey had always been there. Every function, every recital and every Sunday which was an Italian tradition in our home. One time, I won a brand new PS4 in 4th grade because he put so many tickets in the box at my schools fundraiser it was almost guaranteed! He loved me, and showed me by showing up. I remember his jokes and infectious smile. I remember how my sister and I climbing on him like a playground as little kids and getting so excited to talk about how he sang. My uncle joey always seemed so proud to just be around us. Covid was hard on everyone but especially my uncle. Maybe the isolation birthed what had been waiting inside or maybe it was a coincidence but he was no longer who I knew. He started talking to voices and having hallucinations and it was a very scary time for all of us on so many levels. I was so confused. What we discovered was a disease called Huntington's Disease. It shows up as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS, neatly packaged into one. It is a clock that makes you slowly forget your body functions. It will eventually kill my uncle. It's been a few years since the diagnosis, and I struggle with the pain of discomfort of watching my uncle become a stranger. I love him so unbelievably much, but it's also so hard to watch. Any chance I get I spend time with him I take because I know that seeing my sister and me is one of the only things that still make him happy. However, it is so painful seeing him struggle to eat and walk, speak loudly and slow, one word responses. My uncle still attends my dance shows, still shows up, and I'm not embarrassed but I see his vacant eyes. It's knowing he doesn't recall what he watched, or understood the show. This disease has put a pain in our family that reminds us we have little control. It's a beautiful thing to know he's had a full life. At only 64, he's accomplished so much. No big awards or honorable mentions, but he touched people. He used his voice to make people smile, sing, dance and create memories. We wrote songs that will carry on after he is gone. He used his acting skills to make people escape from their realities and greeted every fan with a smile. I'm told he was gracious and kind. Even though he has changed so much, my uncle has touched my heart and the hearts of many. I will always keep that love close. If someone should meet my uncle, and be curious of his story, they might see him as strange, a towering almost incapable, non verbal man. I hope that people can recognize that there IS a story worth knowing in people that don't function like us. Understanding my uncle and who he is beneath the cloak HD has created allows me to look in the eyes of everyone with a more curious and gentle light. Judgment holds us back from a full story. One of meaning and worth.

My name is Clare Frazier and I’ve always been kind of different. My peers thought I was strange, always doing before thinking and constantly shifting in my seat. Growing up I had so many neurodivergent friends I never had to mask. I recall one of my favorite home videos of my stimming, shaking a barbie, playing the recorder and peeking out from the bucket on my head as my mom says, “and then there's Clare…” But in 6th grade I changed schools and found myself in completely foreign situations. People mocked me for being unable to act properly in social situations and it lead to physical bullying. While still trying to find my footing amongst the bruises, I was pushed into isolation by the covid 19 pandemic. I was completely unable to cope with the trauma I had faced and undiagnosed neurodivergence. I had severe panic attacks and meltdowns almost daily and absolutely no social life. Absent was structure, so missing assignments suffocated me. In this flurry, art was my coping mechanism. Many days I lacked the motivation to move my eyes away from my bedroom wall but drawing my emotions finally burst open the jar of feelings I had tucked away. Artistic expression empowered me to speak up for social justice and allowed me the voice to explain my darkest feelings and the burnout my ADHD causes. The paintbrush is a tool I yield as a sword of emotion. With the help of multiple therapists, an incredibly supportive family and guidance after being diagnosed with ADHD I have improved dramatically. I've made friends, set goals and I've found reasons to get up in the morning. It is hard to describe how thrilling it is to feel manageable. Once I began treatment to manage my ADHD symptoms, I became an all A’s student after years of my grades falling behind. I can focus in class and control the impulses that in the past caused so much pain. Ultimately, my goal is to become a fine artist and art teacher so I can inspire and guide the next generation to express their feelings. Because my paintbrush allowed me to express how I saw the world as a neurodivergent person, I want to show others how they don’t have to mask. I absolutely adore teaching and love to bring others up to help them achieve their goals. If my work can help one person gain motivation, the curiosity, or desire to draw, I will have accomplished my dream. To me, that means one more person has the tools to express themselves, and one more person can find recovery. As someone who has been so clouded by darkness, I want to give people’s art light, just like so many artists did for me. Currently, I use my artwork to express many things such as social justice movements and my anxieties. Art has been a necessary resource for my health while navigating through this political climate. As a young queer woman, I worry about the state of my future and grappling with the world has been a continuous struggle. Every day I try to make change and improve the world but, wow, it is HARD. Watching the news sometimes brings me back to where I was 5 years ago. The struggles that come with being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world will always be there, trying to shackle my feet to the ground beneath me, but I will never stop walking towards a brighter tomorrow.

My family and I live in Los Angeles County which has the highest homeless population in America. California has a large number of people, families, under the poverty line. Groceries are a huge expense for people. My family and I live in an urban area, on a major street and sometimes it's lined with run down RV's. That can be a daily reminder of the hardships my community is experiencing. An opportunity arose to start a food distribution with a non profit organization called Zawadi Cultural Collective and we immediately felt like this was a solution to a very evident issue we could see out our front door. Every Saturday morning, for now my 3rd year, I volunteer with my family and assist in gathering and controlling this food line distribution. It is completely free and open to all. We bring excess goods collected over two days from stores like Trader Joes and Bristol Farms that are near the expiration date, stored in coolers. We then set up items like a farmers market. We easily serve over 200 pounds of food weekly. Not only does it reduce food waste, but I know firsthand how it can be the saving grace for families. My dad lost his job a few years ago and shopping for groceries was difficult. The food drive provided the food on our table and lifted a huge economic burden. Community Service is something my family feels very strongly about. I’ve gotten involved in other projects, but this group has become my family, coming together on a Saturday morning, rain or shine. Being involved in my community keeps me busy and offline. I know how hard that is when your lonely and find a community online. I also know firsthand how that can be very toxic and downright dangerous. My twin sister had issues with grooming and also just inappropriate behavior. Cyberbullying is traumatic and that can stay with a child. That's why it's so important to be involved in clubs or organizations that lift your spirits. They can keep trouble away but also make you feel really good inside. I found art as a way to express myself. I absolutely love to paint. Art schools are very expensive, and it will be hard on my parents for sure. I'm a twin so they have two children applying! I live in a one income household. My dad thankfully has a great job but sending us both away will be a challenge. My mom never went to college, and my father took a class years ago, but we will be the first generation to get a degree! I hope to teach art to children and my sister hopes to be a therapist. I think those covid years and our experiences with online bullying has shaped our purpose and what we think we can offer the next generations to come.

