A student’s success can be measured in a multitude of ways. Good grades, first in the family to head to college, athletics, or contributions to the community are all ways it can be quantified. Success can also be measured by overcoming adversity. No one fully escapes facing obstacles throughout their elementary, middle, and high school years, and my hurdle has been a lifelong one. I was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) as a young child, which resulted in Early Onset Scoliosis. Since the age of five, I have had eleven back surgeries involving rod lengthenings, magnetic growing rods, and most recently a spinal fusion with permanent rods installed to support my spine. I have been passionate about aviation my whole life. My dream was to become a commercial pilot. In 2021, I was fortunate to be awarded a scholarship from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association to take flight lessons. Unfortunately due to NF1 and the Federal Aviation Administration’s strict policies for passing and keeping a medical certificate to fly, I have realized that this path is a risky one, and the journey I envisioned for myself needed a new direction. In June I will graduate from Essex North Shore Agricultural School after studying Information Technology Services as my CTE. After high school, I plan to study Computer and Data Science in college and use my degree to follow my lifelong passion and pursue a career in the aviation industry. As a data scientist, my goal is to use my skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on the world. With the rapid growth of information technology and the increasing availability of data, there are many opportunities for data science in aviation. Data Science can be used to optimize flight routes and reduce fuel consumption, which can result in cost savings and reduce carbon emissions. Data science can be used to predict when maintenance is required, which can improve aircraft safety and reduce downtime. Data science can also be used to analyze customer preferences and feedback, which can help airlines personalize their services and improve the overall customer experience. It can be used to improve air traffic management and reduce delays, and finally, most importantly, it can improve safety by analyzing accident data to prevent accidents in the future. I have a deep love for the outdoors. I am an avid surf-casting fisherman and downhill skier. I am learning to accept my limitations, move forward, and remain positive. Ultimately, the most important measure of success is if an individual feels fulfilled, and satisfied with their life accomplishments. I have had a great deal of support along the way from my doctors, my family, and my teachers. With this scholarship to help pay for college, I will use those funds to pave the way for me to find new passions and ultimately find a way to pay the support I’ve received forward. Thank you for your consideration.

No one escapes facing obstacles throughout their elementary, middle, and high school years, and my hurdle has been a lifelong one. I was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) as a young child, which resulted in some learning differences and early-onset scoliosis. Since the age of five, I have had eleven back surgeries involving rod lengthenings, magnetic growing rods, and most recently a spinal fusion with permanent rods installed to support my spine. I will graduate from Essex Tech in June. My CTE, Information Technology Services, has provided me with hands-on experience that I believe will give me a head start when I head off to college. Technical high schools emphasize critical thinking and communication skills which are essential in college and beyond. I’ve also gained time management skills. I was often required to balance multiple projects and deadlines, which will also prepare me for the challenges ahead. I've been passionate about aviation my whole life. I wanted to be a pilot. Due to my NF1 and the FAA's strict policies for keeping a medical certificate to fly, I've realized that the journey I envisioned for myself needed a new direction. I plan to study Computer Science and pursue a career in the aviation industry. It's about accepting my limitations, moving forward, and remaining positive. I've had a lot of support along the way from my teachers, family and doctors. I'm a good candidate for the Harry D. Thomson Memorial Scholarship not only for my strong work ethic and my resilience but also for the respect I have shown toward my teachers and classmates. With this scholarship, I will use those funds to pave the way for me to find new passions and ultimately find a way to pay the support I’ve received forward. Thank you for your consideration.

A person can be a maverick by having a strong sense of individuality and independence, or by being willing to challenge the status quo. For me though, being a maverick means being persistent and being able to overcome difficulties and setbacks to achieve my goals. No one fully escapes facing obstacles throughout their elementary, middle and high school years, and my hurdle has been a lifelong one. For as long as I can remember I wanted to be just like everyone else. Even at five, I knew that I was different from most kids. My childhood was challenging. While today I never let it define me, my story would not be complete without mentioning my reality of being diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis (NF1). NF1 is a rare genetic disorder triggered by the mutation of a gene on chromosome 17. It can result in tumors that grow along the nervous system anywhere on or within the body. My diagnosis has resulted in some skin changes, a few neurofibromas, low muscle tone and early-onset scoliosis. Starting at age five, I have had eleven back surgeries involving rods to straighten my spine, magnetic growing rods, and most recently a spinal fusion at the end of my junior year of high school. There is no cure yet for NF1. Without a doubt, I have experienced countless physical, emotional and social obstacles. I believe I am a good candidate for Maverick Grill and Saloon Scholarship because I’ve learned to embrace the things I love; saltwater surf casting and skiing. I have gained confidence from my perseverance, and resilience through my willingness to take some risks. I have learned to have the courage to trust myself and overcome many of the physical limitations that have come with my diagnosis. For me, it’s about accepting these limitations, moving forward, and remaining positive. Ultimately, the most important measure of success and being a maverick is if an individual feels fulfilled, and satisfied with their life accomplishments and embraces being unique… no longer wishing to be like everyone else. I have had a great deal of support along the way from my doctors, my teachers, and my family. With a scholarship to help pay for college, I will use those funds to pave the way for me to find new passions and ultimately find a way to pay the support I’ve received forward. I am hoping to get more involved in NF1 organizations in the future. I want to help raise awareness and ultimately be a small part of someday finding a cure. Thank you for your consideration.

A student’s success can be measured in a multitude of ways. Good grades, first in the family to head to college, athletics, or contributions to the community are all ways it can be quantified. Success can also be measured by overcoming adversity. No one fully escapes facing obstacles throughout their elementary, middle, and high school years, and my hurdle has been a lifelong one. I was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 as a young child, which resulted in some learning differences and Early Onset Scoliosis. Since the age of five, I have had eleven back surgeries involving rod lengthenings, magnetic growing rods, and most recently a spinal fusion with permanent rods installed to support my spine. Life’s journey with a disability like Neurofibromatosis can be challenging. Without a doubt, I have experienced countless physical, emotional, and social obstacles. No two NF1 experiences are alike. I believe I am a good candidate for the Dylan’s Journey Memorial Scholarship because I’ve learned to embrace the things I love; saltwater surf casting and skiing. I have gained confidence from my perseverance, and resilience by just doing it. I have learned to have the courage to trust myself and overcome many of the physical limitations that have come with my diagnosis. I have been passionate about aviation my whole life. My dream was to become a commercial pilot. In 2021, I was fortunate to be awarded a scholarship from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association to take flight lessons. Unfortunately due to NF1 and the Federal Aviation Administration’s strict policies for passing and keeping a medical certificate to fly, I have realized that this path is a risky one. The journey I envisioned for myself needed a new direction. After graduating high school, I plan to study Data Science in college and use my degree to follow my lifelong passion and pursue a career in the aviation industry. For me, it's about accepting my limitations, moving forward, and remaining positive. Ultimately, the most important measure of success is if an individual feels fulfilled, and satisfied with their life accomplishments. I have had a great deal of support along the way from my doctors, my teachers, and my family. With a scholarship to help pay for college, I will use those funds to pave the way for me to find new passions and ultimately find a way to pay the support I’ve received forward. Thank you for your consideration.