Caregiving for my grandfather has been a challenging yet rewarding experience that has shaped me in ways I never imagined. After losing my grandmother to Brain Cancer, my grandfather, a former teacher and wrestling coach, went through a period of emotional turmoil. Not only did he have to deal with the grief of losing his lifelong partner, but he also faced financial struggles due to mounting medical bills and a recent diagnosis of diabetes. Seeing him struggle to cope with these challenges was difficult for my siblings and me, but we knew we had to step up and provide him with the care and support he needed. As a former wrestling coach, my grandfather had always been a strong, resilient, and independent person. It was hard to see him in a vulnerable state, unable to take care of himself as he used to. However, my siblings and I were determined to help him in any way we could. We took care of the yard, helped with chores around the house, made sure he took his medications on time, and provided emotional support by spending time with him watching wrestling matches. We even asked him to coach us as we wrestled, giving him a sense of purpose and bringing back some of the joy he had lost after my grandmother's passing. One of the most profound moments of caregiving for me was when my grandfather shared with us stories of his days coaching the Bergen Catholic Wrestling program in the 70s. He spoke passionately about how he had turned the program into a powerhouse, instilling discipline, dedication, and teamwork in his students. Hearing these stories made me realize just how much of an impact he had made on the lives of his students and how much he had sacrificed for the sport he loved. It made me appreciate even more the person he was and the strength he had shown throughout his life. Caregiving for my grandfather has not only strengthened my bond with him, but has also influenced my life, goals, and who I am today. It has taught me the importance of compassion, empathy, and selflessness. It has shown me the value of family and the power of love and support in times of crisis. It has inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare, where I can continue to help and care for others in need. Most importantly, it has made me a better person, more understanding, patient, and appreciative of the people around me. Receiving this scholarship would be a tremendous help for me in achieving my academic goals and pursuing my future plans. As a high school student, I am constantly faced with the challenge of balancing my studies with caregiving responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and part-time work to support my family. This scholarship would provide me with the financial assistance I need to focus on my education, alleviate some of the financial burdens on my family, and allow me to continue pursuing my dreams without having to worry about the costs of tuition, books, and other expenses. In conclusion, caregiving for my grandfather has been a transformative experience that has shaped me in profound ways. It has taught me valuable life lessons, strengthened my bonds with my family, and inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare. Receiving this scholarship would be a stepping stone towards achieving my academic goals and making a difference in the lives of others.

Wrestling has always been a big part of my life, particularly when things have not been going well. Being a Junior at Bergen Catholic High School, wrestling has been my means of dealing with the hardships that my family has faced financially. Growing up, I was taught that if I wanted something, I would have to work for it, and I have been doing just that. It hasn't been easy. At Bergen Catholic, I was surrounded by a group of students from rich families, and many of them seemed to have everything handed to them. My family never had much money. They always worked hard just to get by, with my mom working four jobs while raising four children, and still money was tight. We never had the choice of taking things for granted, and I knew from an early age that every decision I made impacted my family’s finances. I watched my parents sacrifice their needs to provide for us, and it was clear that I would have to earn for myself if I wanted anything extra. I have been a wrestler all my life. Wrestling showed me that things don’t come easily. Each practice was a battle and each match a mission. I had to push myself to the limit, but that’s what I liked about it. Wrestling taught me that the only option was to keep showing up and giving my best, even when it felt like everything was going against me. The only two things that truly mattered were my work ethic and my will to keep going. Wrestling instilled in me the sense of being in charge of my life and that no matter what went awry, it wasn’t really over. Wrestling not only strengthened me physically, but it also educated me on how to survive in life. I knew how to navigate through the school system, with wrestling, and everything in life. It wasn’t an easy life, but interacting with others taught me a natural lesson of never quitting. There were times I felt like the underdog, but I pushed myself to run for class president. I wanted to prove that I was more of a role model than most. Wrestling kept me grounded. It taught me that I could do anything with determination. My future goal is to start a wrestling club with my siblings—three brothers and one sister. We want to expose young people not only to wrestling but also to how to deal with hard situations that life throws at us. We want them to realize that wrestling is not just about winning but about learning how to push through tough times and grind through adversity. We want them to understand that regardless of the situation, there will always be a reason to keep trying to improve, both on and off the mat. Through wrestling, I've also learned the importance of giving back. Whether it’s helping those in need, assisting a friend, or helping bring justice to families through cold case work, I want to educate others that wrestling is not about personal victory—it’s about elevating others while you rise. Looking back, wrestling has gotten me through some of the roughest times of my life, including the financial hardships my family faced. I've learned how much work goes into things and the strength in not quitting even when times get tough. Through my passion for wrestling and my commitment to giving back, I hope to encourage others to overcome their own challenges and become successful—not just on the mat, but in life.

