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Dasha Melamed

705

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

Hi! My name is Dasha Melamed and I am an upcoming freshman in college. Throughout high school I maintained a 4.5 GPA alongside being apart of six clubs. I was a member of my school’s student council, National Honors, Society, Mauldin National Honors Society, Beta Club, Youth in Government, Spanish National Honors Society, and DECA. I love all things outdoors and animals. I have been riding horses for twelve years. I event and do the jumpers! I also love going to the gym and going on runs. I played soccer all throughout middle school and high school as a forward and midfield! My dream is to go to law school and become a corporate lawyer. I am very extroverted and love meeting new people. I can't wait for college!

Education

Mauldin High School

High School
2020 - 2023

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Majors of interest:

    • Law
    • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
    • Finance and Financial Management Services
    • Criminal Justice and Corrections, General
    • Business/Corporate Communications
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Law Practice

    • Dream career goals:

      To be a lawyer

    • Hostess

      Volcano Korean Hot Pot and Barbeque
      2023 – Present1 year
    • I made smoothies, acai bowls, sandwiches, and salads

      Clean Juice
      2022 – 20231 year
    • I made smoothies and sandwiches!

      Tropical Smoothie
      2022 – 2022

    Sports

    Equestrian

    Club
    2010 – Present14 years

    Soccer

    Varsity
    2018 – 20235 years

    Awards

    • Player of the year

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Wild Hedge Stables — I feed the horses, muck stalls, turn horses in and out, and take blankets on and off horses, and teach horseback riding lessons
      2020 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Spanish National Honors Society — I help teach kids Spanish, do crafts, and play games
      2023 – 2024
    • Volunteering

      National Honors Society — I donated 32 cans and packaged foods to the Ronald McDonald house
      2024 – 2024

