Hello, my name is Dane Johnston. Since I was a young child I have been infatuated with the field of Geology, specifically Paleontology. As most children are at the age of four, I was obsessed with dinosaurs. However, I never grew out of it and don't plan to. Life on Earth has always been alluring to me, like most, I have always wondered how life came to be and what steps it took to get here today. Every trip to a state park or every drive on the side of a mountain even in the vast plains of northeastern Colorado I have wondered what kind of fossils lay beneath the strata. In my pursuit of Geology, my goal is to acquire knowledge about our planet and help educate the world about this giant rock that we know so much yet so little about.

LeBron James is not just a phenomenal basketball player; he embodies the spirit of perseverance, leadership, and social responsibility. His journey from a young boy in Akron, Ohio, to a global icon has inspired millions, illustrating the power of dedication and the importance of using one’s platform for the greater good. From the outset, LeBron's athletic talent was evident. As a high school phenom at St. Vincent-St. Mary, he captured the attention of sports fans and analysts alike, leading his team to three state championships and earning national accolades. However, his success is not solely defined by his on-court achievements. LeBron has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to hard work and excellence, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in professional basketball. His accolades—including four NBA championships and four MVP awards—reflect not just his skill but also his relentless drive to improve. Yet, it is LeBron's impact off the court that truly sets him apart. He has recognized the importance of using his influence to advocate for social change. Through the LeBron James Family Foundation, he has dedicated himself to improving educational opportunities for at-risk youth. The opening of the “I PROMISE School” in Akron is a testament to his commitment. This innovative public school provides resources and support to children and families, emphasizing the value of education as a pathway to success. LeBron's belief that every child deserves a chance to succeed speaks volumes about his character and dedication to community empowerment. Moreover, LeBron has not shied away from addressing critical social issues. He has used his platform to speak out against racial injustice, police brutality, and inequality. By encouraging his peers and fans to engage in meaningful dialogue and action, he has inspired a movement among athletes to stand up for their beliefs. LeBron’s activism reminds us that sports can transcend entertainment, becoming a catalyst for social change. In conclusion, LeBron James is a beacon of hope and inspiration for many. His athletic prowess is matched by his commitment to community service and social justice. He teaches us that success is not just about personal achievement; it is also about lifting others as we climb. As I pursue my educational goals, I aim to emulate LeBron’s values of hard work, leadership, and social responsibility, striving to make a positive impact in my community and beyond. This scholarship will not only support my educational journey but also empower me to carry forward LeBron’s legacy of service and advocacy.

Hello, My name is Dane Johnston, I am a high school Senior at Weldon Valley High School in Weldona, CO graduating 2025. I am currently doing some college coursework and plan to major in Geology after I graduate to pursue a career in Vertebrate Paleontology. STEM has always been an interest to me. For as long as I can remember I was passionate about learning about prehistoric organisms, specifically dinosaurs. I had every piece of dinosaur paraphernalia one could think of the original "Jurassic Park" trilogy, toys, Lego, etc. It was pretty clear to me what I wanted to be when I grew up. To get an idea for how long STEM has been of interest to me it became clear to me what I wanted to do for a living at the age of 3. My favorite pieces of dinosaur paraphernalia were the books. I had a massive collection of Dinosaur encyclopedias and they were an integral part of my life. I was always excited to learn a new fact about Dinosaurs, I was even more excited to share this new fact with my peers. However, I was never met with the same enthusiasm. More often than not I was ridiculed, "dinosaurs are for babies" was a very common remark. So, I buried this passion deep down and decided to drop the "egghead" persona. From the time that I was in 3rd grade to 11th grade I denounced school and especially higher education. I thought that after I graduated I would simply join the workforce and eventually start a business. I had absolutely no plan to get there though. I let my grades slip quite a bit as well. My freshman year I allowed missing assignments to pile up and was completely fine with letting my grades fall below a 75%. I usually had a few As in relatively easy classes, I earned mostly Bs, but there is that one C every semester from my Freshman year to my Sophomore year that will always glare at me on my transcript. My Junior year is when everything turned around. My Junior year is when I read Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton, when I read the final page in that book and shut it, a switch was flipped. I knew what I wanted to be again, it was clear to me once again as clear as it was to me when I was young. After that my semester GPAs saw a sharp increase from 3.3s and 3.4s to 4.0s and even 4.1s. I was more determined than ever to fulfil my childhood dream. I began learning more than I ever had, my coursework was getting in on time and I had made a true "academic comeback." Even though in all honesty I was pretty consistently not in a position to "come back." Now, in my senior year, my course load is 57% college courses and I am completely focused on doing whatever it takes to make my childhood dreams possible. My family's current financial situation is a little tricky. We are just coming out of a rough time in the history of our family and have little money saved up. My mother was unemployed for over 2 years and she suffered severe mental and physical tolls as a result. My father made very little money at his original job and he was the only source of income until about June when my mother was able to take up a job. My father has recently taken a new job and our current total household income is between $100k-$140k. Thank you, Dane Johnston