I’m a fan of the Wicked movie because it brings together everything I love in a story—emotion, imagination, powerful music, and characters who feel real and layered. What makes Wicked stand out to me is that it doesn’t just retell a familiar story; it transforms it. It takes a world most people think they already understand, like the land of Oz, and turns it into something deeper, more complicated, and more human. The relationship between Elphaba and Glinda is one of the biggest reasons I connected with the film. Their friendship is messy, emotional, and incredibly honest. It shows that two people can be complete opposites and still bring out the best in each other. Watching their bond grow, break, and ultimately remain meaningful hit me in a way a lot of movies don’t. It felt real—like friendships I’ve had, or ones I hope to have. Their story reminds me that people are rarely what they seem on the surface, and that kindness and empathy matter more than first impressions. Another reason I love Wicked is the message behind Elphaba’s journey. She’s someone who is judged, misunderstood, and pushed aside—yet she never stops fighting for what she believes is right. Her story shows the courage it takes to stand up for yourself and stay true to your values, even when it’s difficult. The movie makes you think about how the world treats people who are different, and how easy it is for the truth to get twisted when people are afraid of what they don’t understand. That message feels incredibly powerful and timeless. And of course, the music plays a huge role in why I’m a fan. Songs like Defying Gravity and For Good aren’t just catchy—they’re emotional, inspiring, and full of meaning. The way the film brings these songs to life visually makes them feel even more impactful. There are moments where the music and the storytelling come together so perfectly that it’s hard not to feel something. Ultimately, I’m a fan of the Wicked movie because it’s a story about friendship, identity, courage, and perspective. It reminds me to question what I think I know, to stand up for what matters, and to appreciate the people who shape who I am “for good.” It’s the kind of movie that lingers with you long after the credits roll—and that’s why it means so much to me.

One of my most meaningful memories as an AYSO referee came from a day that could have easily been disappointing—but instead turned into something unforgettable. I was scheduled to officiate a youth soccer match, and everything seemed normal until we realized one of the teams wasn’t coming. For a minute, the field grew quiet as the kids absorbed the news. You could see the disappointment in their eyes. They had been looking forward to this game all week, some of them talking excitedly during warm‑ups about their goals and positions. The idea of sending them home without playing just didn’t sit right with me. So instead, we came up with an idea: parents versus players. The moment we announced it, the kids lit up with pure joy. Their parents laughed nervously—reluctantly tying their shoes, stretching a little, joking about how long it had been since they last played. Suddenly the whole field felt alive again. The kids were buzzing with excitement, ready to prove something to the adults who usually stood on the sidelines cheering them on. Originally, I planned to just officiate, but the players begged me to join them to make the teams even. So I put down my whistle and stepped onto the field with them. I rotated in as their goalkeeper, diving, laughing, and sharing a moment that felt bigger than any official match I’d ever been part of. It wasn’t just fun—it was a reminder of why I love being involved in youth sports. The looks on their faces, the cheering from the sidelines, the shared laughter… it was all so genuine. That day taught me something important: sometimes the best moments come from the unexpected. Refereeing isn’t only about blowing a whistle or enforcing rules. It’s about creating positive memories, building community, and making kids feel seen and supported. As a referee, you learn to adapt, to stay calm under pressure, and to find solutions that keep the spirit of the game alive. That experience strengthened my leadership, my compassion, and my belief in the power of simple acts of kindness. Refereeing has helped shape my character in countless ways. It has made me more confident, more patient, and more understanding. It has taught me to be fair, to communicate clearly, and to treat everyone—players, parents, and coaches—with respect. Looking ahead, I hope to continue officiating for many years. I want to grow as a referee, take on more advanced games, and eventually mentor new officials the same way others guided me. Youth sports made a huge impact on my life, and I want to keep giving back in ways that make kids feel the joy, confidence, and belonging that soccer has brought to me.