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Politics

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Team USA Fan Scholarship
    My favorite athlete to cheer on for Team USA is equestrian, Boyd Martin. I first sat on a horse's back when I was seven. Since then, I couldn't imagine my life without horses or the sport. My admiration for Boyd Martin is deeply rooted in my experiences as an equestrian. Having ridden horses since childhood, I have always looked up to Boyd as a role model. His dedication, skill, passion, and love for his horses and the sport are truly inspiring, and his journey in the equestrian world exemplifies the qualities of a true champion. Numerous achievements and a relentless pursuit of excellence mark Boyd Martin's career. His ability to connect with his horses and bring out their best performances is a testament to his exceptional talent and hard work. Martin is a four-time Olympian. He has experience in the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Games, the Tokyo 2020 Games, and the Paris 2024 Games. Martin has trained various horses from racehorses to baby horses up to the Olympic level. Watching him compete, I am always struck by his grace under pressure and unwavering commitment to the sport. Martin's success is not just a result of his natural ability, but also his dedication to continuous improvement and his deep understanding of horses. In 2021, Annie Goodwin, an extremely talented rider and one of Martin's students passed away from a riding accident. Annie Goodwin owned Fedarman B, or "Bruno" and brought him to the 4* level. After Goodwin's passing, her parents and fiancé asked Boyd to take on Bruno. It was always Goodwin's dream to make it to the Olympics with Bruno, and in Paris this year, Martin did just that. Boyd honored her memory by fulfilling her dream. This act of compassion and dedication highlights Boyd Martin's character and deep bonds that are formed within in the equestrian community. Boyd and Annie's story is a reminder that the sport is not just about individual achievements but also about the connections and shared dreams. In cheering for Boyd Martin, I am not just supporting a talented athlete, but also celebrating the values of perseverance, compassion, and community that he embodies. His journey and actions inspire me to strive for excellence in my own riding and to cherish the relationships I have formed through this incredible sport. Boyd Martin's legacy is one of greatness, both on and off the horse, and that is why he will always be my favorite athlete to cheer for on Team USA.
    S.O.P.H.I.E Scholarship
    Winner
    Community service is a quality I have embraced wholeheartedly through my active participation in my high school student council, the Spanish National Honors Society, Beta Club, and various volunteer initiatives. My dedication to helping and shaping my community for the better has helped carve a path of personal growth for me. I love helping others and giving back to my community and the people I share it with. As a member of my high school's student council, I have had the privilege of spearheading fundraisers for local charities. Over my years on council, we have raised over $300,000. In 2022, we raised $133,346 for Jasmine Road, which is a residential program for adult women survivors of human trafficking, prostitution, and addiction. In 2023 we raised $124,228 for Julie Valentine, which is an organization that provides free and confidential services to sexual assault and child abuse survivors. In 2024 we raised $130,041 for Battle Buddies, which provides veterans with PTSD a free service dog. The funds raised and donated helped provide essential services, support community projects, improve the lives of many, and reinforce the notion that collective efforts can lead to substantial positive change. My participation in Beta Club extended my service to the community by volunteering in various capacities. Whether it was cleaning up our local park, assisting at food banks, or helping at community centers, my actions contributed to the betterment of the community's environment. Over my three years in Beta Club, I have done over 60+ hours of community service. The time and effort my peers and I have dedicated to volunteering not only addresses immediate needs but also creates a ripped effect of kindness and civic engagement. In Spanish National Honors Society, I have volunteered around my school and community. On Fridays, we would go to elementary schools and teach Spanish to the after-school students. We used interactive approaches like games and crafts to make learning a fun and engaging experience for the children. In April, we spent a few afternoons cleaning the school to assist the custodians, and once a month, we were all assigned a specific date where we would come to school early in the mornings and tutor the kids in our high school struggling with their Spanish work. These endeavors enrich the community by promoting language skills and cultural understanding among young leaders. Finally, my passion for horses translates into community service as I teach lessons to children and volunteer at a horse farm. This unique contribution not only provides local youth with the opportunity to learn about horsemanship, but also instills in them values such as empathy, responsibility, and respect for animals and nature. Aside from teaching lessons, I feed the horses, clean and fill up their water troughs, and hold the horses for the vet, dentist, and farrier. The farm itself benefits from my volunteer work, ensuring the animals are well-cared for and the operations run smoothly. Each role I play and each hour I dedicate to these activities strengthens my community, making it a better place for everyone. I believe that my efforts demonstrate how your individuals can be agents of change, leading by example and inspiring others to contribute to the common good. I believe that if schools continue to offer these kinds of clubs, future generations of students will be involved in helping their communities. Schools could create mentorship programs that connect young people with experienced professionals to foster a culture of learning and personal development. These efforts could enhance the quality of life for current residents, while also laying down a strong foundation for future generations.
    Larry A. Montgomery Memorial Scholarship
    As I reflect on my experiences, one moment stands out where I demonstrated excellence in leadership, showcasing my abilities to motivate others. In my AP Macroeconomics class, we were assigned a group project where we were tasked with developing a marketing campaign for a makeshift business. We were assigned into groups chosen by the teacher. My team consisted of individuals with diverse personalities and skills, but we all desired to make the best marketing campaign we could and deliver an outstanding presentation. I feel that I have always been a natural leader, so I took the position of team leader. I recognize the importance of clear communication and collaboration. To start, I facilitated open discussions, making sure to listen carefully to each member's ideas and concerns. My main goal was to create an inclusive environment, encouraging everyone to contribute their ideas and perspectives. After we came up with a basis for our campaign, I assigned tasks based on individual strengths, ensuring that each person felt valued in the project's success. For example, if I felt someone was a strong speaker, I assigned them to the presentation role. Throughout the project, I maintained regular check-ins and provided constructive feedback when needed. I believe in leading with an empowerment approach rather than dictation. As a result, our group worked cohesively, leveraging our collective talents to produce our innovative marketing strategy. I believe that the impact of my leadership was vast. My group members felt confident in their assigned roles, and those who initially struggled with self-doubt gained confidence, recognizing their contributions were essential to the success of our project. The group's enthusiasm and collective motivation drove us to push past our initial goals. Our marketing campaign and presentation impressed our teacher and other classmates. I am so grateful that I got the position to lead my group. I feel that the experience demonstrated the power of effective leadership, showcasing how an inclusive and collaborative approach can bring out the best in individuals. By creating a positive environment that supports all the members of the group, my team was able to excel. This experience inspired me to lead with empathy, humility, and a commitment to empower others to reach their full potential. My plan for the future is to go to law school and become a lawyer. This project taught me skills that I know will be crucial whether it's for a project in college, law school, or working on a real case in a law firm. I am committed to being the best leader I can be in the future. I want to help those in need of justice for it. Eventually, I would love to become a managing partner at a firm. Although I know it will be very difficult work, I am determined to do it.
    TTOG Scholarship
    Throughout my years of high school, I am so grateful that I have been able to take such fascinating AP classes that have not only expanded my knowledge today but will help me to achieve higher education in the future. These rigorous courses have challenged me to think critically and manage my time effectively, which are skills essential to college and beyond. The diverse AP subjects I got to take have sparked my curiosity and allowed me to explore various academic interests, laying down a solid foundation for my future endeavors. I have taken various AP courses that have challenged and inspired me. I went to a charter school for my freshman year of high school that didn't offer AP classes, but as soon as I transferred to my current high school, I signed up for as many as I could. Since transferring to my current high school, I have taken AP Language, AP Psychology, AP US History, AP Biology, AP Macroeconomics, and AP Government. Each advanced course that I have taken has developed me into the student that I am today. AP Language taught me the importance of being diligent and persevering. Emphasis on effective communication has not only enhanced my writing and speaking skills but has also instilled in me the value of empathy and understanding others. Analyzing different writings and books has taught me to approach different viewpoints with kindness and respect, nurturing my ability to be considerate, hardworking, and open-minded. AP Psychology has encouraged me to be empathetic by learning and understanding the reasons behind people's actions, fostering a sense of kindness. Exploring the rich tapestry of the United State's past in AP US Government has not only provided me with a deep appreciation for the struggles and achievements of those who came before us but it's also shaped my character in great ways. AP Biology has certainly fostered kindness for me because I was taught to appreciate and understand every creature's role in the ecosystem. This gave me such appreciation for our world. AP Macroeconomics not only required a lot of focus to grasp challenging economic concepts, but it also taught me to look at the bigger picture of how our economy operates. I learned the impact of economic policies on individuals and communities of all brackets. Lastly, AP Government has opened my eyes to how the country is run and the importance of each person's role in democracy. Overall, each advanced course I have taken has taught me different material, but in the end, they all taught me patience, empathy, and how to be kind. In the early 2000's both my parents immigrated to America from Russia. They were both only allowed to bring a suitcase of their belongings and forty dollars in cash. My mother and father are the strongest and most hard-working people I know. They've instilled in me the values of hard work and resilience. Although my parents work very hard, college is still an expensive luxury that is necessary for me to achieve my higher education and career goals of being a family lawyer. My parents didn't get the benefit of being born in this country. They came here with close to nothing. They did everything they could to give my brother and I everything we needed, and I want to do everything I can to give that to others. Any amount of scholarship help is worth it and will help me make an impact on the world of law. I strive to make a difference and get justice for families and children who are struggling.
    Disney Channel Rewind Scholarship
    The best crossover episode would be between "Hannah Montana" and "Wizards of Waverly Place!" The title of this fascinating episode would be: "When Pop Meets Magic!" This episode will take place in New York City. Hannah Montana is set to perform in New York, and the Russo family from "Wizards of Waverly Place" just happened to win tickets to her concert. Excited to meet the pop sensation, Alex Russo devises a plan to meet Hannah in person, using her magic. On the day of the concert, Alex uses a spell to sneak backstage, but her spell messes up and she accidentally transports herself and Hannah to the Waverly Sub Station. There, Hannah is bewildered but is quickly charmed by the Russo family. Justin, a fan of order and rules, begins to devise a plan to send Hannah back in time before the concert begins. However, Max with his flirtatious personality, attempts to impress Hannah with his magic and wizard knowledge. Jerry and Theresa are thrilled to host a celebrity in their humble establishment. Amidst all of the chaos, Hannah's secret identity is nearly exposed when Harper, Alex's best friend and a huge Hannah Montana fan, walks into the Sub Station as Hannah is taking her wig off. Alex quickly escorts Harper out of the restaurant, promising to explain everything to her later. Once Harper leaves the restaurant, the Russos come together to perform a spell to teleport Hannah back to the concert venue in time. After many attempts, the spell doesn't work because the Wizarding Council put the Russo family on a 24-hour magic ban. After all, Alex's teleportation attempt was against the rules. Jerry and Theresa apologize to the council and beg for one more spell to get Hannah back to her concert, but the council turns them down. Hannah realizes she won't get back to the concert in time and feels like she let down her fans until Max comes in with an idea. He suggests having a concert at the Sub Station. It would allow a portion of Hannah's fans to still come see her, and it would bring in a lot of customers for the Sub Station. Hannah agrees and even invites Alex to perform one song with her. It ended up being a successful event. In the end, Hannah thanks the Russo family for their kindness and asks Alex to never try and teleport to her again. After some hugs and laughs, Hannah gives the family VIP tickets to her next concert and sets out to the airport to catch her flight back to California.