My name is Clare Frazier and I’ve always been kind of different. Some peers thought I was strange, always doing before thinking and constantly shifting in my seat. Growing up I had so many neurodivergent friends I never had to mask. I recall one of my favorite home videos of my stimming, shaking a barbie, playing the recorder and peeking out from the bucket on my head as my mom says, “and then there's Clare…” But in 6th grade I changed schools and found myself in completely foreign situations. People mocked me for being unable to act properly in social situations, it eventually led to physical abuse on campus. While still trying to find my footing amongst the bruises, I was thrust into isolation by the covid 19 pandemic. I was completely unable to cope with the trauma I had faced and undiagnosed neurodivergence. I had severe panic attacks and meltdowns almost daily and absolutely no social life. Absent was structure, so missing assignments suffocated me. In this flurry, art was my coping mechanism. Many days I lacked the motivation to move my eyes away from my bedroom wall but drawing my emotions finally burst open the jar of feelings I had tucked away. Artistic expression empowered me to speak up for social justice and allowed me the voice to explain my darkest feelings and the burnout my ADHD causes. The paintbrush is a tool I yield as a sword of emotion. With the help of multiple therapists, an incredibly supportive family and guidance after being diagnosed with ADHD I have improved dramatically. I've made friends, set goals and I've found reasons to get up in the morning. It is hard to describe how thrilling it is to feel manageable. Once I began treatment to manage my ADHD symptoms I became an all A’s student after years of my grades falling behind. I can focus in class and control the impulses that in the past caused so much pain. Ultimately, my goal is to become a fine artist and art teacher so I can inspire and guide the next generation to express their feelings. Because my paintbrush allowed me to express how I saw the world as a neurodivergent person, I want to show others how they don’t have to mask. I absolutely adore teaching and love to bring others up to help them achieve their goals. If my work can help one person gain the motivation, the curiosity, or desire to draw, I will have accomplished my dream. To me, that means one more person has the tools to express themselves, and one more person can find recovery. As someone who has been so clouded by darkness, I want to give people’s art light, just like so many artists did for me. Currently, I use my artwork to express many things such as social justice movements and my anxieties. Art has been a necessary resource for my health while navigating through this political climate. As a young queer woman, I constantly worry about the state of my future and grappling with the world has been a continuous struggle. Everyday I try to make change and improve the world but, wow is it HARD. Watching the news sometimes brings me right back to where I was 5 years ago. The struggles that come with being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world will always be there, trying to shackle my feet to the ground beneath me, but I will never stop walking towards a brighter tomorrow.

My family and I live in Los Angeles County which has the highest homeless population in America. California has a large number of people, families, under the poverty line. Groceries are a huge expense for people. My family and I live in an urban area, on a major street and sometimes it's lined with run down RV's. That can be a daily reminder of the hardships my community is experiencing. My mom used to run a farmers market at my grade school. She would pick up weekly food and set it up like an actual market! It was free to all because she didn't want the people who needed it to feel singled out or embarrassed. Our school was a title 1 school and certainly helped many. Seeing this impact had a huge influence on me. An opportunity arose to start a food distribution with a non profit organization called Zawadi Cultural Collective and we immediately felt like this was a solution to a very evident issue we could see out our front door. Every Saturday morning, for now my 3rd year, I volunteer with my family and assist in gathering and controlling this awesome food line distribution. It is completely free and open to all. We don't require any information. The line starts forming hours before we arrive. We bring excess goods from stores like Trader Joes and Bristol Farms. These are items that maybe are close to the sell by date, or they had overstock of an item. We pick them up from a few different stores on Friday evening and again on Saturday morning. It is stored in our garage in coolers with ice to keep it as fresh as possible. We then set up items ranging from loaves of bread, eggs, to dragon fruit. It takes about an hour. We easily serve over 200 pounds of food weekly. Not only does it reduce food waste, but I know firsthand how it can be the saving grace for families. My dad lost his job a few years ago and shopping for groceries was tough. The drive provided the food on our tables and lifted a huge economic burden off our household. Through this organization I have the pleasure of seeing around 80 members of the community who come and allow me to be of service. I've met elderly couples, new families, young college students and unhoused men and women who all rely on the food drive for their meals. I love learning their names and greeting them with a smile like Don Jorge did. Having been involved with this group of volunteers for years now, really it fills my heart. I enjoy doing all sorts of community service, but this group has become my family, coming together on a Saturday morning, rain or shine. I've made some special connections with several of these community members. I've celebrated birthdays and sadly, even attended a funeral. Many of the volunteers paid their respects and not as an organization but rather as a friend. I hope to inspire the next generation to get involved and serve their own communities. We can all help each other with compassion and dignity. I was even surprised this summer with a Certificate of Appreciation from our very own Councilmember, Bob Blumenfield! I am absolutely committed to continuing volunteering. It keeps me humble, connected and of service, which is so important to me. Regardless of where my education takes me, I'll continue to set up in the church parking lot early Saturday mornings and take pride knowing I make a difference to my community.

From a young age, I've understood "Non-Traditional." My neurodivergent brain often meant I acted before thinking, or constantly shifted in my seat, drawing puzzled looks from peers. A cherished home video captures this perfectly: me, vigorously spinning in my tutu, playing the recorder, and peeking out from a bucket on my head as my mom’s voice narrates, "and then there's Clare..." Middle school brought an abrupt shift. Changing schools plunged me into a foreign social landscape where my authentic self was mocked, leading to name calling and sometimes physical abuse. As I struggled to find my footing, the COVID-19 pandemic thrust me into complete isolation. Undiagnosed neurodivergence and trauma, lead me to daily panic attacks. Without structure, missing assignments suffocated me, and my social life vanished. In this suffocating flurry, art became my lifeline. Many days, I lacked the motivation to lift my eyes from my bedroom wall, but drawing my emotions finally opened the jar of feelings I had tucked away. Artistic expression empowered me to speak up for social justice and articulate my darkest feelings. The paintbrush, for me, became a sword of emotion. Ultimately, my goal is to become a fine artist and an art teacher, inspiring and guiding the next generation to harness the power of self-expression. My paintbrush allowed me to articulate my neurodivergent experience, and I am driven to show others that they don’t have to mask. I adore teaching and am committed to uplifting others to achieve their full potential. If my work can ignite motivation, curiosity, or simply the desire to draw in just one person, I will have achieved my dream. To me, that means one more person has the tools to express themselves, and one more person can find recovery. As someone who was once so clouded by darkness, I want to extend art's light to those who need it, just as countless artists did for me. Today, my art is a platform for my anxieties and a megaphone for social justice. As a young queer woman, I constantly confront the uncertainties of our political climate, and while the news can pull me back to past struggles, I refuse to be paralyzed. Instead, I use my art to process, to advocate, and demonstrate that even when the world tries to weigh us down, we can still move forward, creating and campaigning for a more understanding and just future for all.

