I am Ethan Winchell, a senior at Cumberland Academy in Tyler, Texas, where I have attended school since 8th grade. I am graduating early—I was originally supposed to graduate in 2027, but I wanted to begin my adult life sooner. To make that possible, I completed three college classes through TJC, took multiple online courses, and still leave school three class periods early each day. Before attending Cumberland, I went to Winona from Pre‑K through 7th grade. I am 18 years old and have worked since my freshman year of high school. I have held one main job at Braum’s, and I also work at a firework stand during the holidays. I am a former student and the grandson of Tebra Hopson. She was one of the greatest influences in my life because she helped raise me. She took me to school every day, and I ate lunch with her almost every day. I lived with her for more than half my life, and she played a major role in shaping me into the person I am today. I am truly grateful to have been able to call her my grandmother. If I am awarded this scholarship, I plan to use it to attend Texas Bible College in Lufkin, Texas. My goal is to earn my associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Theology and minor in Christian counseling , but more importantly, I want to study the Word of God on a deeper level than I ever have before. I hope to use what I learn to teach others how to walk with God, follow His will for their lives, and strengthen their relationship with Him, I also want to become a youth pastor cause I’ve always had many great role models that were youth pastors and teachers I’ve always felt called to the youth ministry’s, to teach kids how to have a relationship with god and to trust him in the waiting For my secular career, I hope to become either a firefighter or a police officer so I can help people in need and make a positive difference in my community. My family has always worked in the medical field, government, or the military, so I grew up surrounded by service‑oriented careers. I have completed four years of law enforcement classes, and I am CPR certified, FEMA certified, and hold a Level 2 security license after passing my IBC, which qualifies me to work in private security right out of high school. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship.