For most of my life, I sensed that something was off, even though I couldn’t explain what it was. I watched classmates complete assignments quickly while I struggled to keep track of deadlines, directions, and details. I could pour myself into a project with full energy one day, then feel overwhelmed and scatterbrained the next. For years, I brushed it off as just being “disorganized” or “too busy,” but deep down, I knew there was more to it. It wasn’t until about a year ago that I was officially diagnosed with ADHD and given an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Finally having an answer was both a relief and a turning point. It explained so many of the frustrations I’d carried quietly for years, while also giving me tools to start moving forward with confidence. One of the hardest challenges has been learning how to manage focus and time. With ADHD, my brain often wants to chase five ideas at once, and it’s easy to get caught up in details or distracted before I finish what I start. In the past, this left me feeling like I was always a step behind, even when I was working as hard as I could. My IEP gave me practical strategies—breaking assignments into smaller steps, using planners and reminders, and building in structure that helps me succeed. But the real change came from learning to advocate for myself and realizing that asking for help is not a weakness. It’s a skill. This self-awareness has shaped the way I approach leadership and service. At the Backside Learning Center, where I tutor children whose first language is Spanish, I bring patience and empathy because I understand what it feels like to struggle in ways that aren’t always visible. Running my own photography business has forced me to manage time and deadlines carefully, balancing schoolwork with client responsibilities. Volunteering with the Kentucky Humane Society and leading clubs at school has taught me how to turn my energy and creativity into action instead of letting it scatter. What motivates me to continue my education is knowing that my diagnosis doesn’t define my future—it equips me for it. ADHD has taught me resilience, adaptability, and empathy, qualities that I will carry with me into college and beyond. I plan to study international relations and pursue study abroad opportunities, because I believe building bridges across cultures matters in today’s world. Just as I’ve learned to create community in my own school and city, I want to do the same globally. My challenges have shaped me, but they also fuel my determination to learn, to grow, and to make a difference.

When I think about my favorite outdoor experience, my mind goes straight to the summer I worked at Camp Hi Ho. For nine weeks, I spent more than thirty hours a week leading activities for kids ages four to eight. We spent our days exploring nature trails, making art projects, and playing games that encouraged teamwork and curiosity. My favorite moments weren’t the big ones—they were the little things, like encouraging a camper to climb just a little higher on the ropes course or watching their faces light up when they created something with their own hands. Camp taught me that being outside isn’t just about fun; it’s about discovery and happiness. Every day ended with dirt on my shoes, paint on my shirt, and a feeling that I got to be part of something important. I was tired, but I always found myself thinking, just one more day, just one more game, just one more chance to help a child have a care free summer. That same mindset carried into another passion of mine: photography. What started as a class project turned into a business where I take photos for my fellow classmates, families and events. Running a business as a teenager isn’t easy—it means staying up late to edit pictures, meeting with clients in between homework, and learning how to market myself. There were definitely times when it felt overwhelming, but I kept reminding myself to push through: just one more photo to edit, just one more email to send. One of my favorite pictures I’ve ever taken is of my grandparents. I called it Enduring Love (see attached file), and it reminds me why I love capturing moments that last. Both camp and photography mean so much to me because they combine two things I care about: creating connections and making memories. Whether it’s a child’s smile after a day outside or a family holding onto a photo I took, I know I’ve been part of something meaningful. I also really connect with Jake’s story because he loved photography, too. I admire how he wasn’t afraid to put his creativity out into the world and even turn it into a business at such a young age. That takes courage. I like to think that my own photography journey, and my determination to stick with it even when it’s hard, honors the same passion Jake had. Reading about the way he lived his life—always wanting “just one more”—inspires me to live that way too. Whether I’m outdoors with kids at camp, behind a camera, or exploring new opportunities in college, I want to live with that same spirit of not holding back. Jake Stover’s story resonates with me because he, too, lived with that spirit of “just one more.” His love of the outdoors, his creativity, and his drive to turn passions into something lasting remind me of the qualities I hope to embody. This scholarship isn’t just about funding an education—it’s about honoring a legacy of curiosity, determination, and joy. For me, the outdoors and entrepreneurship are not just activities; they are reflections of who I am and who I want to become. They remind me to keep pushing forward, to keep creating, and to always find the strength to go “just one more.”

My name is Emma Reck, and I am a senior at Assumption High School with aspirations to pursue a career in federal public service. My interest in this path comes from a lifelong commitment to helping others, advocating for justice, and building safe and inclusive communities. Public service demands discipline, empathy, and resilience, and these are values I have been developing through both my academic and community work. Service has always been central to who I am. For the past four years, I have fostered pregnant cats and their kittens for the Kentucky Humane Society, providing them with a safe and loving environment until they were ready for adoption. This work taught me responsibility, patience, and the importance of following through even when the tasks were demanding. Beyond animals, my passion for people has shaped much of my service. Volunteering at the Backside Learning Center, I tutor children of racetrack workers, many of whom speak Spanish as their first language. Because of my fluency, I am able to connect with them on a deeper level, bridging cultural gaps and building trust. Weekly tutoring sessions involve not only homework help but also games, crafts, and conversations, which allow the children to feel seen and valued. This work has given me a profound understanding of how small, consistent efforts can change lives. My service extends into other parts of the Louisville community as well. Through Eastern Area Community Ministries, I organized food pantries; with Louisville Outreach for the Unsheltered, I prepared and delivered meals to unhoused individuals; and at the Cabbage Patch Settlement House, I mentored children through art projects and conversation. Each of these experiences reinforced my belief that justice begins with compassion and that creating safer, stronger communities requires attention to both systemic issues and individual needs. Leadership has also been a consistent theme in my life. I have taken on leadership roles in several clubs, including Humane Action Team, Student Y Club, and Green Dot, each focused on advocacy and service. At the Kentucky Youth Assembly, I sponsored a bill to make chicken fighting a Class D felony. After presenting and debating its merits, our bill successfully passed both the House and Senate, and I defended it before the Lieutenant Governor. This experience sharpened my skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and advocacy—skills that I know will be essential in any public service career. In Green Dot, I participated in training to address bullying, sexual assault, and violence prevention, even attending a summit organized by the U.S. Secret Service on preventing trafficking. These experiences deepened my awareness of the challenges facing our communities and the responsibility of leaders to act with courage. My long-term goal is to serve in a federal agency such as the Department of Justice or Homeland Security. Whether working as a federal agent or in another position related to criminal justice, I want to build on my skills in language, leadership, and service to ensure safety and fairness for others. I believe my combination of compassion, cultural awareness, and determination will allow me to make a positive impact on a broader scale. This scholarship would help me pursue higher education without carrying the heavy financial burden alone. It would allow me to focus on preparing for a career in which my dedication to justice, inclusivity, and service can make a real difference. Public service is more than a career path for me—it is a calling to strengthen communities and protect those who are most vulnerable.