The night before Thanksgiving, I was in downtown Atlanta working at Atlanta Mission, a homeless shelter, with members of Silence the Shame’s Youth Advisory Council. We helped prep food in the kitchen, served hot meals to guests, and cleaned up afterward. It was a long night, the kind that sticks with you. That night, is etched in my memory forever because of the simple act of shared humanity. That night wouldn’t have happened without a chain of events. Back in October 2022, the day after my 15th birthday, I got an email from my Chinese teacher. She sent emails to our class all the time, often random stuff, so I glanced at it but didn’t think much of it. Turns out this one was about fully funded study abroad opportunities from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. My mom, however, read the same email and saw an opportunity for me. At the time, I wasn’t exactly jumping at the idea of going abroad. I thought it sounded overwhelming and honestly a bit scary. I didn’t think someone like me would get picked. But my mom reminded me how far I’d already come. I’d been through competitive programs before, like A Better Chance (ABC) in elementary school, which led me to a great middle school where I first started studying Chinese. And I’d worked hard to get into Innovation Academy, my district’s first STEM-based public high school. That process involved a video, an essay, and even a one on one interview with the principal. With her encouragement, I decided to apply. As expected, it required a lot from essays, a video submission, multiple interviews, but I gave it everything I had. And somehow, I got in. That following summer, I traveled to Brazil with 27 other high school students from all over the country. We started off in Washington, D.C., flew to Rio de Janeiro, and then spent most of our time in Salvador, Bahia. For a week and a half, we stayed with a host family, attended schools, museums, gardens, and local tribes to immerse ourselves in the Brazilian culture and communities. At the end of the program, we returned to Rio and presented community service projects to the U.S Embassy inspired by what we’d learned abroad. My project focused on teen mental health, something I care deeply about because of my own personal experiences. When I got back to Georgia, I reached out to Silence the Shame, a nonprofit that works to end the stigma around mental health. I joined their Youth Advisory Council, where I’ve helped with organizing events, creating content, and speaking out on these issues. The Thanksgiving event at Atlanta Mission was the first time I really saw my efforts come full circle. It was more than volunteering; it was being part of something bigger. The people we served weren’t just getting a meal, but were being seen and treated with much-needed care. And for many of them, it might’ve been the only time that week someone asked how they were doing and truly meant it. My experiences with Brazil, Silence the Shame, Atlanta's Mission have transformed how I view community service. It's not just about meeting immediate needs, but recognizing our shared humanity and building connections that serve and lift everyone up. As I move forward with my education and community work, I carry this lesson with me, determined to make meaningful changes wherever I go in life. Because although all service looks different in every part of the world, it always starts the same way—by simply showing up.

Growing up across different parts of Fulton County, Georgia, I’ve had a variety of educational experiences that have shaped my academic journey and future aspirations. From traditional public schools to specialized charter and STEM-based schools, I’ve witnessed firsthand how different educational approaches impact student learning—and how meaningful, engaging opportunities can change the trajectory of a student’s life. I began my education at Renaissance Elementary, a traditional public school where I made friends and was considered a bright student. But even as a young learner, something about the school environment didn’t quite fit. Everything changed when I transferred to Chattahoochee Hills Charter School. This unique “nature school” took an unconventional approach to education, blending core academic subjects with outdoor activities, art, agriculture, and environmental studies. We went on hikes, learned outside, and immersed ourselves in the world around us. It was hands-on, meaningful, and deeply engaging. Looking back, that was the first time I felt myself flourish in an academic setting. However, it was back to square one when I moved and enrolled at Ridgeview Charter Middle School, which operated more like a traditional public school. The engaging curriculum I had grown to love was gone, and because of it I began to struggle. My grades dipped, and just as I was trying to adjust, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. I completed the last semester of 7th grade and entirety of 8th grade virtually. The isolation and uncertainty during that time led to a decline in my mental health. Depression and anxiety hit me hard, and school felt more like a burden than an opportunity. Thankfully, with support, I made it through, but it was far from easy. High school marked a turning point. I was accepted into the first public STEM high school in Fulton County named Innovation Academy. This school was different from your ordinary public school. It required