My faith has always been a steady foundation in my life. Growing up in the church, I learned early that God isn’t just someone you turn to in difficult moments—He’s someone who guides you daily, shapes your character, and encourages you to become the best version of yourself. As I’ve gotten older, my relationship with God has become even more meaningful. My faith has helped me through challenges, shaped the values I live by, and influenced the way I view my future. There have been moments in my life when I felt uncertain, overwhelmed, or unsure of the next step. Whether it was balancing school with sports, navigating the responsibilities of becoming an Eagle Scout, or planning for college, my faith grounded me. Prayer gave me clarity, worship gave me peace, and the encouragement of my church community gave me confidence. Whenever I doubted myself, I remembered that God equips those who seek Him and that I wasn’t facing anything alone. Those reminders helped me stay focused and resilient through challenges that might have otherwise discouraged me. My faith also shaped my character. It taught me compassion, patience, humility, and the importance of treating people with kindness. It pushed me to volunteer, to serve others, and to see value in every person I encounter. Whether helping at church, assisting younger scouts, or supporting teammates, I’ve always tried to be someone who leads with integrity and lifts others up. I don’t think I would have developed those habits of service without the influence of my faith. As I look toward a future career in mechanical engineering, I believe my faith will continue to guide me. Engineering is a field that demands honesty, responsibility, and a commitment to making decisions that impact others’ safety and well‑being. My faith reminds me to lead with integrity, to work hard even when nobody is watching, and to treat the people I work with—with respect and empathy. It also encourages me to use my abilities for good, whether that means designing safer systems, contributing to sustainable technologies, or helping solve problems that affect communities. In the long run, I hope my faith helps me stay grounded in whatever success I achieve. I want to be a leader who serves others, a teammate who encourages, and an engineer who keeps people—not just numbers—in mind. My relationship with God has guided me this far, and I know it will continue to shape the way I work, lead, and make a positive impact in the world.

Giving back has always been an important part of my life. I grew up learning the value of service—whether through Boy Scouts, my church, or the teams I was part of in high school—and those experiences shaped how I try to help others today. As an Eagle Scout, I was taught that leadership is not about being in charge; it’s about serving and supporting the people around you. That mindset continues to influence the way I contribute to my community. Currently, I give back through several avenues. One of the biggest ways is through volunteering at my church, where I help with youth programs, community outreach events, and service projects. These opportunities allow me to support families, mentor younger kids, and contribute to a community that has supported me throughout my life. I’ve also continued volunteering through activities connected to Boy Scouts, helping with events, outdoor activities, and service opportunities for younger scouts. Being an Eagle Scout means leading by example, and I take pride in being someone younger scouts can look up to. Sports also taught me how to give back in a different way—through teamwork, encouragement, and being someone others can depend on. I try to carry that same spirit into everyday life by supporting classmates, being someone people can talk to, and helping others when they’re struggling. Giving back isn’t always about large projects; sometimes it’s simply about being present and willing to help wherever needed. Looking ahead, I plan to continue giving back through my future career in mechanical engineering. One of my biggest goals is to use engineering to create solutions that make life better, safer, or more efficient for others. Whether that means working in renewable energy, automotive innovation, or advanced manufacturing, I want my work to contribute to something meaningful. Engineering gives me the opportunity to solve real-world problems, and I hope to help design technologies that improve sustainability, reduce waste, or make transportation safer. With my business minor, I also hope to eventually step into leadership roles where I can influence positive change, mentor others, and help lead projects that benefit communities. I want to be someone who not only succeeds individually, but who lifts others up and helps create opportunities for people who may not have them otherwise. Ultimately, I believe giving back is something you carry with you, not something you do once. Whether through service, leadership, or innovation, I want to use my skills and values to make a meaningful difference in the world—one project, one community, and one act of service at a time.

My name is Dylan, and I am currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Business. My path has been shaped not only by my academic goals, but also by the experiences that taught me who I want to be—particularly my years playing sports, earning the rank of Eagle Scout, and volunteering through my church. These experiences all pushed me to grow in different ways, giving me a strong foundation of discipline, service, and leadership that I carry with me today. Sports played a major role throughout my high school years. Whether it was training, competing, or supporting my teammates, athletics taught me resilience, teamwork, and the importance of showing up consistently. Sports pushed me to work hard even when I was tired, to communicate clearly, and to keep going when challenges felt overwhelming. Those lessons translate directly into my engineering coursework, where persistence and problem-solving are essential every single day. One of the experiences I am most proud of is earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Reaching this level required years of dedication, leadership, and community service. Through Boy Scouts, I learned how to guide others, take responsibility, and put service first. My Eagle project taught me how to plan, organize volunteers, and complete a meaningful project from start to finish. That experience made me realize the impact a single person can have when they take initiative and commit to helping others. Scouting didn’t just teach me skills—it shaped my character and the values I want to carry forward in my career. My involvement in my church has also been an important part of my life. Volunteering there taught me compassion, patience, and what it means to support a community. Whether assisting with youth programs, events, or service projects, I saw firsthand how small acts of kindness can make a big difference. These experiences reinforced my desire to be someone who contributes positively wherever I go. Now, as an engineering student with a business minor, I hope to combine technical skills with the leadership and service-minded qualities I’ve developed through sports, Scouting, and church involvement. My goal is to work in an engineering field where I can design meaningful solutions, lead teams effectively, and continue serving others in new ways. This scholarship would greatly help me continue my education by reducing the financial pressures of tuition and school expenses. It would allow me to focus more fully on my academics, on gaining hands-on engineering experience, and on building the future I’ve been working toward. Most importantly, it would serve as a reminder that hard work and dedication are recognized and supported. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be considered.

