When I think about the kind of person I want to be remembered as, I think about people like Ethan Joner—someone who left a mark through kindness, generosity, and a true love for helping others. I didn’t know Ethan personally, but just reading about the impact he made has inspired me to look at how I live and lead in my own community. Growing up in a tough environment, I’ve seen what happens when people stop believing in each other. Violence, poverty, and broken systems surround us, and it’s easy to feel like one person can’t make a difference. But I’ve always believed that even small acts of care can create big waves, especially when they come from a genuine place. At Academy Park High School, I try to bring that belief into everything I do. Whether it’s helping a teammate through a tough moment on the basketball court or supporting a classmate who’s struggling in class, I try to be present for others the way I hope someone would be for me. I’ve also taken a bigger role in my local masjid, helping lead youth events and volunteering at food drives. I talk to younger kids in the neighborhood and remind them that no matter what’s going on around them, they still have purpose and value. One moment that really showed me the power of going above and beyond happened last year during Ramadan. A few of us came together to plan Iftars for families in the community who were struggling. We fundraised and organized everything ourselves. Some people we helped had never experienced anything like that before, and seeing their reactions reminded me how good it feels to give back without expecting anything in return. I know I can’t fix every problem around me. But what I can do is lead with compassion, be a voice of encouragement, and do the little things that remind people they matter. That’s what I imagine Ethan did—he made people feel seen, heard, and supported. And that’s the kind of impact I want to have too. As I move on to college and beyond, I want to study Business and Information Technology with the goal of bringing resources back into underserved communities. I want to create youth mentorship programs, build safe community spaces, and make sure kids growing up like I did know they have options. I’ll continue volunteering, mentoring, and speaking up because I know how powerful it is when someone believes in you. This scholarship isn’t just money for college. To me, it’s a chance to carry on the legacy of someone who proved that kindness, when done consistently, really can change lives. I hope to do that for the rest of mine.