My family and I live in Los Angeles County which has the highest homeless population in America. California has a large number of people, families, under the poverty line. Groceries are a huge expense for people. My family and I live in an urban area, on a major street and sometimes it's lined with run down RV's. That can be a daily reminder of the hardships my community is experiencing. An opportunity arose to start a food distribution with a non profit organization called Zawadi Cultural Collective and we immediately felt like this was a solution to a very evident issue we see out our front door. Every Saturday morning, for now my 3rd year, I volunteer with my family and assist in gathering and controlling this food line distribution. It is completely free and open to all. The line starts forming hours before startime. We bring excess goods collected over two days from stores like Trader Joes and Bristol Farms that are near the expiration date, stored in coolers. We then set up items like a farmers market. We easily serve over 200 pounds of food weekly. Not only does it reduce food waste, but I know firsthand how it can be the saving grace for families. My dad lost his job a few years ago and shopping for groceries was difficult. The food drive provided the food on our table and lifted a huge economic burden. Through this organization I've met elderly couples, new families, college students and unhoused who all rely on the food drive for their meals and allow me to be of service. I love learning their names and greeting them with a smile. Community Service is something my family feels very strongly about. I get involved in other projects, but this group has become my family, coming together on a Saturday morning, rain or shine. Often, I'll have friends tell me that they want to come volunteer or start something similar in their community. That is such a huge win because it feeds my soul and connects them with their communities. We can all help each other with compassion and dignity. I was even surprised this summer with a Certificate of Appreciation from our very own Councilmember, Bob Blumenfield! I am absolutely committed to continuing volunteering in this way. It keeps me humble, connected and of service, which is so important to me.

From a young age, I've understood "Non-Traditional." My neurodivergent brain often meant I acted before thinking, or constantly shifted in my seat, drawing puzzled looks from peers. Yet, surrounded by friends who embraced their own unique ways of being, I never felt the need to mask. A cherished home video captures this perfectly: me, vigorously spinning in my tutu, playing the recorder, and peeking out from a bucket on my head as my mom’s voice narrates, "and then there's Clare..." Sixth grade brought an abrupt shift. Changing schools plunged me into a foreign social landscape where my authentic self was mocked, leading to name calling and sometimes physical abuse. As I struggled to find my footing, the COVID-19 pandemic thrust me into complete isolation. Undiagnosed neurodivergence and unaddressed trauma converged, leading to daily panic attacks and meltdowns. Without structure, missing assignments suffocated me, and my social life vanished. In this suffocating flurry, art became my lifeline. Many days, I lacked the motivation to lift my eyes from my bedroom wall, but drawing my emotions finally burst open the jar of feelings I had tucked away. Artistic expression empowered me to speak up for social justice and articulate my darkest feelings. The paintbrush, for me, became a sword of emotion. With the unwavering support of multiple therapists, an incredibly loving family, and the clarity that came with my ADHD diagnosis, I have dramatically improved. I've made meaningful friendships, set ambitious goals, and found compelling reasons to embrace each new day. It is profoundly thrilling to finally feel manageable. Once I began treatment to manage my ADHD symptoms, years of struggling grades transformed into a consistent A average. I can now focus in class and control the impulses that once caused so much pain. Ultimately, my goal is to become a fine artist and an art teacher, inspiring and guiding the next generation to harness the power of self-expression. My paintbrush allowed me to articulate my neurodivergent experience, and I am driven to show others that they don’t have to mask. I adore teaching and am deeply committed to uplifting others to achieve their full potential, just as Andrea did. If my work can ignite motivation, curiosity, or simply the desire to draw in just one person, I will have achieved my dream. To me, that means one more person has the tools to express themselves, and one more person can find recovery. As someone who was once so clouded by darkness, I want to extend art's light to those who need it, just as countless artists did for me. Today, my art is a platform for my anxieties and a megaphone for social justice. As a young queer woman, I constantly confront the uncertainties of our political climate, and while the news can pull me back to past struggles, I refuse to be paralyzed. Instead, I use my art to process, to advocate, and to demonstrate that even when the world tries to weigh us down, we can still move forward, creating and campaigning for a more understanding and just future for all.

My family and I live in Los Angeles County which has the highest homeless population in America. California has a large number of people, families, under the poverty line. Groceries are a huge expense for people and equally a necessity. My family and I live in a pretty urban area, on a major street and sometimes it's lined with run downed RV's. That can be a daily reminder of the hardships my community is experiencing. My neighbors complain about it and honestly, I get it, but complaining doesn't serve anyone anything. Every Saturday morning, for now my 3rd year, I volunteer with my family and assist in gathering and controlling this awesome food line distribution. It is completely free and open to all. We don't require any information. The line starts forming hours before we arrive. We bring excess goods from stores such as Trader Joes and Bristol Farms. These are items that maybe are close to the sell by date, or they had overstock of an item. We pick them up from a few different stores on Friday evening and again on Saturday morning. It is stored in our garage in coolers with ice to keep it as fresh as possible. We then set up items ranging from loaves of bread, eggs, to dragon fruit. It takes about an hour. We have tents we pop up because sometimes it's extremely hot or occasionally rains. We serve easily 200 pounds of food weekly. Not only does it reduce food waste, but I know firsthand how it can be the saving grace for families. My dad lost his job a few years ago and shopping for groceries was terrifying. The food drive provided the food on our tables and lifted a huge economic burden off my household. We were very grateful. Every week I have the pleasure of seeing around 50 members of the community who come and allow me to be of service. I've met elderly couples, new families, young college students and unhoused men and women who all rely on the food drive for their meals. I love learning their names and greeting them with a smile. Having been involved with this group of volunteers for years now really it fills my heart. Community Service is something my family feels very strongly about. I enjoy doing all sorts of service, but this group has become my family, coming together on a Saturday morning, rain or shine. I've made some special connections with several of these community members. I've celebrated birthdays and sadly, even attended a funeral. We all went actually. Many of the volunteers paid their respects and not as an organization but rather as a friend. I know I'll be headed to college next year, but feeding my community feeds my soul. I hope to inspire the next generation to get involved and serve their own communities. Often I'll have friends tell me that they want to come volunteer or start something similar in their community. That is such a huge win because it feeds my soul, and connects them with their community. We can all help each other with compassion and dignity. I was even surprised this summer with a Certificate of Appreciation from our very own Councilmember, Bob Blumenfield! I am absolutely committed to continue volunteering in this way. It keeps me humble, connected and of service, which is so important to me. Regardless of where my education takes me, I'll continue to set up in the nearby parking lot early Saturday mornings and take pride knowing I make a difference to my community.

To describe myself, it's not a single narrative, but a composition of compassion, resilience, and dedication to service. My journey has involved navigating challenges and using those experiences to seek and create positivity. In childhood, neurodivergence led to feelings of being misunderstood and targeted, but these struggles fostered empathy. The isolation of the pandemic led to a powerful form of connection through art. A bedroom wall became a canvas, and the paintbrush became a tool for expression, giving voice to feelings and experiences. It was also a tool for recovery, a way to speak up for social justice, and a means to explain the neurodivergent lens through which the world is viewed. This experience demonstrated that vulnerability is not a weakness but a path to empowerment. The light found through art coexisted with community service. Living in Los Angeles County, where poverty and homelessness are prevalent, a weekly family food drive became essential. Helping set up the line of donated goods every Saturday morning, I am reminded that service is a shared experience of human dignity. Seeing the gratitude in the faces of those who rely on the food drive, inspire and humble me. During a period of my own families economic struggle, this food line provided support, illustrating how community support can ease burdens. It deepened my family's commitment to giving back. Artistic expression and community service have converged to form my purpose. An artist who aspires to be a teacher, inspiring expression and self-acceptance in others. The goal is to teach with compassion, showing others that their unique perspective is a gift, not a flaw. Having found a path to thrive, I'm committed to helping the next generation find their voice and purpose. Just as prior artists provided light to me, I hope to illuminate the path for others. As a young queer woman, a neurodivergent creative, and a dedicated community volunteer, I recognize the world's hardships. The struggle for social justice serve as a reminder of the need for sustained efforts. Resilience is defined not by the absence of pain, but by an unwavering commitment to a bright future. Whether creating art or serving in the food line, like Kalia, I also love traveling, and dancing. My favorite trip with last summer where my family went to France, Amsterdam and Germany. Every day was a new museum to explore. This scholarship would be a huge gift to my family as I'm also an identical twin! My parents will have two children leaving for college, as first generation students. Wherever college will take me, I know I will continue to work, create, and serve. Feeding the community—both literally and spiritually—it's what provides joy and feels right in my soul.

Growing up in Los Angeles County, I can easily observe the contrasts of the city. Some streets can be vibrant, yet many residents struggle. The presence of rundown RVs on a our major street where we live, highlights the city's homelessness and poverty. This struggle became personal when my father lost his job, and the simple act of buying groceries became a burden. My family's involvement in a food drive provided economic relief during that time. That experience highlighted the power of service fueled by empathy. It filled up our home and our hearts so much that we continue to this day to be involved and have for now our fourth continuous year. Every Saturday, my family and I set up a food distribution line. The line offers fresh items, and volunteers serve without requiring information or anything in return. The line starts hours before arrival, demonstrating the community's need. Overstocked goods and nearly expiring food from stores are collected and distributed, reducing food waste by distributing around 200 pounds of food weekly! Through interactions with nearly a hundred community members, my neighborhood, I learned to lead with compassion. Learning their names and offering a smile are a source of pride for me. The group of volunteers have become like family, providing service in all kinds of weather. I understand hardships. We all have times where we have to learn to navigate through them. For me, I had undiagnosed neurodivergence, so changing schools and having no friends right before the pandemic sent me into a tailspin. Isolation and anxiety nearly paralyzed me. While dealing with trauma, art became a coping mechanism, empowering me to express myself and find a voice. I'm grateful to be treating the ADHD and succeeding now in my schoolwork. I am excelling with a 4.0 and feeling the weight lift off of my shoulders. Like art, the volunteer work connects me to the community through kindness, and it connects me to myself. The experience with the food drive has taught that service is a dialogue of dignity and respect. I feel joy in being of service and it's who I am at heart. My dream is to continue painting with a Bachelor in Fine Arts and continue on in Art Education. It is a desire to serve the next generation. Just as art provided a canvas to my voice, I want to show others how to express themselves and find their own path. Especially neurodivergent artists who can't seem to connect to themselves. I want to share my journey and my light. Soon I'll be heading to college, but I know that having grown up in a family devoted to community service, I will remain committed to volunteer work, believing that serving the community nourishes the soul.

I’ve always been kind of different. My favorite home video of my stimming, shaking a barbie, playing the recorder and peeking out from the bucket on my head as my mom says, “and then there's Clare…” But in 6th grade I changed schools and found myself in completely foreign situations. People mocked me for being unable to act properly in social situations. While still trying to find my footing, isolation came due to the covid 19 pandemic. I was completely unable to cope with the trauma I had faced. I had severe panic attacks and meltdowns and absolutely no social life. I had no structure so missing assignments suffocated me. Art became my coping mechanism. Many days I lacked the motivation to move my eyes away from my bedroom wall but drawing my emotions finally burst open the jar of feelings I had tucked away. Artistic expression empowered me to speak up for social justice and allowed me the voice to explain my darkest feelings. With the help of therapists, an incredibly supportive family and guidance after being diagnosed with ADHD, I have improved dramatically. I've made friends, set goals and I've found reasons to get up in the morning. It is hard to describe how thrilling it is to feel manageable. Once I began treatment to manage my ADHD, I became an all A’s student after years of my grades falling behind. I can focus in class and control the impulses that caused so much pain. My goal is to become a fine artist and teacher so I can guide the next generation to express their feelings. Because my paintbrush allowed me to express how I saw the world as a neurodivergent person, I was to able to show others how they don’t have to mask. If my work can help one person gain the motivation, the curiosity, or want to draw I will have accomplished my dream. Art has been a necessary resource for my health while navigating through this political climate. As a young queer woman, I constantly worry about the state of my future. Watching the news can bring me right back to where I was 5 years ago. The struggles that come with being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world will always be there, trying to shackle my feet to the ground, but I will never stop walking towards a brighter tomorrow.

Growing up as a young queer woman, I often felt my constitutional rights were precarious. In the face of such fear, it's incredibly easy to succumb to despair. While I'm an optimistic person by nature, the constant need to suppress my feelings eventually started to erode my hope. During this period of deep self-loathing, I genuinely believed the world would be better off without me. Leaving Earth felt like the only way to escape the pain, until art became my salvation. Drawing my emotions finally burst open the jar of feelings I had tucked away. I found inspiration in the artists I saw online and in the masterpieces hanging on museum walls. I was incredibly fortunate to have teachers who nurtured my artistic passion, encouraging me to explore every medium and style. Artistic expression empowered me to speak up for social justice and gave me a voice to articulate my darkest feelings. Art isn't just a passion for me; it's my blood, my oxygen, and the spine that holds me upright. As the newest generation comes of age, we will inevitably face new challenges. Instead of falling into depression, as difficult as it may be, we must empower our youth to fight for their causes and express themselves fully. I aspire to be the role model that so many incredible artists and teachers were for me. Being an art teacher means I can encourage young people's artistic self-expression, allowing them to tell their stories and empowering them to create a better tomorrow. My parents instilled in me a strong sense of community, leading by example through their deep involvement in community service. They also broadened my worldview by showing me other countries, teaching me to immerse myself in and respect diverse cultures, rather than simply being a tourist. Seeing so many different countries has enriched the fabric of my creative mind and helped me develop a deeper connection with my personal expression. This exposure to diverse cultures has fostered a greater understanding of people, enhanced my tolerance, and allowed me to explore the unique parts of myself. These experiences, in all honesty, truly brought me to myself. While art serves as my primary form of expression and outlet, I still experience moments of self-doubt. However, I now possess the experiences and tools that make me feel heard and seen. This path has paved the way for me to be a leader among my peers, finding opportunities to serve, share, and teach. I want to share what I've learned through art, especially with young children. Art helped heal me during my darkest times, and I believe it can be a gift to others who could also benefit from its light.