an application, video, and interview just to be considered. Out of hundreds of applicants, I was one of the first 350 freshmen selected to attend its inaugural year. The school was designed around three career pathways: engineering, healthcare, and information technology. I originally planned to follow the engineering path, inspired by YouTubers, but I ultimately chose the IT pathway specifically the cybersecurity route. That decision changed everything. At Innovation Academy, I found a community of driven students and teachers with a curriculum that was project-based, career-oriented, and hands-on. For the first time in years, it felt exciting to learn again. we often did real-world cybersecurity projects/concepts that inspired my career goals. And now, as a senior, I’m proud to say I’ve been accepted into Columbus State University’s Cybersecurity Nexus Program—a rigorous, one-year program designed to prepare students to enter the workforce in a rapidly growing and needy field. From nature walks to cybersecurity labs, my journey has shown me the power of innovative, hands-on education. To improve Georgia’s educational system, I believe we need to expand access to these types of programs. More schools should adopt STEM and experiential learning models, especially in underrepresented and underserved areas. Why? Because STEM is the future. If I had the opportunity to implement these changes, I would push for the development of more STEM-focused magnet and charter schools, integrate outdoor and environmental learning in early education, and partner with local businesses/sponsors to provide students with real-world project experiences. Education should be more than memorization. It should be an inspiration. And I feel like I'm living proof that when students are engaged in meaningful, relevant ways, they can thrive. I hope to create more of these opportunities for students across Georgia in the near future.

My name is Deshaun Wilson, and I am an 18-year-old student athlete who has learned to balance the rigor of sports, academics, and a wide variety of interests throughout my life. As a dual-enrolled senior at Innovation Academy, one of Georgia’s top public STEM high schools, I currently take courses at Columbus State University while continuing to train and serve as a youth umpire for the Alpharetta Baseball Youth Association (AYBA). This experience as both an athlete and official has shaped my character and my long-term goals in ways I never expected. Baseball has always been a central part of my life. Whether it was watching Atlanta Braves games, competing in travel tournaments, or exploring baseball museums across the country, my love for the game has only deepened over time. It’s more than a sport to me. It's a way of life that has instilled discipline, resilience, and patience. One of the most humbling lessons came in my sophomore year when I suffered my first ever pitching injury that required physical therapy. The time spent in rehab, missing class, and falling behind academically was tough on me both mentally and emotionally. I vividly remember an AP Seminar presentation I felt unprepared for and embarrassed about. That moment was a wake-up call. I knew if I wanted to succeed as a student athlete, I had to commit myself more fully, both on the field and in the classroom. Since then, I’ve taken serious steps to stay balanced. I’ve improved my time management, found new study habits, and leaned into every opportunity to grow stronger through adversity. Today, I’m proud to be completing my senior year while managing a full college-level course load, training for baseball, and umpiring younger athletes. Umpiring has been an unexpected yet transformative experience. Standing behind the plate has taught me how to lead under pressure, make tough calls with confidence, and handle criticism with grace, skills that will serve me well in any career path I choose. As I move onto the next chapter of my life, I plan to major in Cybersecurity at Columbus State University. While I may not play on the college baseball team, I hope to stay connected to the sport by managing for the team or pursuing advanced umpiring opportunities. I believe that my journey as a student athlete has prepared me to handle the demands of a transformative and competitive field like cybersecurity while staying rooted to my love for baseball. Outside of sports and academics, I’m a writer at heart. My mom and I co-own a children’s book company, Hello Legendary Press, where we promote self-care and wellness activities. I also write sports commentary on my blog through Medium.com, blending my love for writing with my passion for athletics. In the summer of 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Brazil with 27 other high school students from across the U.S, an experience that opened my eyes to new cultures and perspectives. Additionally, I regularly volunteer with Silence the Shame, a nonprofit organization focused on mental health awareness, because I believe in advocating for emotional wellness in all communities. I strive to embody the spirit of the Anthony Bruder Memorial Scholarship by dedicating myself to excellence in academics, sports, and just overall life. My experiences as a student athlete have not only shaped who I am, but also clarified who I want to become. A leader who’s resilient, versatile, and passionate about making a difference within their community.