The relationship between law enforcement and the African American community has been a significant issue in the United States for many years. Tensions have risen due to incidents of police violence, racial profiling, and a lack of trust in the criminal justice system. In order to eradicate racial tensions, police officers should make a conscious effort to immerse themselves in the community. Because trust has already been diminished, there needs to be a new relationship that promotes a more trusting atmosphere. There needs to be better training where the police are able to handle matters a bit more delicately with all people of the community, alike. With better training and a more even keel approach to handling matters, police might think twice about the actions they take. A great example of this comes from teaching. My mom, a high school English teacher, has maintained excellent, trustful relationships with all of her students in a very diverse community. She is a very popular teacher and there isn't a time that I visit her that her students are not singing her praises. Her most important motto is, "Reach before you teach." It is important to foster relationships with her students and understands that all people are not the same. Everyone needs something different. She realized early on, that fostering relationships and getting to know the community in which she was serving was crucial to success. Police officers should immerse themselves in the community getting to know who they are serving. This is important because when you get to know people and the culture of the community, you will be more apt to seeing things through their eyes. At times, this helps in determining how to address unity and building a more meaningful connection to the African American community. Accountability also plays a vital role in rebuilding trust. African Americans often feel that police officers are not held accountable for their actions, especially in cases of excessive force or misconduct. Law enforcement agencies need to hold their officers responsible for any inappropriate behavior. Just as in teaching, the authority figure is not allowed to use force or any kind of inappropriate behavior in the classroom. The same type of methods should apply to police unless they deem the situation appropriate. Holding officers responsible for their actions can help restore faith in the system and show the public that law enforcement is committed to fairness and justice.

Cancer alters lives. It may strike hard, but it may also quietly hide in the shadows. My nana was diagnosed with a glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. I was a kid when she was diagnosed and I recall how afraid we all were. She underwent two surgeries, but the tumor came back twice. We lost her at the age of 55. I did not fully understand how severe her sickness was, but I felt the grief it caused our family. Her illness affected us in so many ways. My mom was really devastated by the loss. I saw how much she yearned for her mom's love and guidance, especially because she had two young children at the time. It affected the way we went about our daily lives because I knew my mom was in pain, but hiding it from my brother and I. I could see my mom's sorrow, and it defined our bond. Losing my nana taught me how cancer can change family dynamics and how difficult the mourning process is. I didn't fully grasp how different life was without her. I never had a chance to sit with my grandmother or listen to her stories. I frequently find myself wishing that I could sit down and question her about her life—what she dreamed and how it was to watch her health deteriorate. I wonder about the wisdom I missed out on from her and it depresses me. Her battle against cancer has encouraged me in some sense towards my ambitions. I am interested in healthcare, particularly oncology. I would like to assist combat this illness that claimed her life too early. Her experience has ignited a fire within me. I knew that I needed to live my life to its fullest and push through adversity when I encounter it. She never complained about her illness and tried to calm all of us down when she was truly at her worst. The chemo treatments took her more than the cancer did and I wish I could have told her to try alternative medicine and a natural way of handling it. Every time I think about the things I'll never get to talk to her about, it motivates me to continue the fight. I hope others won't have to go through the same loss that I did, but if they do, there is support. To end the story on a more positive note, my parents had four children in total and my younger sister was born on my nana's birthday. My mother said it is like living with her mother all over again....my sister is quite bossy, but she means well.