My family and I live in Los Angeles County which has the highest homeless population in America. California has a large number of people, families, under the poverty line. Groceries are a huge expense for people and equally a necessity. We live in a pretty urban area, on a major street and sometimes it's lined with run downed RV's. Every Saturday morning, I volunteer with my family and assist in gathering and controlling a food line distribution. It is completely free and open to all. We don't require any information. The line starts forming hours before we arrive. We bring excess goods from stores such as Trader Joes and Bristol Farms. These are items that maybe are close to the sell by date, or they had overstocked items. We pick them up the evening before and the morning of, setting up items ranging from loaves of bread, eggs, to dragon fruit. We serve easily 200 pounds of food weekly. Not only does it reduce food waste, but I know firsthand how it can be the saving grace for families. My dad lost his job a few years ago and shopping for groceries was terrifying. The food drive provided the food on our tables and lifted a huge economic burden off my household. Every week I have the pleasure of seeing at least 50 members of the community who come and allow me to be of service. I've met elderly couples, new families, young college students and unhoused men and women who all rely on the food drive for their meals. I love learning their names and greeting them with a smile. I have been involved with this group of volunteers for nearly 4 years now and it fills my heart. Community Service is something my family feels very strongly about. I enjoy doing all sorts of service. From Volunteering at School events, working on the New Year's Float, boxing goods for soldiers at Operation Gratitude, and recently donating blood for the first time! This group has become my family, coming together on a Saturday morning, rain or shine. I know I'll be headed to college, but feeding my community feeds my soul. I hope to inspire the next generation to get involved and serve their own communities. On top of that, I am absolutely committed to continue volunteering in this way, regardless of where my education takes me. Until then, I'll continue to set up in the church parking lot early Saturday mornings and take pride knowing I make a difference to my community.

A few years back my Uncle Joey went completely missing. We called, searched and eventually filed a police report and were able to locate him. He was quickly diagnosed with huntington's disease. Uncle Joey has always there. Every function, every recital and every sunday. One time, I won a brand new PS4 i 4th grade because he put so many tickets in the box at my schools fundraiser it was almost guaranteed! He loved me, and showed me by showing up. I remember his jokes and infectious smile. I remember how my sister and I climbing on him like a playground as little kids and getting so excited to talk about how he sang. My uncle joey always seemed so proud to just be around us. Covid was hard on everyone but especially my uncle. Maybe the isolation birthed what had be waiting inside or maybe it was a coincidence but he was no longer who I knew. He started talking to voices and having hallucinations and it was a very scary time for all of us on so many levels. I was so confused. What we discovered was a disease called Huntington's Disease. It shows up as Alzheimer's, Parkinsons, and ALS, neatly packaged into one. It is a clock that makes you slowly forget your body functions. It will eventually kill my uncle. Grappling with the impending death of my uncle I was terrified my Aunt and my own mother could inherit this same disease. HD has a 50% chance of being inherited. Luckily, my mom and aunt both show up as negative. It's been a fews years since the diagnosis, and I struggle with the pain of discomfort of watching my uncle become a stranger. I love him so unbelievably much, but it's also so hard to watch. Any chance i get I spend time with him I take because I know that seeing my sister and me is one of the only things that makes him happy. However, it is so painful seeing him struggle to eat and walk, speak loudly and slow, one word responses. My uncle still attends my dance shows, still shows up, and I'm not embarrassed but I see his vacant eyes. It's knowing he doesn't recall what he watched, or understood the show. This disease has put a pain in our family that reminds us we have little control. It's a beautiful thing to know he's had a full life. At only 64, he's accomplished so much. No big awards or honorable mentions, but he touched people. He used his voice to make people smile, sing, dance and create memories. We wrote songs that will carry on after he is gone. He used his acting skills to make people escape from their realities and greeted every fan with a smile. I'm told he was gracious and kind. Even though he has changed so much, my uncle has touched my heart and the hearts of many. I will always keep that love close. If someone should meet my uncle, and be curious of his story, they might see him as strange, a towering almost incapable, non verbal man. I hope that people can recognize that there IS a story worth knowing in people that don't function like us. Understanding my uncle and who he is beneath the cloak HD has created allows me to look in the eyes of everyone with a more curious and gentle light. Judgment holds us back from a full story. One of meaning and worth.

As a young adult, I am acutely aware of the state of the world and have found my own sense of self bound by the political climate. It is suffocating to be stuck in a perpetual loop of news cycles and police sirens, especially when it seems my future is on the line. Being unable to make change on a large scale, forced to watch decisions being made about my future, body and rights is terrifying. Art is my saving grace of self expression and an impactful form of activism. This leads me to my favorite painting, "Look." This piece, "Look", was a culmination of my feelings surrounding the sociopolitical climate of the 21st century. I was feeling overwhelmed by the absurdities taking place and wanted to create this piece to explore the effects it has on my peers and me. The spectacle of outlandish laws and gentures distracts from the falling economy, for example. To get a deeper understanding, I interviewed my friends and family about how the political climate effects their mental state. All of the people I spoke with expressed how they were burned out and exhausted. Some told me how they developed issues like insomnia because they had grown so anxious. I think for many it is so easy to get distracted and disillusioned, so this piece exists as a reminder to focus on what truly is important. It's my favorite painting because of the emotional significance and how it helped me explore new materials, processes and push my comfort zone. For example, I made the canvas out of my old bedsheet. I also made the wood frame. I'm inspired by many different styles but mainly surrealism and abstraction. I really enjoy using symbolism to strengthen my themes. I tried to create a chaotic composition with detail and overwhelming colors and shapes. I made stamps for the eyes and used a lot of different materials to synthesize my paint with the overpowering shapes. I layered watercolor to give my piece a physical texture and impasto. I hope my art can voice my self expression and serve as a form of activism. My work is so deeply intertwined with who I am and how i feel, that the vulnerabilities, the raw exposure I need to create it, is equally terrifying and liberating. I hope to ask questions through my pieces and impact my audience to make change or even just to ponder their own connections and habits.

