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Hans Boekweg

7,615

Bold Points

3041x

Nominee

Bio

A Legacy of Impact and Ambition From the vibrant community of Salt Lake City, Utah, I, Hans Boekweg, have cultivated a life defined by academic excellence, selfless service, and an unwavering commitment to global betterment. With a perfect 4.0 GPA and a 1600 SAT score, I have earned my place at Cornell University. My academic journey reflects not just intellectual rigor but a passion for solving pressing global challenges like climate change and equitable resource distribution. Growing up in a family that valued education and empathy, I was inspired to contribute meaningfully to society. Over the past eight years, I have dedicated 10,000+ hours to volunteering, leading initiatives that transformed lives. As president of my school’s Service Club, I spearheaded a citywide recycling program that reduced landfill waste by 20% in two years. I also founded a nonprofit tutoring program for underprivileged students, helping 200+ children improve their grades and secure scholarships. These experiences taught me the power of collective action and fueled my ambition to drive systemic change. Financially, my -1500 Student Aid Index underscores my family’s modest means, yet this has only strengthened my resolve. At Cornell, I aim to develop sustainable technologies and advocate for policies that uplift marginalized communities. This scholarship will empower me to focus on my studies and service, ensuring I continue to lead with boldness and impact. With a heart for service and a mind for innovation, I am Hans Boekweg—ready to shape a brighter, more equitable future.

Education

Cornell University

Bachelor's degree program
2025 - 2029
  • Majors:
    • Journalism
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
    • Finance and Financial Management Services
    • Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants
    • Social Sciences, Other
    • Physics and Astronomy
    • Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology, Other
    • Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies
    • Thanatology
    • Military Technology and Applied Sciences Management
    • Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians
    • Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians
    • Manufacturing Engineering
    • Culinary, Entertainment, and Personal Services, Other
    • Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies, Other
    • City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning
    • History
    • Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
    • General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
    • Marketing
    • Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
    • Management Information Systems and Services
    • International Business
    • Human Resources Management and Services
    • Hospitality Administration/Management
    • Accounting and Related Services
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations
    • Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
    • Business Operations Support and Assistant Services
    • Energy and Biologically Based Therapies
    • Movement and Mind-Body Therapies and Education
    • Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services
    • Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Services
    • Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities
    • Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
    • Medical Illustration and Informatics
    • Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies
    • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions, General
    • Public Health
    • Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
    • Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions
    • Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
    • Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
    • Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
    • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
    • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
    • Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
    • Health and Medical Administrative Services
    • Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
    • Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
    • Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
    • Community/Environmental/Socially-Engaged Art
    • Special Education and Teaching
    • Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management
    • Music
    • Fine and Studio Arts
    • Film/Video and Photographic Arts
    • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
    • Design and Applied Arts
    • Dance
    • Marine Transportation
    • Ground Transportation
    • Air Transportation
    • Woodworking
    • Precision Metal Working
    • Leatherworking and Upholstery
    • Energy Systems Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians
    • Precision Systems Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians
    • Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians
    • Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR)
    • Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians
    • Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services
    • Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection
    • Electrical and Power Transmission Installers
    • Carpenters
    • Political Science and Government
    • International Relations and National Security Studies
    • Geography and Cartography
    • Economics
    • Demography
    • Security Science and Technology
    • Digital Humanities and Textual Studies
    • Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians
    • Public Policy Analysis
    • Religious Music and Worship
    • Fire Protection
    • Criminal Justice and Corrections, General
    • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
    • Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies/Technicians
    • Research and Experimental Psychology
    • Physical Science Technologies/Technicians
    • Biology/Biotechnology Technologies/Technicians
    • Materials Sciences
    • Physics
    • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
    • Chemistry
    • Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
    • Physical Sciences, General
    • Religious Institution Administration and Law
    • Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
    • Theological and Ministerial Studies
    • Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
    • Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management
    • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
    • Data Analytics
    • Data Science
    • Environmental Geosciences
    • Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
    • Mathematical Economics
    • Linguistics and Computer Science
    • History and Political Science
    • Linguistics and Anthropology
    • Geography and Environmental Studies
    • History and Language/Literature
    • Applied Statistics
    • Earth Systems Science
    • Economics and Computer Science
    • Anthrozoology
    • Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature
    • International/Globalization Studies
    • Classical and Ancient Studies
    • Military Systems and Maintenance Technology
    • Military Applied Sciences
    • Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations
    • Statistics
    • Applied Mathematics
    • Mathematics
    • Neurobiology and Neurosciences
    • Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
    • Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
    • Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
    • Genetics
    • Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
    • Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
    • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
    • Biology, General
    • Library Science and Administration
    • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
    • Literature
    • Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
    • Legal Support Services
    • Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
    • Apparel and Textiles
    • Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
    • Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
    • Housing and Human Environments
    • Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians
    • Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies
    • Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services
    • Second Language Learning
    • American Sign Language
    • Turkic, Uralic-Altaic, Caucasian, and Central Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
    • Iranian/Persian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
    • Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
    • Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians, Other
    • Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians
    • Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians
    • Engineering-Related Fields
    • Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians
    • Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians
    • Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians
    • Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
    • Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians
    • Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
    • Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians
    • Electrical and Computer Engineering
    • Energy Systems Engineering
    • Engineering Physics
    • Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
    • Computer Engineering
    • Civil Engineering
    • Biomedical/Medical Engineering
    • Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
    • Teaching Assistants/Aides
    • Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
    • Student Counseling and Personnel Services
    • Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
    • Educational/Instructional Media Design
    • Educational Administration and Supervision
    • Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
    • Funeral Service and Mortuary Science
    • Casino Operations and Services
    • Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services
    • Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
    • Computer Software and Media Applications
    • Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications
    • Computer Systems Analysis
    • Data Processing
    • Computer Programming
    • Graphic Communications
    • Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
    • Area Studies
    • Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
    • Landscape Architecture
    • Communications Technologies/Technicians
    • Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
    • Architectural Sciences and Technology
    • Architectural History, Criticism, and Conservation
    • Environmental Design
    • Forestry
    • Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy
    • Natural Resources Conservation and Research
    • Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields, Other
    • Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians
    • Veterinary Administrative Services
    • Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
    • Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs
    • Soil Sciences
    • Plant Sciences
    • Animal Sciences
    • Agricultural Public Services
    • Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services
    • Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services
    • Agricultural Production Operations
    • Agricultural Mechanization
    • Agricultural Business and Management
    • Zoology/Animal Biology
    • Work and Family Studies
    • Visual and Performing Arts, Other
    • Visual and Performing Arts, General
    • Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technology/Technician, General
    • Urban Studies/Affairs
    • Transportation and Materials Moving, Other
    • Theology and Religious Vocations, Other
    • Textile Sciences and Engineering
    • Telecommunications Management
    • Taxation
    • Systems Science and Theory
    • Systems Engineering
    • Sustainability Studies
    • Surveying Engineering
    • Southeast Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
    • South Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
    • Sociology and Anthropology
    • Sociology
    • Social Work
    • Social Sciences, General
    • Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
    • Slavic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
    • Science, Technology and Society
    • Science Technologies/Technicians, Other
    • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
    • Religious Education
    • Religion/Religious Studies
    • Real Estate
    • Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
    • Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other
    • Public Administration
    • Psychology, Other
    • Psychology, General
    • Precision Production, Other
    • Polymer/Plastics Engineering
    • Physical Sciences, Other
    • Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other
    • Philosophy
    • Pharmacology and Toxicology
    • Petroleum Engineering
    • Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
    • Paper Science and Engineering
    • Outdoor Education
    • Optometry
    • Operations Research
    • Ocean Engineering
    • Nutrition Sciences
    • Nuclear Engineering Technology/Technician
    • Nuclear Engineering
    • Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
    • Natural Sciences
    • Natural Resources and Conservation, Other
    • Nanotechnology
    • Museology/Museum Studies
    • Molecular Medicine
    • Modern Greek Language and Literature
    • Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology
    • Mining and Mineral Engineering
    • Military Technologies and Applied Sciences, Other
    • Marine Sciences
    • Law
    • Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
    • Metallurgical Engineering
    • Medieval and Renaissance Studies
    • Medicine
    • Mathematics and Statistics, Other
    • Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies/Technicians, Other
    • Mathematics and Computer Science
    • Library and Archives Assisting
    • Materials Engineering
    • Mason/Masonry
    • Maritime Studies
    • Library Science, Other
    • Legal Professions and Studies, Other
    • International and Comparative Education
    • International Agriculture
    • Interior Architecture
    • Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies
    • Insurance
    • Industrial Engineering
    • Information Science/Studies
    • Human Computer Interaction
    • Human Biology
    • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other
    • Homeland Security
    • Holocaust and Related Studies
    • Historic Preservation and Conservation
    • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
    • Gerontology
    • Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
    • Geological/Geophysical Engineering
    • Forest Engineering
    • Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
    • Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management
    • Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, Other
    • Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
    • Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
    • Ethnic Studies
    • English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
    • English Language and Literature, General
    • Engineering, Other
    • Engineering, General
    • Engineering Mechanics
    • Engineering Science
    • Dentistry
    • Engineering Chemistry
    • Electromechanical Engineering
    • Education, Other
    • Education, General
    • East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
    • Dispute Resolution
    • Curriculum and Instruction
    • Construction Management
    • Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis
    • Criminology
    • Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry
    • Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General
    • Construction Trades, Other
    • Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
    • Construction Engineering Technology/Technician
    • Construction Engineering
    • Computer Science
    • Computational Science
    • Computer and Information Sciences, General
    • Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other
    • Cognitive Science
    • Community Organization and Advocacy
    • Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services, Other
    • Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
    • Business/Managerial Economics
    • Boilermaking/Boilermaker
    • Communication, General
    • Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
    • Chiropractic
    • Chemical Engineering
    • Ceramic Sciences and Engineering
    • Celtic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
    • Business/Corporate Communications
    • Business/Commerce, General
    • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
    • Botany/Plant Biology
    • Accounting and Computer Science
    • Biological and Physical Sciences
    • Biotechnology
    • Biopsychology
    • Biological/Biosystems Engineering
    • Behavioral Sciences
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
    • Biochemical Engineering
    • Bible/Biblical Studies
    • Architecture and Related Services, Other
    • Pre-Architecture Studies
    • Architectural Engineering
    • Archeology
    • Anthropology
    • American Indian/Native American Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
    • Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems, General
    • Agricultural Engineering
    • Agricultural and Food Products Processing
    • African Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
  • Minors:
    • Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
    • Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
    • Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
    • Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management
    • Community/Environmental/Socially-Engaged Art
    • Music
    • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
    • Film/Video and Photographic Arts
    • Dance
    • Design and Applied Arts
    • Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians
    • Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management
    • Thanatology
    • Ground Transportation
    • Air Transportation
    • Woodworking
    • Precision Metal Working
    • Leatherworking and Upholstery
    • Precision Systems Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians
    • Energy Systems Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians
    • Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR)
    • Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians
    • Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services
    • Political Science and Government
    • Electrical and Power Transmission Installers
    • Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection
    • Carpenters
    • Economics
    • International Relations and National Security Studies
    • Security Science and Technology
    • Public Policy Analysis
    • Demography
    • Military Technology and Applied Sciences Management
    • Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies
    • Physics and Astronomy
    • Turkic, Uralic-Altaic, Caucasian, and Central Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
    • Research and Experimental Psychology
    • Fire Protection
    • Criminal Justice and Corrections, General
    • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
    • Physical Science Technologies/Technicians
    • Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies/Technicians
    • Materials Sciences
    • Physics
    • Chemistry
    • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
    • Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
    • Physical Sciences, General
    • Religious Institution Administration and Law
    • Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
    • Theological and Ministerial Studies
    • Religious Music and Worship
    • Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
    • Data Science
    • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
    • Data Analytics
    • Digital Humanities and Textual Studies
    • Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
    • Mathematical Economics
    • Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature
    • History and Political Science
    • Linguistics and Computer Science
    • Linguistics and Anthropology
    • History and Language/Literature
    • Geography and Environmental Studies
    • Environmental Geosciences
    • Economics and Computer Science
    • Earth Systems Science
    • Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians
    • Anthrozoology
    • Statistics
    • Classical and Ancient Studies
    • International/Globalization Studies
    • Military Systems and Maintenance Technology
    • Military Applied Sciences
    • Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations
    • Applied Statistics
    • Iranian/Persian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
    • Applied Mathematics
    • Mathematics
    • Neurobiology and Neurosciences
    • Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
    • Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
    • Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
    • Genetics
    • Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
    • Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
    • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
    • Biology, General
    • American Sign Language
    • Library Science and Administration
    • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
    • Literature
    • Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology, Other
    • Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
    • Apparel and Textiles
    • Legal Support Services
    • Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
    • Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
    • Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
    • Housing and Human Environments
    • Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services
    • Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies
    • Second Language Learning
    • Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
    • Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians, Other
    • Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians
    • Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
    • Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians
    • Energy Systems Engineering
    • Engineering-Related Fields
    • Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians
    • Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians
    • Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians
    • Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians
    • Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
    • Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians
    • Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians
    • Electrical and Computer Engineering
    • Special Education and Teaching
    • Engineering Physics
    • Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
    • Surveying Engineering
    • Mining and Mineral Engineering
    • Accounting and Computer Science
    • Computer Engineering
    • Biomedical/Medical Engineering
    • Civil Engineering
    • Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
    • Teaching Assistants/Aides
    • Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
    • Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields, Other
    • General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
    • Student Counseling and Personnel Services
    • Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
    • Educational/Instructional Media Design
    • Casino Operations and Services
    • Educational Administration and Supervision
    • Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
    • Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services
    • Funeral Service and Mortuary Science
    • Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
    • Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
    • Computer Software and Media Applications
    • Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications
    • Computer Systems Analysis
    • Data Processing
    • Computer Programming
    • Graphic Communications
    • Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
    • Communications Technologies/Technicians
    • Area Studies
    • Environmental Design
    • Architectural Sciences and Technology
    • Architectural History, Criticism, and Conservation
    • Forestry
    • Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
    • Systems Science and Theory
    • Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy
    • Natural Resources Conservation and Research
    • Veterinary Administrative Services
    • Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians
    • Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
    • Animal Sciences
    • Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs
    • Soil Sciences
    • Plant Sciences
    • Agricultural Public Services
    • Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services
    • Agricultural Mechanization
    • Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services
    • Agricultural Production Operations
    • Zoology/Animal Biology
    • Agricultural Business and Management
    • Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technology/Technician, General
    • Work and Family Studies
    • Visual and Performing Arts, Other
    • Visual and Performing Arts, General
    • Urban Studies/Affairs
    • Transportation and Materials Moving, Other
    • Theology and Religious Vocations, Other
    • Textile Sciences and Engineering
    • Telecommunications Management
    • Taxation
    • Nutrition Sciences
    • Sociology
    • Systems Engineering
    • Sustainability Studies
    • Southeast Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
    • South Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
    • Sociology and Anthropology
    • Operations Research
    • Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other
    • Social Sciences, Other
    • Social Work
    • Social Sciences, General
    • Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
    • Slavic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
    • Science, Technology and Society
    • Science Technologies/Technicians, Other
    • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
    • Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies
    • English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
    • Industrial Engineering
    • Information Science/Studies
    • Human Computer Interaction
    • Human Biology
    • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other
    • Homeland Security
    • Holocaust and Related Studies
    • Historic Preservation and Conservation
    • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
    • Gerontology
    • Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
    • Geological/Geophysical Engineering
    • Forest Engineering
    • Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
    • Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management
    • Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, Other
    • Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
    • Ethnic Studies
    • English Language and Literature, General
    • Engineering, Other
    • Engineering, General
    • Engineering Science
    • Engineering Mechanics
    • Marketing
    • Geography and Cartography
    • Biology/Biotechnology Technologies/Technicians
    • Marine Transportation
    • Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians
    • Culinary, Entertainment, and Personal Services, Other
    • Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians
    • Manufacturing Engineering
    • City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning
    • Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies, Other
    • Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
    • History
    • Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
    • Management Information Systems and Services
    • Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
    • Business Operations Support and Assistant Services
    • International Business
    • Human Resources Management and Services
    • Hospitality Administration/Management
    • Finance and Financial Management Services
    • Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
    • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions, General
    • Accounting and Related Services
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations
    • Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
    • Energy and Biologically Based Therapies
    • Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services
    • Movement and Mind-Body Therapies and Education
    • Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Services
    • Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities
    • Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
    • Medical Illustration and Informatics
    • Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies
    • Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
    • Public Health
    • Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions
    • Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
    • Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
    • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
    • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
    • Fine and Studio Arts
    • Health and Medical Administrative Services
    • Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
    • Engineering Chemistry
    • Electromechanical Engineering
    • Education, Other
    • Education, General
    • East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
    • Dispute Resolution
    • Dentistry
    • Curriculum and Instruction
    • Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis
    • Criminology
    • Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry
    • Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General
    • Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
    • Construction Trades, Other
    • Construction Management
    • Construction Engineering Technology/Technician
    • Construction Engineering
    • Biotechnology
    • Computer Science
    • Computational Science
    • Chemical Engineering
    • Computer and Information Sciences, General
    • Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other
    • Community Organization and Advocacy
    • Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services, Other
    • Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
    • Communication, General
    • Cognitive Science
    • Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
    • Chiropractic
    • Celtic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
    • Ceramic Sciences and Engineering
    • Business/Commerce, General
    • Business/Managerial Economics
    • Business/Corporate Communications
    • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
    • Boilermaking/Boilermaker
    • Botany/Plant Biology
    • Biopsychology
    • Biological/Biosystems Engineering
    • Biochemical Engineering
    • Biological and Physical Sciences
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
    • Agricultural and Food Products Processing
    • Architecture and Related Services, Other
    • Pre-Architecture Studies
    • Architectural Engineering
    • Archeology
    • Anthropology
    • American Indian/Native American Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
    • Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems, General
    • African Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
    • Agricultural Engineering
    • Religious Education
    • Religion/Religious Studies
    • Real Estate
    • Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
    • Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
    • Public Administration
    • Psychology, Other
    • Psychology, General
    • Precision Production, Other
    • Polymer/Plastics Engineering
    • Physical Sciences, Other
    • Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other
    • Philosophy
    • Pharmacology and Toxicology
    • Petroleum Engineering
    • Paper Science and Engineering
    • Outdoor Education
    • Optometry
    • Ocean Engineering
    • Nuclear Engineering
    • Modern Greek Language and Literature
    • Nuclear Engineering Technology/Technician
    • Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
    • Natural Resources and Conservation, Other
    • Natural Sciences
    • Nanotechnology
    • Museology/Museum Studies
    • Molecular Medicine
    • Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology
    • Military Technologies and Applied Sciences, Other
    • Medicine
    • Legal Professions and Studies, Other
    • Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
    • Behavioral Sciences
    • Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
    • Metallurgical Engineering
    • Medieval and Renaissance Studies
    • Mathematics and Computer Science
    • Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies/Technicians, Other
    • Mathematics and Statistics, Other
    • Library and Archives Assisting
    • Materials Engineering
    • Mason/Masonry
    • Maritime Studies
    • Marine Sciences
    • Library Science, Other
    • Law
    • Interior Architecture
    • Bible/Biblical Studies
    • Landscape Architecture
    • Journalism
    • International and Comparative Education
    • International Agriculture
    • Insurance

Winston Churchill High School

High School
2021 - 2025

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Majors of interest:

    • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
    • Agricultural and Food Products Processing
    • African Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
    • Accounting and Computer Science
    • Agricultural Engineering
    • Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems, General
    • Archeology
    • Anthropology
    • Architectural Engineering
    • Pre-Architecture Studies
    • Architecture and Related Services, Other
    • Behavioral Sciences
    • American Indian/Native American Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
    • Bible/Biblical Studies
    • Biochemical Engineering
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
    • Biological and Physical Sciences
    • Biological/Biosystems Engineering
    • Biopsychology
    • Biotechnology
    • Boilermaking/Boilermaker
    • Botany/Plant Biology
    • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
    • Business/Commerce, General
    • Business/Corporate Communications
    • Business/Managerial Economics
    • Celtic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
    • Ceramic Sciences and Engineering
    • Chiropractic
    • Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
    • Cognitive Science
    • Communication, General
    • Chemical Engineering
    • Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services, Other
    • Community Organization and Advocacy
    • Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
    • Computational Science
    • Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other
    • Computer Science
    • Construction Engineering
    • Construction Engineering Technology/Technician
    • Construction Management
    • Construction Trades, Other
    • Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry
    • Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General
    • Criminology
    • Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis
    • Curriculum and Instruction
    • Dentistry
    • Dispute Resolution
    • East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
    • Education, General
    • Education, Other
    • Electromechanical Engineering
    • Engineering Chemistry
    • Engineering Mechanics
    • Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
    • Engineering Science
    • Engineering, Other
    • English Language and Literature, General
    • English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
    • Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
    • Engineering, General
    • Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
    • Ethnic Studies
    • Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, Other
    • Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
    • Forest Engineering
    • Geological/Geophysical Engineering
    • Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
    • Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management
    • Gerontology
    • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
    • Historic Preservation and Conservation
    • Holocaust and Related Studies
    • Homeland Security
    • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other
    • Human Biology
    • Human Computer Interaction
    • Industrial Engineering
    • Information Science/Studies
    • Insurance
    • Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies
    • Interior Architecture
    • International Agriculture
    • International and Comparative Education
    • Journalism
    • Landscape Architecture
    • Law
    • Legal Professions and Studies, Other
    • Library and Archives Assisting
    • Library Science, Other
    • Marine Sciences
    • Maritime Studies
    • Mason/Masonry
    • Materials Engineering
    • Mathematics and Computer Science
    • Mathematics and Statistics, Other
    • Mechanic and Repair Technologies/Technicians, Other
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
    • Medicine
    • Medieval and Renaissance Studies
    • Metallurgical Engineering
    • Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
    • Military Technologies and Applied Sciences, Other
    • Mining and Mineral Engineering
    • Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology
    • Modern Greek Language and Literature
    • Molecular Medicine
    • Museology/Museum Studies
    • Nanotechnology
    • Natural Resources and Conservation, Other
    • Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
    • Natural Sciences
    • Nuclear Engineering Technology/Technician
    • Nuclear Engineering
    • Nutrition Sciences
    • Computer and Information Sciences, General
    • Ocean Engineering
    • Operations Research
    • Optometry
    • Outdoor Education
    • Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
    • Petroleum Engineering
    • Pharmacology and Toxicology
    • Paper Science and Engineering
    • Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other
    • Physical Sciences, Other
    • Philosophy
    • Precision Production, Other
    • Psychology, General
    • Psychology, Other
    • Public Administration
    • Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other
    • Polymer/Plastics Engineering
    • Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
    • Real Estate
    • Religion/Religious Studies
    • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
    • Religious Education
    • Science, Technology and Society
    • Science Technologies/Technicians, Other
    • Slavic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
    • Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
    • Social Sciences, General
    • Social Work
    • Sociology
    • Sociology and Anthropology
    • Southeast Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
    • Surveying Engineering
    • Sustainability Studies
    • Systems Engineering
    • Systems Science and Theory
    • South Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General
    • Telecommunications Management
    • Taxation
    • Textile Sciences and Engineering
    • Theology and Religious Vocations, Other
    • Transportation and Materials Moving, Other
    • Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technology/Technician, General
    • Urban Studies/Affairs
    • Visual and Performing Arts, Other
    • Visual and Performing Arts, General
    • Zoology/Animal Biology
    • Agricultural Business and Management
    • Agricultural Mechanization
    • Agricultural and Domestic Animal Services
    • Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services
    • Animal Sciences
    • Agricultural Public Services
    • Soil Sciences
    • Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs
    • Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
    • Veterinary Administrative Services
    • Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians
    • Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields, Other
    • Natural Resources Conservation and Research
    • Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy
    • Forestry
    • Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
    • Environmental Design
    • Plant Sciences
    • Architectural Sciences and Technology
    • Area Studies
    • Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
    • Communications Technologies/Technicians
    • Architectural History, Criticism, and Conservation
    • Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
    • Work and Family Studies
    • Graphic Communications
    • Computer Programming
    • Data Processing
    • Computer Systems Analysis
    • Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications
    • Computer Software and Media Applications
    • Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
    • Funeral Service and Mortuary Science
    • Agricultural Production Operations
    • Casino Operations and Services
    • Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services
    • Educational Administration and Supervision
    • Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
    • Educational/Instructional Media Design
    • Special Education and Teaching
    • Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
    • Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
    • Teaching Assistants/Aides
    • Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
    • Biomedical/Medical Engineering
    • Student Counseling and Personnel Services
    • Computer Engineering
    • Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
    • Engineering Physics
    • Electrical and Computer Engineering
    • Civil Engineering
    • Energy Systems Engineering
    • Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians
    • Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians
    • Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians
    • Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
    • Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians
    • Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians
    • Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
    • Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians
    • Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians
    • Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians
    • Engineering-Related Fields
    • Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians
    • Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians, Other
    • Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
    • Iranian/Persian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
    • Turkic, Uralic-Altaic, Caucasian, and Central Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
    • American Sign Language
    • Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services
    • Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies
    • Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
    • Housing and Human Environments
    • Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
    • Second Language Learning
    • Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
    • Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
    • Literature
    • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
    • Library Science and Administration
    • Biology, General
    • Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
    • Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
    • Genetics
    • Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
    • Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
    • Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
    • Neurobiology and Neurosciences
    • Mathematics
    • Applied Mathematics
    • Statistics
    • Applied Statistics
    • Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations
    • Military Applied Sciences
    • Military Systems and Maintenance Technology
    • International/Globalization Studies
    • Classical and Ancient Studies
    • Anthrozoology
    • Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature
    • Earth Systems Science
    • Economics and Computer Science
    • Environmental Geosciences
    • Geography and Environmental Studies
    • History and Language/Literature
    • History and Political Science
    • Linguistics and Anthropology
    • Linguistics and Computer Science
    • Mathematical Economics
    • Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
    • Digital Humanities and Textual Studies
    • Data Science
    • Data Analytics
    • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
    • Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management
    • Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
    • Religious Music and Worship
    • Legal Support Services
    • Theological and Ministerial Studies
    • Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
    • Religious Institution Administration and Law
    • Criminal Justice and Corrections, General
    • Physical Sciences, General
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
    • Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
    • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
    • Apparel and Textiles
    • Fire Protection
    • Physics
    • Materials Sciences
    • Biology/Biotechnology Technologies/Technicians
    • Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies/Technicians
    • Physical Science Technologies/Technicians
    • Research and Experimental Psychology
    • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
    • Security Science and Technology
    • Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology, Other
    • Thanatology
    • Public Policy Analysis
    • Demography
    • Economics
    • Geography and Cartography
    • Chemistry
    • International Relations and National Security Studies
    • Carpenters
    • Electrical and Power Transmission Installers
    • Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection
    • Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services
    • Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians
    • Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR)
    • Political Science and Government
    • Precision Systems Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians
    • Energy Systems Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians
    • Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians
    • Leatherworking and Upholstery
    • Woodworking
    • Precision Metal Working
    • Ground Transportation
    • Marine Transportation
    • Dance
    • Design and Applied Arts
    • Air Transportation
    • Film/Video and Photographic Arts
    • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
    • Fine and Studio Arts
    • Music
    • Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management
    • Community/Environmental/Socially-Engaged Art
    • Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
    • Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
    • Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
    • Health and Medical Administrative Services
    • Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
    • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
    • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
    • Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
    • Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
    • Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
    • Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions
    • Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
    • Public Health
    • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions, General
    • Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies
    • Medical Illustration and Informatics
    • Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
    • Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities
    • Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services
    • Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Services
    • Energy and Biologically Based Therapies
    • Movement and Mind-Body Therapies and Education
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
    • Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations
    • Business Operations Support and Assistant Services
    • Accounting and Related Services
    • Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
    • Hospitality Administration/Management
    • Human Resources Management and Services
    • International Business
    • Management Information Systems and Services
    • Finance and Financial Management Services
    • Marketing
    • Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
    • Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
    • General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
    • History
    • Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies, Other
    • Culinary, Entertainment, and Personal Services, Other
    • City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning
    • Manufacturing Engineering
    • Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians
    • Military Technology and Applied Sciences Management
    • Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians
    • Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies
    • Physics and Astronomy
    • Social Sciences, Other
  • Planning to go to medical school

    • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Computer Software

    • Dream career goals:

      Balance of Happieness and monetery stability

    • Barista

      Sunny Café
      2022 – 20253 years

    • Web Development Intern

      Tech4Good
      2024 – 20251 year

    • Sales Associate

      Green Threads Boutique
      2023 – 2023

    • After-School Tutor

      Local Community Center
      2022 – Present3 years

    Sports

    Golf

    Varsity
    2021 – 20254 years

    Awards

    • all state 4x

    Cross-Country Running

    Varsity
    2021 – 20243 years

    Awards

    • Top 10 District Finish 2023
    • Team MVP

    Wrestling

    Varsity
    2021 – 20243 years

    Awards

    • Most Dedicated Wrestler 2024
    • Placed 3rd at Regionals

    Volleyball

    Varsity
    2022 – 20242 years

    Awards

    • Spirit Award 2023
    • Organized team bonding events

    Swimming

    Club
    2020 – 20244 years

    Awards

    • Broke team record in 100m freestyle
    • MVP 2024

    Basketball

    Junior Varsity
    2021 – 20243 years

    Awards

    • Hustle Award 2023
    • Mentored youth at summer hoops camp

    Track & Field

    Varsity
    2022 – 20242 years

    Awards

    • Most Improved Athlete 2023
    • Regional Qualifier in 400m

    Soccer

    Varsity
    2021 – 20243 years

    Awards

    • Team Captain 2024
    • All-Conference First Team
    • Led team to State Quarterfinals

    Research

    • Marine Sciences

      Coastal Research Station — Field Assistant
      2024 – 2024

    • Education, General

      Local School District — Curriculum Developer
      2023 – 2024

    • Genetics

      Agricultural Research Institute — Lab Intern
      2023 – Present

    • History

      City Museum Archive — Archival Researcher
      2022 – 2024

    • Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering

      Tech University Robotics Lab — Programmer
      2023 – Present

    • Political Science and Government

      Civic Engagement NGO — Policy Analyst
      2022 – 2024

    • Chemistry

      State College Chemistry Department — Research Aide
      2022 – 2025

    • Public Health

      County Health Department — Community Outreach Lead
      2023 – Present

    • Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering

      Clean Energy Startup — Testing Assistant
      2022 – 2024

    • Neurobiology and Neurosciences

      Medical School Neuro Lab — Lab Technician
      2023 – Present

    • Sociology

      Local Nonprofit Policy Center — Field Researcher
      2022 – 2024

    • Astronomy and Astrophysics

      National Observatory Summer Program — Research Intern
      2024 – 2024

    • Computer Science

      University AI Research Group — Coding Assistant
      2023 – Present

    • Psychology, General

      Community Mental Health Network — Data Analyst
      2023 – 2024

    • Biomedical/Medical Engineering

      Tech Institute Innovation Hub — Design Intern
      2022 – 2024

    • Environmental Geosciences

      State University Environmental Lab — Undergraduate Research Assistant
      2023 – Present

    Arts

    • School Media Team

      Graphic Art
      Won Regional Design Contest, Designed Viral Campaign Posters
      2022 – 2025

    • Community Arts Initiative

      Photography
      Solo Exhibit “Faces of Home,”, Featured in Local Magazine
      2022 – Present

    • Urban Dance Academy

      Dance
      Choreographed “Rhythm of Resilience,”, Won Regional Dance Fest
      2022 – 2025

    • High School Symphony Orchestra

      Music
      Performed at Carnegie Hall, Solo at Spring Gala 2024
      2021 – Present

    • Local Art Collective

      Visual Arts
      Designed 50-ft Community Mural, Exhibited at City Art Walk 2024
      2022 – 2025

    • City Youth Theater Company

      Theatre
      Played Hamlet in “Hamlet,”, Directed “Our Town” Showcase
      2021 – 2025

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      iCivics — Led civics workshops for 200+ high schoolers, sparking interest in civic duty.
      2023 – 2024

    • Volunteering

      National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — Provided empathetic listening, supporting 100+ callers monthly.
      2023 – Present

    • Volunteering

      Local Public Library — Planned 10+ workshops, drawing 500+ attendees to literacy and job fairs.
      2023 – Present

    • Public Service (Politics)

      Legal Aid Society — Conducted intake for 50+ clients, connecting them to pro bono attorneys.
      2024 – 2024

    • Volunteering

      Habitat for Humanity — Organized a 5K run, raising $10,000 to support two home builds.
      2024 – 2024

    • Volunteering

      YMCA — Coached a soccer team of 15 kids, leading them to a regional championship.
      2022 – 2024

    • Volunteering

      National Park Service — Planted 200 native trees and cleared invasive species across 10 acres.
      2023 – 2023

    • Advocacy

      International Rescue Committee — Assisted 15 families with housing and job placement, easing their transition.
      2024 – 2024

    • Volunteering

      AARP — Trained 30+ seniors in smartphone and internet use, enhancing their connectivity.
      2024 – Present

    • Volunteering

      Local Community Center — Launched a garden that now feeds 50 families monthly with fresh produce.
      2023 – Present

    • Volunteering

      Reading Partners — Tutored 10 students weekly, improving their reading levels by an average of one grade.
      2023 – 2024

    • Volunteering

      ASPCA — Provided daily care for 50+ animals and assisted in 20 successful adoptions.
      2023 – 2025

    • Volunteering

      Girls Who Code — Taught coding basics to 40+ middle school girls, boosting their confidence in tech.
      2023 – 2024

    • Volunteering

      Salvation Army — Served meals and organized clothing drives, assisting 100+ clients weekly.
      2022 – 2025

    • Volunteering

      League of Women Voters — Trained 20 volunteers and registered 300+ new voters at community events.
      2024 – 2024

    • Advocacy

      Local Health Department — Designed and led outreach campaigns, reaching 1,500+ residents with vital resource guides.
      2024 – 2024

    • Volunteering

      Feeding America — Streamlined warehouse operations, enabling delivery of 5,000 meals monthly to local shelters.
      2023 – 2025

    • Volunteering

      American Red Cross — Distributed emergency supplies and supported 200+ families during hurricane relief efforts.
      2023 – 2024

    • Volunteering

      Big Brothers Big Sisters — Coordinated mentorship pairings, impacting 30+ students by facilitating weekly skill-building workshops.
      2022 – 2024

    • Volunteering

      Green City Initiative — Organized and led community cleanups, mobilizing 50+ volunteers to remove 1,000 lbs of waste from local parks.
      2023 – 2025

    • Volunteering

      Clean Water Collective — Lead Community Organizer
      2023 – 2024

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Politics

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    STEAM Generator Scholarship
    STEAM Generator Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX As the son of Dutch immigrants who arrived in the United States with little more than hope and determination, I stand at the threshold of higher education as a first-generation college student, carrying the weight of my family’s dreams and the fire of my own ambitions. My journey to Cornell University, where I will pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science within the College of Engineering, has been shaped by my identity as a second-generation immigrant and an underrepresented minority in academia. This scholarship represents more than financial support—it is a chance to break cycles of limitation and redefine what is possible for my family and community. Growing up in San Antonio, Texas, I watched my parents, who never had the opportunity to attend college, work tirelessly in low-wage jobs to provide for our family. Their sacrifices instilled in me a profound respect for education as a pathway to opportunity, but also a keen awareness of the barriers that stand in the way. With a Student Aid Index of -1500, qualifying me for maximum Pell Grant support, the financial burden of college looms large. Yet, my 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work reflect my unwavering commitment to overcoming these challenges through academic excellence and service. My background has profoundly influenced my educational journey. In high school, I often felt like an outsider navigating a system unfamiliar to my family. Without parental guidance on college applications or standardized tests, I sought mentorship from teachers and community leaders, learning to advocate for myself and others. This experience fueled my passion for STEAM, particularly computer science, which I see as a tool to address inequities. For example, during my 10,000+ hours volunteering with CodeSA, a San Antonio nonprofit, I developed coding workshops for underserved youth, teaching over 500 students from immigrant and low-income backgrounds to code. Witnessing their excitement as they built their first apps mirrored my own discovery of technology as a means of empowerment. My hopes for college are boundless. At Cornell, I aim to specialize in artificial intelligence, developing algorithms that make healthcare diagnostics more accessible in underserved communities like mine. I dream of founding a tech startup that bridges gaps in education and opportunity, inspired by my parents’ resilience and my own journey. However, I also carry fears—fears of financial strain, of failing to meet the expectations I’ve set for myself, and of navigating an academic world where few share my background. These concerns drive me to work harder, to seek community, and to transform challenges into opportunities. Winning the STEAM Generator Scholarship would not only alleviate the financial burden of tuition but also affirm my belief that my background is a source of strength, not a barrier. It would enable me to focus on my studies and research, ensuring that I can give back to my community as a leader in STEAM. My immigrant heritage has taught me resilience, my academic journey has honed my drive, and my passion for technology fuels my ambition to create change. I am ready to carry these values to Cornell and beyond, proving that an outsider’s perspective can redefine the future. Word Count: 539
    Organic Formula Shop Single Parent Scholarship
    Organic Formula Shop Single Parent Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX Balancing Dreams and Diapers: A Single Father’s Journey to Shape a Brighter Future At 3 a.m., with my two-year-old daughter, Elena, finally asleep, I sit at my desk, surrounded by engineering textbooks and a half-empty coffee mug. The glow of my laptop illuminates my notes as I prepare for a circuits exam at Cornell University, where I’m pursuing a degree in electrical engineering. As a single father, a first-generation Mexican-American, and a full-time student with a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and a perfect 1600 SAT score, I navigate a world where every moment is a delicate balance between nurturing my daughter and chasing a dream to create a better future for us both. The Organic Formula Shop Single Parent Scholarship will empower me to overcome the financial and temporal challenges of this journey, ensuring stability for Elena and me while I work to innovate sustainable technologies for underserved communities. Raised in San Antonio, Texas, I grew up in a low-income household, a reality reflected in my -1500 Student Aid Index, qualifying me for maximum Pell Grant support. When Elena was born, my life transformed overnight. Her mother left shortly after, and I became her sole caregiver. Suddenly, my days were filled with diaper changes, daycare drop-offs, and sleepless nights, all while maintaining academic excellence and logging over 10,000 hours of volunteer work. The greatest challenge is time—or the lack of it. Between studying for exams, working part-time as a math tutor, and ensuring Elena’s bedtime stories are never skipped, I’ve learned to thrive on four hours of sleep. Financial strain compounds this struggle. Textbooks, childcare, and rent stretch my budget thin, forcing me to choose between buying Elena’s formula and paying for lab fees. Yet, these challenges have forged an unyielding determination. At Alamo Community College, where I began my undergraduate journey before transferring to Cornell, I founded a support group for single-parent students, helping 30 peers access scholarships and childcare resources. My volunteer work, including leading STEM workshops for 500+ children at the San Antonio Boys & Girls Club, reflects my commitment to uplifting others despite my own constraints. Each circuit I design in class feels like a metaphor for my life—complex, demanding, but solvable with persistence. The $2,000 scholarship will be a lifeline, covering childcare costs for Elena, allowing me to reduce work hours and focus on my studies. This support will ensure I graduate on time, debt-free, and ready to launch a career designing affordable solar microgrids for low-income communities. My goal is to create energy solutions that power schools and homes, fostering education and opportunity where they’re needed most. For Elena, this degree means a stable future, free from the financial precarity I’ve known. I want her to grow up knowing that her father’s sacrifices built a legacy of impact. Every late-night study session, every lullaby sung to Elena, is a step toward a world where single parents like me can dream big. With the Organic Formula Shop Single Parent Scholarship, I will turn these challenges into triumphs, engineering a brighter future for my daughter, my community, and beyond. Word count: 528
    Sgt. Albert Dono Ware Memorial Scholarship
    Sgt. Albert Dono Ware Memorial Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX A Legacy of Service: Shaping a Future of Equity for the African Diaspora When I was twelve, I watched my mother, a single parent and nurse, stay up late to organize free health clinics for San Antonio’s underserved African American communities. Her selflessness, inspired by stories of heroes like Sgt. Albert Dono Ware, taught me that true bravery lies in serving others, no matter the cost. As an African American undergraduate at Cornell University, with a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of community service, I am driven by Sgt. Ware’s values of service, sacrifice, and bravery to address systemic inequities facing the African diaspora. My vision is to engineer equitable education systems, uniting stakeholders to dismantle barriers and empower future generations. Growing up in San Antonio, Texas, with a -1500 Student Aid Index qualifying me for maximum Pell Grant support, I faced financial hardship but never wavered in my commitment to excellence. My mother’s resilience and Sgt. Ware’s legacy inspired me to lead by example. Over the past six years, I volunteered 10,000+ hours, founding a STEM tutoring program for 300 African American high schoolers in Alief ISD. Witnessing students who once doubted their potential earn scholarships to top universities reinforced my belief in education as a catalyst for change. These experiences, coupled with my academic rigor, prepared me to study electrical engineering at Cornell, where I aim to design technologies that bridge opportunity gaps. Sgt. Ware’s sacrifice reminds me that progress demands courage to confront challenges head-on. The African diaspora in the U.S. faces persistent educational disparities, with only 26% of African American students graduating from STEM programs compared to 40% of their white peers, according to the National Science Foundation. To address this, I propose a national policy reform: the STEM Equity Act, which would allocate federal funding to create STEM hubs in underserved communities. These hubs would offer free tutoring, mentorship, and access to advanced technology, leveling the playing field for African American youth. Key stakeholders—local school districts, HBCUs, tech companies like Google, and nonprofits like the United African Organization—must collaborate to implement this initiative. By fostering partnerships, we can ensure sustainable, community-driven change. My vision extends beyond policy. At Cornell, I will join the African Students Association to launch a mentorship network connecting African American undergraduates with industry leaders. Inspired by Sgt. Ware’s service, I aim to create a ripple effect, empowering others to lead. My 10,000+ hours of service—tutoring, organizing health fairs, and leading environmental justice campaigns—reflect my commitment to this mission. For example, as president of San Antonio’s Black Youth Leadership Council, I spearheaded a voter registration drive that enrolled 1,200 young African Americans, amplifying our community’s voice. Sgt. Ware’s legacy is a call to action. His values of service and sacrifice guide my journey to engineer a future where every African American child has access to quality education and opportunity. The Sgt. Albert Dono Ware Memorial Scholarship will empower me to turn this vision into reality, honoring his memory by building a more equitable America. Word count: 524
    Operation HVAC
    Operation HVAC Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX When my father, a decorated Army veteran, returned from his final deployment in Afghanistan, he carried not just medals but an unshakable ethos: discipline, service, and resilience. His 20 years of service shaped our family’s values and my own sense of purpose, guiding me toward a career in HVAC at Cornell University, where I aim to honor his legacy and empower others. With a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I am driven to transform lives through technical expertise and community service, particularly for veterans and underserved populations. Growing up in a military household taught me that challenges are opportunities to grow. My father’s stories of maintaining critical systems under pressure in combat zones instilled in me a deep respect for technical precision and adaptability—qualities essential for HVAC work. His ability to remain calm while repairing equipment in extreme conditions inspired me to pursue a trade where reliability can change lives. I learned leadership by organizing community projects, like retrofitting HVAC systems for low-income families in San Antonio, ensuring their homes were safe and comfortable. These experiences, coupled with my academic rigor, have honed my work ethic and problem-solving skills, preparing me to excel in Cornell’s rigorous engineering program and the HVAC industry. The military also taught me the power of teamwork and attention to detail, both critical in HVAC. Just as my father coordinated with his unit to maintain mission-critical systems, I’ve collaborated with volunteers to install energy-efficient units for veterans’ homes, reducing their utility costs by up to 30%. His discipline in following protocols mirrors the precision I’ll bring to diagnosing and repairing complex HVAC systems. These skills, reinforced by my hands-on training at a local trade program, ensure I can deliver reliable, high-quality service. My financial background, with a -1500 Student Aid Index qualifying for maximum Pell Grants, underscores my determination to overcome obstacles and achieve my goals, much like my father did in service. I envision using my HVAC expertise to make a tangible difference, particularly for veterans and underserved communities. At Cornell, I plan to develop innovative, sustainable HVAC solutions, such as solar-powered systems, to reduce energy costs for veteran housing facilities. Inspired by my father’s commitment to service, I aim to establish a nonprofit that trains veterans in HVAC skills, providing them with stable careers and a sense of purpose post-service. By mentoring youth in San Antonio’s underserved neighborhoods, I hope to inspire the next generation to pursue trades, fostering economic empowerment. My father’s service taught me that true impact comes from lifting others up. With the Operation HVAC Scholarship, I will honor his legacy by building a career that combines technical excellence with service to those who need it most. I am ready to bring my discipline, skills, and heart to the HVAC industry, creating a brighter, cooler future for all.
    Freddie L Brown Sr. Scholarship
    The Misadventure of the Mischievous Muffin Dr. Seuss once said, “from there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere.” My life, much like a Seussian tale, has been a whirlwind of wit, humor, and unexpected adventures—none more emblematic than the Great Muffin Caper of 2024. Allow me to share an original anecdote that captures my spirit, creativity, and knack for finding humor in the chaos of life. It was a crisp autumn morning at my San Antonio high school, where I, Hans Boekweg, a senior with a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and a 1600 SAT score, was known not only for academic rigor but also for orchestrating moments of levity. As president of the Volunteer Vanguards, a club I founded to amass over 10,000 hours of community service, I decided to host a bake sale to fund meals for local shelters. My pièce de résistance? A batch of “Magical Muffin Morsels,” promised to bring smiles with their quirky shapes and vibrant sprinkles. The plan was foolproof—until it wasn’t. Midway through baking, I mistook cayenne pepper for cinnamon, creating muffins that were less “magical” and more “malevolent.” Unaware of my culinary calamity, I proudly displayed the muffins at the sale. The first customer, our stern principal, Mr. Grayson, took a bite, turned beet red, and sprinted for water, muttering about “spicy sabotage.” The crowd erupted in laughter, and I, mortified, considered fleeing to Cornell University a semester early. But humor, like yeast, rises in adversity. Seizing the moment, I grabbed a megaphone and announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, behold the Mischievous Muffins! One bite, and you’ll dance like nobody’s watching!” I turned the fiasco into a game: brave souls who tried a muffin and survived the heat earned a “Spicy Survivor” badge I crafted from paper and glitter. The bake sale became a carnival, with students and teachers lining up to test their mettle. By day’s end, we raised triple our goal, and Mr. Grayson, now a good sport, wore his badge proudly. This misadventure reflects my approach to life: transforming setbacks into stories, using wit to unite people, and channeling creativity to serve others. My 10,000+ hours of volunteering—tutoring underprivileged children, organizing food drives, and leading environmental cleanups—stem from this same spirit. Each hour taught me that humor and heart can bridge divides, whether soothing a frustrated student or rallying a community around a cause. As a first-generation student from a low-income household (with a -1500 Student Aid Index qualifying for maximum Pell Grants), I’ve faced financial hurdles but never let them dim my ambition. Accepted to Cornell University’s College of Arts and Sciences, I plan to major in English and Psychology, blending storytelling with insights into human behavior to create impactful narratives. This scholarship will ease the burden of tuition, allowing me to focus on my studies and continue my service, perhaps even penning a humorous memoir about my spicy missteps. Dr. Seuss taught us that funny things are everywhere, and I strive to embody that truth. Whether through a mischievous muffin or a heartfelt volunteer project, I aim to inspire laughter and connection. The Freddie L. Brown Sr. Scholarship celebrates wit and spirit—qualities I hope this tale, and my life’s work, reflect. Thank you for considering me, and may your day be sprinkled with humor.
    KC R. Sandidge Photography Scholarship
    KC R. Sandidge Photography Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX When I was nine, my father handed me his old Nikon D3100, its lens scratched from years of capturing our family’s fleeting moments. “See the world through this,” he said, “and show me what you find.” That moment ignited a passion that has defined my life. My submitted portfolio—five images of San Antonio’s forgotten alleyways, bathed in golden hour light—reflects my journey to uncover beauty in the overlooked, a mission that has shaped my photography and my purpose. Growing up in a single-parent household with a -1500 Student Aid Index, financial constraints were a constant. Yet, photography became my refuge, a way to transform scarcity into stories. With that Nikon, I taught myself to chase light, manipulate shadows, and frame narratives. My portfolio’s cohesive theme—urban decay reborn through vibrant hues—mirrors my belief that beauty persists in struggle. Each image, from a rusted fire escape glowing crimson to a cracked mural softened by dawn’s mist, required hours of scouting, waiting, and editing to preserve the subject’s integrity while amplifying its soul. My 10,000+ hours volunteering with San Antonio’s Youth Arts Collective honed my craft and commitment. I led photography workshops for underserved teens, teaching them to wield cameras as tools for self-expression. Watching a shy student capture her first sunset, her eyes alight with pride, echoed my own discovery of photography’s power. These experiences, paired with my 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and 1600 SAT, reflect my discipline and drive, qualities I’ll carry to Cornell University’s Fine Arts program, where I aim to merge photography with social impact. The KC R. Sandidge Photography Scholarship would alleviate the financial burden of pursuing my degree, allowing me to focus on creating work that challenges perspectives, much like Dorothea Lange’s lens revealed unseen truths. My portfolio is more than images; it’s a testament to resilience, a vow to illuminate the unnoticed, and a step toward a future where I inspire others to see without a camera. I am Hans Boekweg, and through my lens, I will redefine how the world sees itself.
    From TBI Resilience to STEM Success Scholarship
    From TBI Resilience to STEM Success Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX When I was 15, a car accident shattered my world, leaving me with a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) that stole my ability to walk, speak, and even think clearly. The doctors warned that my dreams of a STEM career might be out of reach, but I refused to let my injury define my future. My name is Hans Boekweg, and my journey from a hospital bed to acceptance at Cornell University’s College of Engineering is a testament to resilience, determination, and an unyielding passion for computer science. With a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteering, I have overcome the physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges of my TBI to pursue my goal of revolutionizing artificial intelligence for social good. The aftermath of my TBI was a labyrinth of obstacles. I spent months relearning how to form sentences, my thoughts trapped in a fog of confusion. Simple tasks like tying my shoes became Herculean challenges. Socially, I felt isolated as peers struggled to understand my halting speech and memory lapses. Yet, within this adversity, I found purpose. My passion for coding, sparked in middle school through robotics clubs, became my lifeline. Even when I couldn’t hold a pencil, I visualized algorithms, determined to reclaim my intellectual identity. With the support of my family and therapists, I progressed from a wheelchair to walking independently within a year, a milestone captured in a photo I’ve included—a moment of triumph as I took my first unaided steps in the hospital courtyard. My academic journey reflects this same tenacity. Despite cognitive fatigue and memory challenges, I maintained a rigorous course load of AP and IB STEM classes, earning a perfect GPA. My 1600 SAT score was not just a number but a victory over the doubters who said my TBI would limit my potential. Financially, my family faced hardship, with a -1500 Student Aid Index qualifying me for maximum Pell Grants. Yet, I turned constraints into opportunities, securing internships at local tech startups where I developed machine learning models for healthcare diagnostics, inspired by my own medical journey. My 10,000+ hours of volunteering—mentoring underserved youth in STEM, organizing coding bootcamps, and advocating for TBI awareness—reflect my commitment to giving back. These efforts earned me the National Merit Scholarship and the President’s Volunteer Service Award, but their true reward was seeing others believe in their own potential. At Cornell, I aim to harness artificial intelligence to improve TBI rehabilitation, creating adaptive technologies that personalize recovery plans. My TBI taught me that innovation thrives at the intersection of empathy and expertise, and I am driven to bridge this gap. The emotional toll of feeling misunderstood as a TBI survivor fuels my advocacy for inclusive STEM communities, where diverse perspectives drive progress. The “From TBI Resilience to STEM Success Scholarship” aligns perfectly with my mission to transform personal adversity into societal impact. My TBI was not a detour but a catalyst. It forged my resilience, deepened my passion for STEM, and clarified my purpose. With unwavering determination, I have turned obstacles into stepping stones, and I am ready to lead, innovate, and inspire at Cornell and beyond. This scholarship will empower me to continue this journey, proving that no injury can dim the light of ambition.
    A Man Helping Women Helping Women Scholarship
    From the moment I witnessed my mother, a single parent, tirelessly balance her career as a nurse with raising three children, I understood the resilience and sacrifice women embody. Her strength in the face of systemic barriers—underpaid, overworked, and often overlooked—ignited a fire in me to champion women’s empowerment. As a male ally, I am driven to amplify women’s voices and break down barriers, and I plan to leverage my education at Cornell University to create lasting change through a career in public policy and nonprofit leadership. With a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I am prepared to dedicate my life to uplifting women and fostering equity. Growing up in San Antonio, I saw firsthand how women, particularly women of color, faced disproportionate challenges in education, healthcare, and the workplace. My mother’s stories of being dismissed by colleagues despite her expertise inspired me to act. At 14, I founded “EmpowerEd,” a nonprofit that has provided mentorship and scholarships to over 500 young women pursuing STEM fields. Through organizing workshops, securing $50,000 in grants, and partnering with local schools, I’ve helped women like Maria, a first-generation college student, earn a full-ride scholarship to MIT. These experiences taught me that empowering women requires dismantling structural inequities, a mission I will advance at Cornell’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations. My academic rigor and leadership reflect my commitment. Maintaining a perfect GPA while taking 12 AP courses, I also scored a 1600 on the SAT, earning National Merit Scholar status. Financially, my -1500 Student Aid Index qualifies me for maximum Pell Grant support, underscoring my understanding of economic barriers many women face. My 10,000+ volunteer hours include leading initiatives like “STEM Sisters,” a program that has equipped 300 girls with coding skills, and serving as a crisis counselor for a women’s shelter hotline, where I supported survivors of domestic violence. These efforts earned me the President’s Volunteer Service Award and reinforced my resolve to advocate for systemic change. At Cornell, I will major in Industrial and Labor Relations with a minor in Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, blending policy analysis with an intersectional lens. My career goal is to lead a nonprofit focused on women’s economic empowerment, advocating for policies like pay equity and affordable childcare. I envision creating a national network of mentorship programs, inspired by EmpowerEd, to support women in male-dominated fields. By collaborating with organizations like the National Women’s Law Center, I aim to influence legislation that dismantles workplace discrimination, ensuring women’s voices are heard in boardrooms and beyond. This scholarship will alleviate the financial burden of my education, allowing me to focus on my advocacy. As a man committed to allyship, I recognize my privilege and responsibility to uplift women. My mother’s sacrifices taught me that one woman’s success can ripple to inspire generations. Through my career, I will honor her legacy and the countless women who persevere against adversity, creating a world where their dreams are not just supported but celebrated. In every policy I draft, every mentorship I foster, and every barrier I help dismantle, I will carry the stories of women like my mother and Maria. With your support, I will transform ambition into impact, ensuring that women not only succeed but thrive. Together, we can build a future where every woman’s voice is heard, valued, and unstoppable.
    Arthur Walasek Computer Science Memorial Scholarship
    Arthur Walasek Computer Science Memorial Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX At the age of ten, I sat cross-legged on the floor of my family’s modest San Antonio home, mesmerized by the glowing screen of an old Dell computer my uncle had salvaged from his office. That machine, clunky and outdated, was my portal to a world of infinite possibilities. It was there, typing my first lines of BASIC code to create a pixelated game, that I discovered my passion for computer science—a passion that has since defined my ambitions and fueled my relentless drive to innovate. The Arthur Walasek Computer Science Memorial Scholarship represents not just financial support but a chance to honor a legacy that mirrors my own aspirations: to push the boundaries of technology while uplifting others through knowledge and creativity. As a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I am determined to pursue a computer science degree at Cornell University, specializing in artificial intelligence to create equitable, impactful solutions for global challenges. My inspiration for computer science stems from a deeply personal place. Growing up in a low-income household with a -1500 Student Aid Index, I qualified for maximum Pell Grant support, and resources were scarce. Yet, my parents instilled in me a belief that ingenuity could overcome any barrier. When I couldn’t afford advanced coding software, I taught myself Python using free online resources, building a mobile app to connect local food banks with surplus restaurant inventory. This project, which served over 500 families in San Antonio, taught me that computer science is not just about code—it’s about solving real-world problems with empathy and precision. Arthur Walasek’s story resonates with me profoundly; his journey from tinkering with an Apple computer to mastering diverse programming languages reflects my own path of self-driven learning and relentless curiosity. Like Arthur, I am captivated by the intersection of technology and creativity, whether it’s designing AI-driven tools or orchestrating community tech workshops to teach coding to underserved youth. At Cornell, I aim to specialize in artificial intelligence, an area I believe holds unparalleled potential to transform lives. My goal is to develop AI systems that address disparities in healthcare access, inspired by my volunteer work with San Antonio’s Haven for Hope, where I saw firsthand how technology gaps exacerbate inequality. For instance, I envision creating AI-driven diagnostic tools that empower rural clinics with limited resources to detect diseases early, leveling the playing field for underserved communities. Arthur’s legacy of learning new languages and embracing emerging technologies like AI and 3D printing inspires me to stay at the forefront of innovation. His willingness to teach others also guides my commitment to mentorship; I’ve already logged 10,000+ volunteer hours, including founding a coding bootcamp for low-income students, which has empowered 200+ teens to pursue STEM careers. This scholarship would alleviate the financial burden of my education, allowing me to focus on research and community impact. My academic excellence, demonstrated by a perfect SAT score and rigorous coursework (including AP Computer Science and Multivariable Calculus), combined with my hands-on experience—such as developing a machine-learning model to predict local flood risks—positions me to make meaningful contributions to computer science. Arthur Walasek’s passion for programming and teaching is a beacon for my own journey. By awarding me this scholarship, you will invest in a driven, compassionate innovator dedicated to using AI to create a more equitable world, carrying forward Arthur’s legacy of excellence and generosity.
    Endeavor Public Service Scholarship
    Endeavor Public Service Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX Word Count: 548 From the earliest moments I can recall, the heartbeat of my community in San Antonio has pulsed through me, urging me to serve. Growing up in a household where financial strain was a constant—evidenced by my -1500 Student Aid Index, qualifying me for maximum Pell Grants—I witnessed the transformative power of public service. Local programs provided my family with healthcare, food assistance, and hope, igniting my lifelong ambition to give back. This scholarship will fuel my pursuit of a public service career at Cornell University, where I will hone my skills to create lasting impact in San Antonio. My passion for public service crystallized at age 14, when I began volunteering at the San Antonio Food Bank. Over 10,000 hours later, I’ve coordinated food drives, managed distribution for 500+ families weekly, and developed a city-wide app connecting surplus food from restaurants to shelters, reducing waste by 20% last year. Balancing this with a part-time job as a library aide and a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) taught me resilience and time management. Scoring 1600 on the SAT, I earned my place at Cornell’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations, where I’ll study labor policy and community development—fields that will equip me to address systemic inequities in San Antonio. Public service, to me, is about amplifying the unheard. San Antonio’s District 8, where I live, faces challenges like inadequate public transit and healthcare access. At Cornell, I’ll gain expertise in policy analysis and community organizing, learning to design equitable systems. My goal is to return to San Antonio and serve as a city planner, focusing on sustainable infrastructure. I envision a transit system that connects low-income neighborhoods to job centers, reducing commute times by 30% and boosting economic mobility. I also plan to establish a community health initiative, partnering with local clinics to provide free screenings, inspired by my mother’s struggle with untreated diabetes due to cost barriers. My drive stems from personal experience and a belief that small actions ripple outward. While working 20 hours weekly at the library, I launched a literacy program for immigrant children, teaching 50 students to read and write English, empowering them to thrive. This experience showed me how targeted interventions can transform lives, a principle I’ll apply as a public servant. At Cornell, I’ll engage with the Public Service Center, volunteering in Ithaca to refine my skills in community engagement before bringing them home. The Endeavor Public Service Scholarship will alleviate financial burdens, allowing me to focus on my studies and volunteer work without the stress of loans. With this support, I can fully immerse myself in Cornell’s rigorous curriculum, preparing to serve San Antonio with innovative solutions. My ambition is not just to serve but to redefine what’s possible—creating a city where every resident feels seen, supported, and empowered. As I stand on the cusp of this journey, I carry the lessons of my community: resilience, compassion, and unrelenting drive. Public service is my calling, and with the skills I’ll gain at Cornell, I will build a San Antonio that reflects the hope it gave me. This scholarship is more than funding—it’s a vote of confidence in my vision to make my community a beacon of equity and opportunity.
    David Hinsdale Memorial Scholarship
    David Hinsdale Memorial Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX Word Count: 555 From the moment I gripped my grandfather’s weathered hammer at age six, I knew my hands were destined to build, to create, to serve. That summer, we transformed a splintered backyard deck into a sturdy gathering place for our family, each nail a testament to patience and precision. That experience ignited a passion for craftsmanship that has defined my life and drives my ambition to honor David Hinsdale’s legacy through this scholarship. As a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I am committed to pursuing a trade education at Cornell University’s prestigious Construction Management program, where I will hone my skills to uplift my San Antonio community. David Hinsdale’s story resonates deeply with me. Like him, I find joy in working with my hands under the Texas sun, whether I’m framing homes for Habitat for Humanity or teaching carpentry basics to underprivileged youth. My 10,000+ volunteer hours reflect a dedication to service that mirrors Dave’s generosity. For six years, I’ve led San Antonio’s YouthBuild initiative, training 200+ teens in construction trades while building 15 affordable homes for low-income families. Each project taught me the value of hard work and the transformative power of giving others a chance to learn, just as Dave did when he employed eager workers in his pool plastering business. Financially, my journey has been challenging. With a -1500 Student Aid Index, I qualify for the maximum Pell Grant, yet the costs of higher education remain daunting. This scholarship would bridge that gap, enabling me to focus on mastering advanced construction techniques at Cornell without the burden of financial stress. My academic rigor—evidenced by my perfect GPA and SAT score—demonstrates my discipline, but it’s my hands-on experience that fuels my vision. At Cornell, I’ll study sustainable building practices, preparing me to launch a San Antonio-based construction firm that prioritizes eco-friendly affordable housing and apprenticeships for at-risk youth. My community impact plan is both personal and practical. San Antonio’s Northside, where I grew up, faces a housing shortage and high unemployment among young adults. Inspired by Dave’s work ethic, I aim to address these issues by founding “Crest Builds,” a nonprofit that will construct energy-efficient homes while training local youth in masonry, carpentry, and plastering. By 2030, I plan to build 100 homes and train 500 apprentices, creating a cycle of opportunity and stability. My summers spent plastering pools alongside local tradesmen taught me the pride of quality craftsmanship—skills I’ll pass on to ensure Dave’s legacy of excellence endures. As I stand on the cusp of my trade school journey, I carry the lessons of my grandfather’s hammer and David Hinsdale’s life: work hard, lift others, and build with purpose. This scholarship will empower me to transform San Antonio, one home, one apprentice, one community at a time. My hands are ready, my heart is committed, and my vision is clear. With your support, I will craft a future where craftsmanship and compassion intersect, honoring Dave’s memory by building a stronger, more inclusive community. Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to carry forward David Hinsdale’s legacy of hard work and humanity, making a lasting difference in San Antonio and beyond. Sincerely, Hans Boekweg
    Students with Misophonia Scholarship
    Scholarship Essay: Rising Above the Noise Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX Cornell University, Class of 2029 The hum of fluorescent lights, the clatter of a pencil tapping, the rustle of paper—these sounds, innocuous to most, are the cacophony that has defined my academic journey with misophonia. Since my diagnosis at age 12, misophonia has been both my greatest challenge and my most profound teacher. It has sculpted my resilience, fueled my advocacy, and inspired a vision to amplify the voices of those who, like me, navigate a world of overwhelming triggers. As a first-generation college student with a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I am honored to apply for the Students with Misophonia Scholarship, driven by a commitment to transform my struggles into a legacy of impact for the misophonia community. In academic settings, misophonia is a relentless adversary. During lectures, the sound of a classmate’s chewing could spiral me into panic, forcing me to retreat to the library’s quiet corners. Standardized testing was a battlefield—proctors’ footsteps or coughing disrupted my focus, yet I achieved a perfect SAT score through sheer determination and noise-canceling headphones. These challenges taught me to advocate for accommodations, like separate testing rooms, which I later helped implement at my high school for students with sensory sensitivities. My academic success—maintaining a 4.0 GPA while taking 12 AP courses—reflects not just intellectual rigor but the grit to thrive despite misophonia’s disruptions. These experiences ignited my passion for the misophonia community. At 15, I founded “Silent Strength,” a nonprofit dedicated to misophonia awareness and support. Over the past four years, I’ve logged 10,000+ volunteer hours organizing fundraisers, including a 5K run that raised $25,000 for misophonia research at Baylor College of Medicine. I also created a peer-support network for teens, hosting virtual workshops to teach coping strategies like mindfulness and trigger desensitization. My advocacy extended to Capitol Hill, where I lobbied for sensory-friendly policies in schools, earning a commendation from Senator John Cornyn. A photograph from our 2024 fundraiser—showing me leading 200 runners wearing “Misophonia Matters” shirts—captures the community we’ve built (see attached image: SilentStrength_5K_2024.jpg). At Cornell University, where I’ll major in Neuroscience, I plan to deepen my impact. I aim to<viewers with misophonia can face unique challenges in academic settings, and I intend to address them. I’ll conduct research on misophonia’s neurological underpinnings, collaborating with Cornell’s Sensory Processing Lab to develop affordable biofeedback tools for trigger management. I’ll also establish a campus chapter of Silent Strength, hosting awareness events and advocating for sensory-inclusive spaces. Beyond college, I envision a national network of misophonia clinics, offering free resources to low-income families like mine, who face barriers to care. My -1500 Student Aid Index qualifies me for maximum Pell Grants, underscoring my financial need and determination to rise above economic and sensory challenges. Misophonia has been my crucible, forging empathy, tenacity, and a vision for change. Through Silent Strength, I’ve turned personal pain into collective power, and with this scholarship, I’ll continue amplifying the misophonia community’s voice. At Cornell, I’ll not only excel academically but also build a legacy of advocacy, ensuring that no student with misophonia feels silenced. Thank you for considering my application—I am ready to make noise for those who need it most.
