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Giovanni Bongiorno

1x

Finalist

Bio

I aspire to start a business and give back to the community. My short-term goal is to study business at Lackawanna College while continuing my athletic career playing soccer.

Education

Egg Harbor Township High School

High School
2022 - 2026

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Majors of interest:

    • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Business Supplies and Equipment

    • Dream career goals:

    • Driver

      Miss Sea Shore
      2023 – 20263 years

    Sports

    Soccer

    Varsity
    2022 – 20264 years

    Awards

    • All star 1'st team

    Research

    • Outdoor Education

      School — student
      2024 – 2025

    Arts

    • school

      Painting
      2023 – 2026

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      South Jersey Youth — mentor
      2023 – 2026

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Entrepreneurship

    Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship
    My educational and career goals have been deeply shaped by my father’s journey both as a veteran of the U.S. Army and as an entrepreneur who continues to serve others despite significant challenges. His life reflects resilience, leadership, and a commitment to something greater than himself, and those qualities have become the foundation for how I approach my own future. My dad served in the Army with dedication and pride, putting service before self and learning the value of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. His military experience did not end when he returned home; instead, it became a guiding force in how he lives his life. Although he is now a disabled veteran, he has never allowed his circumstances to define or limit him. Instead, he has transformed his experiences into a mission to continue serving others. After his military service, my father pursued his own entrepreneurial path. Watching him build and sustain his work has shown me that success is not just about financial gain, but about purpose and impact. As a business owner, he approaches challenges with determination and creativity, always finding ways to adapt and move forward. His example has inspired me to pursue a career in business with a focus on innovation, leadership, and meaningful contribution. I have learned that entrepreneurship is not just about starting something new it is about creating opportunities for others and making a difference in people’s lives. What inspires me most is his continued commitment to the veteran community. As a veteran's board president, he dedicates his time and energy to supporting other veterans, helping them access resources, navigate challenges, and feel a sense of belonging. Even while managing his own disabilities, he consistently puts others first. This has taught me the true meaning of service and the importance of giving back. It has also influenced my desire to incorporate community service into my own career, ensuring that whatever path I choose, I am helping others along the way. My father’s military service has also had a direct impact on my educational journey. Growing up in a household shaped by his experiences, I developed a strong sense of discipline and responsibility. I understand the importance of hard work, respect, and staying committed to my goals, even when faced with obstacles. There have been challenges as well watching him manage the effects of his service has not always been easy, but those experiences have given me perspective and motivation. They remind me not to take opportunities for granted and to make the most of the education I am fortunate to pursue. His resilience has become my motivation. Whenever I face difficulties in school or in planning my future, I think about everything he has overcome and continues to overcome. That perspective pushes me to stay focused, work harder, and aim higher. It also reinforces my belief that success is not measured by ease, but by perseverance and purpose. Looking ahead, I hope to carry forward the values my father has instilled in me. I want to build a career that reflects both ambition and service one that allows me to succeed professionally while also making a positive impact on my community. Inspired by his journey, I am committed to using my education not just for personal advancement, but as a tool to uplift others. His story is one of strength, sacrifice, and continued service. It's shaped who I am today and who I strive to become. Through his example, I have learned that no matter the challenges we face, we always have the ability to lead, to serve, and to make a difference.
    Future Green Leaders Scholarship
    Sustainability should no longer be viewed as an optional goal in business it is a fundamental responsibility. In today’s world, companies have a powerful influence on the environment through their operations, supply chains, and consumer reach. As a result, prioritizing sustainability in business is essential not only to protect natural resources, but also to ensure long term economic stability, ethical leadership, and social well-being. I am committed to becoming a business professional who actively contributes to reducing environmental impact by integrating sustainable practices into decision making and innovation. At its core, business is about creating value. However, traditional models have often focused on short term profit at the expense of long term environmental health. This approach is no longer viable. Climate change, resource depletion, and pollution are already affecting economies and communities worldwide. Businesses that fail to adapt risk financial loss, reputational damage, and regulatory consequences. On the other hand, companies that prioritize sustainability can drive innovation, build consumer trust, and