My family and I live in Los Angeles County which has the highest homeless population in America. California has a large number of people, families, under the poverty line. Groceries are a huge expense for people and equally a necessity. We live in a pretty urban area, on a major street and sometimes it's lined with run downed RV's. Every Saturday morning, I volunteer with my family and assist in gathering and controlling a food line distribution. It is completely free and open to all. We don't require any information. The line starts forming hours before we arrive. We bring excess goods from stores such as Trader Joes and Bristol Farms. These are items that maybe are close to the sell by date, or they had an over stock of an item. We pick them up the evening before and on the way. We set up items ranging from loaves of bread, eggs, to dragon fruit. We serve easily 200 pounds of food weekly. Not only does it reduce food waste, but I know firsthand how it can be the saving grace for families. My dad lost his job a few years ago and shopping for groceries was terrifying. The food drive provided the food on our tables and lifted a huge economic burden off my household. Every week I have the pleasure of seeing around 50 members of the community who come and allow me to be of service. I've met elderly couples, new families, young college students and unhoused men and women who all rely on the food drive for their meals. I love learning their names and greeting them with a smile. I have been involved with this group of volunteers for nearly 4 years now and it fills my heart. Community Service is something my family feels very strongly about. I enjoy doing all sorts of service, but this group has become my family, coming together on a Saturday morning, rain or shine. I know I'll be headed to college, but feeding my community feeds my soul. I hope to inspire the next generation to get involved and serve their own communities. On top of that, I am absolutely committed to continue volunteering in this way, regardless of where my education takes me. Until then, I'll continue to set up in the church parking lot early Saturday mornings and take pride knowing I make a difference to my community.

My name is Clare Frazier and I’ve always been kind of different. My peers thought I was strange, always doing before thinking and constantly shifting in my seat. Growing up I had so many neurodivergent friends I never had to mask. My favorite home video of my stimming, shaking a barbie, playing the recorder and peeking out from the bucket on my head as my mom says, “and then there's Clare…” But in 6th grade I changed schools and found myself in completely foreign situations. People mocked me for being unable to act properly in social situations, it eventually led to physical abuse on campus. While still trying to find my footing amongst the bruises, I was thrust into isolation by the covid 19 pandemic. I was completely unable to cope with the trauma I had faced and undiagnosed neurodivergence. I had severe panic attacks and meltdowns almost daily and absolutely no social life. I had no structure so missing assignments suffocated me. In this flurry, art was my coping mechanism. Many days I lacked the motivation to move my eyes away from my bedroom wall but drawing my emotions finally burst open the jar of feelings I had tucked away. Artistic expression empowered me to speak up for social justice and allowed me the voice to explain my darkest feelings and the burnout my ADHD causes. The paintbrush is a tool I yield as a sword of emotion. With the help of multiple therapists, an incredibly supportive family and guidance after being diagnosed with ADHD I have improved dramatically. I've made friends, set goals and I've found reasons to get up in the morning. It is hard to describe how thrilling it is to feel manageable. Once I began treatment to manage my ADHD symptoms I became an all A’s student after years of my grades falling behind. I can focus in class and control the impulses that in the past caused so much pain. Ultimately, my goal is to become a fine artist and art teacher so I can inspire and guide the next generation to express their feelings. Because my paintbrush allowed me to express how I saw the world as a neurodivergent person I was to show others how they don’t have to mask. I absolutely adore teaching and love to bring others up to help them achieve their goals. If my work can help one person gain the motivation, the curiosity, or want to draw I will have accomplished my dream. To me, that means one more person has the tools to express themselves, and one more person can find recovery. As someone who has been so clouded by darkness, I want to give people arts light just like so many artists did for me. Currently, I use my artwork to express many things such as social justice movements and my anxieties. Art has been a necessary resource for my health while navigating through this political climate. As a young queer woman I constantly worry about the state of my future and grappling with the world has been a continuous struggle. Everyday I try to make change and improve the world but, wow is it HARD. Watching the news sometimes brings me right back to where I was 5 years ago. The struggles that come with being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world will always be there, trying to shackle my feet to the ground beneath me, but I will never stop walking towards a brighter tomorrow.

I was always different growing up. My peers thought I was strange, always doing before thinking and constantly shifting in my seat. Although I am, and was, sociable when I changed schools in 6th grade making new friends who already had their established groups was difficult. I was pretty terribly bullied in 6th grade which just so happened to be 2019. While still trying to find my footing amongst the bruises, I was thrust into isolation by the covid 19 pandemic. I was completely unable to cope with the trauma I had faced. I had severe panic attacks and meltdowns almost daily and absolutely no social life. I can recall many attempts on my life, some made my parents angry at me. I felt like I had nothing, no one to turn to. In this deep depression, art was my saving grace. Many days I lacked the motivation to move my eyes away from my bedroom wall but drawing my emotions finally burst open the jar of feelings I had tucked away. I was inspired by the artists I saw online and art I saw hang on museum walls. I was so lucky to have teachers who encouraged my passion for art and allowed me to explore every medium and every style. Artistic expression empowered me to speak up for social justice and allowed me the voice to explain my darkest feelings. The paintbrush is a tool I yield as a sword of emotion. With the help of multiple therapists, an incredibly supportive family and guidance after being diagnosed with ADHD I am now 3 years clean from self-harm and can finally manage my motivation and depression. I've made friends, set goals and I've found reasons to get up in the morning. My goal is to become a fine artist and art teacher so I can inspire and guide the next generation to express their feelings. I absolutely adore teaching and love to bring others up to help them achieve their goals. If my work can help one person gain the motivation, the curiosity, or want to draw I will have accomplished my dream. To me, that means one more person has the tools to express themselves, and one more person can find recovery. As someone who has been so clouded by darkness, I want to give people arts light just like so many artists did for me. Currently, I use my artwork to express many things such as social justice movements and my anxieties. Art has been a necessary resource for my health while navigating through this political climate. As a young queer woman I constantly worry about the state of my future and grappling with the world has been a continuous struggle. Everyday I try to make change and improve the world but, wow is it HARD. Watching the news sometimes brings me right back to where I was 5 years ago. Adhd and clinical depression will always be there, trying to shackle my feet to the ground beneath me but I will never stop walking towards a brighter tomorrow. I am submitting though it's confusing. I am not a HS Senior but am graduating in 2026. Not sure which was the typo so I thought I'd try! Thank you for your time.