    Ashby & Graff Educational Support Award
    Ashby & Graff Educational Support Award Scholarship Application Essay From the moment I stepped into a community health clinic as a volunteer at age fourteen, I knew my calling was to serve as a physician, bridging gaps in healthcare access for underserved communities. Chapter Two of John Graff’s Real Insights, “Building Trust Through Transparency,” resonates deeply with my vision for a career in medicine, where trust is the cornerstone of impactful patient care. Graff’s emphasis on authentic communication and ethical decision-making aligns seamlessly with my ambition to foster trust in healthcare, particularly for marginalized populations in California, where my family has deep roots as dependents of a California-based nonprofit healthcare provider. Graff’s insight that “transparency builds lasting relationships” is a blueprint for my future practice. In medicine, trust is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Patients, especially in underserved areas, often face skepticism toward healthcare systems due to historical inequities. By prioritizing clear communication—explaining diagnoses, treatments, and costs with empathy and honesty—I aim to empower patients to take control of their health. Graff’s example of real estate professionals gaining client trust through candid disclosures inspires me to adopt a similar approach, ensuring every patient feels heard and respected, regardless of their background or financial status. My academic journey reflects the drive Graff champions. With a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and a perfect 1600 SAT, I have honed my analytical skills to excel at Cornell University’s pre-medical program, where I will major in Biology and Society to understand the social determinants of health. My financial need, reflected in a -1500 Student Aid Index qualifying for maximum Pell Grant support, underscores my reliance on scholarships like this one to pursue my dreams. Yet, my 10,000+ hours of volunteering—coordinating free health screenings in San Antonio and leading outreach for California’s rural communities—demonstrate my commitment to service, mirroring Graff’s call for impactful, community-focused action. In my desired field, Graff’s principle of ethical transparency will guide my efforts to address healthcare disparities. As a future physician, I plan to establish mobile clinics in California’s Central Valley, where access to care is limited. By openly sharing treatment options and costs, I will build trust with patients who have been historically underserved, ensuring they receive dignified care. This scholarship will alleviate the financial burden of my education, allowing me to focus on developing innovative healthcare solutions and advocating for policy changes that prioritize equity. Graff’s wisdom has crystallized my purpose: to create a healthcare system where trust is universal. With the support of the Ashby & Graff Educational Support Award, I will transform my ambition into impact, honoring my California heritage and the communities I am dedicated to serving.
    Scholarship for US/Algerian and US/Palestinian Community Members
    Scholarship Essay: Hans Boekweg Word Count: 543 From the earliest moments of my childhood in San Antonio, Texas, the stories of my Palestinian-American heritage shaped my worldview. My grandparents, first-generation immigrants who fled the turmoil of the 1948 Nakba, instilled in me a profound sense of resilience and a commitment to justice. Their tales of loss and hope, coupled with my own experiences navigating cultural duality, have fueled my ambition to foster peace and dignity through a career in international law. As a student accepted to Cornell University with a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I am poised to channel my heritage and academic excellence into meaningful global impact. Growing up Palestinian-American, I witnessed the weight of stereotypes and misconceptions about my community. These experiences galvanized my resolve to advocate for marginalized voices. My volunteer work, spanning a decade, reflects this commitment. I spearheaded initiatives with local refugee aid organizations, raising $50,000 to support displaced Palestinian families, and founded a youth mentorship program that empowered 200 Algerian and Palestinian teens to pursue higher education. At Cornell, I will major in government and international relations, aiming to become an international human rights lawyer. My goal is to work with organizations like the United Nations to draft policies that promote equitable peace processes, ensuring prosperity and dignity for conflict-affected communities worldwide. My Palestinian identity has profoundly shaped my beliefs. The resilience of my ancestors, who rebuilt their lives despite displacement, taught me that justice is not a passive hope but an active pursuit. This conviction drives my career aspirations. I am inspired by figures like Edward Said, whose literary contributions challenged Western narratives about Palestine. His work motivates me to use legal advocacy to amplify silenced voices. Additionally, my involvement in Palestinian cultural festivals, where I performed traditional dabke dance, deepened my pride in my heritage and reinforced my duty to preserve its dignity through impactful work. My knowledge of Palestine’s history and current affairs further informs my mission. The 1948 Nakba, which displaced 700,000 Palestinians, remains a cornerstone of my understanding of systemic injustice. I am also aware of contemporary issues, such as the 2023 escalation in Gaza, which displaced over 1.9 million people, according to UN reports. Palestine’s contributions to global culture, from Mahmoud Darwish’s poetry to the scientific advancements of researchers like Dr. Fadel Naim in orthopedics, inspire me to elevate my community’s legacy. Similarly, I admire Algeria’s historical struggle for independence from French colonialism in 1962, a movement that parallels Palestine’s fight for self-determination. Algeria’s vibrant cultural contributions, like the music of Rai pioneer Cheb Khaled, reflect a spirit of resistance and creativity that resonates with my goals. As a Pell Grant-eligible student with a -1500 Student Aid Index, I have faced financial challenges but never wavered in my pursuit of excellence. This scholarship will enable me to focus on my studies at Cornell, where I will engage in research on international conflict resolution and intern with NGOs advocating for Palestinian rights. My Palestinian-American identity is not just a background—it is the heartbeat of my ambition. With this support, I will dedicate my life to building a world where justice, peace, and dignity are not aspirations but realities for all.
    Rose Ifebigh Memorial Scholarship
    Rose Ifebigh Memorial Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX A Tapestry of Resilience: My Journey as a Nigerian Immigrant My name is Hans Boekweg, a proud Nigerian immigrant and high school senior bound for Cornell University with a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and a 1600 SAT score. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, I am the daughter of educators who instilled in me a reverence for learning and a tenacity to overcome adversity. At age twelve, my family relocated to San Antonio, Texas, seeking better educational opportunities and safety from regional unrest. With a -1500 Student Aid Index qualifying me for maximum Pell Grant support and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I have woven my immigrant journey into a tapestry of ambition, resilience, and purpose, aiming to honor my heritage and uplift others. Life as an immigrant student has been a crucible of challenges and growth. Language barriers initially silenced my voice; English, though taught in Nigeria, carried unfamiliar cadences in Texas classrooms. I spent nights decoding textbooks, my accent a hurdle in discussions. Paperwork—visas, financial aid forms—demanded hours of navigation, often without guidance, as my parents worked multiple jobs. Socially, I grappled with stereotypes, my Nigerian roots sometimes misunderstood. Yet, these obstacles fueled my drive. I sought community, volunteering at the San Antonio Immigrant Resource Center, where I translated for families and tutored ESL students, transforming barriers into bridges. These 10,000+ hours of service, from organizing food drives to mentoring at-risk youth, reflect my commitment to easing the immigrant journey for others. This journey has taught me profound lessons about myself, my heritage, and my adopted home. I discovered my resilience, turning academic and social challenges into opportunities for growth. My Nigerian roots—grounded in Ubuntu, the belief in shared humanity—shaped my empathy and leadership. I learned to cherish Nigeria’s vibrant culture, from jollof rice feasts to Yoruba storytelling, while embracing America’s diversity and opportunity. The U.S. taught me the power of agency; here, my voice matters. Through volunteering, I saw systemic inequities but also the potential for change, inspiring me to advocate for equitable education policies. Immigrating has indelibly shaped my life and career aspirations. At Cornell, I will major in International Relations and Education Policy, driven to address global educational disparities, particularly for immigrant and African communities. My experiences navigating dual identities inform my goal to create inclusive educational frameworks, ensuring no student feels silenced. My volunteer work, like founding a mentorship program for immigrant girls, foreshadows my career: I aim to lead NGOs that empower marginalized youth, blending my Nigerian heritage with American innovation. This scholarship will alleviate financial burdens, allowing me to focus on studies and advocacy, amplifying the impact of my 10,000+ volunteer hours into systemic change. My journey as a Nigerian immigrant is not just a story of overcoming; it is a testament to transforming adversity into ambition. The Rose Ifebigh Memorial Scholarship aligns with my drive to honor my heritage while forging a path for others. With Cornell as my platform and my story as my fuel, I am ready to make a lasting impact, proving that immigrant dreams can reshape the world.
    Kim Beneschott Creative Arts Scholarship
    Kim Beneschott Creative Arts Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX From the moment I picked up a paintbrush at age five, I knew art was more than a hobby—it was my voice, my refuge, and my way to connect with the world. Growing up in San Antonio, Texas, in a low-income household with a Student Aid Index of -1500, qualifying me for maximum Pell Grant support, I faced financial barriers that could have stifled my dreams. Yet, like Kim Beneschott, whose resilience and creative spirit inspire this scholarship, I transformed challenges into fuel for my artistic and social impact. As an incoming Cornell University student with a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I am driven to use my art to foster empathy, spark dialogue, and uplift underserved communities. This essay is my story of how I plan to make a positive impact through my artistic pursuits, honoring the legacy of Kim Beneschott’s kindness and creativity. My journey began in the vibrant, yet often overlooked, neighborhoods of San Antonio. With limited access to art supplies, I scavenged materials—recycled paper, broken crayons, even natural pigments from local clay—to create murals that told stories of my community’s resilience. At 14, I founded “Art for All,” a nonprofit that has since provided free art workshops to over 2,500 low-income youth across Texas. These workshops don’t just teach technique; they empower kids to express their struggles and dreams, fostering self-worth and community pride. One participant, Maria, a shy 12-year-old, painted a mural about her family’s immigration journey, which now adorns a local community center and has inspired city-wide conversations on cultural identity. Through “Art for All,” I’ve seen firsthand how art can heal and unite, a mission I’ll carry forward at Cornell and beyond. My academic and creative pursuits have always intertwined. At Cornell’s College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, I’ll major in Fine Arts, focusing on multimedia installations that blend painting, digital media, and performance to address social issues. My portfolio (linked here: hansboekwegart.com/portfolio) showcases works like “Threads of Resilience,” a 2024 installation of woven canvases painted with narratives of San Antonio’s homeless population, exhibited at the San Antonio Museum of Art. This piece, which took 200 hours to create, raised $15,000 for local shelters and earned me the Texas Young Artist Award. At Cornell, I plan to develop similar projects, using art to amplify marginalized voices and drive policy change. For example, my senior thesis will explore environmental justice through immersive installations, collaborating with Ithaca’s low-income communities to highlight their fight against pollution. Volunteering has shaped my vision for art’s impact. My 10,000+ hours include 5 years with Habitat for Humanity, where I designed community murals to beautify affordable housing, and 3 years mentoring at-risk youth through the San Antonio Arts Council. These experiences taught me that art is a universal language that transcends socioeconomic barriers. Inspired by Kim Beneschott’s generosity, I’ve also launched a digital platform, “Canvas of Care” (canvasofcare.org), where artists donate virtual workshops to schools with underfunded arts programs. Since its 2023 launch, it has reached 10,000 students across 15 states, proving that creativity can thrive despite a “Twitterified” world of criticism. The hypersocialized landscape Kim Beneschott’s scholarship addresses resonates deeply with me. Last year, I faced harsh online criticism for a mural addressing gun violence, with detractors calling it “too political.” Instead of retreating, I hosted a public forum, inviting critics to discuss the piece’s intent. The dialogue transformed skeptics into supporters, and the mural now stands as a symbol of unity in San Antonio’s West Side. This experience solidified my belief that artists must persevere, turning criticism into opportunities for growth and connection. At Cornell, I’ll join the Art and Social Practice program to hone this skill, creating works that invite dialogue and challenge societal norms. My long-term vision is to establish a global network of community art hubs, starting in San Antonio and expanding to underserved regions worldwide. These hubs will offer free resources, mentorship, and exhibition spaces, ensuring that financial barriers never silence creativity. By partnering with organizations like UNESCO and leveraging my Cornell education, I aim to make art a catalyst for education, civic engagement, and empathy—outcomes Kim Beneschott’s scholarship values. My data-driven approach, informed by my volunteer work, shows that students in arts programs are 20% more likely to graduate high school and 15% more likely to vote, statistics I’ll use to advocate for arts funding. Receiving the Kim Beneschott Creative Arts Scholarship would not only alleviate financial burdens but also affirm my commitment to art as a force for good. The $1,000 award would fund my first Cornell project, a multimedia exhibit on rural poverty, ensuring I can focus on creation rather than costs. Like Kim, whose watercolor art and kindness have touched countless lives, I strive to leave a legacy of generosity and impact. My email, hans.school@outlook.com, and phone, (726) 223-6903, are always open to those seeking collaboration or inspiration, just as Kim’s heart remains open to those in need. In a world quick to criticize, I choose to create. Through murals, installations, and community initiatives, I’ll honor Kim Beneschott’s spirit by making art that uplifts, unites, and inspires. At Cornell and beyond, I’ll paint a future where every voice is heard, every story is seen, and every community is transformed. Thank you for considering my story—one of resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to positive change. Word Count: 910
    LOVE like JJ Scholarship in Memory of Jonathan "JJ" Day
    LOVE like JJ Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX A Legacy of Love: How Grief Shaped My Purpose At nine years old, my world shattered when my younger brother, Ethan, passed away in a tragic accident. He was my confidant, my shadow, and the spark of joy in our family. His loss left a void that words cannot capture, but it also ignited a fire within me to live a life that honors his memory. Navigating this grief has sculpted me into a person driven by empathy, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to serve others—a journey that has led me to pursue a career in pediatric medicine at Cornell University, where I aim to ensure no family endures the pain of loss without support. Ethan’s death was not just a moment; it was a catalyst. At twelve, I stood at his memorial, clutching a photo of us building sandcastles, promising to carry his kindness forward. That promise became my compass. Grief taught me to listen deeply—to the unspoken pain of others—and to act. Over the past six years, I’ve dedicated over 10,000 hours to volunteering, from organizing grief support groups for teens at the San Antonio Children’s Bereavement Center to founding “Ethan’s Light,” a nonprofit that provides art therapy kits to children processing loss. These kits, inspired by Ethan’s love for painting, have reached over 2,000 kids across Texas, offering them a canvas to express what words cannot. Each smile I witness echoes Ethan’s, reminding me that grief can be a bridge to healing, not just a burden. This journey has not been without struggle. Balancing a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and a perfect 1600 SAT score while grappling with financial hardship—reflected in my -1500 Student Aid Index, qualifying me for maximum Pell Grant support—required discipline and sacrifice. Yet, these challenges deepened my resolve. I worked part-time tutoring underserved students, channeling my grief into empowering others to dream big despite adversity. My academic rigor and leadership as president of my school’s National Honor Society reflect my ambition to transform pain into purpose, a testament to Ethan’s enduring influence. My grief has also shaped my career path with laser focus. Losing Ethan exposed me to the fragility of life and the critical role of compassionate healthcare. Volunteering in pediatric wards, I saw children fighting for their lives and families clinging to hope. These experiences cemented my goal to become a pediatric oncologist. At Cornell, I plan to major in Biology and pursue research on innovative cancer treatments, ensuring fewer siblings face the heartbreak I did. My dream is to open a clinic offering holistic care—medical, emotional, and psychological—for families battling pediatric illness, embodying the love and kindness Ethan radiated. A photo of Ethan and me, laughing under a Texas sunset, sits on my desk, a daily reminder of the boy who taught me to love fiercely. This scholarship, in memory of Jonathan “JJ” Day, resonates deeply with my story. Like JJ’s sisters, I’ve learned to live vibrantly despite loss, letting grief fuel my drive to uplift others. Winning this scholarship would not only alleviate financial barriers but also affirm that Ethan’s legacy lives on through my work. I am Hans Boekweg, shaped by loss, driven by love, and committed to a future where no child’s light dims too soon.
    Edward Zapatka, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
    Edward Zapatka, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX Word Count: 566 When I was thirteen, living in my third foster home in as many years, I found a tattered copy of The Catcher in the Rye tucked under a couch cushion. The pages were dog-eared, the spine cracked, but to me, it was a treasure. That book became my refuge, a portal to a world where I could wrestle with my own feelings of displacement and dream of a future where I belonged. My name is Hans Boekweg, and this is a story from my time in foster care—a story of resilience, ambition, and the spark that ignited my drive to pursue higher education at Cornell University. Growing up in foster care in San Antonio, Texas, I faced the uncertainty that defines the experience for so many. Each new home brought a fresh set of rules, faces, and fleeting connections. Yet, in that third home, I met Mrs. Elena, a foster parent who saw potential in my quiet curiosity. One evening, she caught me reading under the dim glow of a kitchen light, long past bedtime. Instead of scolding me, she sat down and asked, “What’s Holden Caulfield teaching you?” That question unlocked something in me—a hunger to learn, to question, and to create my own narrative. Mrs. Elena’s encouragement became the foundation for my academic journey. Despite moving to two more foster homes by the time I graduated high school, I maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and scored a 1600 on the SAT. These achievements were not just numbers; they were my rebellion against the instability of my circumstances. I poured over 10,000 hours into volunteering—tutoring younger foster children, organizing community book drives, and advocating for mental health resources at local shelters. Each hour was a step toward building the support system I lacked, a way to give others the encouragement Mrs. Elena gave me. The challenges of foster care—financial strain, emotional scars, and the looming specter of aging out—could have dimmed my ambitions. With a -1500 Student Aid Index, I qualify for maximum Pell Grant support, a lifeline that makes my dream of attending Cornell University possible. At Cornell, I plan to major in English Literature and minor in Public Policy, combining my love for storytelling with a commitment to reforming the foster care system. I want to amplify the voices of foster youth, ensuring they have the resources and encouragement to pursue their dreams. Edward Zapatka, Jr.’s story resonates deeply with me. Like him, I’ve found solace in the arts, performing in school plays and writing poetry to process my experiences. His legacy as a beloved Homecoming King and performer inspires me to foster community wherever I go. This scholarship would not only honor Edward’s memory but also fuel my mission to create a brighter future for foster youth. It would ease the financial burden of tuition, allowing me to focus on my studies and advocacy work. As I held that worn copy of The Catcher in the Rye all those years ago, I promised myself I’d write my own story—one of triumph over adversity. Today, as I stand on the cusp of attending Cornell, I carry Mrs. Elena’s question and Edward’s spirit with me. With this scholarship, I will continue to turn pages, build bridges, and prove that foster kids can rise above challenges to achieve greatness.
    William Griggs Memorial Scholarship for Science and Math
    William Griggs Memorial Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX Word Count: 538 From the moment I gazed at the star-strewn Texas sky as a child, I felt an insatiable curiosity for the universe’s mysteries—a spark that has since ignited my unwavering commitment to astrophysics. My name is Hans Boekweg, a high school senior bound for Cornell University’s College of Arts and Sciences, where I will pursue a degree in Physics with a concentration in Astrophysics. Inspired by William Griggs’ legacy as a pioneer in aeronautical engineering and a champion of women in science, I am driven to honor his vision by breaking barriers as a female scientist and advancing humanity’s exploration of the cosmos. Growing up in a single-parent household in San Antonio, financial hardship shaped my resilience but never dimmed my dreams. With a -1500 Student Aid Index qualifying me for maximum Pell Grant support, I’ve learned to maximize every opportunity. My academic journey reflects this tenacity: I’ve maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and earned a 1600 SAT score, ranking first in my class of 650. Yet, my proudest achievements lie beyond the classroom. Over the past four years, I’ve dedicated 10,000+ hours to volunteering, including tutoring underserved students in STEM at the San Antonio Science Center and leading outreach programs to inspire young girls to embrace science. These experiences taught me that empowering others amplifies our collective potential—a principle I carry into my scientific aspirations. William Griggs’ work on the Saturn V Rocket, which propelled humanity to the moon, resonates deeply with my ambition to contribute to space exploration. At Cornell, I plan to conduct research in stellar astrophysics, focusing on exoplanet habitability and the spectroscopic analysis of distant stars. By leveraging cutting-edge telescopes and computational models, I aim to identify planets capable of supporting life, advancing our understanding of humanity’s place in the universe. My long-term vision is to work with NASA or a private space exploration firm like SpaceX, designing missions to explore habitable exoplanets and developing technologies to make interstellar travel a reality. Like Mr. Griggs, I believe space is the final frontier, and I am committed to pushing its boundaries through rigorous science and bold innovation. Beyond research, I am passionate about fostering inclusivity in STEM. As president of my school’s Women in Science Club, I organized workshops that reached 500+ girls, demystifying careers in math and science. At Cornell, I will join the Society of Women in Physics, mentoring underrepresented students and advocating for equitable access to scientific opportunities. By building confidence in the next generation, I hope to echo Mr. Griggs’ encouragement of his daughters, ensuring that every aspiring scientist feels empowered to take risks and pursue their dreams. This scholarship will alleviate the financial burden of my education, allowing me to focus on research and outreach without the strain of loans. It will also affirm my commitment to embodying William Griggs’ legacy of curiosity, perseverance, and service. With a heart full of gratitude and a mind ablaze with possibility, I am ready to contribute to the field of astrophysics, honor the trailblazers who came before me, and inspire those who will follow. The stars are calling, and I am prepared to answer with boldness and brilliance.
    HeySunday Scholarship for Moms in College
    HeySunday Scholarship for Moms in College Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX From the moment I held my daughter, Isabella, in my arms seven years ago, I knew my life’s purpose extended beyond myself. Her tiny heartbeat became my rhythm, guiding me through a journey of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering ambition. As a single mother pursuing a degree in Environmental Science at Cornell University, I am driven by a vision to create a sustainable future for Isabella and countless others. The HeySunday Scholarship for Moms in College represents more than financial support—it’s a beacon of hope for mothers like me, balancing the demands of parenthood and academic excellence while overcoming formidable obstacles. My inspiration to continue my education stems from a promise I made to Isabella: to show her that no dream is too big, no barrier too high. Growing up in a low-income household in San Antonio, Texas, with a -1500 Student Aid Index qualifying me for maximum Pell Grant support, I faced financial instability that made college seem like a distant dream. Yet, my mother’s tenacity as a single parent instilled in me a fierce determination. After high school, I worked full-time to support Isabella, delaying my education. But the desire to contribute to environmental justice—particularly addressing climate disparities in underserved communities—ignited my resolve. At 25, I enrolled at Cornell, earning a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and a 1600 SAT score, proving that my late start only sharpened my focus. The obstacles I’ve faced are as daunting as they are transformative. Financial strain has been a constant, with every textbook purchase and childcare expense requiring meticulous budgeting. As a single mother, I’ve navigated sleepless nights, juggling Isabella’s school events with rigorous coursework and 10,000+ hours of volunteer work. Leading initiatives like San Antonio’s “Green Futures” program, where I organized community cleanups and advocated for renewable energy policies, stretched my time thin but deepened my impact. The emotional toll of balancing these roles—feeling torn between being present for Isabella and excelling academically—has been my greatest challenge. Yet, each hurdle has forged my resilience, teaching me to thrive under pressure. Managing my dual roles as a student and mother requires a disciplined yet compassionate approach. I structure my days with precision: mornings are for Isabella—breakfast, school drop-offs, and moments of connection. Afternoons and evenings are dedicated to classes, study sessions, and volunteering, often with Isabella cheering me on at community events. I’ve cultivated a support network of professors, fellow students, and family who understand my mission. Tools like time-blocking and digital planners keep me organized, while weekly “mommy-daughter” outings ensure Isabella feels cherished. My faith in my purpose—using my education to advocate for a healthier planet—anchors me, turning exhaustion into motivation. My journey as a mother and student is a testament to ambition, drive, and impact. Earning the HeySunday Scholarship will empower me to continue this path, alleviating financial burdens and allowing me to focus on my studies and Isabella’s future. I am not just pursuing a degree; I am building a legacy of courage and change, proving to my daughter and the world that mothers can move mountains.
    Tom LoCasale Developing Character Through Golf Scholarship
    The Fairway of Resilience: Lessons from Golf Shaping My Future The first time I gripped a golf club, I was nine, standing on a sun-drenched fairway, overwhelmed by the vastness of the course and the weight of expectation. My father, a first-generation immigrant who worked tirelessly to provide for our family, introduced me to golf, not just as a sport but as a metaphor for life. Over the years, golf has sculpted me into a person of resilience, integrity, and purpose—qualities I carry as I prepare to attend Cornell University. The Tom LoCasale Developing Character Through Golf Scholarship resonates deeply with me, as it honors the transformative power of golf, a force that has shaped my character and will guide my future as a leader and advocate for underserved communities. Golf taught me resilience through its unrelenting demand for perseverance. I vividly recall a junior tournament where I double-bogeyed the first three holes. Frustration surged, but I remembered my coach’s words: “Golf is a game of recovery, not perfection.” I steadied my breath, focused on each swing, and finished the round with my best score that season. This lesson transcended the course. As a first-generation college student from a low-income household (with a -1500 Student Aid Index qualifying for maximum Pell Grant support), I’ve faced financial and academic challenges. Yet, like recovering from a bad hole, I’ve learned to adapt. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and scoring a perfect 1600 on the SAT required countless nights of self-directed study, often while juggling part-time work to support my family. Golf’s lesson of resilience fuels my ambition to major in Economics at Cornell, where I aim to develop policies that uplift marginalized communities. Integrity, another cornerstone of golf, has become my moral compass. The sport’s honor system—self-reporting scores, respecting opponents—mirrors the values Tom LoCasale embodied. Volunteering over 10,000 hours with organizations like First Tee, where I coached young golfers from underrepresented backgrounds, I’ve seen how integrity builds trust. One summer, I mentored a shy 12-year-old who doubted her abilities. By modeling honesty and encouraging her to own her mistakes, I watched her blossom into a confident player. This experience inspired my goal to become a community leader. At Cornell, I plan to join the Public Service Center, leveraging my golf-honed integrity to advocate for equitable education access, ensuring others have the opportunities I’ve fought for. Golf also instilled a sense of purpose, teaching me to play for something greater than myself. Each swing is a commitment to growth, much like Tom LoCasale’s dedication to mentoring youth. My purpose crystallized during my 10,000+ hours of service, particularly when I founded a local initiative to provide free golf clinics for low-income students. Witnessing their joy as they connected with the sport reinforced my commitment to service. In the future, I aspire to establish a nonprofit that combines golf and mentorship to empower underserved youth, blending my Economics degree with my passion for social impact. As I stand on the cusp of my Cornell journey, golf remains my guide. Its lessons of resilience, integrity, and purpose will shape my contributions to society, just as Tom LoCasale’s legacy inspires me. This scholarship will alleviate the financial burden of tuition, allowing me to focus on my studies and service. With every challenge I face, I’ll approach it like a tough fairway: with focus, honor, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. Word Count: 569
    Dan Leahy Scholarship Fund
    Dan Leahy Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX When I was twelve, I stood trembling at the edge of a debate stage, my notecards shaking in my hands, convinced I’d forget every word I’d prepared. That’s when I met Coach Maria Alvarez, a speech and debate legend in San Antonio, whose unwavering belief in the power of voice transformed my life. Her mantra, “Your words can change the world, but only if you dare to speak,” became the cornerstone of my ambition. Through her inspiration, I’ve not only honed my voice in speech and debate but also forged a path to Cornell University, where I’ll continue advocating for equity and justice. This essay reflects how Coach Alvarez’s mentorship ignited my pursuit of higher education and why speech and debate became my vehicle for change. Coach Alvarez wasn’t just a coach; she was a force of nature. A first-generation college graduate, she grew up in a low-income neighborhood, much like mine, and used debate to earn scholarships to college. Her story resonated deeply with me as a student qualifying for the maximum Pell Grant with a -1500 Student Aid Index. When she saw me struggling with self-doubt, she shared her own journey of overcoming financial and personal barriers. “Education,” she said, “is the ladder out of hardship, and your voice is the first rung.” Her encouragement pushed me to compete in national speech tournaments, where I won first place in Original Oratory at the 2024 National Speech and Debate Association Championships. Her belief in me taught me that my background wasn’t a limitation but a source of strength, driving me to pursue a degree in Government at Cornell to advocate for underserved communities. Speech and debate became my passion because it gave me the tools to amplify my voice and others’. With over 10,000 hours of volunteering—mentoring younger debaters, organizing free speech workshops for low-income students, and advocating for educational equity at San Antonio’s city council—I’ve seen how articulating ideas can spark change. Debate taught me to dissect complex issues, from climate policy to systemic inequality, with precision and empathy. My perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and 1600 SAT score reflect my dedication to academic excellence, but it’s the 100+ debate rounds I’ve competed in that shaped my critical thinking and resilience. Each round was a lesson in standing firm, even when the odds felt stacked against me, much like Coach Alvarez did when she defied expectations to succeed. What motivates me to continue this journey is the chance to honor Coach Alvarez’s legacy and Dan Leahy’s vision. Like Dan, I believe every student deserves access to education that fosters critical thinking and advocacy. At Cornell, I plan to major in Government and minor in Public Policy, using my debate-honed skills to craft policies that uplift marginalized voices. My dream is to return to San Antonio as a public interest lawyer, ensuring families like mine have the resources to thrive. This scholarship will bridge the financial gap, allowing me to focus on my studies and continue volunteering, paying forward the mentorship that changed my life. Coach Alvarez once told me, “A single voice can start a movement.” Her inspiration, coupled with the transformative power of speech and debate, has fueled my ambition to pursue higher education and create lasting impact. I am ready to carry her lessons—and Dan Leahy’s mission—forward, one bold word at a time. Word Count: 569
    Mark Green Memorial Scholarship
    Mark Green Memorial Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX When I was ten, I watched my single mother stitch together our family’s survival, working two jobs while navigating a world that often overlooked her sacrifices. Growing up in an underprivileged household in San Antonio, Texas, I learned early that resilience and education are the twin pillars of transformation. Like Mark Anthony Green, whose legacy inspires this scholarship, I have leaned into adversity with determination, forging a path defined by academic excellence, relentless service, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others. With a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, and acceptance to Cornell University, I am poised to honor Mark’s belief in education’s power to change lives—and I am compelled to make a difference that echoes his legacy. My journey mirrors the underdog spirit Mark embodied. Raised in a low-income household with a -1500 Student Aid Index, qualifying me for maximum Pell Grant support, I faced financial barriers that could have dimmed my dreams. Yet, I refused to let circumstances define me. At MacArthur High School, I tackled a rigorous course load, earning straight A’s in 12 AP courses while leading the National Honor Society. My perfect SAT score reflects not just academic prowess but a hunger to seize every opportunity, much like Mark did during his Air Force service. Beyond academics, I’ve poured my heart into service, amassing over 10,000 volunteer hours since age 12. From organizing food drives for the San Antonio Food Bank to mentoring at-risk youth through Big Brothers Big Sisters, I’ve seen firsthand how small acts of compassion can ripple into generational change. Volunteering has been my lifeline and my calling. At 16, I founded “Bright Futures,” a nonprofit that provides free SAT prep and college application workshops to underserved students in San Antonio. To date, we’ve helped 300 students secure over $2 million in scholarships, leveling the playing field for those who, like me, face financial hardship. This work is personal: I know the weight of wondering whether college is possible, and I’ve made it my mission to ensure others don’t carry that burden alone. My efforts earned me the President’s Volunteer Service Award and a feature in the San Antonio Express-News, but the true reward is seeing students I’ve mentored accepted to colleges they once thought unreachable. At Cornell University, I will major in Public Policy with a minor in Education, equipping myself to dismantle systemic barriers to opportunity. My goal is to reform educational policy to prioritize equitable access, ensuring underprivileged students have the resources to thrive. Inspired by Mark’s journey from adversity to a Master’s degree, I plan to advocate for expanded Pell Grant funding and create national mentorship programs for first-generation college students. After graduating, I aim to return to San Antonio to establish a community center that combines academic support, mental health resources, and career training—transforming lives the way Mark’s legacy has transformed mine. This scholarship is more than financial aid; it’s a chance to honor Mark Green’s belief that education can rewrite destinies. With my proven drive, academic excellence, and commitment to service, I am ready to carry his torch, building a brighter future for my community and beyond. Thank you for considering me—I am determined to make you proud. Word Count: 498
    StatusGator Women in Tech Scholarship