From the time I was young, I was the type of person who couldn’t just accept that something worked—I needed to understand why it worked. Whether it was taking apart small engines, fixing things around the house, or sketching out ideas for improvements, I always felt pulled toward machines and the stories behind them. That natural curiosity is what led me to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Business. For me, engineering isn’t just a major; it’s a way of thinking, a way of approaching the world with the belief that every problem has a solution if you’re willing to look closely enough. As I’ve progressed through my education, engineering has become more than a childhood interest—it has become something I genuinely care about. I love the challenge of taking an abstract idea and turning it into something functional and meaningful. There’s a sense of purpose that comes from solving problems that affect people’s daily lives, and that purpose is what keeps me motivated even through difficult classes and long project nights. Mechanical engineering is demanding, but I’ve learned that the most meaningful things often are. My decision to pursue a business minor comes from a desire to do more than just design solutions. I want to understand the bigger picture—the people, the planning, and the decision‑making behind every successful engineering project. Business gives me tools to lead, collaborate, and communicate. It gives me the confidence to imagine myself not only as an engineer, but as someone who can guide teams, influence ideas, and maybe one day build something of my own. Looking toward the future, I hope to contribute to industries that are changing the world, whether through advanced manufacturing, automotive innovation, or sustainable technology. I want to work on projects that make life better, safer, and more efficient. Eventually, I hope to grow into leadership roles where I can support others, share what I’ve learned, and help shape the direction of new ideas. I also hope to combine my engineering background with my business training to one day start an engineering-focused venture or be part of a team that brings meaningful innovations to life. At my core, I am driven by the hope that the work I do can make a positive impact. This scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of my education but would also help me continue moving toward the future I envision—one where I can contribute, lead, and make a lasting difference through engineering.

My fascination with aviation ignited during my childhood, sparked by the inspiring examples of my two cousins who are pilots. Their careers weren't just professions; they were adventures, filled with thrilling stories of soaring through the skies and the breathtaking views from above. These narratives weren't just about the technical aspects of flying; they painted vivid pictures of the freedom and responsibility that come with navigating the vast expanse of the sky. Witnessing their passion firsthand fostered in me a deep-seated admiration for the skill, dedication, and courage required to master the art of flight. This early exposure laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong passion. Beyond the stories of my cousins, my interest in aviation was further fueled by an intense fascination with military aircraft. The sheer power and precision of these machines, their ability to execute complex maneuvers with effortless grace, captivated my imagination. I spent countless hours engrossed in books and documentaries, learning about the history and technology of different aircraft, from the graceful lines of a stealth fighter to the imposing presence of a strategic bomber. The sounds of these aircraft, the roar of powerful engines cutting through the air, were equally captivating, evoking a sense of awe and wonder. The visual spectacle of a squadron of fighter jets streaking across the sky, their polished metal gleaming under the sun, left an indelible mark on my psyche. This fascination deepened my appreciation for the dedication and skill of military pilots, who possess a unique blend of technical expertise and unwavering courage. My passion for aviation is not just a solitary pursuit; it’s deeply intertwined with my commitment to leadership and service. These qualities have been cultivated and honed throughout my life, manifesting in various aspects of my life. In the classroom, I actively participate in discussions, offering insights and encouraging collaboration among my peers. This active engagement demonstrates my commitment to both academic excellence and collaborative teamwork. My role as bowling team captain further exemplifies my leadership capabilities. This position required me to not only improve my skills but also to motivate and support my teammates. I fostered a sense of camaraderie and teamwork by encouraging open communication and celebrating both individual and collective successes. This experience provided valuable lessons in strategic planning, conflict resolution, and team building. My journey to becoming an Eagle Scout underscores my dedication to service and community engagement. The requirements for achieving this rank involved a significant commitment to personal growth and community service. The leadership roles I undertook within the troop, such as mentoring younger scouts and organizing community service projects, taught me the importance of collaboration, responsibility, and effective communication. I also found fulfillment in supporting my fellow scouts, helping them achieve their goals and build their confidence. My commitment to service extends beyond scouting, as I actively serve on the church production team and the elementary team. These roles involve supporting various events and programs that benefit the wider community, fostering a sense of responsibility and community engagement. This ongoing commitment demonstrates my dedication to serving others, contributing my skills, and giving back to those around me. In conclusion, my fascination with aviation, nurtured by my cousins and captivated by military aircraft, complements my leadership qualities and dedication to service. The discipline and teamwork required in aviation mirror the qualities I’ve cultivated through my scouting, bowling, and church involvement. I believe these combined experiences have uniquely prepared me for the challenges and responsibilities ahead, making me a well-rounded and dedicated individual, ready to take flight in life.

Title: Soaring Above the Divide: A Pilot's Journey Opening Scene: Two Wings, One Flight The opening scene unfolds in a slow, deliberate pace, mirroring the measured precision required for a successful takeoff. We begin with a close-up shot of a weathered, leather-bound pilot's logbook, its pages filled with meticulous entries—dates, flight times, weather conditions. A single, slightly smudged fingerprint rests on a page detailing a cross-country flight. The camera slowly pulls back, revealing the logbook resting on a worn wooden desk in a sparsely furnished room. The room is bathed in the soft, golden light of a late afternoon sun streaming through a window, casting long shadows across the floor. The camera then shifts to a split-screen. On the left, a chaotic yet vibrant scene unfolds within a bustling city airport. The sounds of roaring engines, hurried footsteps, and clipped announcements fill the air. A young boy, no older than seven, stands mesmerized, his nose pressed against the glass of an observation deck, eyes fixated on a gleaming passenger jet preparing for takeoff. His face, a mixture of awe and determination, is illuminated by the reflected light of the aircraft. This represents the parent whose life was characterized by dynamism and relentless movement, perhaps a frequent traveler. The energy is infectious, a constant state of motion. The right side of the screen contrasts sharply. We see a tranquil, rural landscape—a sun-drenched field, a small, single-engine airplane gently swaying in the breeze, tied down to a simple hangar. The same boy, a few years younger, is shown carefully building a model airplane, his brow furrowed in concentration, the setting sun casting a calm, serene light on his focused face. This reflects the life of the other parent, anchored in quiet stability and a slower pace of life. The scene exudes calm, a place of groundedness and steady growth. The split screen persists, interweaving moments from the boy's childhood. We witness snippets of shared joy—laughing together, building sandcastles on a beach, and moments of pure unadulterated happiness before the divorce. Then, the transition is made to the painful reality of the separation. We see the boy navigating airport terminals alone, caught between the different routines and expectations, the emotional toll of divided loyalties subtly conveyed through hesitant smiles and averted gazes. The logistical challenges of two separate homes, and two different sets of rules, become visible in hurried goodbyes and the quiet weight of unsaid words. Yet, amidst the turbulence of his parents' separation, the boy’s passion for aviation remains constant. He continues to build model planes, devouring aviation magazines, and spending hours at air shows. The split-screen slowly begins to converge, the initially distinct scenes slowly blurring at the edges as the boy grows older. The two different facets of his life – the dynamic and the stable – begin to overlap and influence each other. The scene culminates with the now-teenage boy diligently studying aviation textbooks, his face illuminated by the glow of a laptop screen displaying complex flight simulations. The split-screen fully merges, symbolizing the successful integration of these two contrasting parts of his life into a cohesive whole. The background features the image of a single, powerful jetliner, its silhouette sharply etched against a vibrant sunset, symbolizing his ultimate goal, his dream of taking to the skies, not as a mere passenger, but as a pilot. The scene ends with a close-up shot of the boy’s determined eyes, reflecting both the challenges overcome and the limitless potential that lies ahead. The camera fades to black, leaving the audience anticipating the journey to come.