Growing up as a young queer woman, my constitutional rights have been tossed in the air since I was young. When in the face of fear, it is incredibly easy to submit to depression. I am an optimistic person by nature, but after pushing my feelings down into the recesses of my mind for so long, my hope started to crack. In this period of deep self-loathing, I thought the world would be better off without me. Leaving earth felt like it was the only way to relieve myself of all this pain; until art saved me. Drawing my emotions finally burst open the jar of feelings I had tucked away. I was inspired by the artists I saw online and art I saw hanging on museum walls. I was so lucky to have teachers who encouraged my passion for art and allowed me to explore every medium and every style. Artistic expression empowered me to speak up for social justice and allowed me the voice to explain my darkest feelings. My passion is art; it is my blood, my oxygen, and my spine to hold me up-right. As the newest generation grows, we will overcome challenges and face new problems every day. Instead of falling into depression, as difficult as that may be, we must empower our youth to fight for their causes and express themselves fully. I want to be the role model so many incredible artists and teachers were to me. Being an art teacher means I can encourage the youth's artistic self-expression to allow them to tell their stories and empower them to create a better tomorrow. My parents instilled in me a strong sense of community, giving back by being heavily involved in community service, and expanding my world by showing me other countries. I was raised not to be a tourist but to immerse myself in respecting the culture, and to really embrace the differences of the people as a whole. Seeing so many countries has enriched the fabric of my creative mind and I think it has helped me develop and get in tune with my personal expression. Being exposed to so many different cultures has helped me to understand people better, be more tolerant and I get to explore the parts of me that are uniquely me. These experiences brought me to myself in all honesty. With art as my expression and outlet, I can still have moments of self-doubt, but I have experiences and tools that make me feel heard and seen. It paves the way to be a leader among my peers, finding opportunities to serve, share and teach. I want to share what I've learned through art, to young children especially. It has helped heal my dark times and can be a gift to others who also could use arts light. Please feel free to check out my instagram @eggacado I'm a current art student at my high school. I run the Art Club currently and considering opening an etsy store! :)

My family and I live in Los Angeles County which has the highest homeless population in America. California has a large number of people, families, under the poverty line. Groceries are a huge expense for people and equally a necessity. We live in a pretty urban area, on a major street and sometimes it's lined with run downed RV's. Every Saturday morning, I volunteer with my family and assist in gathering and controlling a food line distribution. It is completely free and open to all. We don't require any information. The line starts forming hours before we arrive. We bring excess goods from stores such as Trader Joes and Bristol Farms. These are items that maybe are close to the sell by date, or they had an over stock of an item. We pick them up the evening before and on the way. We set up items ranging from loaves of bread, eggs, to dragon fruit. We serve easily 200 pounds of food weekly. Not only does it reduce food waste, but I know firsthand how it can be the saving grace for families. My dad lost his job a few years ago and shopping for groceries was terrifying. The food drive provided the food on our tables and lifted a huge economic burden off my household. Every week I have the pleasure of seeing around 50 members of the community who come and allow me to be of service. I've met elderly couples, new families, young college students and unhoused men and women who all rely on the food drive for their meals. I love learning their names and greeting them with a smile. I have been involved with this group of volunteers for nearly 4 years now and it fills my heart. Community Service is something my family feels very strongly about. I enjoy doing all sorts of service, but this group has become my family, coming together on a Saturday morning, rain or shine. I know I'll be headed to college, but feeding my community feeds my soul. I hope to inspire the next generation to get involved and serve their own communities. On top of that, I am absolutely committed to continue volunteering in this way, regardless of where my education takes me. Until then, I'll continue to set up in the church parking lot early Saturday mornings and take pride knowing I make a difference to my community.

I was always different growing up. My peers thought I was strange, always doing before thinking and constantly shifting in my seat. Although I am, and was, sociable when I changed schools in 6th grade making new friends who already had their established groups was difficult. I was pretty terribly bullied in 6th grade which just so happened to be 2019. While still trying to find my footing amongst the bruises, I was thrust into isolation by the covid 19 pandemic. I was completely unable to cope with the trauma I had faced. I had severe panic attacks and meltdowns almost daily and absolutely no social life. I can recall many attempts on my life, some made my parents angry at me, because they didn't understand what was happening to me. It felt like nobody understood. My struggles with mental health created a barrier between me and my family. Even when they extended a hand, it was incredibly hard to accept the support. I felt like I had nothing, no one to turn to. In this deep depression, art was my saving grace. Many days I lacked the motivation to move my eyes away from my bedroom wall but drawing my emotions finally burst open the jar of feelings I had tucked away. I was inspired by the artists I saw online and art I saw hang on museum walls. I was so lucky to have teachers who encouraged my passion for art and allowed me to explore every medium and every style. Artistic expression empowered me to speak up for social justice and allowed me the voice to explain my darkest feelings. The paintbrush is a tool I yield as a sword of emotion. With the help of multiple therapists, an incredibly supportive family and guidance after being diagnosed with ADHD, I am now 3 years clean from self-harm and can finally manage my motivation and depression. I've made friends, set goals and I've found reasons to get up in the morning. My goal is to become a fine artist and art teacher so I can inspire and guide the next generation to express their feelings. I absolutely adore teaching and love to bring others up to help them achieve their goals. If my work can help one person gain the motivation, the curiosity, or want to draw I will have accomplished my dream. To me, that means one more person has the tools to express themselves, and one more person can find recovery. As someone who has been so clouded by darkness, I want to give people arts light just like so many artists did for me. Currently, I use my artwork to express many things such as social justice movements and my anxieties. Art has been a necessary resource for my health while navigating through this political climate. As a young queer woman I constantly worry about the state of my future and grappling with the world has been a continuous struggle. Every day I try to make change and improve the world but, wow is it HARD. Watching the news sometimes can bring me right back to where I was 5 years ago. I've learned to lean into the amazing relationships I have with both of my parents and trust friends and I couldn't be more grateful. Through my struggles I've been able to have deeper vulnerability and connections with my peers. I can imagine a world where I belong. I'm so liberated by my differences like neuro-divergency because I've been able to find such an uplifting community in the art world. ADHD and clinical depression will always be there, trying to shackle my feet to the ground beneath me, but I will never stop walking towards a brighter tomorrow.