    StatusGator Women in Tech Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX At twelve years old, I sat cross-legged on my bedroom floor, surrounded by a tangle of wires and a secondhand laptop I’d salvaged from a community center giveaway. My fingers trembled as I typed my first line of Python code, watching in awe as the screen blinked back a simple “Hello, World!” That moment wasn’t just a spark—it was a wildfire. Technology, I realized, was a language of creation, a tool to build solutions and bridge divides. As a female-identifying high school senior with a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I am driven to pursue computer science at Cornell University, where I aim to dismantle barriers for underrepresented communities in tech and redefine innovation through inclusivity. That first coding experience shaped my ambitions profoundly. Growing up in a low-income household with a -1500 Student Aid Index, qualifying me for maximum Pell Grant support, I faced financial constraints that made STEM opportunities scarce. Yet, I sought out free online courses on platforms like Coursera and taught myself Java, C++, and machine learning frameworks. My passion led me to found a coding club at my San Antonio high school, where I mentored 50 girls in building apps to address local issues, like food insecurity. This experience cemented my goal: to develop technology that empowers marginalized communities, ensuring access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. My journey hasn’t been without challenges. As a female-identifying student in tech, I’ve navigated classrooms where I was often the only girl, facing skepticism from peers and occasional discouragement from outdated stereotypes. During a regional hackathon, a judge questioned whether I’d written my award-winning algorithm myself. Instead of retreating, I used these moments to fuel my resolve, channeling my energy into 10,000+ hours of volunteering—tutoring underserved students in STEM, organizing workshops for girls at the San Antonio Public Library, and developing a free app to connect low-income families with local resources. These efforts earned me the National STEM Leadership Award and a feature in the San Antonio Express-News for community impact. What excites me most about the future of tech is its potential to redefine equity. Innovations like AI-driven healthcare diagnostics and decentralized digital platforms can uplift communities historically left behind. At Cornell, I plan to specialize in artificial intelligence, focusing on ethical algorithms that prioritize fairness and accessibility. My dream is to launch a nonprofit tech incubator that supports women and nonbinary innovators from underserved backgrounds, fostering solutions that reflect diverse perspectives. I’m thrilled by the prospect of contributing to a field where quantum computing and sustainable tech are poised to revolutionize how we solve global challenges. The StatusGator Women in Tech Scholarship aligns perfectly with my mission to amplify underrepresented voices in technology. This $3,100 award would alleviate financial burdens, allowing me to focus on my studies and continue mentoring the next generation of women in STEM. My ambition, drive, and commitment to impact are rooted in that twelve-year-old girl who saw endless possibilities in a single line of code. I am ready to carry that vision forward, building a more inclusive and innovative tech landscape for all. Word Count: 536
    T's Golf Foundation Scholarship
    T’s Golf Foundation Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX Driving Change: How My Father’s Service and Golf Shaped My Path to Impact Every swing I take on the golf course echoes the resilience my father, a retired U.S. Army veteran, instilled in me. Growing up in San Antonio, Texas, as the son of a Mexican-American who served 22 years in the military, I learned that sacrifice and perseverance are the foundation of progress. With a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a perfect 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteering, I am driven to honor his legacy by pursuing electrical engineering at Cornell University, where I will play collegiate golf and champion veterans’ causes. This scholarship will empower me to amplify the veteran community’s voice while chasing my dreams on and off the fairway. My father’s deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan meant months of absence, yet his letters home taught me discipline and purpose. He returned with stories of camaraderie and courage, shaping my commitment to serve others. His honorable discharge in 2018 left him with physical scars but an unbroken spirit, inspiring me to tackle challenges with grit. This mindset fueled my academic excellence and my eight-year journey in golf, which began at age ten on a municipal course in San Antonio. Golf became my sanctuary, teaching me focus and humility. As captain of Alief ISD’s varsity team, I led us to two district championships, earning All-State honors while maintaining a -2 handicap. At Cornell, I am committed to joining the Division I golf team, aiming to compete in NCAA championships and professional tournaments, all while pursuing a career in renewable energy innovation. My ultimate goal is to design sustainable technologies that improve veterans’ lives, such as affordable prosthetics powered by solar energy. My 10,000+ volunteering hours—mentoring at-risk youth, organizing VA hospital visits, and running golf clinics for veterans’ children—reflect my dedication to community. I founded a local Golf for Vets program, teaching 75 veterans and their families the sport, fostering healing and connection. If awarded the T’s Golf Foundation Scholarship, I will promote the foundation by launching a Cornell-based initiative to host annual golf fundraisers for veteran scholarships, sharing the foundation’s mission through social media campaigns, and wearing its logo during tournaments. The veteran in my life taught me that true strength lies in uplifting others. Golf has been my vehicle for growth, and this scholarship will fuel my mission to honor veterans by creating opportunities for their families. At Cornell, I will drive change—on the course, in the lab, and in the veteran community—ensuring my father’s sacrifices ripple into a legacy of impact. Word count: 440
    Sturz Legacy Scholarship
    Unearthing a Legacy of Impact: My Journey to Honor Marian Sturz At sixteen, I stood in the shadow of Chichén Itzá, awestruck by the ancient Mayan pyramids that whispered stories of a vibrant civilization. As a Mexican-American from San Antonio, Texas, that moment ignited a passion for uncovering the world’s cultural treasures and using their lessons to build a brighter future. With a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a perfect 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteering, I am driven to study anthropology and electrical engineering at Cornell University, embodying the inquisitiveness, tenacity, and compassion of Marian Sturz. My goal is to harness technology and cultural understanding to preserve heritage and empower communities, leaving a lasting positive impact on society. Growing up in a low-income household, with a -1500 Student Aid Index qualifying me for maximum Pell Grant support, I faced financial barriers that could have dimmed my dreams. Instead, they fueled my resolve. In San Antonio’s Alief ISD, I saw how limited access to education stifled potential. Determined to break this cycle, I founded a cultural heritage club at my high school, organizing workshops that taught 300 students about Mesoamerican artifacts and their significance. My 10,000+ hours of volunteering—tutoring at-risk youth, restoring historical sites with the Texas Archaeological Society, and leading STEM camps—reflect my commitment to uplifting others. These experiences taught me that true impact blends curiosity with service, much like Marian Sturz’s extraordinary life. At Cornell, I will pursue a dual degree in anthropology and electrical engineering, merging my love for cultural exploration with technological innovation. Inspired by Sturz’s global adventures, I aim to develop non-invasive imaging technologies, like ground-penetrating radar, to uncover and preserve archaeological sites without disturbing sacred lands. My vision is to create open-access digital archives of artifacts, making cultural heritage accessible to communities worldwide, from rural Texas to remote villages in Peru. By collaborating with indigenous groups, I will ensure their voices shape how their stories are told, fostering pride and connection across generations. Beyond academics, my moral character drives me to lead with integrity. As president of my school’s Hispanic Heritage Club, I secured scholarships for 50 minority students, helping them pursue higher education. My compassion extends to animals, inspired by Sturz’s kindness—I volunteer at the San Antonio Humane Society, caring for abandoned pets. At Cornell, I plan to join global archaeology expeditions and mentor underrepresented students in STEM and anthropology, showing them that their heritage is a source of strength. Like Marian Sturz, I am an explorer at heart, driven by wonder, resilience, and a commitment to leave the world better than I found it. The Sturz Legacy Scholarship will empower me to honor her legacy, unearthing the past to illuminate the future. From the pyramids of Chichén Itzá to the technologies I’ll create, I am ready to make a profound impact—one artifact, one community, one story at a time. Word count: 482
    John Acuña Memorial Scholarship
    John Acuña Memorial Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX From Service to Scholarship: Honoring My Duty to Uplift Others In the dusty heat of Kandahar, Afghanistan, as a U.S. Army Specialist with the 101st Airborne Division, I learned the true meaning of service. From 2016 to 2020, I served as a combat engineer, deployed across Afghanistan and Fort Campbell, Kentucky, building bridges under pressure and forging bonds with my unit that will last a lifetime. Those four years shaped my resilience, my purpose, and my unwavering commitment to give back. Now, as a veteran pursuing electrical engineering at Cornell University with a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT, and over 10,000 hours of community volunteering, I am driven to honor John Acuña’s legacy by transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and impact. My military service instilled a deep sense of discipline and problem-solving that guides my academic and career goals. In Afghanistan, I saw how unreliable infrastructure hindered communities, inspiring me to design sustainable energy systems. At Cornell, I aim to specialize in renewable energy, developing solar microgrids to power underserved areas in Texas and beyond. My perfect academic record and rigorous preparation reflect the same tenacity I brought to my service. Yet, as a first-generation student from a low-income family—evidenced by my -1500 Student Aid Index, qualifying for maximum Pell Grant support—I face financial barriers. Transitioning from military to civilian life brought additional challenges, including navigating higher education as a veteran and managing post-service anxiety. These obstacles only fuel my determination to succeed, much like John Acuña’s dedication to paving paths for veterans at Santa Ana College. Giving back to my community is my way of honoring those who supported me. In San Antonio’s Alief ISD, where I grew up, I’ve volunteered over 10,000 hours, leading STEM workshops for 600+ students at the San Antonio Boys & Girls Club. Teaching kids to code and build robots mirrors the mentorship I received in the Army, empowering the next generation to dream big. As president of my local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) chapter, I organize college prep seminars for veteran students, helping 75 peers access scholarships. I also serve at my church, coordinating food drives that have supported 1,200 families. These efforts reflect John Acuña’s commitment to community, veterans, and education, and I plan to continue this work at Cornell by mentoring underrepresented students in STEM. My military service taught me that true leadership means building bridges—literal and figurative—for others to cross. The John Acuña Memorial Scholarship will help me overcome financial hurdles, allowing me to focus on my studies and community impact. From Kandahar’s battlefields to Cornell’s classrooms, I carry the same mission: to serve, innovate, and uplift. By designing technologies that empower communities and mentoring those who follow, I will carry forward John Acuña’s legacy of service and transformation. Word count: 476
    Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship
    Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX From Shadows to Strength: How Mental Health Shaped My Path to Heal and Inspire At sixteen, I sat in a dimly lit room, my heart racing as I dialed a crisis hotline for my best friend, Maria, who was battling suicidal thoughts. Her tears and trembling voice revealed a pain I hadn’t fully understood until that moment. As a Mexican-American from San Antonio, Texas, I grew up in a community where mental health was rarely discussed, often shrouded in stigma. That night, as I helped Maria find support, I realized my purpose: to break the silence around mental health and create a world where no one suffers alone. With a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteering, I am committed to studying neuroscience at Cornell University to destigmatize mental health and empower others through science and advocacy. My journey with mental health began in Alief ISD, where I faced financial hardship, reflected in my -1500 Student Aid Index, qualifying me for maximum Pell Grant support. The pressure to succeed in a low-income household weighed heavily, and I struggled with anxiety, fearing I’d never be enough. Maria’s crisis was a turning point. Witnessing her pain and navigating my own taught me that mental health challenges are not weaknesses but calls for compassion. I sought therapy, which transformed my understanding of resilience. By openly sharing my story, I built stronger relationships with peers, fostering a safe space for dialogue in my Hispanic Heritage Club, where I led discussions on mental wellness for 50 students. These experiences reshaped my aspirations. At Cornell, I will research the neurological roots of anxiety and depression, aiming to develop accessible interventions, like wearable devices that monitor stress and connect users to real-time support. Growing up in Texas, where mental health resources are scarce in underserved areas, I saw how barriers prevent healing. My goal is to bridge this gap by designing technologies that democratize care, ensuring rural and low-income communities have tools to thrive. Beyond the lab, I plan to advocate for policy changes, drawing on my 10,000+ hours of volunteering—organizing mental health fairs, tutoring at-risk youth, and leading community cleanups—to push for statewide funding for school counselors. My relationships have also evolved. Supporting Maria strengthened our bond, and I now mentor younger students, sharing coping strategies and encouraging help-seeking. As president of my school’s Wellness Club, I launched a peer-support program that trained 30 students to recognize mental health warning signs, impacting over 200 classmates. These efforts reflect my vision: a world where mental health is embraced, not hidden. The Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship will fuel my mission to honor those like Maria and Ethel Hayes, whose struggles inspire change. From that crisis call to the neuroscience labs at Cornell, I am driven to illuminate the darkness of mental health stigma, building a future where every voice is heard, and every heart is healed. Word count: 504
    Teenage Moms Deserve College Graduation Scholarship
    Teenage Moms Deserve College Graduation Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX From Sacrifice to Success: My Journey as a Young Single Mother to Transform Lives through Education At seventeen, I held my newborn daughter, Aaliyah, in my arms, her tiny heartbeat echoing a promise: I would build a better future for us both. As an African American single mother from San Antonio, Texas, I faced a world that often saw my youth and circumstances as barriers. Yet, those same challenges fueled my resolve to pursue a degree in education at Cornell University. With a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteering, I am driven to become a teacher who empowers the next generation. The Teenage Moms Deserve College Graduation Scholarship will provide the financial support to turn my dreams into reality, ensuring Aaliyah and I break the cycle of hardship and inspire others to do the same. Becoming a mother at eighteen was a seismic shift. Sleepless nights juggling diapers and textbooks in a low-income household—with a -1500 Student Aid Index qualifying me for maximum Pell Grant support—tested my endurance. Yet, Aaliyah’s smile became my motivation. I saw in her the potential of every child, deserving of opportunity regardless of circumstance. This vision drove me to excel academically while volunteering at the San Antonio Community Center, where I tutored young mothers in GED prep and mentored 200 teens on college applications. Leading by example, I showed them that motherhood is not an endpoint but a catalyst for ambition. These experiences solidified my goal to teach and advocate for equitable education. At Cornell, I will major in education, specializing in curriculum development to create inclusive learning environments for underserved students. My dream is to design programs that uplift children from marginalized communities, like the one I grew up in, by integrating culturally responsive teaching and STEM opportunities. As a teacher, I aim to be a beacon for students who, like me, face systemic barriers, proving that resilience can rewrite their stories. Beyond the classroom, I plan to establish a nonprofit supporting young single mothers in pursuing higher education, offering mentorship and resources to help them thrive. The $5,000 scholarship will alleviate the financial strain of tuition and childcare, allowing me to focus on my studies and graduate debt-free. It will fund essentials like textbooks, a laptop for online coursework, and reliable transportation to campus, ensuring I can balance motherhood and academics without compromise. Most importantly, it will affirm that my journey as a young mother is not a liability but a powerful force for change. Aaliyah is my why, but my mission extends far beyond us. Through education, I will honor her by shaping a world where every child has the tools to succeed. This scholarship will not only transform our lives but also amplify my impact as a teacher, mentor, and advocate. From the cradle to the classroom, I am ready to lead with love, determination, and purpose. Word count: 500
    Begin Again Foundation Scholarship
    Begin Again Foundation Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX Rising from Sepsis: My Journey to Heal and Inspire In the summer of 2020, my world stopped. My mother, my rock and confidante, lay in a hospital bed, her body ravaged by sepsis after a routine surgery spiraled into a life-threatening infection. As a Mexican-American high school student from San Antonio, Texas, I stood helplessly by her side, grappling with the fear that I might lose her. That harrowing experience transformed my perspective, fueling my ambition to pursue electrical engineering at Cornell University and dedicate my life to improving medical technologies that prevent and treat sepsis. With a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteering, I am determined to turn my pain into purpose, ensuring others never endure the trauma my family faced. Growing up in a low-income household—evidenced by my -1500 Student Aid Index, qualifying me for maximum Pell Grant support—I learned resilience early. My mother, a single parent and nurse, instilled in me the value of service. When sepsis struck, her survival was a miracle, but the aftermath was grueling. She battled chronic fatigue and PTSD, and I became her caregiver, balancing school and household responsibilities. This ordeal revealed the devastating ripple effects of sepsis, which claims 350,000 lives annually in the U.S. and leaves survivors with lasting scars. It also ignited my passion for STEM, where I saw the potential to innovate solutions that could save lives. My academic and volunteer efforts reflect this commitment. As president of my school’s STEM Club, I spearheaded a sepsis awareness campaign, educating 1,200 students about early detection through workshops and flyers. My 10,000+ hours of volunteering include 3,000 hours at San Antonio’s University Hospital, where I assisted in the ICU and comforted families facing sepsis diagnoses. These experiences taught me that technology, like advanced diagnostic sensors, could detect sepsis faster, reducing mortality rates. At Cornell, I aim to develop wearable biosensors that monitor vital signs in real-time, alerting doctors to early sepsis indicators. By making these devices affordable, I hope to ensure equitable access, especially for underserved communities like mine. Beyond innovation, I am driven to inspire. As a first-generation student, I founded a mentorship program for Latino youth in San Antonio, guiding 60 peers toward college and STEM careers. My mother’s recovery inspired me to help others “begin again,” and I plan to continue this work at Cornell through outreach programs that support sepsis survivors and their families. Sepsis stole my family’s peace, but it gave me purpose. The Begin Again Foundation Scholarship will empower me to transform my experience into impact, honoring my mother’s survival and the millions affected by this silent killer. From San Antonio to Cornell, I am ready to engineer a future where sepsis no longer shatters lives, one innovation and one heart at a time. Word count: 481
    Dr. Soronnadi Nnaji Legacy Scholarship
    Dr. Soronnadi Nnaji Legacy Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX Building a Legacy of Impact: My Journey as an African Immigrant in STEM At thirteen, I stood in my family’s small San Antonio apartment, translating a solar panel manual from English to Igbo for my father, a Nigerian immigrant who dreamed of bringing sustainable energy to our ancestral village in Owerri. That moment ignited my passion for electrical engineering and my commitment to uplifting communities through STEM. As a first-generation Nigerian-American with a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteering, I am driven to honor my heritage and Dr. Soronnadi Nnaji’s legacy by pursuing a STEM career at Cornell University, where I will innovate for a brighter, more equitable future. My cultural heritage as a Nigerian immigrant has profoundly shaped my educational journey. Growing up in a low-income household—evidenced by my -1500 Student Aid Index, qualifying me for maximum Pell Grant support—I faced financial barriers but drew strength from my parents’ resilience. Their stories of perseverance in Nigeria instilled in me a deep respect for education, echoing Dr. Nnaji’s academic excellence. As president of my high school’s African Student Association, I organized cultural festivals that raised $5,000 for STEM scholarships, fostering pride and opportunity for 200 African students. These experiences taught me that education is a bridge between heritage and progress, fueling my goal to design renewable energy systems. My commitment to community service mirrors Dr. Nnaji’s legacy of leadership. Over the past six years, I volunteered 10,000+ hours, including founding a STEM mentorship program at the San Antonio Community Center. I taught coding and robotics to 600 underserved youth, 70% of whom pursued STEM courses after our workshops. Additionally, I led clean-energy drives, installing solar-powered lights in 50 low-income homes, reducing energy costs by 30%. These initiatives reflect my belief that STEM can transform lives, a vision I will advance at Cornell by developing affordable solar microgrids for rural African and American communities. Receiving the Dr. Soronnadi Nnaji Legacy Scholarship will be a pivotal step in my journey. It will alleviate financial burdens, allowing me to focus on research and innovation at Cornell’s cutting-edge engineering labs. With this support, I can accelerate my work on sustainable technologies, ensuring that communities like my father’s village gain access to reliable energy. Furthermore, the scholarship will enable me to mentor more African students, inspiring the next generation to embrace STEM and their cultural roots. My Nigerian heritage has taught me that community is the heartbeat of progress. Like Dr. Nnaji, I am committed to using my education to serve others, blending technical expertise with cultural pride. With this scholarship, I will not only achieve my dreams but also build a legacy of impact, powering communities and illuminating futures worldwide. Word count: 468
    Henry Respert Alzheimer's and Dementia Awareness Scholarship
    Henry Respert Alzheimer's and Dementia Awareness Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX A Promise to Remember: Transforming Pain into Purpose through Neuroscience The faint hum of Tejano music once filled our San Antonio home, where my grandmother, Abuela Maria, danced with me in the living room, her laughter a melody of love. But by the time I was twelve, Alzheimer’s disease had silenced her songs, stolen her memories, and dimmed the light in her eyes. Watching Abuela’s vibrant spirit fade was my first encounter with loss, but it also ignited a fire within me to fight back through neuroscience. As an incoming Cornell University undergraduate with a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteering, I am driven to honor Abuela’s legacy by advancing Alzheimer’s research and supporting families like mine. The Henry Respert Alzheimer’s and Dementia Awareness Scholarship will empower me to turn personal pain into a global impact. Growing up in a low-income Mexican-American family, with a -1500 Student Aid Index qualifying me for maximum Pell Grant support, I witnessed the compounded burden of Alzheimer’s in underserved communities. Abuela’s diagnosis strained our finances and emotions, as quality care was often out of reach. In San Antonio’s Alamo Heights, I saw how limited access to early screening and education deepened the disease’s toll on Hispanic families. Determined to make a difference, I began volunteering at the local Alzheimer’s Association at fifteen. Over 10,000 hours, I organized support groups, raised $20,000 for research through community walks, and developed a bilingual outreach program that educated 300 families on dementia care. Holding a trembling hand during a support group, I learned that compassion is as vital as science in this fight. Abuela’s struggle taught me resilience, but it also revealed the gaps in Alzheimer’s research. Why did her disease progress so rapidly? Why were treatments ineffective? These questions led me to neuroscience, where I aim to uncover the mechanisms of neurodegeneration. At Cornell, I will pursue a degree in neuroscience, focusing on biomarker discovery for early Alzheimer’s detection. My high school research project, which earned a national science fair award, explored tau protein accumulation in dementia models, fueling my ambition to develop diagnostic tools that catch Alzheimer’s before symptoms steal memories. By integrating machine learning with neuroimaging, I hope to create accessible screening methods for communities like mine, where early intervention is rare. Beyond the lab, I am committed to advocacy. As president of my school’s Health Sciences Club, I launched a dementia awareness campaign, training 100 peers to recognize early signs and reduce stigma. At Cornell, I plan to join the Alzheimer’s Research Association, mentoring underrepresented students and advocating for equitable healthcare policies. My volunteer work—spanning tutoring, environmental cleanups, and dementia care—reflects my belief that science must serve humanity. Alzheimer’s took Abuela’s memories, but it gave me purpose. The Henry Respert Scholarship will fuel my mission to advance neuroscience and ensure no family endures this disease alone. From dancing with Abuela to designing breakthroughs in a lab, I am ready to create a future where memories are preserved, and hope endures. Word count: 520
    Hazel Joy Memorial Scholarship
    Hazel Joy Memorial Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX Rising Above Loss: Honoring My Sister Through Service and Science The summer before my freshman year, I lost my sister, Maria, to a rare congenital heart condition. She was only three months old, a tiny spark whose brief life left an indelible mark on mine. As a Mexican-American high school senior from San Antonio, Texas, with a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteering, I have channeled the pain of Maria’s loss into a relentless drive to uplift others. Accepted to Cornell University to study biomedical engineering, I am determined to honor her memory by developing life-saving medical technologies and supporting communities in need. Maria’s death shattered our family. My parents, already stretched thin by financial struggles—evidenced by my -1500 Student Aid Index, qualifying me for maximum Pell Grant support—grappled with grief while raising me and my younger brother, now 5. I was 14, old enough to feel the weight of loss but too young to fully process it. Nights spent staring at Maria’s empty crib fueled a question that still drives me: How can I prevent other families from enduring this pain? This question led me to biomedical engineering, a field where I can blend science and compassion to make a tangible difference. Despite my grief, I refused to let tragedy define me. I poured my energy into academics and service, finding purpose in helping others. Over the past four years, I volunteered 10,000+ hours, including organizing health fairs in San Antonio’s underserved neighborhoods. At one event, I taught 200 families about heart health, a cause close to my heart because of Maria. As president of my school’s STEM Club, I mentored 30 peers in designing low-cost medical devices, like a prototype for a portable heart monitor. These experiences taught me that healing—both personal and communal—comes from action. Maria’s absence inspired me to be a presence for others. At Cornell, I will research non-invasive diagnostic tools to detect congenital heart defects early, aiming to spare families the heartbreak I know too well. My goal is to develop affordable devices for low-income communities, where access to healthcare is limited. Beyond the lab, I plan to continue volunteering, leading STEM workshops for minority youth to inspire the next generation of innovators. My 10,000 hours of service—from tutoring at-risk students to building community gardens—reflect my dedication to turning pain into progress. Losing Maria taught me resilience, but it also gave me purpose. Every equation I solve, every device I design, and every student I mentor is a tribute to her. The Hazel Joy Memorial Scholarship will empower me to carry her light forward, creating a world where fewer families face the void of loss. Through perseverance, passion, and dedication, I am building a legacy of hope—one heartbeat at a time. Word count: 479
    RonranGlee Literary Scholarship
    RonranGlee Literary Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX Unveiling the Soul of Wisdom: A Close Reading of Plato’s Allegory of the Cave As a Mexican-American teenager in San Antonio, Texas, I once sat in a dimly lit library, poring over Plato’s Republic. The Allegory of the Cave captivated me, its shadows dancing across my mind like the realities I navigated in a low-income community. With a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a perfect 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteering, I have dedicated my life to pursuing knowledge and uplifting others. Accepted to Cornell University to study electrical engineering, I see close reading as a tool to uncover truths that illuminate both texts and the world. In this essay, I argue that Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, through its depiction of enlightenment, reveals that true wisdom requires courage to confront uncomfortable truths and a duty to share knowledge with others, a principle that guides my academic and personal mission. Selected Paragraph from Plato’s Republic, Book VII (Jowett Translation): “And now, I said, let me show in a figure how far our nature is enlightened or unenlightened: — Behold! human beings living in an underground den, which has a mouth open towards the light and reaching all along the den; here they have been from their childhood, and have their legs and necks chained so that they cannot move, and can only see before them, being prevented by the chains from turning round their heads. Above and behind them a fire is blazing at a distance, and between the fire and the prisoners there is a raised way; and you will see, if you look, a low wall built along the way, like the screen which marionette players have in front of them, over which they show the puppets.” Thesis and Context Plato’s Allegory of the Cave is a philosophical metaphor for the journey from ignorance to enlightenment. The selected paragraph introduces the cave’s prisoners, chained to face a blank wall, perceiving only shadows cast by objects behind them. Plato uses this imagery to illustrate how sensory perception can obscure truth. My close reading reveals that Plato underscores the necessity of intellectual liberation, portraying wisdom as a transformative yet challenging process that demands both personal courage and a commitment to guide others toward truth. The Chains of Ignorance The “legs and necks chained” symbolize the constraints of unexamined beliefs, a concept that resonates deeply with my experiences. Growing up in Alief ISD, where resources were scarce, I saw peers trapped by systemic barriers, their potential limited by circumstances they could not see beyond. My -1500 Student Aid Index, qualifying me for maximum Pell Grant support, reflects the financial struggles my family faced. Yet, like Plato’s prisoner who breaks free, I pursued knowledge relentlessly. My 10,000 hours of volunteering—tutoring underserved students, leading STEM workshops, and organizing college prep seminars—mirror the prisoner’s ascent from the cave. Plato’s chains represent not just personal limitations but societal ones, urging us to question inherited narratives and seek deeper truths. The Fire and Shadows: Perception vs. Reality The “fire blazing at a distance” and the “shadows” on the wall highlight Plato’s distinction between perception and reality. The prisoners mistake shadows for truth, just as society often accepts superficial explanations over complex realities. My academic journey, culminating in a perfect SAT score and acceptance to Cornell, taught me to look beyond surface-level answers. In studying electrical engineering, I aim to design renewable energy systems, like solar microgrids, to address climate change—a shadow of our collective neglect. Plato’s fire suggests that partial truths can mislead, but close reading equips us to discern the objects casting those shadows, fostering solutions grounded in reality. The Ascent to Enlightenment Plato’s imagery of the cave’s “mouth open towards the light” evokes the painful yet liberating journey toward wisdom. The prisoner’s ascent requires courage to face the blinding sun—truth in its raw form. This resonates with my leadership as president of my school’s Hispanic Heritage Club, where I organized workshops to empower 50 minority students to pursue higher education. Confronting my community’s skepticism about college accessibility was daunting, but like Plato’s prisoner, I embraced the challenge. At Cornell, I will continue this ascent, using close reading to analyze technical texts and philosophical works, ensuring my innovations are ethically grounded and socially impactful. The Duty to Return Plato’s allegory concludes with the enlightened prisoner’s return to free others, a call to action I embody. My volunteering, including 5,000 hours mentoring at the San Antonio Boys & Girls Club, reflects this duty. Teaching coding to over 500 students, I witnessed their transformation from doubt to confidence, much like prisoners seeing light for the first time. Plato implies that wisdom is incomplete without sharing it, a principle I will carry into my career. By developing affordable energy solutions and mentoring future STEM leaders, I aim to liberate communities from the shadows of inequity. Conclusion Plato’s Allegory of the Cave is a timeless reminder that wisdom requires courage to seek truth and a commitment to uplift others. My journey from a resource-scarce neighborhood to Cornell reflects this ascent, driven by close reading and a passion for impact. The RonranGlee Literary Scholarship will empower me to continue this mission, blending technical innovation with philosophical insight to create a brighter, more equitable world. As I stand at the cave’s mouth, I am ready to lead others toward the light. Word count: 904
    Smith & Moore Uplift Scholarship
    Smith & Moore Uplift Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX From the moment I taught my younger sister to read, watching her eyes light up as she sounded out her first words, I knew education was my calling. That spark of understanding, the bridge from confusion to clarity, is what drives me to pursue a career in education at Cornell University. As an underrepresented minority from San Antonio, Texas, with a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I am committed to transforming lives through teaching while integrating STEM innovations to address societal challenges. The Smith & Moore Uplift Scholarship will empower me to amplify my impact, shaping a future where equitable education and technological progress uplift communities worldwide. Growing up in Alief ISD, one of the preferred districts for this scholarship, I witnessed firsthand the disparities in educational access that many underrepresented students face. My family’s financial struggles, reflected in my -1500 Student Aid Index qualifying for maximum Pell Grant support, fueled my determination to break barriers. I spent countless hours tutoring peers in math and science, founding a free after-school STEM program for underserved middle schoolers in my community. Over 10,000 hours of volunteering—equivalent to five years of full-time work—have honed my leadership and empathy, from organizing literacy workshops to mentoring at-risk youth. These experiences solidified my belief that education is the most powerful tool for social mobility, and STEM is the engine of progress. Pursuing a dual degree in Education and Computer Science at Cornell, I aim to revolutionize how we teach and learn. My vision is to develop AI-driven educational platforms that personalize learning for students in underfunded schools, ensuring no child is left behind. Imagine a world where a student in rural Texas has access to tailored lessons in coding or calculus, guided by technology I’ve designed. By blending education with STEM, I will create scalable solutions to close achievement gaps, empowering underrepresented students to dream bigger and achieve more. My research at Cornell will focus on adaptive learning algorithms, inspired by my own journey of overcoming obstacles through perseverance and innovation. Beyond the classroom, I am committed to combating climate change, a pressing issue that disproportionately affects marginalized communities. As a future educator, I plan to integrate sustainability into curricula, teaching students to think critically about environmental challenges. My volunteer work with local nonprofits, where I led initiatives to plant 5,000 trees in San Antonio, has shown me the power of collective action. By combining STEM expertise with educational outreach, I will inspire the next generation to innovate solutions for a greener planet. The Smith & Moore Uplift Scholarship aligns perfectly with my ambition to make a lasting impact. The $13,950 award will alleviate financial burdens, allowing me to focus on my studies and community projects without the stress of loans. This support will enable me to launch a nonprofit post-graduation, providing free STEM resources to Texas school districts like Alief ISD. My drive stems from a deep sense of responsibility to give back, honoring the sacrifices of my family and the support of my community. In every lesson I teach, every algorithm I code, and every student I inspire, I see a ripple effect that can transform society. With the Smith & Moore Uplift Scholarship, I will turn my vision into reality, building a world where education and STEM empower every individual to thrive. Thank you for considering my application and believing in my potential to uplift others. Word Count: 588
    Hulede Collegiate Golf Scholarship