One of my favorite local community events is the Saint Patrick's Day Parade, an event that brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate the joy and spirit of the holiday. What stands out the most about this parade is how it unites people, regardless of their background or beliefs. It’s a celebration where diverse cultures come together with one common goal—to enjoy the day with family, friends, and neighbors, leaving behind the usual stresses of life. What makes the Saint Patrick's Day Parade particularly meaningful is the atmosphere of inclusivity and positivity that fills the streets. People from various ethnicities and nationalities participate, sharing their own unique traditions, music, and food, yet there is no sense of division or animosity. The event fosters a rare and beautiful sense of community. It’s not just about celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day—it's about celebrating the richness of our differences while finding common ground. It’s incredible to witness people of all races, religions, and political views simply coming together to enjoy each other's company without any tension. This sense of unity is what makes the event so special to me. It feels like an escape from the often divisive climate in today's world. Instead of focusing on the negatives, everyone puts their differences aside to embrace something as simple as a parade, where happiness, love, and positivity are the main goals. Families smile, laughter fills the air, and children’s faces light up at the colorful floats and performances. It’s a reminder that we can all coexist peacefully, celebrating life’s joys without the weight of personal or political grievances. In terms of positive changes, I hope that this sense of unity and mutual respect that the parade brings can ripple out into other areas of our community. If people can come together to celebrate something as simple as a parade, I believe we can apply that same energy to other aspects of life. I would love to see more community-led initiatives where people focus on collaboration, kindness, and empathy, rather than division. The parade shows that when we celebrate one another's differences, we can foster an environment where everyone feels welcomed, appreciated, and loved. Ultimately, the Saint Patrick's Day Parade is more than just an event—it’s a manifestation of what can happen when we all come together to spread positivity. If this spirit of inclusivity and joy can extend beyond the parade and into our everyday lives, I believe it would make our community a much stronger and happier place to live.

Wrestling has always been a big part of my life, particularly during periods of difficulty. As a Junior at Bergen Catholic High School, wrestling has always been my way of dealing with the challenges my family has faced, especially financially. Growing up, I learned that if I wanted anything, I had to work hard for it, and wrestling gave me the drive to keep pushing. At Bergen Catholic, I was surrounded by a group of students from privileged backgrounds, many of whom seemed to have everything effortlessly handed to them. My family didn’t have much. They always worked hard to make ends meet, sometimes working four jobs, but even with their tireless efforts, there were times when money was tight. We didn’t have the luxury of taking things for granted, and I knew from an early age that every decision I made had a direct impact on my family’s financial situation. I watched my parents sacrifice their own needs to provide for us, and it was clear that if I wanted the opportunities I desired, I had to earn them. That included getting a good education, which I knew would require hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Wrestling showed me that nothing comes easy. Every practice was a battle and every match was a mission. I had to push myself to the limit, but that’s what I loved about it. Wrestling taught me that the only way to get better was to keep showing up and giving my best, even when it felt like things were against me. All that mattered was my work ethic and my grit. Wrestling brought me a feeling of having control over my life and that no matter what went wrong I had to handle it. Having put in the effort at wrestling since I was five years old, it became clear to me that it was not just making me stronger at at the sport, but it was teaching me life lessons. I learned how to function through the school setting, with wrestling, and all of life. It wasn't always an easy life, but having to cope with other people did teach me an instinctual lesson in never quitting, at least no matter what the result. Now, one of my biggest goals is to open a wrestling club with my siblings—three brothers and a sister. We all love wrestling and hope to demonstrate to young people not just what wrestling is and how to wrestle, but also how to deal with those hard situations that life throws at us. We have an ambition to show them that wrestling is not just about winning, but is also about working out how to overcome adversity and push through when things get tough. We want to show them, no matter what, there is always a reason to keep on trying to get better, inside the ring and outside it. Looking back, wrestling has helped me get through some of the hardest times in my life, especially with the financial struggles my family faced. I've learned how much work there is, the strength in refusing to give up even in difficult situations. The things I have learned on the mat have stuck with me, and now I wish to share these things with others. I have learned through wrestling the power of facing adversity and am passionate about working to empower others to face their own adversity and achieve success. And, because of consistently being a humble and compassionate person, I have earned a spot as Class President and have more respect for being a loyal and true person.