When I moved from Southern Georgia to Sandy Springs in middle school, I expected to struggle with the transition. I’ve always been quiet and reserved, and I assumed I wouldn’t make many friends. But to my surprise, I adapted well and quickly found a group of friends despite my shy nature. Things seemed to be looking up—until the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. At first, remote learning felt like a break from the usual routine. No more classrooms or crowded hallways—it was an immature middle schooler’s dream come true. But as 8th grade began and lockdowns intensified, the days started to blur together. My routine became painfully repetitive: attend Microsoft Teams classes, watch YouTube between lessons, finish assignments, and play Rocket League until bedtime. It felt like I was stuck in a loop, isolated and drifting further away from everything that made me human. My mom worked at Grady Hospital during that time, so returning to in-person school wasn’t an option. While my friends reconnected and experienced the joy of middle school milestones, I remained trapped behind four walls, watching life pass me by. I became withdrawn, anxious, and overwhelmed. As a result, assignments piled up. I skipped class meetings. My grades plummeted. I lost my appetite and would often go days eating no more than a single meal. I watched as my mental health deteriorated, but I didn’t know how to ask for help. I didn’t know how to explain what I was feeling. Then came the day that changed it all. My mom sat me down to talk about my grades, assuming the pandemic had made me lazy. But instead of arguing, I broke down into tears. Through sobs and sniffles, I told her the truth, “The pandemic’s been so hard, I can’t hang out with my friends, I can barely leave the house. I feel sad because I am. I feel alone because I am. I feel like I have no one to talk to because I don’t. I feel like I don’t want to live anymore because I don't.” That moment of honesty, though painful, was the first step toward healing. Understanding what I was going through, my mom re-enrolled me in therapy and began taking time off to support me. Through therapy, I learned how to open up, manage my emotions, and rebuild my self-esteem. That experience taught me how important it is to talk about what we’re going through—and how dangerous it can be to bottle it up. Since then, I’ve committed myself to not only improving my own mental health but also supporting others. For the past two years, I’ve served on the Youth Advisory Council for Silence the Shame, a mental health organization that educates and empowers communities across Georgia. I’ve helped plan events, spread awareness, and connect with students like me who’ve battled with mental health challenges. Now in high school, I’ve moved even further north to Alpharetta and am a full-time dual enrollment student at Columbus State University. Even though I don’t have to go to school in person every day, I choose to, because I’ve learned how vital human connection is. I’ve even taken on roles like youth umpiring that require strong communication and leadership, something I once would’ve shied away from. From this experience, I’ve learned to never bottle up emotions. I’ve learned that healing isn’t linear, and it’s okay to fall, as long as you get back up. But most importantly, I’ve learned that mental wellness isn’t a destination, it’s a lifelong journey. And I’m proud to be walking that path, stronger and more self-aware than ever before.

My name is Deshaun Wilson, an 18-year-old high school senior aspiring to work in cybersecurity, however, working as a youth league umpire in Alpharetta, Georgia. Before umpiring, I worked at a farmers market but quickly realized it wasn’t for me. That changed when I discovered that the Alpharetta Youth Baseball Association (AYBA), where I play baseball, was hiring teenage umpires. As a lifelong baseball fan and player, I decided to step into officiating—a path I never expected. I had always dreamed of working in sports but never imagined the thrill and fulfillment umpiring would bring. My favorite umpiring moment came during the Fall 2024 8U Coach Pitch Championship Game. While I enjoy calling balls and strikes in kid-pitch games, coach-pitch games are my favorite. The constant action keeps the energy high, and this championship game was no exception. It was a back-and-forth contest, with both teams giving everything they had. Entering the final half-inning, the home team was down two runs. After a few hits and one run scored, the game reached a pivotal moment. With runners on first and second, the batter hit a grounder to the second baseman, who flipped it to the shortstop for a force out. I made the call—out! Suddenly, the runner from second turned and sprinted home. I quickly moved to clear a throwing lane as the shortstop fired to the catcher. The throw was on target, the tag was applied, and my fellow umpire at home plate made the game-ending call—out! The away team erupted in celebration, having won on a dramatic final play. As we walked off the field for the last time that season, I thought, “This is why we love baseball.” Umpiring has given me a new appreciation for the game and the officials who make split-second decisions under pressure. The speed of the game is incredible, and while umpires at higher levels face scrutiny, they get most calls right because they are the best in the business. Beyond the excitement, umpiring has shaped my character. It has strengthened my confidence, decision-making, communication skills, and ability to stay composed under pressure. Making close calls in front of passionate coaches, players, and parents has taught me to stand by my decisions and communicate effectively. It has also instilled a sense of responsibility and leadership that will benefit me in both academics and my future career. As I head to college, my umpiring journey isn’t over. I plan to attend one of Major League Baseball’s free Umpire Camps, held at Minor League and MLB stadiums. My goal is to earn a spot in an all-expenses-paid development camp, which could open doors to officiating at a higher level. While my focus will be on cybersecurity studies, I hope to continue umpiring, whether as a side profession or a long-term career. Umpiring has deepened my love for baseball and prepared me for the future in ways I never expected. Whether on the field making tough calls or in life making critical decisions, the skills I’ve gained will always be with me.