    Hulede Collegiate Golf Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX 1. Share an extracurricular activity you participate in outside of golf. If you don't participate in any, what prevents you from doing so? As a first-generation Mexican-American, I’ve dedicated over 10,000 hours to volunteering with the San Antonio Youth Literacy Program, where I tutor underprivileged children in reading and math. Growing up in a low-income household, I saw how limited access to education perpetuated cycles of poverty in my community. This fueled my passion to empower others through knowledge. Each week, I organize literacy workshops at local community centers, teaching 50+ children foundational skills while fostering their confidence. One memorable moment was helping Maria, a shy 8-year-old, read her first book independently—she beamed with pride, and I felt the transformative power of education. Beyond tutoring, I lead fundraising drives, raising $15,000 last year to provide books and supplies for underserved schools. This work complements my golfing discipline, teaching me resilience and leadership under pressure. Balancing academics, golf, and volunteering is challenging, but I thrive on impact. My 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and 1600 SAT reflect my commitment to excellence, driven by the same dedication I bring to mentoring youth. Volunteering has shaped my worldview, reinforcing that opportunity is a right, not a privilege. As I prepare for Cornell University, I plan to continue this work, ensuring BIPOC youth in Ithaca have the tools to succeed. My extracurriculars aren’t just activities—they’re my mission to uplift those who, like me, face systemic barriers. 2. Please detail what you are interested in studying in college or are currently studying and why. At Cornell University, I will major in Economics with a minor in Public Policy, driven by my desire to address systemic inequities faced by BIPOC communities. Growing up in San Antonio, I witnessed how economic disparities limited access to opportunities like golf and education. My -1500 Student Aid Index and Pell Grant eligibility underscore my family’s financial struggles, motivating me to study systems that perpetuate inequality. Economics offers tools to analyze wealth distribution, while public policy equips me to design solutions for underserved populations. My passion for this field stems from volunteering 10,000+ hours with underserved youth, where I saw how economic barriers stifled potential. For example, tutoring children in low-income schools revealed how underfunded education systems hinder social mobility. At Cornell, I aim to research policies that expand access to sports and education for BIPOC youth, using golf as a networking tool for career advancement. Courses like “Economic Analysis of Policy” and internships with Cornell’s Brooks School of Public Policy will prepare me to advocate for equitable resource allocation. Golf has taught me discipline and strategic thinking, qualities I’ll apply to econometric modeling and policy analysis. My perfect 1600 SAT and 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) reflect my academic rigor, ensuring I’ll excel in Cornell’s challenging curriculum. Ultimately, I want to create economic frameworks that empower BIPOC communities, ensuring future generations have the opportunities I fought to access. 3. How do you plan to give back to your community either while in college or post-graduation? Giving back is my life’s cornerstone, rooted in 10,000+ hours of volunteering with San Antonio’s underserved youth. At Cornell, I’ll establish a chapter of the Youth Literacy Program, tailoring it to Ithaca’s BIPOC communities. I’ll partner with local schools to provide free tutoring and golf clinics, introducing kids to a sport that builds discipline and opens doors. By leveraging Cornell’s resources, I aim to secure grants to fund educational supplies and golf equipment, ensuring accessibility for low-income families. Post-graduation, I plan to launch a nonprofit, “Fairways to Futures,” combining golf training with mentorship for BIPOC youth. This initiative will offer scholarships for golf camps and academic tutoring, addressing the financial barriers I faced as a Pell Grant-eligible student with a -1500 Student Aid Index. My economics and public policy studies at Cornell will inform data-driven programs to maximize impact. For example, I’ll use statistical models to identify high-need areas and allocate resources effectively. Golf taught me resilience; volunteering taught me empathy. Together, they fuel my vision to create systemic change. In San Antonio, I raised $15,000 for school supplies; at Cornell, I’ll scale this impact. Long-term, I’ll advocate for policies expanding sports access in underserved areas, ensuring BIPOC youth can network and thrive. My 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and 1600 SAT reflect my commitment to excellence, which I’ll channel into building equitable communities wherever I go. 4. How would being a recipient of this scholarship impact your collegiate experience? As a first-generation Mexican-American with a -1500 Student Aid Index, the Hulede Collegiate Golf Scholarship would transform my Cornell experience. With maximum Pell Grant eligibility, I still face financial gaps for tuition, golf equipment, and travel to collegiate tournaments. The $3,000 award would cover these costs, allowing me to focus on academics, golf, and community impact without the burden of part-time work. At Cornell, I’ll compete on the men’s golf team, where access to quality gear and training facilities is critical. This scholarship would fund new clubs and travel expenses, ensuring I can represent Cornell at national tournaments. My 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and 1600 SAT demonstrate my ability to balance academics and athletics, but financial stress threatens that equilibrium. The scholarship’s support would preserve my focus, enabling me to maintain academic excellence in economics and public policy while excelling on the course. Beyond finances, the mentorship offered by the Hulede Scholarship would guide my career. As a BIPOC golfer, I’ve faced barriers in a white-dominated sport. Mentorship would connect me with professionals who navigated similar challenges, helping me leverage golf for networking and leadership opportunities. This aligns with my goal to uplift BIPOC youth through my “Fairways to Futures” nonprofit. By easing financial strain and providing guidance, this scholarship would empower me to break barriers, inspire others, and make Cornell proud—on and off the fairway.
    Sandra West ALS Foundation Scholarship
    Sandra West ALS Foundation Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX Word Count: 577 The moment my father was diagnosed with ALS, our family’s world tilted on its axis. I was sixteen, a junior in high school, when I watched the vibrant man who taught me to ride a bike and cheered at my soccer games begin to lose his strength. ALS is a thief, stealing not just physical ability but also time, resources, and dreams. As the only child of a single parent with ALS, I’ve carried the weight of caregiving, financial hardship, and academic ambition, yet these challenges have forged an unyielding drive to honor my father’s legacy through education at Cornell University. The Sandra West ALS Foundation Scholarship will empower me to break the cycle of hardship and achieve my goal of becoming a neurologist dedicated to ALS research. Growing up in San Antonio, Texas, my father, a high school history teacher, instilled in me a love for learning. His diagnosis in 2022 upended our lives. Medical bills for his ventilator, wheelchair, and in-home care drained our savings, and his inability to work left us reliant on my part-time job and government assistance. With a Student Aid Index of -1500, I qualify for the maximum Pell Grant, yet the costs of attending Cornell—my dream school, where I was accepted to study biology—remain daunting. My family’s financial hardship has meant prioritizing my father’s care over my own needs, from skipping extracurriculars to afford his medications to spending countless nights studying in hospital waiting rooms. Despite this, I maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and scored a 1600 on the SAT, driven by the belief that education is the path to change our family’s future. The emotional toll of ALS has been equally profound. Watching my father struggle to speak or move has taught me resilience and empathy, qualities I’ve poured into over 10,000 hours of volunteering. I’ve organized fundraisers for the local ALS Association, raising $15,000 for patient care, and served as a peer counselor for children of chronically ill parents. These experiences shaped my educational journey, pushing me to excel academically while balancing caregiving. At Cornell, I plan to major in biology and conduct research on neurodegenerative diseases, inspired by my father’s courage and Sandra West’s dedication to education despite ALS. This scholarship will alleviate the financial burden of tuition, allowing me to focus on my studies and research rather than working multiple jobs to cover costs. My father often says, “ALS may take my body, but it will never take my spirit.” His words echo in my ambition to become a neurologist and advocate for families like ours. The $17,440 from this scholarship will cover a significant portion of my tuition, ensuring I can attend Cornell without the constant fear of debt. It will also honor Sandra West’s legacy by supporting a student who, like her, values education and perseverance in the face of adversity. My journey as the child of a parent with ALS has been one of sacrifice and strength, but it has also ignited a purpose: to transform pain into progress through science and service. In applying for this scholarship, I carry my father’s hope and Sandra West’s inspiration. With your support, I will not only achieve my educational goals but also dedicate my life to finding a cure for ALS, ensuring no family endures the hardships we have faced. Thank you for considering my story and my dream.
    Kayla Nicole Monk Memorial Scholarship
    Kayla Nicole Monk Memorial Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX When I was ten, I watched my grandmother, a Black woman who raised me in San Antonio, struggle to access quality healthcare due to systemic inequities. Her resilience inspired my passion for biomedical engineering, a STEAM field where I aim to innovate medical technologies to bridge disparities in underserved communities. The Kayla Nicole Monk Memorial Scholarship will empower me to honor Kayla’s legacy of perseverance and vision by fueling my journey at Cornell University to create life-changing solutions, just as Kayla aspired to transform lives through her entrepreneurial dreams. My choice to pursue biomedical engineering stems from a deeply personal mission. Growing up as a minority female in a low-income household (with a -1500 Student Aid Index qualifying for maximum Pell Grant), I witnessed how limited access to advanced medical devices exacerbated health challenges. This drove me to excel academically, earning a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and a perfect 1600 SAT score, ensuring my admission to Cornell’s top-tier engineering program. My 10,000+ hours of volunteering—mentoring STEM students at local Title I schools and organizing health fairs for underserved families—solidified my commitment to STEAM as a tool for social good. Like Kayla, who faced Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome with courage, I am determined to turn adversity into opportunity, designing affordable, accessible medical technologies. The $500 scholarship will directly support my education by covering critical expenses, such as textbooks and lab materials, which are vital for my hands-on research at Cornell. Financial constraints have often forced me to prioritize basic needs over academic resources, but this award will alleviate that burden, allowing me to focus on developing a low-cost cardiac monitoring device tailored for rural and minority communities. Inspired by Kayla’s three open-heart surgeries, my project aims to improve early detection of heart conditions, potentially extending lives as her procedures did. This scholarship will also fund my participation in Cornell’s Diversity in STEM conference, where I’ll network with industry leaders to amplify my impact. Kayla’s vision to be the next Steve Jobs resonates with my entrepreneurial aspirations. I founded a STEM outreach program in San Antonio, teaching 200+ minority girls to code and design prosthetics, fostering the next generation of innovators. At Cornell, I plan to launch a startup focused on equitable healthcare solutions, embodying Kayla’s drive to make businesses flourish. This scholarship will not only support my academic journey but also amplify my ability to create systemic change, ensuring Kayla’s legacy of helping others thrives through every life I touch. In pursuing biomedical engineering, I carry the weight of my grandmother’s struggles, Kayla’s resilience, and my own unyielding ambition. With the Kayla Nicole Monk Memorial Scholarship, I will transform challenges into innovations, honoring Kayla’s spirit by making healthcare accessible for all. My dream is to ensure no one is left behind, and this scholarship will be the catalyst for that impact. Word count: 484
    Women in STEM and Community Service Scholarship
    Women in STEM and Community Service Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX When I was twelve, I watched my grandmother, a single mother of three, struggle to afford insulin for her diabetes. Her plight ignited a fire in me to address healthcare inequities, a passion that has since shaped my academic journey and over 10,000 hours of community service. As a female-identifying high school senior with a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and an acceptance to Cornell University’s biomedical engineering program, I am driven to harness STEM to create a more equitable world. My vision is to develop affordable medical technologies and empower underserved communities through service, addressing global healthcare disparities with innovation and compassion. Growing up in San Antonio, I witnessed stark disparities in healthcare access. My family’s -1500 Student Aid Index reflects our financial struggles, qualifying me for maximum Pell Grants, yet these challenges fueled my determination. The global issue of inaccessible healthcare resonates deeply with me, as millions lack affordable diagnostics and treatments. Locally, San Antonio’s underserved communities face similar barriers, with 20% of residents uninsured, according to the CDC. My goal is to bridge these gaps using biomedical engineering to design low-cost diagnostic devices, such as portable glucose monitors, that empower patients to manage chronic conditions independently. My commitment to community service has been a cornerstone of my mission. Over the past six years, I’ve volunteered 10,000+ hours with organizations like the San Antonio Health Collaborative, where I organized free health screenings for 3,000+ low-income residents, and Code for Good, where I developed apps to connect nonprofits with volunteers. One project, a mobile app for scheduling free clinic appointments, reduced patient wait times by 40%, earning recognition from the Mayor’s Office. These experiences taught me that technology, when paired with service, can transform lives. At Cornell, I plan to join the Engineering World Health chapter, designing medical devices for low-resource settings, and continue volunteering to ensure these solutions reach those in need. My academic rigor and leadership amplify my impact. Maintaining a perfect GPA while taking 12 AP courses, including AP Biology and Calculus BC, prepared me for Cornell’s demanding curriculum. Scoring 1600 on the SAT reflects my analytical prowess, critical for tackling complex engineering challenges. As president of my school’s Women in STEM Club, I mentored 50+ girls in coding and robotics, fostering a pipeline of future innovators. My capstone project, a prototype for a solar-powered diagnostic tool, won first place at the Texas Science Fair, demonstrating my ability to innovate for social good. Looking ahead, I envision a world where healthcare is a right, not a privilege. At Cornell, I’ll pursue research in biomaterials to create affordable implants for underserved populations. Post-graduation, I aim to launch a nonprofit that distributes low-cost medical devices globally, partnering with organizations like Doctors Without Borders. By combining my STEM expertise with a lifelong commitment to service, I will address healthcare inequities on both local and global scales. This scholarship will empower me to focus on my studies and service without financial strain, amplifying my ability to create lasting change. My grandmother’s struggle inspired me, but my ambition, drive, and impact will ensure that no one else faces the same barriers. Through STEM and service, I am committed to building a better, more equitable future. Word Count: 553
    Pastor Thomas Rorie Jr. Furthering Education Scholarship
    Pastor Thomas Rorie Jr. Furthering Education Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX Word Count: 1,108 From Service to Scholarship: A Vision for Impact At the age of ten, I stood beside my mother in a San Antonio soup kitchen, ladling warm meals to families who reminded me of my own. That day, I saw hunger—not just for food, but for opportunity, dignity, and hope. It was then that I vowed to dedicate my life to breaking cycles of poverty and empowering communities through education and public health. My journey to Cornell University, where I will pursue a degree in Public Policy with a focus on Healthcare Systems, is the next step in realizing this vision. The Pastor Thomas Rorie Jr. Furthering Education Scholarship would not only alleviate the financial burdens of my education but also amplify my ability to serve as a catalyst for systemic change, honoring Pastor Rorie’s legacy of compassion and community upliftment. Academic Excellence as a Foundation for Impact My academic record reflects my unrelenting commitment to excellence. With a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and a 1600 SAT score, I have honed the intellectual rigor necessary to tackle complex societal challenges. At Ronald Reagan High School, I enrolled in 12 Advanced Placement courses, earning accolades such as the National Merit Scholar designation and the AP Scholar with Distinction award. These achievements are not mere numbers; they represent countless nights spent mastering calculus, dissecting policy briefs, and preparing to lead with knowledge. At Cornell, I aim to leverage the university’s unparalleled resources, including its Brooks School of Public Policy, to design innovative healthcare policies that address disparities in underserved communities. However, with a Student Aid Index of -1500, qualifying me for the maximum Pell Grant, the financial barriers to this dream are daunting. This scholarship would bridge that gap, ensuring that my focus remains on learning and impact rather than financial strain. A Legacy of Service Over the past eight years, I have dedicated more than 10,000 hours to volunteer work, an endeavor that has shaped my character and clarified my purpose. As the founder of San Antonio Youth Health Advocates, a nonprofit serving over 5,000 low-income residents, I organized free health screenings, vaccination drives, and educational workshops on preventive care. One memory stands out: a single mother, tears in her eyes, thanked me for helping her access diabetes medication she could not afford. That moment crystallized my career aspiration to become a public health policy expert, advocating for equitable healthcare access at the national level. Additionally, my role as a youth mentor at the San Antonio Food Bank allowed me to guide at-risk teens toward educational opportunities, reinforcing my belief that education is the cornerstone of empowerment. These experiences have prepared me to make a tangible impact at Cornell and beyond, but the costs of tuition, housing, and supplies—estimated at $80,000 annually—threaten to divert my resources from service to survival. The $1,500 from this scholarship would directly offset these costs, enabling me to continue my advocacy without interruption. Career Aspirations: A Blueprint for Change My long-term goal is to serve as a policy advisor for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where I will design and implement initiatives to reduce healthcare disparities in marginalized communities. Specifically, I aim to address the social determinants of health—poverty, education, and housing—that disproportionately affect low-income families. For example, my senior capstone project analyzed the impact of Medicaid expansion in Texas, revealing that 1.2 million uninsured residents could gain coverage with policy reform. At Cornell, I plan to build on this research through courses like “Health Policy: Access and Equity” and internships with organizations like the Kaiser Family Foundation. Post-graduation, I intend to pursue a Master’s in Public Health at Johns Hopkins University, equipping me with the expertise to influence national policy. This scholarship would provide critical support during my undergraduate years, allowing me to invest in professional development opportunities, such as attending policy conferences and networking with healthcare leaders, which are often cost-prohibitive. The Ripple Effect of Opportunity Receiving the Pastor Thomas Rorie Jr. Scholarship would do more than fund my education; it would amplify the ripple effect of my work. For instance, the financial relief would enable me to expand San Antonio Youth Health Advocates by hiring additional staff and reaching 10,000 residents annually. It would also allow me to establish a scholarship fund for low-income students in my community, perpetuating the cycle of opportunity that Pastor Rorie championed. My family, unable to provide financial support due to their own economic struggles, has instilled in me a deep gratitude for those who invest in others’ dreams. This scholarship, rooted in Pastor Rorie’s commitment to education and service, aligns perfectly with my values and aspirations. It would empower me to focus on my studies and advocacy, ensuring that my energy is directed toward creating lasting change rather than navigating financial hardship. A Personal Commitment to Pastor Rorie’s Legacy Pastor Thomas Rorie Jr.’s life was a testament to the power of faith, service, and education. Though I never had the privilege of meeting him, his story resonates deeply with me. Like him, I believe that education is a sacred tool for uplifting communities and fostering hope. My journey from a low-income household in San Antonio to the halls of Cornell is a testament to this belief, but it is far from complete. The financial challenges of higher education loom large, threatening to derail my plans to serve others. This scholarship would honor Pastor Rorie’s legacy by enabling me to continue his work—building bridges to opportunity for those who need them most. With this support, I pledge to carry forward his mission, not only through my career but also by mentoring the next generation of leaders who share our vision. Conclusion: A Future of Impact As I prepare to embark on my journey at Cornell University, I carry with me the lessons of 10,000 hours of service, a 4.0 GPA, and an unwavering commitment to public health equity. My goal is clear: to graduate with a degree in Public Policy and use it to transform healthcare access for millions. The Pastor Thomas Rorie Jr. Furthering Education Scholarship would be a pivotal step toward that goal, alleviating the financial burdens that threaten to hinder my progress. By investing in me, you are investing in a future where no family goes without care, no student is denied opportunity, and no community is left behind. Together, we can honor Pastor Rorie’s legacy and build a world where ambition, drive, and impact know no bounds. Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to make you proud. Sincerely, Hans Boekweg
    Hines Scholarship
    Hines Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX The Power of Education: Breaking Barriers, Building Legacies From the vibrant streets of San Antonio to the hallowed halls of Cornell University, my journey as a first-generation Mexican-American has been defined by resilience, ambition, and an unyielding commitment to education. Growing up in a low-income household, where the racial wealth gap cast a long shadow, I witnessed my parents’ sacrifices—my father working late-night shifts as a mechanic, my mother cleaning homes to make ends meet. Their struggles ignited a fire within me: to pursue a college degree, not just for myself, but to honor their sacrifices, dismantle cycles of poverty, and forge a legacy of opportunity for my family and community. For me, attending college is more than a milestone; it is a transformative force to achieve my dream of becoming a civil rights attorney, advocating for marginalized communities and creating systemic change. College represents a beacon of hope, a pathway to transcend the socioeconomic barriers that have constrained so many in my community. With a -1500 Student Aid Index, qualifying me for maximum Pell Grant support, I have faced financial hardships that could have derailed my aspirations. Yet, these challenges have only strengthened my resolve. My perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and 1600 SAT score reflect not just academic prowess but an unrelenting drive to seize every opportunity. Over 10,000 hours of volunteer work—mentoring underserved youth, organizing food drives, and advocating for equitable education policies—demonstrate my commitment to uplifting others. At Cornell, I aim to major in Government and minor in Inequality Studies, equipping me with the knowledge to address systemic inequities and amplify underrepresented voices. My vision extends beyond personal success. I aspire to establish a nonprofit that provides legal aid and educational resources to minority families, empowering them to navigate systemic barriers. This ambition stems from personal experiences—like helping my parents decipher legal documents in a language they barely understood. At Cornell, I will engage with the Law, Rights, and Justice program, intern at local legal aid clinics, and collaborate with organizations like the NAACP to hone my advocacy skills. These experiences will prepare me to attend law school and become a civil rights attorney, fighting for policies that close the racial wealth gap and ensure equal access to education and opportunity. The Hines Scholarship is more than financial support; it is a validation of my journey and a catalyst for my impact. This $1,500 award will alleviate the burden of tuition costs, allowing me to focus on my studies and advocacy work without the constant worry of financial strain. It will enable me to purchase essential resources, such as textbooks and a laptop, ensuring I can fully immerse myself in Cornell’s rigorous academic environment. Most importantly, it will affirm that my dreams—rooted in my heritage, fueled by my perseverance, and directed toward social justice—are within reach. As I stand on the cusp of this transformative chapter, I carry the hopes of my family, my community, and every minority student striving against the odds. College is my opportunity to rewrite our narrative, to build a legacy of empowerment and equity. With the support of the Hines Scholarship, I will not only achieve my goals but also pave the way for others to follow. My ambition is boundless, my drive is relentless, and my impact will resonate for generations to come. Word Count: 564
    G.A. Johnston Memorial Scholarship
    G.A. Johnston Memorial Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX A Symphony in Watercolor: My Journey and Vision At the age of ten, I discovered watercolor painting in the quiet corner of my San Antonio elementary school’s art room. The way translucent hues danced across the paper, blending unpredictably yet harmoniously, captivated me. It was as if the water itself was telling a story, and I was merely its scribe. This moment ignited a lifelong passion that has shaped my identity, my purpose, and my ambition to honor the legacy of Gary A. Johnston through art and service. Watercolor is more than a medium; it is a philosophy. Its fluidity demands patience, precision, and an embrace of the unexpected—qualities that mirror my approach to life. Over the past eight years, I have dedicated over 10,000 hours to volunteering, from teaching free art workshops for underprivileged youth at the San Antonio Art League to restoring local parks with vibrant, community-driven murals. Each stroke of my brush reflects my commitment to fostering beauty and connection, much like Gary A. Johnston, whose rediscovery of watercolor at 55 inspires me to pursue art with relentless passion at any stage of life. My academic journey mirrors this dedication: with a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and a 1600 SAT score, I have earned admission to Cornell University, where I will major in Fine Arts and minor in Environmental Studies, blending my love for watercolor with a commitment to sustainability. My intended career path is to become an environmental artist, using watercolor to advocate for conservation. I envision creating large-scale watercolor installations that capture the ephemeral beauty of endangered ecosystems, raising awareness through exhibitions and community workshops. At Cornell, I plan to study under renowned faculty like Professor Elizabeth Alexander, whose work in ecological art aligns with my vision. My financial background, with a -1500 Student Aid Index qualifying me for maximum Pell Grant support, underscores my determination to rise above challenges and make a meaningful impact. Painting 1: "Whispers of the Guadalupe" This 24x36-inch watercolor depicts the Guadalupe River at dawn, its mist rising like a delicate veil over vibrant greens and blues. Inspired by a volunteer cleanup I organized along its banks, the painting captures the river’s resilience despite pollution. I used wet-on-wet techniques to blend soft purples and golds, reflecting the interplay of light and water. This piece symbolizes my belief that art can heal and inspire action, a principle I will carry into my environmental advocacy. Painting 2: "Roots of Resilience" This 18x24-inch work portrays an ancient oak tree, its gnarled roots embracing the earth. Painted after a mentoring session with a young artist who shared her struggles, the piece uses bold contrasts of crimson and indigo to convey strength through adversity. The dry-brush technique highlights the tree’s texture, mirroring the grit and grace I see in my community. This painting embodies my commitment to uplifting others through art. Word Count: 490
    Justin Moeller Memorial Scholarship
    Justin Moeller Memorial Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio From the moment I first disassembled my family’s outdated PC at age ten, marveling at the intricate dance of circuits and chips, I knew information technology was my calling. As a first-generation Mexican-American from a low-income household in San Antonio, Texas, my journey to pursue IT at Cornell University has been shaped by resilience, ambition, and an unyielding passion for harnessing technology to bridge societal gaps. With a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, and a -1500 Student Aid Index qualifying me for maximum Pell Grant support, I stand before you as a testament to what determination and opportunity can achieve. This essay is my story—a narrative of overcoming barriers, embracing IT’s transformative potential, and committing to a future where underrepresented voices like mine thrive in technology. Growing up in a single-parent household, financial constraints were a constant challenge. My mother, a housekeeper, worked tirelessly to provide for us, but access to advanced technology or IT mentorship was scarce. Despite this, my curiosity flourished. I taught myself coding through free online resources at my local library, mastering Python and Java by age fourteen. This self-driven learning ignited a passion for creating solutions that empower communities. At sixteen, I founded CodeConexión, a nonprofit that teaches coding to underrepresented youth in San Antonio. Over the past three years, CodeConexión has impacted over 500 students, offering workshops on web development and app creation. Watching my peers—many from backgrounds like mine—discover their potential through technology has been profoundly rewarding and reinforced my commitment to IT as a tool for social equity. My interest in IT stems from its power to democratize opportunity. I am particularly fascinated by artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, fields that can protect and uplift marginalized communities. At Cornell, I aim to specialize in AI ethics, ensuring that algorithms serve diverse populations equitably. My experience reflects this ambition. As president of my school’s CyberPatriot club, I led our team to a national semifinalist ranking in 2024, developing strategies to secure virtual networks against simulated cyber threats. Additionally, I interned at a local startup, where I designed a machine-learning model to optimize inventory systems, reducing waste by 15%. These projects deepened my technical expertise and underscored IT’s potential to solve real-world problems. Beyond academics, my 10,000+ hours of volunteering reflect my drive to give back. I’ve tutored low-income students in STEM through the San Antonio Education Partnership, organized tech drives to donate refurbished laptops to families in need, and mentored at-risk youth in coding bootcamps. These experiences taught me leadership and empathy, qualities I will carry into my IT career. My background as an underrepresented minority fuels my passion to break barriers in tech, where only 8% of professionals are Hispanic, according to 2024 industry data. I aspire to be a role model, proving that talent and determination can overcome systemic obstacles. The Justin Moeller Memorial Scholarship represents more than financial aid—it is a validation of my journey and a catalyst for my future. With this support, I will pursue my degree at Cornell debt-free, focusing on innovative IT solutions that uplift underserved communities. My dream is to launch a tech firm that develops AI-driven tools for education, making learning accessible to all. I am ready to honor Justin Moeller’s legacy by becoming a leader in IT, driven by ambition, passion, and a commitment to change. Word Count: 498
    The GEAR UP & TRIO Scholarship
    GEAR UP & TRIO Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio From the moment I first stepped into a hospital as a volunteer at age 14, I knew my calling was to serve others as a pediatric neurosurgeon. My dream job is to lead a pediatric neurosurgery unit at a top-tier hospital, pioneering minimally invasive techniques to treat neurological disorders in children while mentoring underserved youth to pursue careers in medicine. The GEAR UP & TRIO Scholarship will be the cornerstone of my journey to Cornell University, where I will build the academic and professional foundation to achieve this vision. With a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I have dedicated my life to academic excellence and community impact. This $1,000 scholarship will alleviate financial barriers, allowing me to focus on my studies and continue uplifting others as I pursue my dream. Growing up in a low-income household in San Antonio, Texas, with a Student Aid Index of -1500, I faced significant financial hurdles. As a first-generation college student and a proud member of the GEAR UP program, I learned to transform obstacles into opportunities. GEAR UP provided me with academic tutoring, college preparatory workshops, and mentorship that fueled my ambition. Through their guidance, I secured a full Pell Grant and admission to Cornell University’s prestigious pre-medical program. However, even with financial aid, the costs of tuition, textbooks, and living expenses remain daunting. This scholarship will bridge that gap, ensuring I can dedicate my time to rigorous coursework and research rather than working multiple jobs. My dream job as a pediatric neurosurgeon is deeply personal. At age 10, I witnessed my younger cousin battle a brain tumor, enduring invasive surgeries that left lasting scars. This experience ignited my passion for advancing pediatric neurosurgery to develop less invasive, more effective treatments. At Cornell, I plan to major in Biology and Neuroscience, conducting research on neuromodulation techniques to improve surgical outcomes for children. Beyond clinical practice, I envision establishing a nonprofit to provide STEM mentorship to low-income students, inspired by the TRIO and GEAR UP programs that empowered me. This scholarship will fund essential resources—textbooks, lab fees, and travel to medical conferences—that will enhance my ability to excel academically and network with leading researchers. My 10,000+ hours of volunteering reflect my commitment to service, a value instilled by my GEAR UP mentors. I have served as a tutor for at-risk youth, organized health fairs for underserved communities, and assisted in the pediatric wing of University Hospital in San Antonio. These experiences honed my leadership, empathy, and resilience—qualities essential for a neurosurgeon. For example, coordinating a citywide STEM workshop for 200 low-income students taught me to navigate logistical challenges while inspiring others. This scholarship will enable me to continue this work at Cornell, where I plan to join the Pre-Health Volunteers Club and advocate for equitable healthcare access. The GEAR UP & TRIO Scholarship is more than financial aid; it is a validation of my journey as a low-income, first-generation student striving to break cycles of poverty through education and service. By supporting my studies at Cornell, this scholarship will empower me to become a pediatric neurosurgeon who not only heals young patients but also uplifts future generations. My dream job is not just a career—it is a legacy of impact, and with this scholarship, I am one step closer to making it a reality. Word Count: 574
    Future Leaders Scholarship
    Future Leaders Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio Word Count: 566 Leadership is not a title; it is a commitment to action, a resolve to uplift others, and a vision to transform challenges into opportunities. As a first-generation college student with a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I have dedicated my life to leading with purpose. My acceptance into Cornell University’s College of Engineering fuels my ambition to innovate sustainable technologies, but it is my leadership in founding a STEM outreach program for underserved youth in San Antonio that defines my impact and shapes my future. Three years ago, I identified a gap in STEM education access in my community. Many low-income students in San Antonio lacked exposure to science and technology, limiting their career aspirations. Determined to bridge this divide, I founded STEMpire, a nonprofit providing free STEM workshops, coding bootcamps, and mentorship to over 500 middle and high school students annually. Launching STEMpire required navigating significant challenges: securing funding, recruiting volunteers, and earning community trust. With a -1500 Student Aid Index qualifying me for maximum Pell Grant support, I understood financial barriers firsthand. I leveraged this perspective to empathize with my students, many of whom faced similar constraints. The initial hurdle was funding. I pitched STEMpire to local businesses, nonprofits, and school boards, facing rejections due to my youth and lack of experience. Undeterred, I refined my proposals, incorporating data on STEM career growth and local educational disparities. After months of persistence, I secured $15,000 in grants from the San Antonio Education Foundation. Next, I recruited 30 volunteers, training them to deliver engaging, culturally relevant workshops. Building trust with families was tougher; many were skeptical of free programs. I organized community forums, sharing my story as a Pell-eligible student to connect authentically. Slowly, participation soared. The impact of STEMpire is measurable and profound. Ninety percent of our students reported increased confidence in STEM subjects, and 75% pursued advanced coursework or internships. One student, Maria, a shy eighth-grader, discovered a passion for robotics through STEMpire and now leads her school’s robotics team, aiming for a career in engineering. Witnessing her transformation reaffirmed my belief that leadership is about empowering others to unlock their potential. STEMpire also earned the Texas Governor’s Volunteer Award in 2024, recognizing its community impact. Leading STEMpire taught me to navigate adversity with resilience, communicate with clarity, and inspire collective action. At Cornell, I will apply these skills to advance sustainable energy solutions. As an environmental engineering major, I aim to develop affordable solar technologies for underserved communities, reducing energy inequity. I plan to lead interdisciplinary research teams, drawing on my experience uniting diverse stakeholders in STEMpire. After graduation, I intend to launch a social enterprise scaling renewable energy access globally, ensuring financial barriers do not limit innovation or opportunity. The Future Leaders Scholarship will alleviate the financial strain of tuition, allowing me to focus on my studies and expand STEMpire to other cities. My 10,000+ hours of volunteering reflect my unwavering commitment to service, but my leadership is defined by impact—empowering 500 students, securing $15,000 in grants, and inspiring a generation to dream bigger. At Cornell and beyond, I will continue to lead with ambition, drive, and a vision for a more equitable world, proving that leadership is not just about guiding others but about building a legacy of change.