As a current Sophomore at Bergen Catholic High School, I have had many opportunities to reflect on my past actions, my current situation, and my future plans. With that said, I realize that the essence of life is making sure that you are a good human being. I was raised to be someone who is cognizant of the shortcomings of other people. For example, if I see anyone begging for food or clothing, I make sure that I am a person who does not ignore the needs of the unfortunate. Additionally, I go out of my way for anyone who needs me whether they simply need a favor, a listening ear, or rational advice, I make myself available. I believe these attributes are what also makes a good mentor. I was taught to be a good person and to ensure that my fellow humans are taken care of, if it is within my ability to do so. My mother and I typically clean out closets and ask others for any extra clothing, supplies or food they may have for students who are at a disadvantage. My mother, a high school teacher, brings many of these items to the less fortunate students in her school. When she tells me the reactions and gratitude that her students illustrate as a result, I feel overwhelmed with joy, as I know I had a hand in helping humanity. She also runs The Cold Case Club at the high school, seeking justice for victims and their families. I am on this team and we explore all avenues and questions surrounding missing children, adults and cold cases. I enjoy being a part of something big and sending a message that even though I haven’t experienced it firsthand, it still matters and should. We are familiar with struggling. My parents fight every day to give us a great education by working a total of four jobs between them. It has not been easy, but somehow they push themselves very hard to give their children what they need. I used to get upset that my parents couldn't afford anything. I used to believe that we were poor. As a child I didn't understand that we were very rich. We were rich in heart. We went everywhere together. When our car door opened, six people would confidently exit. Don't get me wrong, my siblings and I were typically arguing or pushing one another out, but it was all done with love. My parents told us that they would do whatever it took to give us the best education. As a result, we attended public school during our youth and private school for our secondary schools. I remember my mother writing letters to the schools urging that we might not be rich on paper and that shouldn't prevent her children from attending good schools. She gave everything she could. Here I am now trying to get as much money as I can to attend school. With my older brother in college, I still see my parents struggling and do not foresee an end in sight since I have three other siblings; the youngest is seven. I will appreciate any scholarships awarded to me because I am grateful to have anything that God puts in my path. I know how to work hard for something and that is what I plan to do. Whether I go to college and seek a degree in Business or Law Enforcement or anything that He brings to the table, I will embrace everything that my family built to make it happen.

As a current Sophomore at Bergen Catholic High School, I have had many opportunities to reflect on my past actions, my current situation, and my future plans. With that said, I realize that the essence of life is making sure that you are a good human being. I was raised to be someone who is cognizant of the shortcomings of other people. For example, if I see anyone begging for food or clothing, I make sure that I am a person who does not ignore the needs of the unfortunate. Additionally, I go out of my way for anyone who needs me whether they simply need a favor, a listening ear, or rational advice, I make myself available. I believe these attributes are what also makes a good mentor. I was taught to be a good person and to ensure that my fellow humans are taken care of, if it is within my ability to do so. My mother and I typically clean out closets and ask others for any extra clothing, supplies or food they may have for students who are at a disadvantage. My mother, a high school teacher, brings many of these items to the less fortunate students in her school. When she tells me the reactions and gratitude that her students illustrate as a result, I feel overwhelmed with joy, as I know I had a hand in helping humanity. She also runs The Cold Case Club at the high school, seeking justice for victims and their families. I am on this team and we explore all avenues and questions surrounding missing children, adults and cold cases. I enjoy being a part of something big and sending a message that even though I haven’t experienced it firsthand, it still matters and should. We are familiar with struggling. My parents fight every day to give us a great education by working a total of four jobs between them. It has not been easy, but somehow they push themselves very hard to give their children what they need. I used to get upset that my parents couldn't afford anything. I used to believe that we were poor. As a child didn't understand that we were very rich. We were rich in heart. We went everywhere together. When our car door opened, six people would confidently exit. Don't get me wrong, my siblings and I were typically arguing or pushing one another out, but it was all done with love. My parents told us that they would do whatever it took to give us the best education. As a result, we attended public school during our youth and private school for our secondary schools. I remember my mother writing letters to the schools urging that we might not be rich on paper and that shouldn't prevent her children from attending good schools. She gave everything she could. Here I am now trying to get as much money as I can to attend school. With my older brother in college, I still see my parents struggling and do not foresee an end in sight since I have three other siblings; the youngest is seven. I will appreciate any scholarships awarded to me because I am grateful to have anything that God puts in my path. I know how to work hard for something and that is what I plan to do. Whether I go to college and seek a degree in Business or Law Enforcement or anything that He brings to the table, I will embrace everything that my family built to make it happen.