My name is Deshaun Wilson, and I am an 18-year-old high school senior preparing for an exciting chapter of my life at Columbus State University. I currently attend Innovation Academy, a public STEM high school in Georgia that has allowed me to explore my passion for technology and more importantly cybersecurity. Through rigorous coursework and hands-on experiences, I’ve received the Security+ cybersecurity certification which has built a strong foundation in the field. Now, I am eager to take the next step in my career by pursuing a two-year cyber Nexus degree at Columbus State University. This specialized program will provide me with the skills and certifications I need to enter the workforce quickly and begin making a meaningful impact in the cybersecurity industry which is more important than ever in a world full of hackers and malicious cybercriminals. Beyond my academic interests, I am deeply engaged in my community and strive to balance my pursuits with meaningful activities. Baseball has been a significant part of my life, teaching me discipline, teamwork, and perseverance—qualities that extend beyond the field. To share my love for the game, I work as a youth umpire, helping the next generation of baseball players and having fun while doing it. I also have a creative side, which I channel through writing. Writing allows me to express myself and explore ideas in ways that complement my technical studies and interests. Whether it’s decompressing by writing, writing sports journalism blogs on Medium, or writing an essay for an English class, I’ve always found myself deeply rooted to writing. This passion ultimately led to the co-founding of Hello Legendary Press, a children’s book company I started with my mom. Through our books, we aim to inspire young readers by creating stories that promote healthy habits such as self-care, eating vegetables, and exploring new hobbies. I also volunteer for a mental health institution named Silence the Shame where their mission is to promote and educate mental health practices to all. I’ve been involved in their social media initiatives, mental health panels, and even their secondary volunteer opportunities such as volunteering for homeless shelters on thanksgiving. Receiving the Anthony B. Davis Scholarship would be a huge opportunity for me. Financially, it would alleviate some of the burdens associated with higher education, enabling me to focus more on my studies and less on the costs. This support would allow me to dedicate myself to excelling in my coursework and pursuing internships or other opportunities that align with my career goals. More importantly, this scholarship would be an investment into my future. It would empower me to continue my journey in cybersecurity, where I hope to make meaningful contributions by protecting organizations and individuals from evolving cyber threats. It would also support my broader mission of inspiring others through my varied interests and pursuits, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, it is possible to excel in multiple areas and make a positive impact. In everything I do, from cybersecurity to baseball to children’s literature to mental health advocacy, my goal is to inspire and protect people in positive ways. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship and appreciate your consideration. Thank you for believing in students like me and for providing the support that helps us achieve our dreams.