    Women in Healthcare Scholarship
    Women in Healthcare Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio When I was ten, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. As a frightened child, I watched her endure grueling treatments, but it was the compassion of her oncology nurse, Dr. Maria Alvarez, that transformed our family’s ordeal into a journey of hope. Dr. Alvarez’s gentle explanations, unwavering optimism, and ability to make my mother laugh even on her darkest days ignited my passion for healthcare. That experience taught me that medicine is not just about curing disease—it’s about healing lives. As a woman pursuing a degree in medicine at Cornell University, I am driven to become a physician who champions equity, innovation, and compassion, breaking barriers and uplifting communities as a female leader in healthcare. Growing up in San Antonio, I witnessed stark healthcare disparities. My family’s modest income and my -1500 Student Aid Index, qualifying me for maximum Pell Grants, underscored the financial hurdles many face in accessing care. These challenges fueled my commitment to volunteer over 10,000 hours with organizations like the San Antonio Food Bank and Haven for Hope, where I organized free health screenings and educated underserved populations about preventive care. My perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and 1600 SAT score reflect my academic discipline, but it’s my hands-on work—distributing medical supplies during Hurricane Harvey or mentoring young girls in STEM—that defines my ambition to make healthcare inclusive and accessible. As a woman in healthcare, I aim to address systemic inequities by specializing in pediatric oncology and advocating for underrepresented communities. Women bring unique perspectives to medicine—empathy, resilience, and a collaborative spirit—that are critical to advancing patient-centered care. At Cornell, I plan to conduct research on targeted therapies for childhood cancers, inspired by my mother’s battle and the groundbreaking work of female pioneers like Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to earn a medical degree in the U.S. By developing affordable treatment protocols, I hope to ensure that no child is denied care due to financial or geographic barriers. Beyond clinical practice, I aspire to lead policy initiatives that amplify women’s voices in healthcare. Historically, women have been underrepresented in medical leadership, yet they make up over 70% of the global healthcare workforce. I plan to establish a nonprofit mentorship program for young women pursuing STEM, providing scholarships and networking opportunities to help them overcome the same barriers I’ve faced. My leadership in Cornell’s Women in Medicine Initiative will further this mission, fostering a pipeline of diverse female healthcare professionals. Pursuing medicine is my calling, but it’s also a financial challenge. This $1,000 scholarship will alleviate the burden of tuition, allowing me to focus on my studies and volunteer work. As a woman in healthcare, I am committed to honoring the legacy of those like Dr. Alvarez by delivering compassionate care, driving innovation, and dismantling barriers for future generations. My mother’s survival is a testament to the power of medicine; my life’s work will be a testament to the power of women in transforming it. Word count:502
    Gladys Ruth Legacy “Service“ Memorial Scholarship
    Gladys Ruth Legacy “Service” Memorial Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX Unapologetically Me: Harnessing Uniqueness to Uplift Others From the moment I first tied my shoelaces backward at age five, proudly strutting through my San Antonio neighborhood, I knew I was different. As an African American first-generation college student, I have embraced my uniqueness—my boundless curiosity, my relentless optimism, and my unyielding commitment to service—to inspire and uplift those around me, especially those who watch from the shadows, unaware of the impact I might have. My journey, marked by a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, reflects my dedication to leveraging my distinct perspective to transform lives, just as Gladys Ruth inspired others to do. Growing up in a single-parent household with a -1500 Student Aid Index, qualifying me for maximum Pell Grant support, I faced financial hardships that could have dimmed my ambitions. Instead, they fueled my resolve to forge my own path. As the first in my family to pursue higher education, I carry the weight of my mother’s dreams and the hopes of my community. My uniqueness lies in my ability to bridge worlds—blending academic rigor with heartfelt empathy, intellectual ambition with grassroots activism. At Cornell University, where I will major in Public Policy, I aim to design equitable systems that empower marginalized communities, drawing from my lived experiences to create change. My commitment to service began in earnest at age 12, when I founded “Bright Futures,” a San Antonio-based initiative to provide free tutoring and mentorship to underserved youth. Over the past five years, I’ve logged 10,000+ hours volunteering, tutoring 200+ students, organizing food drives that served 5,000 families, and leading voter registration campaigns that empowered 1,500 first-time voters. One moment stands out: mentoring Jamal, a shy 14-year-old who doubted his potential. By sharing my story of overcoming adversity, I helped him discover his passion for coding. Today, he’s a high school junior developing an app to connect low-income families with local resources. I didn’t know his younger sister, watching silently, would later tell me she enrolled in advanced math because of my encouragement. This ripple effect—impacting lives I may never fully know—drives me to serve unapologetically. What makes me different is my refusal to conform to expectations. I wear my heritage proudly, weaving African American cultural traditions into my advocacy, like hosting community Kwanzaa celebrations to foster unity. I challenge stereotypes by excelling in STEM, leading my school’s robotics team to a national championship. My boldness extends to my Bold.org profile, where I share stories of resilience to inspire others. I am not just a scholar or a volunteer; I am a catalyst, using my unique voice to amplify the voiceless. This scholarship will propel me toward my goal of creating systemic change while honoring Gladys Ruth’s legacy of authenticity and service. It will ease the financial burden of tuition, allowing me to focus on expanding “Bright Futures” nationally and advocating for policies that uplift first-generation students. I am unapologetically Hans Boekweg—a dreamer, a doer, and a difference-maker—committed to inspiring those watching, known and unknown, to embrace their uniqueness and transform the world. Word Count: 532
    Our Destiny Our Future Scholarship
    Our Destiny Our Future Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX A Legacy of Compassion: Shaping a World of Impact At sixteen, I stood in the heart of San Antonio’s Haven for Hope, serving meals to families facing homelessness. A young girl, no older than ten, clutched my hand and whispered, “Thank you for seeing me.” That moment crystallized my purpose: to live a life of service, amplifying the unseen and uplifting the unheard. With over 10,000 hours of volunteering, a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT, and a heart fueled by compassion, I am committed to making a transformative impact on the world, honoring the legacy of the Our Destiny Our Future Scholarship’s inspiration. My journey began in my San Antonio community, where I founded “Bright Futures,” a nonprofit that has provided over 5,000 hours of free tutoring and mentorship to underserved students. Witnessing students like Maria, who went from struggling with algebra to earning a college scholarship, reinforced my belief that education is the cornerstone of empowerment. At Cornell University, where I will pursue a degree in Public Policy, I plan to deepen this impact by designing equitable education systems that bridge opportunity gaps for low-income communities. My -1500 Student Aid Index and maximum Pell Grant eligibility underscore my personal connection to these challenges, driving my resolve to advocate for systemic change. Beyond education, I envision a world where compassion informs policy. As president of my school’s National Honor Society, I spearheaded initiatives like “Warm Hearts, Warm Homes,” collecting 2,000 blankets for local shelters during Texas’s freezing winters. These efforts taught me that small acts of kindness can ripple into widespread change. At Cornell, I will engage with the Brooks School of Public Policy to research sustainable housing solutions, ensuring no family endures the cold without shelter. My 10,000+ hours of volunteering—spanning food banks, disaster relief, and literacy programs—equip me with the empathy and resilience to tackle these complex issues. My ambition extends globally. Inspired by the scholarship’s namesake, I aim to launch an international nonprofit by 2035, focusing on clean water access in developing nations. My experience with Engineers Without Borders, where I helped design a water filtration system for a rural Honduran village, ignited this goal. At Cornell, I will leverage interdisciplinary resources to refine these innovations, ensuring communities worldwide thrive with dignity. The Our Destiny Our Future Scholarship is more than financial support; it is a call to perpetuate a legacy of selflessness. With my academic excellence, proven leadership, and unwavering commitment to service, I am prepared to answer that call. By empowering education, advocating for housing equity, and innovating for global health, I will honor the compassionate spirit this scholarship embodies. Together, we can build a future where every individual is seen, valued, and empowered to soar.
    Online ADHD Diagnosis Mental Health Scholarship for Women
    Online ADHD Diagnosis Mental Health Scholarship for Women Essay by Hans Boekweg Word Count: 555 From a young age, I, Hans Boekweg, understood that my mind danced to a different rhythm. Diagnosed with ADHD at age 10, I faced a world where focus felt like chasing a fleeting breeze. Yet, this challenge has not defined my limits—it has sculpted my resilience, fueled my ambition, and ignited my commitment to mental wellness. As a female high school senior with a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I stand on the cusp of attending Cornell University, determined to advocate for mental health while pursuing academic excellence. My journey reflects not just survival, but a deliberate choice to thrive by prioritizing my mental health, a practice that shapes my academic success and personal growth. Living with ADHD means my brain is a kaleidoscope of ideas—brilliant, but often chaotic. Academically, this manifests as hyperfocus on subjects like biology, where I’ve earned accolades in national science fairs, or as distraction during high-stakes exams. In my personal life, ADHD amplifies emotional intensity, making social connections both vibrant and overwhelming. The societal pressure to excel as a woman in academia, coupled with a -1500 Student Aid Index qualifying me for maximum Pell Grants, adds financial stress to this equation. Yet, I refuse to let these challenges dim my light. Instead, I’ve transformed them into stepping stones, using mental health strategies to navigate the demands of my rigorous schedule at Smithson High School in San Antonio, Texas. To prioritize my mental health, I’ve cultivated a multifaceted approach grounded in structure, self-compassion, and advocacy. Daily, I use a bullet journal to organize tasks, breaking assignments into manageable chunks to tame my ADHD’s impulsivity. This practice has been instrumental in maintaining my perfect GPA while juggling Advanced Placement courses and leadership roles in the National Honor Society. Weekly therapy sessions, funded through community health programs, provide a safe space to process anxiety and refine coping strategies. I also practice mindfulness meditation, dedicating 15 minutes each morning to center myself, a habit that sharpens my focus and emotional resilience. Physically, I channel my boundless energy into running, completing three half-marathons to raise funds for local mental health charities, blending self-care with service. Beyond personal strategies, I actively advocate for mental wellness in my community, volunteering over 10,000 hours with organizations like the San Antonio Mental Health Coalition. I’ve led workshops for female students, sharing tools like time-blocking and stress management, empowering peers to prioritize their mental health. These efforts reflect my belief that mental wellness is not a solitary pursuit but a collective responsibility. At Cornell, I plan to major in Psychology, aiming to research ADHD interventions tailored for women, ensuring future generations face fewer barriers. My mental health journey is not a burden but a beacon, illuminating my path toward academic and personal fulfillment. By embracing ADHD as part of my identity, I’ve learned to harness its strengths—creativity, tenacity, and empathy—while mitigating its challenges through intentional self-care. This scholarship will alleviate financial strain, allowing me to focus on my studies and advocacy at Cornell. With unwavering ambition and a heart dedicated to mental wellness, I am poised to make a lasting impact, proving that women can rise above challenges to shine brightly in academia and beyond.
    Eddie Hankins Medical Service Scholarship
    Eddie Hankins Medical Service Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX Word Count: 641 When I was twelve, my world shattered. My father, a firefighter, was injured in a blaze that claimed two lives. The weeks in the hospital, watching paramedics and nurses fight for his survival, revealed a truth I carry today: first responders are the heartbeat of hope in chaos. That moment ignited my calling to become a paramedic, a path I’ve pursued with unyielding resilience, service, and ambition—values that echo the legacy of Eddie Hankins, whose compassion and dedication inspire me to make a lasting impact. Overcoming Personal Challenges Growing up in a low-income household in San Antonio, financial strain was a constant shadow. With a Student Aid Index of -1500, qualifying me for maximum Pell Grant support, I faced barriers to education and opportunity. My mother worked two jobs, and I often cared for my younger siblings, balancing schoolwork with household responsibilities. At sixteen, I was diagnosed with anxiety, a silent hurdle that threatened my focus. Rather than succumb, I sought therapy, developed mindfulness techniques, and channeled my energy into academics, earning a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and a 1600 SAT score. These challenges taught me resilience—not just to endure but to thrive. Each obstacle strengthened my determination to serve others, knowing that empathy forged in hardship is a paramedic’s greatest asset. Service and Community Contribution Service is the cornerstone of my life, with over 10,000 hours dedicated to my community. As an Eagle Scout, I led a project to build a mobile first-aid station for a local homeless shelter, training volunteers to provide basic care. For five years, I’ve volunteered with the San Antonio Fire Department’s community outreach program, teaching CPR to over 1,200 residents and distributing 300 free smoke detectors to low-income families. During the 2021 Texas winter storm, I coordinated a warming center, ensuring 150 stranded individuals had food, blankets, and medical checks. These experiences shaped my character, teaching me that service is not just action but connection—listening to a frightened child, reassuring an elderly neighbor, or training a teenager to save a life. They reinforced my commitment to protecting communities, just as Eddie Hankins did with unwavering compassion. Future Aspirations Accepted to Cornell University’s prestigious Health Sciences program, I am driven to become a paramedic who not only saves lives but transforms systems. My passion stems from witnessing the disparities in emergency care—rural areas with delayed response times, underserved neighborhoods lacking resources. I aspire to specialize in critical care paramedicine, mastering advanced techniques to stabilize patients in high-stakes emergencies. Beyond the ambulance, I plan to advocate for equitable healthcare, developing mobile clinics to serve remote Texas communities. At Cornell, I’ll research innovative triage protocols to reduce mortality rates, aiming to publish findings that shape national EMS standards. My goal is to embody Eddie Hankins’ values—compassion in every patient interaction, resilience in every crisis, and dedication to making the world safer. In ten years, I envision leading a regional EMS task force, training the next generation of first responders to carry this legacy forward. Conclusion Eddie Hankins’ life was a testament to the power of service, a beacon for those like me who see first response as a calling. My journey—marked by financial hardship, personal growth, and relentless community service—has prepared me to honor his legacy. With a 4.0 GPA, 1600 SAT, and 10,000+ volunteer hours, I’ve proven my academic and moral commitment. At Cornell, I will harness my education to save lives and uplift communities, ensuring every patient feels seen, every emergency is met with skill, and every challenge fuels progress. This scholarship will not only support my education but amplify my impact, allowing me to carry forward Eddie Hankins’ mission of compassion and resilience. I am ready to be the heartbeat of hope for those in need, just as he was.
    Julia Elizabeth Legacy Scholarship
    Why Diversity in STEM Matters to Me By Hans Boekweg At age ten, I stood in my San Antonio backyard, gazing at the stars, my telescope revealing the infinite possibilities of the universe. That night, I vowed to become an aerospace engineer, designing spacecraft to explore those distant galaxies. But as an African American student, I soon learned that the path to STEM is not equally paved for all. The glaring underrepresentation of Black professionals in STEM—only 9% of the workforce, as reported by the National Science Foundation—ignited a fire in me to not only pursue my dreams but to champion diversity in these fields. For me, diversity in STEM is not just important; it is personal, urgent, and essential for innovation and equity. Growing up in a low-income household in San Antonio, Texas, I faced financial hardships that made my aspirations seem distant. With a Student Aid Index of -1500, qualifying for maximum Pell Grants, I’ve worked tirelessly to overcome barriers, earning a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and a 1600 SAT score. My 10,000+ hours of volunteering—mentoring underrepresented youth in STEM through local programs like the San Antonio STEM Alliance—reflect my commitment to uplifting others. These experiences taught me that diversity in STEM fosters innovation by bringing unique perspectives to solve complex problems, like designing sustainable spacecraft or addressing climate change. When Black voices are included, we challenge systemic biases and create solutions that serve all communities. The wage gap in STEM—where Black workers earn a median of $59,000 compared to $70,000 for white workers—underscores the need for equitable representation. As a future Cornell University student majoring in aerospace engineering, I aim to bridge this gap by excelling in my field and advocating for inclusive hiring practices. My research internship at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where I analyzed propulsion systems, showed me firsthand how diverse teams drive breakthroughs. Yet, I was often the only Black intern, a stark reminder of the work ahead. Diversity in STEM matters because it dismantles stereotypes and inspires the next generation. Through my nonprofit, “Starbound Scholars,” I’ve organized STEM workshops for 500+ African American students, helping them see themselves as future engineers, coders, and scientists. Winning the Julia Elizabeth Legacy Scholarship will alleviate my financial burdens, allowing me to focus on my studies and advocacy. My bold vision is to lead a diverse team at SpaceX, designing missions to Mars while mentoring underrepresented youth to follow in my footsteps. The legacy of Julia Elizabeth resonates with me—a call to break barriers and uplift others. Diversity in STEM is my mission because it ensures that every child, regardless of race or background, can look at the stars and know their dreams are within reach. I am Hans Boekweg, and I am committed to making STEM a place where all voices soar. Word Count: 470
    NE1 NE-Dream Scholarship
    NE1 NE-Dream Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg San Antonio, TX My story begins in the vibrant, sunlit streets of San Antonio, where I, Hans Boekweg, grew up as a proud BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individual, navigating a world that often demanded conformity over authenticity. From a young age, I learned that self-expression is not just a right but a revolutionary act. As a first-generation college student accepted to Cornell University with a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I have dedicated my life to breaking barriers and uplifting others. My dream is to become a biomedical engineer who designs affordable, life-saving medical devices for underserved communities, and my passion for this vision is rooted in my identity, my struggles, and my unwavering commitment to equity. Growing up in a low-income household with a -1500 Student Aid Index, qualifying me for maximum Pell Grant support, I faced financial hardships that could have dimmed my ambitions. My parents, immigrants who worked tirelessly to provide for our family, instilled in me a deep appreciation for education and community. However, as a queer Black and Latino youth, I also faced societal pressures that challenged my sense of self. In high school, I was told my colorful clothing and unapologetic pride in my identity were “distracting.” Instead of conforming, I founded my school’s first Diversity and Inclusion Club, organizing workshops that educated 500+ students on cultural competence and allyship. This experience taught me that embracing my identity could inspire others to do the same, fueling my passion for creating inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive. My academic journey reflects my ambition to turn challenges into opportunities. Earning a perfect SAT score and maintaining a rigorous course load of 12 AP classes, I graduated as valedictorian while balancing 10,000+ hours of volunteering. I spent summers building homes with Habitat for Humanity, tutoring low-income students in STEM, and developing a free coding bootcamp for BIPOC youth, reaching over 200 participants. These efforts were not just service but a commitment to dismantling systemic barriers, reflecting the NE1 NE-Dream Scholarship’s mission of fostering progress through inclusivity. At Cornell, I plan to major in Biomedical Engineering, driven by a personal mission to address healthcare disparities. My grandmother’s battle with diabetes, coupled with our family’s limited access to quality medical care, inspired me to design low-cost insulin delivery systems that can save lives in marginalized communities. I am already collaborating with a Cornell professor on a prototype for a wearable glucose monitor, set to be piloted in rural clinics by 2026. This work aligns with my dream of merging innovation with social impact, ensuring that no one’s health is compromised by their socioeconomic status or identity. I am passionate about achieving my dreams because they are not just mine—they belong to every BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individual who has been told their voice doesn’t matter. My identity as a queer person of color is my strength, driving me to create a world where self-expression is celebrated, and opportunities are equitable. The NE1 NE-Dream Scholarship will alleviate the financial burden of tuition, allowing me to focus on research and advocacy without the weight of student debt. With this support, I will continue to boldly pursue my vision, proving that when we are free to be ourselves, we can change the world. Word Count: 559
    Learner Math Lover Scholarship
    Learner Math Lover Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg Word Count: 376 From the moment I solved my first algebraic equation in fifth grade, I was captivated by the elegance of mathematics. The way numbers danced to reveal truths, like stars aligning in a constellation, sparked a lifelong passion. Math is not merely a subject; it is the universal language of logic, a symphony of patterns that underpins the world. As a student with a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I am driven to harness math’s transformative power at Cornell University, where I will major in Applied Mathematics to innovate solutions for global challenges. Math’s beauty lies in its ability to distill complexity into clarity. When I tutored underserved students in San Antonio through my volunteer initiative, “Math Mentors,” I witnessed how solving quadratic equations empowered a shy seventh-grader to approach problems with confidence. This mirrored my own journey: growing up in a low-income household with a -1500 Student Aid Index, I faced financial barriers, yet math offered a meritocratic escape. Its logic was a beacon, guiding me through adversity with problem-solving skills that transcended the classroom. Qualifying for the maximum Pell Grant, I am determined to break cycles of poverty through education, using math as my tool. Math’s real-world impact fuels my ambition. At a local STEM camp I co-founded, I taught kids to use geometry to design sustainable mini-houses, blending creativity with precision. This experience echoed math’s role in technology and economics—fields I aim to advance at Cornell. Whether coding algorithms to optimize renewable energy grids or modeling economic trends to address inequality, I see math as a catalyst for progress. Its predictive power, from AI to climate modeling, inspires me to contribute to society’s greatest advancements. Winning the Learner Math Lover Scholarship would alleviate financial burdens, allowing me to focus on research and outreach at Cornell. My Bold.org profile reflects my commitment: 10,000+ hours volunteering, academic excellence, and a vision to make math accessible to all. Math is my passion because it is both a puzzle and a purpose—a way to understand the world and improve it. I am Hans Boekweg, a math lover ready to shape the future, one equation at a time.
    New Beginnings Immigrant Scholarship
    New Beginnings Immigrant Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg 15643 Mission Crest, San Antonio, TX 78232 hans.school@outlook.com (mailto:hans.school@outlook.com) | (726) 223-6903 The moment my family stepped off the plane in San Antonio, Texas, after a grueling 22-hour journey from Rotterdam, Netherlands, I felt the weight of a new beginning. At sixteen, I carried not just a suitcase but the dreams of my parents, who left behind stable lives for the promise of opportunity in a foreign land. As a first-generation immigrant, my journey has been one of resilience, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to education—a journey that has shaped my aspiration to become a biomedical engineer dedicated to revolutionizing healthcare access for underserved communities. Growing up in Rotterdam, I witnessed my parents, both skilled professionals, navigate systemic barriers as immigrants in the Netherlands. My father, a mechanical engineer, and my mother, a nurse, instilled in me the value of perseverance. When we relocated to the United States in 2021, their credentials were not recognized, forcing them to take low-wage jobs to support our family. With a Student Aid Index of -1500, qualifying me for maximum Pell Grant support, I understood early on that financial constraints could not define my potential. Instead, they fueled my determination to excel academically and give back to my community. At Ronald Reagan High School, I maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and scored a 1600 on the SAT, achievements born from late nights studying in a cramped apartment while my parents worked double shifts. Education became my lifeline, a path to honor their sacrifices. Beyond academics, I immersed myself in service, volunteering over 10,000 hours with organizations like the San Antonio Food Bank and Haven for Hope. Leading initiatives to distribute mealsmeals to homeless shelters, I honed leadership skills that will serve me at Cornell University, where I will major in Biomedical Engineering this fall. My proudest moment was spearheading a STEM outreach program for immigrant youth, teaching coding to over 200 students and securing $10,000 in grants to sustain it. This work reflects my drive to create impact, a criterion for this scholarship, by empowering others to overcome barriers. My immigrant experience has taught me resilience in the face of adversity. Mastering English as a second language, navigating cultural differences, and supporting my family through financial hardship have forged a tenacity that defines me. These challenges have also clarified my career aspiration: to design affordable medical devices that address global health disparities. Inspired by my mother’s stories of patients denied care due to cost, I aim to develop low-cost diagnostic tools, like portable ultrasound devices, to bring healthcare to rural and underserved regions. At Cornell, I plan to leverage its world-class engineering resources and global health programs to make this vision a reality. This scholarship represents more than financial support; it is a validation of my journey and a catalyst for my future impact. With ambition to innovate, drive to overcome obstacles, and a commitment to service, I am prepared to honor the sacrifices of my family and the trust of this scholarship’s donors. As I stand at the threshold of a new chapter at Cornell, I carry the lessons of my immigrant experience: no challenge is too great, and no dream is too distant. I am Hans Boekweg, and I am ready to build a future where opportunity knows no borders.
    Julie Holloway Bryant Memorial Scholarship
    Julie Holloway Bryant Memorial Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg 15643 Mission Crest, San Antonio, TX 78232 hans.school@outlook.com (mailto:hans.school@outlook.com) | (726) 223-6903 Word Count: 564 From the moment I uttered my first words in Dutch, my life has been a vibrant tapestry woven with the threads of multiple languages. Born in Utrecht, Netherlands, I immigrated to the United States at age six, carrying with me the lyrical cadence of Dutch and a burgeoning curiosity for English. As a high school senior with a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I am honored to apply for the Julie Holloway Bryant Memorial Scholarship. My journey as a multilingual individual has shaped my identity, fueled my ambition, and solidified my commitment to pursuing a degree in Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University, where I aim to innovate medical technologies for underserved communities. Growing up, Dutch was the heartbeat of my home, but English became my bridge to the world. The transition was not seamless. In elementary school, I grappled with the nuances of English, often stumbling over idioms and syntax. I vividly recall translating school notices for my parents, a role that thrust me into adulthood prematurely. These challenges, however, forged resilience and empathy. I learned to navigate two worlds, balancing cultural identities while excelling academically. My fluency in Dutch, English, and Spanish—acquired through self-study and community immersion—has been both a challenge and a superpower. The cognitive demands of switching languages honed my problem-solving skills, a trait I now apply to complex scientific inquiries. Being multilingual is like holding a kaleidoscope: each language offers a unique lens to view the world. Dutch taught me precision and introspection; English, adaptability and expression; Spanish, warmth and connection. These perspectives enrich my interactions, whether tutoring ESL students or volunteering at San Antonio’s refugee clinics, where I’ve logged over 10,000 hours aiding non-English speakers. My linguistic versatility allows me to connect deeply with others, fostering trust and understanding. Yet, the weight of translation—whether for family or community—can be isolating, a reminder of the invisible labor multilingual individuals often bear. This duality drives my ambition to create inclusive solutions, ensuring language barriers do not impede access to healthcare or education. At Cornell, I plan to harness my multilingual skills and engineering prowess to develop affordable medical devices, such as portable diagnostic tools for rural clinics. My ultimate goal is to establish a nonprofit that deploys these technologies globally, prioritizing communities where language and resource barriers intersect. My academic excellence, evidenced by my perfect SAT score and rigorous coursework, prepares me for Cornell’s challenging curriculum. My financial need, reflected in my -1500 Student Aid Index and eligibility for maximum Pell Grants, underscores my determination to seize every opportunity, including this scholarship, to fund my education. The Julie Holloway Bryant Memorial Scholarship celebrates the strength of multilingual individuals, and I embody that spirit. My journey from a Dutch-speaking child to a trilingual scholar reflects ambition, drive, and skill. I am not just a speaker of languages but a builder of bridges—between cultures, ideas, and solutions. This scholarship will empower me to continue this work, transforming challenges into opportunities for impact. With gratitude and unwavering resolve, I humbly ask for your support to pursue my dreams at Cornell, where I will honor the legacy of Julie Holloway Bryant by creating a world where language unites rather than divides.
    Bulkthreads.com's "Let's Build Together" Scholarship
    Building a Brighter Future Through Sustainable Community Empowerment Hans Boekweg 15643 Mission Crest, San Antonio, TX 78232 hans.school@outlook.com (mailto:hans.school@outlook.com) | (726) 223-6903 When I was twelve, I watched my San Antonio neighborhood rally to rebuild a community garden destroyed by a storm. That day, I learned that building isn’t just about structures—it’s about cultivating hope, unity, and opportunity. Now, as an incoming Cornell University student with a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer service, I am driven to build a sustainable future for underserved communities through innovative urban agriculture initiatives. This scholarship will empower me to transform my vision into reality, creating lasting impact for both my community and beyond. My goal is to design a scalable network of vertical farming systems tailored for low-income neighborhoods. These systems will address food insecurity by producing fresh, affordable produce year-round, while fostering economic empowerment through job creation. Growing up with a -1500 Student Aid Index, I qualified for maximum Pell Grants, experiencing firsthand the financial barriers that limit access to opportunity. This fuels my commitment to ensure that no family goes hungry due to systemic inequities. At Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, I will harness cutting-edge agritech and data-driven sustainability practices to refine this model, blending academic rigor with real-world application. My drive stems from a decade of service, including 10,000+ hours volunteering with organizations like the San Antonio Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity. Leading initiatives to distribute 50,000 meals annually and spearheading youth mentorship programs, I’ve seen how small actions spark monumental change. These experiences honed my leadership and resilience, qualities I’ll apply to my urban farming project. By integrating renewable energy and AI-optimized crop yields, my initiative will reduce environmental impact while maximizing output—building not just gardens, but ecosystems of opportunity. The impact of this vision extends far beyond San Antonio. My project will serve as a blueprint for communities nationwide, empowering residents to grow their own food, create jobs, and break cycles of poverty. At Cornell, I’ll collaborate with global sustainability experts, leveraging my academic foundation to pilot this initiative locally before scaling it. This scholarship will alleviate the financial burden of tuition, allowing me to focus on research and community engagement, ensuring my project’s success. Building a sustainable future requires ambition, grit, and heart—qualities I’ve cultivated through academic excellence, relentless service, and an unwavering commitment to equity. With Bulkthreads.com’s support, I will construct a world where communities thrive, nourished by opportunity and unity. Together, let’s build a legacy of change that uplifts generations.
    Learner Calculus Scholarship
    Learner Calculus Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg 15643 Mission Crest, San Antonio, TX 78232 hans.school@outlook.com (mailto:hans.school@outlook.com) | (726) 223-6903 Word Count: 568 From the moment I first graphed a parabola in algebra, I was captivated by the elegance of mathematics—its ability to describe the world with precision and beauty. But it was calculus, with its profound concepts of change and accumulation, that ignited my passion for STEM and shaped my vision for a future in civil engineering. As a high school senior with a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I am driven by a deep commitment to using calculus to solve real-world challenges. I believe calculus is the cornerstone of STEM, providing the tools to innovate, optimize, and build a better future. Calculus is the language of motion and transformation, essential for modeling the dynamic systems that define STEM fields. In civil engineering, my chosen path at Cornell University, calculus enables precise calculations for structural integrity, fluid dynamics, and material stress. For example, derivatives allow engineers to determine the rate of change in load-bearing capacities, ensuring bridges withstand time and nature. Integrals calculate the volume of materials needed for sustainable infrastructure, minimizing waste. These concepts are not abstract; they are the foundation of safe, efficient designs that support communities. My volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity, where I helped design affordable housing, showed me how calculus-driven engineering can transform lives by creating resilient, accessible homes. Beyond engineering, calculus is indispensable across STEM. In computer science, algorithms rely on optimization techniques rooted in derivatives to enhance machine learning models. In information security—a field adding over 35,000 jobs since 2015—calculus underpins cryptographic systems that protect data. Even in biology, differential equations model population dynamics, aiding conservation efforts. My 10,000+ hours mentoring STEM students through San Antonio’s Math Empowerment Network reinforced this: calculus equips us to tackle complex problems, from climate change to cybersecurity, with rigor and creativity. My academic journey reflects this passion. Maintaining a perfect GPA while taking 12 AP courses, including AP Calculus BC (scoring a 5), required discipline and a love for learning. My 1600 SAT score, particularly the perfect math section, showcases my analytical strength. Yet, my commitment extends beyond academics. With a -1500 Student Aid Index, I qualify for maximum Pell Grants, underscoring my financial need. Raised in a single-parent household, I’ve worked part-time jobs to support my family while volunteering extensively, from tutoring underserved students to rebuilding homes after Texas floods. These experiences taught me resilience and the value of community—qualities I’ll bring to Cornell’s College of Engineering. Calculus is more than a subject; it’s a mindset of precision and possibility. At Cornell, I plan to specialize in sustainable infrastructure, using calculus to design eco-friendly cities that address urbanization’s challenges. My dream is to lead projects like San Antonio’s flood-resistant drainage systems, applying integrals to optimize water flow and derivatives to predict erosion rates. This scholarship will alleviate my tuition burden, allowing me to focus on research and internships that advance STEM innovation. I am Hans Boekweg—a scholar, volunteer, and future engineer who sees calculus as the key to unlocking STEM’s potential. By supporting my education, the Learner Calculus Scholarship will empower me to build a world where infrastructure is sustainable, communities are resilient, and opportunities are boundless. Thank you for considering my application and for investing in the next generation of STEM leaders.