I was always different growing up. My peers thought I was strange, always doing before thinking and constantly shifting in my seat. Although I am, and was, sociable when I changed schools in 6th grade making new friends who already had their established groups was difficult. I was pretty terribly bullied in 6th grade which just so happened to be 2019. While still trying to find my footing amongst the bruises, I was thrust into isolation by the covid 19 pandemic. I was completely unable to cope with the trauma I had faced. I had severe panic attacks and meltdowns almost daily and absolutely no social life. I can recall many attempts on my life, some made my parents angry at me. I felt like I had nothing, no one to turn to. Many days I lacked the motivation to move my eyes away from my bedroom wall but drawing my emotions finally burst open the jar of feelings I had tucked away. I hadn't realized how hard it was to cope having untreated ADHD. I was always a good student but then with all the pressures of a new school, and Covid, I just could not pull it together. I tried to mask it from my family, but it got too heavy for me to carry. In this deep depression, art was my saving grace. I was inspired by the artists I saw online and the art I saw hung on museum walls. I was so lucky to have teachers who encouraged my passion for art and allowed me to explore every medium and every style. Artistic expression empowered me to speak up for social justice and allowed me the voice to explain my darkest feelings. The paintbrush is a tool I yield as sword of emotion. With the help of multiple therapists, an incredibly supportive family and guidance and finding the right medication to help me with my ADHD, I am now 3 years clean from self-harm and can finally manage my motivation and depression. I've made friends, set goals and I've found reasons to get up in the morning. My goal is to become a fine artist and art teacher so I can inspire and guide the next generation to express their feelings. I absolutely adore teaching and love to bring others up to help them achieve their goals. If my work can help one person gain the motivation, the curiosity, or want to draw I will have accomplished my dream. To me, that means one more person has the tools to express themselves, and one more person can find recovery. As someone who has been so clouded by darkness, I want to give people arts light just like so many artists did for me. Currently, I use my artwork to express many things such as social justice movements and my anxieties. Art has been a necessary resource for my health while navigating through this political climate. As a young queer woman I constantly worry about the state of my future and grappling with the world has been a continuous struggle. Every day I try to make change and improve the world but, wow is it HARD. Watching the news sometimes can emotionally bring me right back to where I was 5 years ago so I have to be careful. ADHD and clinical depression will always be there, trying to shackle my feet to the ground beneath me but I will never stop walking towards a brighter tomorrow.

I was always different growing up. My peers thought I was strange, always doing before thinking and constantly shifting in my seat. Although I am, and was, sociable when I changed schools in 6th grade making new friends who already had their established groups was difficult. I was pretty terribly bullied in 6th grade which just so happened to be 2019. While still trying to find my footing amongst the bruises, I was thrust into isolation by the covid 19 pandemic. I was completely unable to cope with the trauma I had faced. I had severe panic attacks and meltdowns almost daily and absolutely no social life. I can recall many attempts on my life, some made my parents angry at me. I felt like I had nothing, no one to turn to. In this deep depression, art was my saving grace. Many days I lacked the motivation to move my eyes away from my bedroom wall but drawing my emotions finally burst open the jar of feelings I had tucked away. I was inspired by the artists I saw online and art I saw hang on museum walls. I was so lucky to have teachers who encouraged my passion for art and allowed me to explore every medium and every style. Artistic expression empowered me to speak up for social justice and allowed me the voice to explain my darkest feelings. The paintbrush is a tool I yield as sword of emotion. With the help of multiple therapists, an incredibly supportive family and guidance and after being diagnosed with ADHD, I am now 3 years clean from self-harm and can finally manage my motivation and depression. I've made friends, set goals and I've found reasons to get up in the morning. My goal is to become a fine artist and art teacher so I can inspire and guide the next generation to express their feelings. I absolutely adore teaching and love to bring others up to help them achieve their goals. If my work can help one person gain the motivation, the curiosity, or want to draw I will have accomplished my dream. To me, that means one more person has the tools to express themselves, and one more person can find recovery. As someone who has been so clouded by darkness, I want to give people arts light just like so many artists did for me. Currently, I use my artwork to express many things such as social justice movements and my anxieties. Art has been a necessary resource for my health while navigating through this political climate. As a young queer woman I constantly worry about the state of my future and grappling with the world has been a continuous struggle. Every day I try to make change and improve the world but, wow is it HARD. Watching the news sometimes can emotionally bring me right back to where I was 5 years ago so I have to be careful. ADHD and clinical depression will always be there, trying to shackle my feet to the ground beneath me but I will never stop walking towards a brighter tomorrow.

Growing up as a young queer woman, my constitutional rights have been tossed in the air since I was young. When in the face of fear, it is incredibly easy to submit to depression. I am an optimistic person by nature, but after pushing my feelings down into the recesses of my mind for so long my hope started to crack. In this period of deep self-loathing, I thought the world would be better off without me. Leaving earth felt like it was the only way to relieve myself of all this pain; until art saved me. Drawing my emotions finally burst open the jar of feelings I had tucked away. I was inspired by the artists I saw online and art I saw hang on museum walls. I was so lucky to have teachers who encouraged my passion for art and allowed me to explore every medium and every style. Artistic expression empowered me to speak up for social justice and allowed me the voice to explain my darkest feelings. My passion is art; it is my blood, my oxygen, and my spine to hold me up-right. As the newest generation grows, we will overcome challenges and face new problems every day. Instead of falling to depression, as difficult as that may be, we must empower our youth to fight for their causes and express themselves fully. I want to be the role model so many incredible artists and teachers were to me. Being an art teacher means I can encourage the youth's artistic self-expression to allow them to tell their stories and empower them to create a better tomorrow. My parents instilled in me a strong sense of community, giving back by being heavily involved in community service, and expanding my world by showing me other countries. I was raised not to be a tourist but to immerse myself in respecting the culture, and to really embrace the differences of the people as a whole. Seeing so many countries has enriched the fabric of my creative mind and I think it has helped me develop and get in tune with my personal expression. Being exposed to so many different cultures has helped me to understand people better, be more tolerant and I get to explore the parts of me that are uniquely me. These experiences brought me to myself in all honesty. With art as my expression and outlet, I can still have moments of self-doubt, but I have experiences and tools that make me feel heard and seen. It paves the way to be a leader among my peers, finding opportunities to serve, share and teach. I want to share what I've learned through art, to young children especially. It has helped heal my dark times and can be a gift to others who also could use arts light.

Growing up as a young queer woman, my constitutional rights have been tossed in the air since I was young. When in the face of fear, it is incredibly easy to submit to depression. I am an incredibly optimistic person, but after pushing my feelings down into the recesses of my mind for so long my hope started to crack. In this period of deep self-loathing, I thought the world would be better off without me. Leaving earth felt like it was the only way to relieve myself of all this pain; until art saved me. Drawing my emotions finally burst open the jar of feelings I had tucked away. I was inspired by the artists I saw online and art I saw hang on museum walls. I was so lucky to have teachers who encouraged my passion for art and allowed me to explore every medium and every style. Artistic expression empowered me to speak up for social justice and allowed me the voice to explain my darkest feelings. My passion is art; it is my blood, my oxygen, and my spine to hold me up-right. As the newest generation grows, we will overcome challenges and face new problems every day. Instead of falling to depression, as difficult as that may be, we must empower our youth to fight for their causes and express themselves fully. I want to be the role model so many incredible artists and teachers were to me. Being an art teacher means I can encourage the youth's artistic self-expression to allow them to tell their stories and empower them to create a better tomorrow.