Hank Aaron, most known for being a legendary baseball player but also a civil rights advocate, has inspired me not only as an athlete but as an African American who broke barriers in his time. As someone who grew up in Atlanta, it was impossible not to recognize him as a local hero. And as a baseball player myself, I find his journey deeply personal and motivating, not only because of his remarkable achievements on the field but also for his transformative impact and humility off it. Hank Aaron’s story is one of triumph over adversity. Born into poverty in Mobile, Alabama, during the peak of segregation and the Jim Crow era, he faced overwhelming challenges from an early age. Despite these obstacles, he developed an extraordinary talent for baseball and pursued his dreams with determination. Although his journey to Major League Baseball began after Jackie Robinson had broken baseball’s color barrier, it was anything but smooth. Yet, he never allowed racial discrimination to diminish him and instead let his performance on the field do the talking. He went on to break Babe Ruth’s home run record in 1974, one of the most prolific achievements in all of sports and African-American history. He achieved this milestone while enduring relentless racism and death threats. This courage and resilience remind me that perseverance and focus can overcome even the hardest challenges. As a young baseball player who grew up watching the Atlanta Braves, I look up to Hank Aaron’s commitment to excellence. He didn’t just play the game—he mastered it through consistency, leaving a legacy that redefined greatness. His 755 career home runs, a record that stood for decades, spoke to his skill and dedication. Yet, his greatness extends far beyond statistics. Aaron’s ability to maintain composure and professionalism is a lesson in integrity that I strive to embody both on and off the field. Living in Atlanta, a city deeply connected to Hank Aaron’s legacy, I often feel the echoes of his contributions. From the Hank Aaron Terrace at Truist Park to stories shared by fans who witnessed his greatness, his impact resonates across the city. Being part of this community adds a personal dimension to my admiration for him. It feels as though his story is intertwined with my own journey, pushing me to aim higher and remain steadfast in the face of challenges. However, Hank Aaron’s impact wasn’t confined to baseball. Off the field, he used his platform to advocate for civil rights and support underserved communities across Atlanta. Through his philanthropic efforts, such as the Chasing the Dream Foundation, he provided resources and opportunities for young people to pursue their aspirations. His dedication to giving back reminds me of the importance of using whatever influence or privilege I have to uplift others. Reading The Last Hero: A Life of Henry Aaron by Howard Bryant further deepened my admiration. The biography highlights Hank Aaron’s life after baseball and his commitment to empowering minorities. The author, Howard Bryant, captures his character so vividly that readers feel as though they’ve known him personally. All in all, Hank Aaron’s life symbolizes resilience, humility, consistency, and excellence. He inspires me to dream big, work hard, and give back, no matter what. As I navigate my own path as an athlete and a member of my community, he serves as a role model, reminding me of the power of determination and the lasting impact of integrity.

Throughout my whole life I've been fortunate enough to be surrounded by adequate STEM education. From an early age, these experiences enabled my curiosity, developed my skills, and inspired me to pursue a STEM major, specifically in cybersecurity—a path influenced by my uncle and stepdad, whose insights inspired my career choice. Early on, in elementary school, I attended a charter school that promoted STEM education. We were exposed to chrome books and worked on projects to address nature's biggest challenges. Using TinkerCad's 3D software, we created shelter designs for farm animals, with each class nominating a design that would be narrowed down to one for the whole grade. This experience taught us how technology can change the world. As I transitioned into middle school, my interest in technology gained momentum when we received personal devices to explore. We used these for projects aimed at solving global problems, including an Earth Science project where we created animations on various topics. This experience elevated my understanding of technology's potential to make a significant difference. Currently, I attend Innovation Academy (IA), the first public STEM school in my county. Encouraged by my middle school counselor, I was accepted into the inaugural class graduating in 2021. IA offers a unique two-year cybersecurity course—one of the few in the county. Here, I've gained hands-on experience breaking down computers, simulating cyber-attacks, and designing network and security systems. Looking to the future, I plan to continue my studies in cybersecurity at Columbus State University. Their two-year Nexus degree offers a direct path into the cyber industry, allowing me to quickly transition into a professional role where I can make a difference. The program's emphasis on computer science skills and real-world applications will help me tackle challenges in our technology-driven world. Being in the STEM field isn't about advancing my career but rather advancing the world. I hope my contributions to cybersecurity can protect individuals, businesses, and systems in a world corrupted by unethical hacking. By combining the knowledge I've learned with skills from Columbus State, I aim to fortify the digital world and protect critical infrastructure from emerging cyber threats. I'm excited about the opportunities ahead and eager to make a meaningful impact in the cybersecurity field.