create lasting value. Sustainable business practices such as reducing waste, improving energy efficiency, and sourcing materials responsibly are not only ethical choices, but also strategic advantages in an increasingly conscious global market. I see sustainability as an opportunity to redefine success in business. Rather than measuring success solely by profit margins, I believe it should also be measured by the positive impact a company has on people and the planet. This mindset encourages businesses to think more holistically, considering how their decisions affect future generations. It also promotes accountability, pushing organizations to be transparent about their environmental footprint and proactive in reducing it. In my future career, I plan to contribute to sustainability by advocating for responsible business practices and implementing environmentally conscious strategies. I am particularly interested in helping companies develop more sustainable supply chains. This could involve working with suppliers who follow ethical and eco friendly practices, reducing emissions in transportation, and minimizing waste in production processes. By focusing on these areas, businesses can significantly lower their environmental impact while maintaining efficiency and profitability. Additionally, I hope to be involved in developing innovative solutions that align business goals with environmental responsibility. This might include supporting the use of renewable energy, promoting circular economy models where products are reused or recycled, and encouraging the design of goods that are both durable and sustainable. I also want to help foster a corporate culture that values sustainability, where employees at all levels are aware of their environmental impact and motivated to make positive changes. Education and leadership will play a key role in my approach. I aim to lead by example, demonstrating that sustainability and success can go hand in hand. By raising awareness and encouraging collaboration, I hope to influence both colleagues and consumers to make more environmentally responsible choices. Small changes, when multiplied across organizations and communities, can lead to significant progress. Ultimately, sustainability in business is about responsibility, innovation, and vision. It requires a commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship. As I look to the future, I see myself as part of a generation of business leaders who recognize that protecting the planet is not separate from achieving success it is essential to it. Through thoughtful decision making and a dedication to sustainable practices, I am determined to help create a business world that supports both prosperity and the health of our environment.
    Rev. Ethel K. Grinkley Memorial Scholarship
    I have always believed that the strongest measure of a person is not just what they achieve, but how they uplift others along the way. My life has been shaped by a combination of personal values love, faith, and community service and meaningful experiences, especially through my involvement in soccer. Together, these have given me a clear sense of purpose to make a positive impact on the world by fostering connection, resilience, and compassion in the communities I am part of. Soccer has played a central role in my development, both on and off the field. As a player, I have learned discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Every practice and game reinforced the idea that success is rarely individual it is built on trust, communication, and shared effort. Whether celebrating a win or learning from a loss, I’ve come to understand the importance of supporting others and staying committed even when challenges arise. These lessons extend far beyond sports they shape how I approach relationships, academics, and service. Through soccer, I’ve also experienced the power of community. A team becomes more than just a group of players; it becomes a support system, a family united by common goals. This sense of belonging has inspired me to seek out opportunities to build and strengthen communities elsewhere. I want to create environments where people feel valued, encouraged, and connected, just as I have on the field. My commitment to making a positive impact is rooted deeply in the principles of love and faith. Love, to me, means showing empathy, kindness, and respect to others, regardless of their background or circumstances. It means taking the time to listen, to understand, and to act with compassion. Faith gives me the strength to stay grounded and hopeful, even in uncertain situations. It reminds me that my actions have purpose and that even small efforts can contribute to something greater. Community service is where these values come to life. I am passionate about giving back and being actively involved in causes that support and uplift others. Whether it’s volunteering my time, mentoring younger athletes, or participating in local initiatives, I strive to lead by example and inspire others to do the same. I see service not as an obligation, but as a responsibility and an opportunity to create meaningful change. Looking ahead, I plan to continue using my experiences and values to positively influence those around me. I hope to combine my love for soccer with community engagement, perhaps by organizing programs that bring young people together through sports, teaching not only athletic skills but also teamwork, leadership, and confidence. By doing so, I aim to create spaces where individuals can grow both personally and collectively. Ultimately, I want to be someone who brings people together, who leads with compassion, and who contributes to a stronger, more supportive world. Through love, faith, and service and with the lessons I’ve learned from soccer I am committed to making a lasting, positive impact.