My name is Ella Estes, and I am a high school senior at Savannah High School in Savannah, Missouri. I plan to attend Graceland University to pursue a degree in secondary education with an emphasis in special education, and I am also interested in becoming a school counselor. My passion for education and student support has been shaped significantly by my own lifelong experiences with mental illness and by supporting those closest to me through their own health challenges. Mental illness has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Around the age of five, I began experiencing anxiety and emotional challenges that I did not yet have the words to explain. As I grew older, those struggles evolved and became more complex, following me through elementary school, middle school, and into high school. Mental illness has shaped not only my educational journey, but also my understanding of myself, my family, and the world around me. Throughout high school, my mental health challenges significantly affected my daily life. There were periods when anxiety and depression made it difficult to attend school consistently, focus in class, or feel rested despite long hours of sleep. Many of these struggles were invisible to others, which often made them harder to navigate. At times, I felt frustrated and misunderstood when my effort did not match my performance. Over time, I have learned that mental illness is not something that can simply be overcome through willpower, it requires care, patience, and understanding. Mental illness has also affected my family deeply. In addition to supporting me, my family faced another major challenge when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. During that time, I stepped into a supportive role for my younger sisters, offering reassurance, stability, and encouragement when things felt uncertain. That experience taught me the importance of emotional support, strength, and compassion during difficult seasons. It showed me how health challenges, both physical and mental, impact entire families, not just individuals. One phrase my mom has always said to me is, “It’s hard to see the purpose through the pain.” For a long time, I struggled to understand what purpose my mental health challenges could possibly serve. Through counseling, medical care, and school-based accommodations, I’ve learned to advocate for myself and ask for help when I need it. Gradually, I began to see that my experiences have given me empathy, patience, and awareness that I may not have gained otherwise. I now understand that while pain is never something to wish for, it can be used for good. As I look toward my future in education, I know these experiences will shape the kind of educator and counselor I hope to become. Having lived with mental health challenges from a young age, I am especially aware that students often carry silent struggles into the classroom. I want to be an educator who notices, listens, and creates a safe and supportive environment where students feel understood and valued. The skills I have gained; resilience, advocacy, and compassion, will allow me to support students both academically and emotionally. The Elizabeth Schalk Memorial Scholarship honors the reality of living with mental illness and the strength it takes to keep moving forward. Receiving this scholarship would not only help me pursue my educational goals, but also affirm that my experiences have value and purpose. I hope to honor Elizabeth Schalk’s legacy by continuing to advocate for mental health awareness and by supporting students and families through their own challenges, just as I have been supported throughout my life.

Finding Strength in Vulnerability: How Sabrina Carpenter Helped Me See Myself From the moment I first saw Sabrina Carpenter as Maya Hart on Girl Meets World, I felt something click. Maya was bold, funny, and unapologetically herself. But underneath all that, she carried pain, confusion, and a deep longing to be understood. As someone who has struggled with my own mental health, I saw pieces of myself in her: the sarcastic humor that hides anxiety, the strength that sometimes feels like survival, and the hope that better days are coming. Sabrina’s portrayal of Maya helped me feel seen during a time when I didn’t even know how to talk about what I was going through. But it didn’t stop with Maya. As Sabrina grew beyond her Disney Channel years, I followed her journey closely, and what struck me most was how real she remained. Whether it’s in interviews, social media posts, or lyrics from songs like Please Please Please and Feather, Sabrina doesn’t pretend to be perfect. She owns her emotions, speaks up about her struggles, and somehow makes it okay to not have it all figured out. That message has meant everything to me. There have been times when I’ve felt overwhelmed by anxiety, self-doubt, and the pressure to meet expectations, especially in school. It’s hard to balance everything when your mind is already carrying so much. But Sabrina’s music has been a safe space for me. Her songs are more than catchy tunes; they’re reminders that emotions are valid, that healing isn’t linear, and that softness and strength can exist at the same time. I watched Sabrina evolve. She tries new things, pushes past labels, and stays true to herself. She inspires me to do the same in my own life. I’ve started being more open about my mental health, seeking help when I need it, and letting go of the shame I used to carry. I’m learning that asking for help isn’t weakness, it’s courage. Sabrina’s example helped me realize that being vulnerable doesn’t make me broken; it makes me human. This scholarship isn’t just about funding my education, it’s about honoring the artist who helped me keep going. Sabrina Carpenter’s journey has reminded me that growth can come from pain, that joy is still possible even on hard days, and that we’re all capable of evolving into stronger, more authentic versions of ourselves. I’m still learning, still healing, but because of Sabrina’s influence, I know I’m not alone. And that has made all the difference. Ella Estes

From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. For me, teaching is not simply a profession; it is a calling to serve, inspire, and create opportunities for every student to succeed. My passion for education has always been tied to my desire to work with children who have disabilities and special needs. I believe every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and capable of achieving their goals, no matter the challenges they face. I have been fortunate to serve in my community and school in ways that have strengthened this calling. For the past several years, I have volunteered at my church in a classroom designed for children with developmental and physical disabilities. My role included assisting with adaptive activities, encouraging participation, and providing one-on-one support when a child needed extra help. These moments were not only about helping them complete an activity; they were about building their confidence and showing them that their contributions matter. Watching a child’s face light up after accomplishing something they once thought was impossible reaffirmed my belief in the power of encouragement and patience. In high school I have served as a peer mentor for younger students who needed extra academic support. Many of these students had learning differences that made school a challenging environment. I learned quickly that academic success begins with emotional connection. By creating a safe and trusting space, I could help them focus on learning without fear of judgment or failure. Over time, I saw their skills improve, but even more importantly, I saw their self-esteem grow. Serving others has taught me that small acts of kindness and understanding can make an immeasurable difference in someone’s life. These experiences have shaped the kind of teacher I want to be—someone who meets each student where they are, adapts to their needs, and celebrates their progress no matter how small. I want my future classroom to be a place where every student feels they belong. Beyond academics, I hope my future students will gain the confidence to advocate for themselves and the resilience to keep trying when things get hard. I want them to see that their value is not defined by grades or test scores, but by their character, determination, and unique abilities. My goal is to equip them not only with knowledge but also with the skills to navigate life’s challenges, collaborate with others, and believe in their potential. I am also committed to fostering an inclusive environment that educates all students about empathy, respect, and diversity. Students without disabilities can learn so much from their peers who face challenges, and I believe these lessons are just as important as academic ones. By encouraging understanding and compassion, I hope to help create a generation that sees differences not as barriers, but as strengths. Pursuing a degree in education is the next step in turning my passion into a lifelong career. This scholarship would help me continue my journey toward becoming the kind of teacher who changes lives. I know that teaching will require patience, creativity, and dedication, but I also know the impact a teacher can have is worth every effort. My dream is simple but powerful: to stand in front of my classroom one day and know that each student feels supported, challenged, and inspired. If I can give my students the tools to believe in themselves and the courage to reach for their dreams, then I will have succeeded not only as a teacher, but as a servant leader in my community.