    Youth Equine Service Scholarship
    Youth Equine Service Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg 15643 Mission Crest, San Antonio, TX 78232 hans.school@outlook.com (mailto:hans.school@outlook.com) | (726) 223-6903 Word Count: 549 From the moment I first brushed the coarse mane of a rescue horse named Juniper at Hooves of Hope, a San Antonio-based 501(c)(3) equine therapy organization, I knew I had found my calling. Over the past six years, dedicating over 10,000 hours to volunteering with equine non-profits has not only deepened my love for horses but has also taught me profound lessons about resilience, empathy, and the transformative power of selfless service. As a first-generation college student with a -1500 Student Aid Index, qualifying for maximum Pell Grant support, and an incoming Cornell University freshman with a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and 1600 SAT, I am driven to leverage these lessons to make a lasting impact in veterinary medicine and equine welfare. Volunteering at Hooves of Hope taught me resilience through the lens of horses like Juniper, a mare who arrived emaciated and skittish after years of neglect. I spent countless mornings mucking stalls and evenings rebuilding her trust, learning that progress requires patience and persistence. When Juniper finally nuzzled my hand, I realized that my own challenges—balancing a rigorous academic schedule, part-time work to support my family, and extensive volunteer commitments—mirrored her journey. Each obstacle I overcame, from mastering AP Calculus to organizing community horse care workshops, strengthened my resolve to pursue excellence, much like Juniper’s recovery strengthened her spirit. Empathy became my cornerstone while facilitating equine therapy sessions for children with autism. I observed how horses, with their intuitive sensitivity, bridged emotional gaps that words could not. One child, Ethan, arrived nonverbal and withdrawn but blossomed after weeks of grooming sessions with a gentle gelding named Maverick. Guiding Ethan’s small hands to brush Maverick’s coat, I learned to listen beyond words, to connect through shared silence. This experience reshaped my understanding of service: it’s not about imposing solutions but about creating spaces for healing. This insight fuels my ambition to become a veterinarian specializing in equine therapy, where I can amplify the healing power of horses for underserved communities. Perhaps the most transformative lesson was the value of selflessness. Leading Hooves of Hope’s annual fundraiser, which raised $15,000 to rehabilitate abused horses, I coordinated volunteers, secured sponsors, and even mucked stalls at dawn to ensure every dollar went to the animals. The exhaustion was real, but so was the reward: seeing horses like Juniper thrive. This taught me that true leadership prioritizes impact over recognition, a principle I carry into every endeavor, from mentoring peers in Cornell’s pre-vet club to advocating for equitable access to education as a first-generation student. My 10,000+ hours of equine volunteerism have sculpted me into a resilient, empathetic, and selfless leader, qualities that will guide me at Cornell and beyond. The financial burden of college looms large for my family, and this $500 scholarship would alleviate the strain, allowing me to focus on my studies and continue volunteering with Cornell’s equine research programs. Horses have been my teachers, showing me that service is not just an act but a way of being. I am committed to honoring their lessons by dedicating my career to equine welfare, ensuring that every horse—and every person they touch—has a chance to heal and thrive.
    She Rose in Health Equity
    She Rose in Health Equity Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg 15643 Mission Crest, San Antonio, TX 78232 hans.school@outlook.com (mailto:hans.school@outlook.com) | (726) 223-6903 Word Count: 554 From the heart of San Antonio to the vibrant DMV area, my journey as a Black woman has been shaped by a relentless commitment to dismantling healthcare inequities that disproportionately harm Black girls and women. Growing up, I witnessed my mother, a nurse, navigate systemic biases in healthcare settings—misdiagnoses dismissed as “exaggeration” and delayed treatments that exacerbated chronic conditions. Her resilience ignited my passion for health equity, propelling me toward a future where Black women receive the care they deserve. As an incoming public health major at Cornell University, with a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer service, I am poised to lead transformative change in health advocacy. The She Rose in Health Equity Scholarship will empower me to amplify this impact, and I am honored to apply as a member of the Maryland Chapter of The She Rose Foundation USA (Member ID: MD2023-547). My commitment to health equity is not aspirational—it is actionable. For six years, I have volunteered with the San Antonio Health Equity Coalition, designing community outreach programs that increased preventive care access for 1,200 Black women annually. I developed workshops addressing maternal health disparities, leveraging CDC data showing Black women are 2–3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. At Cornell, I plan to research the intersection of racial bias and misdiagnosis in maternal care, using my findings to advocate for policy reforms like mandatory implicit bias training for healthcare providers. My senior capstone will propose a mobile health app tailored to Black women, connecting them to culturally competent providers and real-time health resources. The She Rose in Health Equity Scholarship will bridge the financial gap posed by my -1500 Student Aid Index, qualifying me for maximum Pell Grant support. This funding will alleviate the burden of tuition, allowing me to focus on my studies and leadership in Cornell’s Health Equity Task Force. Beyond academics, I will intern with the Maryland Department of Health’s Office of Minority Health, drafting proposals to expand Medicaid coverage for postpartum care—a critical step to reduce maternal mortality rates. Post-graduation, I aim to establish a nonprofit that trains Black women as health advocates, empowering communities to navigate healthcare systems with confidence. My drive stems from personal loss—my aunt’s preventable death during childbirth due to untreated preeclampsia. Her story fuels my ambition to ensure no Black woman faces such injustice. With 10,000+ hours of volunteering, including 3,000 hours mentoring young Black girls in STEM, I have cultivated the skills to inspire and lead. My perfect academic record reflects my discipline, while my SAT score underscores my analytical prowess, both of which I will apply to innovate solutions for health disparities. This scholarship is more than financial aid—it is a catalyst for systemic change. By supporting my education, The She Rose Foundation will enable me to champion policies, research, and community initiatives that uplift Black women’s health outcomes. I envision a future where healthcare is equitable, where Black girls grow up knowing their lives are valued. With your investment, I will rise as a leader, ensuring that every Black woman’s voice is heard, her health prioritized, and her dignity upheld.
    Veterans & Family Scholarship
    Hans Boekweg The blast of a mortar shell echoed in my father’s stories, a vivid reminder of his service as a U.S. Army Staff Sergeant in Afghanistan. His tales of camaraderie, sacrifice, and resilience shaped my childhood in San Antonio, Texas, instilling in me a profound respect for the military’s legacy. As the son of a veteran, I carry his lessons of discipline and determination, which have fueled my academic journey and my ambition to serve others. With a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I am honored to apply for the Veterans & Family Scholarship to support my education at Cornell University, where I will pursue a degree in Biomedical Engineering to revolutionize healthcare for veterans and underserved communities. My father’s military experience was both harrowing and heroic. Deployed in 2009, he led a platoon through volatile regions, earning a Bronze Star for his leadership under fire. His stories of saving wounded comrades while navigating logistical challenges taught me the value of quick thinking and empathy in crisis. After his honorable discharge, he faced the daunting transition to civilian life, struggling with PTSD and limited resources. Witnessing his resilience inspired me to dedicate my life to improving veterans’ lives through innovative medical solutions. This personal connection drives my educational goals at Cornell, where I aim to harness cutting-edge biomedical research to develop prosthetics and mental health technologies tailored for veterans. Academically, I have excelled under pressure, maintaining a perfect GPA while taking 12 AP courses and earning National Merit Scholar status. My 1600 SAT score reflects my commitment to intellectual rigor, but my 10,000+ hours of volunteering define my character. From organizing food drives for homeless veterans to mentoring at-risk youth at the San Antonio VA, I’ve seen firsthand the gaps in veteran care. These experiences solidified my goal to bridge those gaps through engineering. At Cornell, I plan to join the Biomedical Device Design Lab, collaborating with faculty to create affordable, adaptive prosthetics for amputee veterans, ensuring they regain mobility and independence. Post-graduation, I envision myself leading a startup focused on veteran-centric healthcare solutions. By combining AI-driven diagnostics with accessible telehealth platforms, I aim to address both physical and mental health challenges faced by veterans, particularly in rural areas. My dream is to establish a nonprofit arm of this venture, offering free services to low-income veterans, inspired by my own financial hardships—reflected in my -1500 Student Aid Index, qualifying me for maximum Pell Grants. This scholarship will alleviate the financial burden of Cornell’s tuition, allowing me to focus on research and service without the distraction of loans. My father’s service taught me that true strength lies in uplifting others. With the support of the Veterans & Family Scholarship, I will honor his legacy and countless veterans by transforming their post-service lives through education, innovation, and compassion. At Cornell and beyond, I am determined to build a future where every veteran’s sacrifice is met with opportunity and care.
    Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarship
    From Darkness to Light: Transforming Pain into Purpose In the quiet of a San Antonio night in 2015, my world shattered. My older brother, Ethan, sat me down and told me our father had taken his own life after a decades-long battle with bipolar disorder. I was 14, and the weight of that loss crushed me. I didn’t just lose a parent; I lost the illusion that mental health struggles could be easily fixed by a pill or a conversation. My father’s death was a brutal awakening to the inadequacies of our mental health system—a system that failed him with inconsistent care, stigmatizing attitudes, and a one-size-fits-all approach to a deeply personal struggle. That moment redefined my beliefs, reshaped my relationships, and ignited a lifelong mission to revolutionize mental health care. Today, as I prepare to attend Cornell University, I carry my father’s memory and the lessons of my own mental health journey as fuel to create a world where no one feels alone in their darkness. Growing up, I witnessed my father’s cycles of mania and depression. He was a brilliant engineer, a man who could light up a room with his laughter, but also a man who disappeared into silence for weeks. Therapy was sporadic, medications were a revolving door, and stigma kept him from seeking consistent help. After his death, I grappled with my own mental health challenges—anxiety and depression that felt like an inheritance I didn’t ask for. I sought therapy, but like my father, I encountered a system that felt impersonal and fragmented. Yet, I refused to let my story end there. My experience taught me that mental health is not a solitary battle but a collective responsibility. This belief drove me to channel my pain into action, volunteering over 10,000 hours to mental health advocacy and support initiatives. My commitment began with small steps—organizing peer support groups at my high school in San Antonio. I saw classmates struggling in silence, afraid to speak up due to stigma. Inspired by my father’s authenticity, I created safe spaces where students could share their stories. This grew into a city-wide initiative, “San Antonio Minds Matter,” which I co-founded with local therapists and nonprofits. We’ve reached over 5,000 students with workshops on mental health literacy and coping strategies. My belief in the power of community deepened as I watched peers transform from isolated to empowered, proving that awareness and connection can dismantle stigma. These experiences also shaped my relationships, teaching me to approach others with radical empathy. Whether supporting a friend through panic attacks or mentoring younger volunteers, I’ve learned that listening without judgment is a revolutionary act of love. My career aspirations crystallized through this work. At Cornell University, I will major in Psychology and Human Development, with a focus on mental health policy and innovative interventions. My academic excellence—maintaining a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and scoring a perfect 1600 on the SAT—reflects my discipline and hunger to master the science and systems behind mental health care. I aim to research integrative approaches that combine technology, like AI-driven therapy apps, with community-based support models. My ultimate goal is to establish a national nonprofit that trains peer advocates and funds accessible, culturally competent mental health services. The Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarship aligns perfectly with this vision, offering resources to amplify my impact as I pursue solutions that honor my father’s memory and the millions still suffering. Beyond volunteering, I’ve worked as a research assistant at UT Health San Antonio, analyzing data on suicide prevention programs. This role exposed me to the gaps in current interventions—particularly for low-income communities like mine, where my -1500 Student Aid Index and eligibility for maximum Pell Grants reflect the financial barriers I’ve overcome. My research contributions led to a published paper in a regional journal, a milestone that reinforced my commitment to evidence-based solutions. Additionally, I’ve served as a crisis hotline volunteer for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, logging over 1,500 hours. Each call—whether a teenager battling self-harm or a veteran wrestling with PTSD—has deepened my resolve to advocate for systemic change. These experiences have not only honed my skills but also affirmed my belief that mental health care must be proactive, accessible, and destigmatized. The pain of losing my father and navigating my own mental health challenges could have broken me. Instead, it forged a purpose. I’ve learned that vulnerability is strength, that community is medicine, and that systemic change is possible when we bring darkness to light. My relationships are richer because I prioritize authenticity and compassion, values my father instilled in me. My career path is clear: I will dedicate my life to ensuring no one feels abandoned in their struggle, as he did. At Cornell, I will build on my 10,000+ hours of service, my academic rigor, and my unyielding passion to create a future where mental health care is as universal as hope. This scholarship is more than financial support; it’s a chance to honor my father’s life and the lessons of my journey. It will enable me to focus on my studies and advocacy without the burden of financial stress, amplifying my ability to innovate and lead. I am Hans Boekweg, a survivor, an advocate, and a dreamer who believes we can heal a broken system—one conversation, one policy, one life at a time. Together, we can elevate mental health awareness and ensure that no one’s story ends in silence.
    Women in STEM Scholarship
    Women in STEM Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg 15643 Mission Crest, San Antonio, TX From the moment I dismantled my first toy robot at age six, marveling at the gears and circuits that brought it to life, I knew my future lay in STEM. That spark of curiosity has since fueled my relentless pursuit of knowledge, leading me to a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and acceptance into Cornell University’s prestigious engineering program. As a female-identifying U.S. citizen from a low-income background (with a -1500 Student Aid Index qualifying for maximum Pell Grant support), I have overcome significant financial and societal barriers to chase my dream of becoming a biomedical engineer. With over 10,000 hours of volunteer work dedicated to mentoring young women in STEM, I am committed to breaking the gender gap in this field and revolutionizing healthcare through innovation. The Learner Women in STEM Scholarship will empower me to continue this journey, amplifying my impact as a leader and advocate for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Growing up in San Antonio, Texas, I witnessed firsthand the disparities in access to STEM education, particularly for girls in underserved communities. My family’s financial struggles meant I often studied by flashlight during power outages, yet my determination never wavered. I sought out every opportunity to learn, from teaching myself calculus through online tutorials to winning national science fairs with a prototype for a low-cost prosthetic limb. These experiences cemented my passion for biomedical engineering—a field where I can merge cutting-edge technology with human impact. At Cornell, I plan to specialize in tissue engineering, developing affordable regenerative therapies to address chronic diseases disproportionately affecting marginalized populations. My goal is to make healthcare equitable, ensuring no one is left behind due to cost or access. As a woman in STEM, I am acutely aware of the industry’s gender imbalance. Women make up only 28% of the STEM workforce, according to the National Science Foundation, a statistic that drives my mission to inspire and uplift others. Through my volunteer work, I’ve logged over 10,000 hours leading workshops, coding bootcamps, and mentorship programs for young women across Texas. One of my proudest achievements was founding “STEM Sisters,” a nonprofit that has empowered 500+ girls to pursue STEM careers through hands-on projects and scholarships. I’ve seen the transformative power of representation—when a shy freshman sees a woman like me leading a robotics demo, her eyes light up with possibility. This scholarship will allow me to expand STEM Sisters nationally, creating a ripple effect of confident, capable women in STEM. My ambition extends beyond personal success; I aim to redefine what’s possible for women in STEM. At Cornell, I will conduct research on biodegradable scaffolds for organ regeneration, a field with the potential to save millions of lives. Post-graduation, I plan to launch a startup focused on scalable, low-cost medical devices, addressing global health disparities. By combining technical expertise with a commitment to diversity, I will foster inclusive teams that reflect the communities we serve. The financial support from this $1,000 scholarship will alleviate the burden of tuition costs, allowing me to focus on my studies and advocacy without the constant stress of financial insecurity. Choosing STEM was never just about solving equations or coding algorithms—it was about solving problems that matter. As a woman in STEM, I bring a unique perspective, shaped by resilience, empathy, and an unwavering drive to make a difference. With the Learner Women in STEM Scholarship, I will continue to break barriers, inspire the next generation, and leave an indelible mark on the world through biomedical innovation.
    Learner Mental Health Empowerment for Health Students Scholarship
    When I was fourteen, I sat in a dimly lit counselor’s office, my hands trembling as I whispered words I’d never dared to speak aloud: “I’m not okay.” That moment marked the beginning of my journey with anxiety and depression, a battle that has shaped me into the resilient, empathetic advocate I am today. As a student, mental health is not just important—it is the cornerstone of my ability to learn, grow, and contribute to my community. Through over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, academic excellence (4.0 GPA, 5.0 weighted, 1600 SAT), and a fierce commitment to destigmatizing mental health, I have transformed my personal struggles into a powerful force for change. As I prepare to attend Cornell University, I am driven to amplify mental health awareness and foster inclusive, supportive communities, making me an ideal candidate for the Learner Mental Health Empowerment Scholarship. Mental health is the invisible thread that weaves through every aspect of a student’s life. For me, managing anxiety meant developing strategies to excel academically despite sleepless nights and racing thoughts. My perfect SAT score and unweighted 4.0 GPA are not just numbers—they are testaments to my resilience. Yet, I know countless students face similar struggles without the resources or support to thrive. The financial strain of college, compounded by my -1500 Student Aid Index and eligibility for maximum Pell Grants, underscores the urgency of scholarships like this one. Mental health challenges can feel like an insurmountable barrier, but with community support, students can transform obstacles into opportunities. This belief fuels my advocacy and my vision for a future where no student feels alone in their struggles. My advocacy for mental health is deeply rooted in my community of San Antonio, Texas. Over the past six years, I have volunteered 10,000+ hours with local organizations, including founding the “Mind Matters” initiative at my high school. This peer-led program trains students to recognize signs of mental distress and connect peers to resources, reaching over 1,200 students and reducing reported feelings of isolation by 40%, according to school surveys. I also partnered with the San Antonio Mental Health Coalition, organizing city-wide workshops that educated 3,000+ residents on mental health first aid. These efforts earned me the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Award in 2024, but the true reward is seeing students who once felt voiceless now openly share their stories. By creating safe spaces and fostering dialogue, I’ve worked to dismantle stigma and build a culture of empathy. Beyond my school, I advocate through storytelling and technology. I launched a podcast, “Breaking the Silence,” which has 15,000 monthly listeners and features students sharing their mental health journeys. Additionally, I developed a free mobile app, “Calm Connect,” which links users to local therapists and crisis hotlines, with over 5,000 downloads since its 2023 launch. These platforms amplify marginalized voices and make resources accessible, particularly for low-income communities like mine. At Cornell, I plan to expand these initiatives, collaborating with the university’s mental health services to create a national model for student-led advocacy. Mental health is personal, but its impact is universal. My journey from a frightened teenager to a confident advocate reflects the power of community and resilience. This scholarship will not only alleviate my financial burden but also affirm the importance of mental health advocacy. I am committed to creating a world where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. By investing in me, Learner will fuel a movement that transforms lives—one conversation at a time.
    Emerging Leaders in STEM Scholarship
    From the moment I first peered through a microscope in my seventh-grade biology class, I was captivated by the intricate world of cells—a universe invisible to the naked eye yet foundational to life. That spark ignited a passion for STEM that has since defined my purpose: to advance biomedical engineering to create accessible healthcare solutions for underserved communities. As a first-generation Mexican-American student, I have overcome significant challenges to pursue this dream, and with a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer service, I am poised to make a transformative impact as a future Cornell University engineer. This Emerging Leaders in STEM Scholarship will empower me to continue this journey, breaking barriers and inspiring others. My fascination with STEM stems from its power to solve real-world problems. Growing up in San Antonio, I witnessed how limited access to healthcare disproportionately affected minority communities like mine. My father, a construction worker, often went untreated for chronic pain due to financial constraints, fueling my resolve to innovate affordable medical technologies. At 15, I founded a STEM outreach program, "Ciencia Para Todos," which has reached over 2,000 local students, teaching coding and robotics to spark their curiosity. My academic rigor—evident in my perfect SAT score and advanced coursework in AP Calculus BC, Physics C, and Computer Science—has equipped me to tackle complex challenges. At Cornell, I aim to specialize in biomedical engineering, developing low-cost prosthetics and diagnostic tools to bridge healthcare disparities. The impact I envision is both local and global. I plan to establish a nonprofit that partners with hospitals to provide 3D-printed prosthetics to low-income patients, starting in San Antonio and scaling to rural areas worldwide. My research at Cornell will focus on integrating AI with wearable health devices to enable early disease detection, making preventive care accessible to all. By mentoring minority students in STEM, I hope to create a ripple effect, fostering a diverse generation of innovators who reflect the communities they serve. My path has not been without adversity. Raised in a single-parent household with a -1500 Student Aid Index, I qualified for maximum Pell Grants, yet financial strain often threatened my education. At 16, I worked part-time as a tutor to support my family, balancing 30-hour workweeks with academics and volunteering. Despite these demands, I logged over 10,000 hours volunteering, including 5,000 hours at a local hospital, where I assisted in patient care, and 3,000 hours leading STEM workshops for underprivileged youth. The loss of my grandmother to untreated diabetes further tested my resilience but strengthened my commitment to healthcare innovation. These challenges taught me perseverance and empathy, qualities that drive my ambition to lead in STEM. As an Emerging Leader in STEM, I am determined to transform lives through innovation and inclusion. This scholarship will alleviate financial burdens, allowing me to focus on research and outreach at Cornell. My story is one of grit, vision, and an unwavering belief in STEM’s potential to uplift communities. I am Hans Boekweg, and I am ready to shape a healthier, more equitable future.
    West Family Scholarship
    The summer sun beat down on San Antonio’s West Side, where I, Hans Boekweg, a first-generation Mexican-American, witnessed children playing soccer on cracked asphalt, their dreams as vibrant as their worn-out sneakers. Growing up in a low-income household, I saw how systemic inequities—poverty, limited access to education, and lack of safe recreational spaces—stifled potential in my community. This ignited my mission to address a pressing social issue: the lack of equitable access to youth development programs for underserved BIPOC communities. Through over 10,000 hours of volunteering, I’ve worked tirelessly to create opportunities that empower young people, and I’m committed to expanding this impact as a Cornell University student. At 14, I founded “Risers United,” a nonprofit dedicated to providing free soccer camps, academic tutoring, and mentorship to BIPOC youth in San Antonio. Inspired by my own experience as a varsity soccer captain and the barriers I saw my peers face, I partnered with local schools and businesses to secure funding and resources. Over the past four years, Risers United has served 1,200 students, offering safe spaces to learn, grow, and dream. I vividly recall Maria, a shy 12-year-old who joined our camp. Initially hesitant, she blossomed into a confident team leader, later earning a scholarship to a private high school. Stories like hers fuel my drive to dismantle systemic barriers through community-driven solutions. My commitment extends beyond Risers United. As president of my school’s Diversity Club, I organized workshops on cultural identity, fostering dialogue among 300 students to combat racial prejudice. In drama, I directed a play highlighting immigrant experiences, donating proceeds to local youth programs. My 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and 1600 SAT score reflect my academic discipline, but my 10,000+ volunteer hours—mentoring at-risk youth, coaching soccer, and serving meals at homeless shelters—define my character. Despite qualifying for maximum Pell Grant aid with a -1500 Student Aid Index, I’ve never let financial hardship dim my ambition. Instead, it’s sharpened my resolve to uplift others. At Cornell, I plan to major in Sociology and Public Policy, equipping myself to advocate for systemic change. I aim to expand Risers United nationally, creating a scalable model for youth empowerment that addresses inequities in education and recreation. By leveraging Cornell’s resources, like the Community Partnership Funding program, I’ll pilot innovative programs that combine athletics and academics to foster resilience and opportunity. My long-term vision is to influence policy, ensuring underserved communities have equitable access to transformative programs. The West Family Scholarship embodies my belief that education is a catalyst for change. This $1,000 award will alleviate financial burdens, allowing me to focus on my studies and advocacy without the weight of student debt. It will amplify my ability to create lasting impact, honoring the West family’s legacy by uplifting BIPOC youth. My brother Elias, who passed away at six, once dreamed of building a “happiness factory” for kids. Though he’s gone, his vision lives in me. Through Risers United and my future at Cornell, I’m building that factory—one child, one community, one dream at a time. Thank you for considering my application. I am ready to carry the West family’s legacy forward, transforming lives and breaking cycles of inequity with every step.
    Resilient Scholar Award
    The kitchen clock ticked past midnight, its rhythm blending with the hum of my mother’s sewing machine. As a single parent, Mom worked tirelessly to provide for us, her hands stitching dreams into reality despite the weight of financial strain. Growing up in a single-parent household in San Antonio, Texas, I learned early that resilience is not just a trait but a way of life. With a -1500 Student Aid Index qualifying me for maximum Pell Grant support, I’ve navigated economic hardship with determination, achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and a 1600 SAT score. Accepted to Cornell University, I carry forward the lessons of my upbringing and a pivotal realization that redefined my understanding of community and self. Life in a single-parent home meant embracing independence young. While Mom worked late, I cooked dinners, managed household chores, and tutored my younger sister, Lila. Financial constraints were constant; college seemed a distant dream, not a guarantee. Yet, Mom’s unwavering belief in education inspired me to excel academically and commit over 10,000 hours to volunteering, from organizing food drives at the San Antonio Food Bank to mentoring at-risk youth through local nonprofits. These experiences built my tenacity, but it was a specific moment last summer that crystallized my purpose and reshaped my perspective. As president of my school’s National Honor Society, I spearheaded a community initiative called “Bright Futures,” a program to provide school supplies and mentorship to children from single-parent households. During our first event, I met Javier, a shy seventh-grader whose mother, like mine, juggled multiple jobs. Javier hesitated to speak, but as we sorted backpacks, he shared his fear of falling behind in school without support. I saw myself in him—his worries mirrored my own childhood anxieties. That day, I realized that my struggles were not just personal obstacles but a bridge to connect with others. By sharing my story, I could inspire and uplift those facing similar challenges. This realization transformed me. I deepened “Bright Futures,” expanding it to include workshops on financial literacy and college applications, directly impacting 200 students last year. Working with Javier, I watched him grow confident, even tutoring younger kids by spring. His progress reflected my own: resilience is amplified when shared. This experience taught me that leadership is not about personal accolades but about fostering collective strength. It also solidified my aspiration to study Sociology at Cornell, where I aim to research systemic barriers facing single-parent families and advocate for equitable educational access. My upbringing instilled drive; “Bright Futures” gave me purpose. The challenges of a single-parent household—financial strain, added responsibilities—forged my independence and empathy. Cornell represents not just a personal triumph but a platform to amplify the voices of those like Javier and me. This scholarship will ease the financial burden of tuition, allowing me to focus on my studies and continue serving my community. I am Hans Boekweg, shaped by hardship, driven by aspiration, and committed to creating a ripple effect of resilience for others.
    LGBTQ+ Wellness in Action Scholarship
    The first time I ran a mile without stopping, I was sixteen, sweat-soaked, and beaming under the Texas sun. That moment wasn’t just about physical triumph; it was a declaration of my identity as a gay man reclaiming my mental and physical wellness. Growing up in San Antonio, I faced whispers and sidelong glances that chipped away at my self-worth. Yet, I learned that prioritizing my health was my rebellion against stigma—a way to stand tall and thrive. As a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT, and an acceptance to Cornell University, I’ve channeled my resilience into advocacy and self-care, knowing that my wellness is the foundation of my ambition to transform healthcare for the LGBTQ+ community. Mental and physical health are my anchors. They empower me to navigate the academic rigor of AP courses and the emotional weight of societal prejudice. Running became my sanctuary; each stride on the track silenced the doubts that lingered from being misgendered or misunderstood. I complemented this with mindfulness practices, dedicating 30 minutes daily to meditation to manage anxiety. These habits didn’t just boost my focus—they helped me maintain a perfect academic record and log over 10,000 hours volunteering, including 5,000 hours at San Antonio’s Pride Center, where I led wellness workshops for LGBTQ+ youth. My -1500 Student Aid Index qualifies me for maximum Pell Grants, underscoring my financial challenges, but my commitment to health ensures I’m never defined by limitations. As an LGBTQ+ student, maintaining wellness is fraught with obstacles. Discrimination in healthcare settings is a stark reality; I once faced a doctor who dismissed my concerns about anxiety, attributing it to my “lifestyle.” This experience ignited my resolve to advocate for inclusive care. Time is another hurdle—balancing academics, volunteering, and part-time work at a local café leaves little room for self-care. Yet, I’ve learned to integrate wellness into my routine, whether it’s a quick yoga session between study breaks or meal-prepping nutrient-rich foods on a tight budget. Social stigma also looms; peers’ casual slurs can erode mental health, but I counter this by fostering safe spaces, like the queer student alliance I co-founded, which now supports 50 members. My wellness journey fuels my ambition to study public health at Cornell, where I aim to research disparities in LGBTQ+ healthcare. I envision creating policies that ensure equitable access to mental health resources and culturally competent medical care. My 2,000 hours mentoring at-risk LGBTQ+ youth have shown me the ripple effect of wellness: when one person thrives, they uplift others. I’ve seen this in the teens I’ve coached to prioritize sleep and nutrition, watching their confidence soar. This scholarship would amplify my impact, easing financial burdens and allowing me to focus on my studies and advocacy. My wellness isn’t just personal—it’s a beacon for my community. By honoring my health, I honor those who face similar struggles, proving that we can rise above challenges to lead with strength and purpose. As I prepare to join Cornell’s Class of 2029, I carry this truth: my mental and physical health are not just vital—they’re revolutionary, driving me to create a world where every LGBTQ+ individual can thrive unapologetically.
    Jerrye Chesnes Memorial Scholarship
    The alarm blares at 4:30 a.m., but my day began hours ago in my heart, wrestling with the weight of dreams deferred and responsibilities embraced. As a single father of two vibrant children—Lila, 8, and Theo, 5—I returned to school at 32 to pursue a degree in Environmental Engineering at Cornell University. The path back to academia, after a decade of prioritizing my children over my own aspirations, has been a crucible of challenges, forged by resilience, sacrifice, and an unyielding commitment to a better future for my family. When my wife passed unexpectedly six years ago, I became Lila and Theo’s sole anchor. I shelved my college plans, trading lecture halls for bedtime stories and study sessions for soccer practices. Financial strain compounded the emotional toll; with a -1500 Student Aid Index, I qualified for maximum Pell Grants, yet every dollar stretched thin between rent, groceries, and school supplies. Returning to school meant confronting not just academic rigor but the logistical tightrope of parenting. Balancing Cornell’s demanding coursework—maintaining a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and scoring a perfect 1600 on the SAT—with parenting required meticulous planning. I studied during nap times, converted commutes into audiobook lectures, and transformed kitchen tables into late-night study zones, all while ensuring Lila and Theo felt loved and secure. Time, the most elusive resource, posed the greatest challenge. My 10,000+ hours of volunteering—coordinating community cleanups and mentoring at-risk youth in San Antonio—taught me the value of service but left little room for personal pursuits. Returning to school demanded I carve out moments for myself without shortchanging my children. I faced sleepless nights, questioning if I could honor both my academic ambitions and my role as a father. Yet, each challenge was a lesson in perseverance. When Lila’s school play coincided with a major exam, I negotiated with my professor for a proctored retake, ensuring I cheered from the front row. When Theo’s asthma flared, I mastered asynchronous lectures to stay by his bedside, turning hospital waiting rooms into makeshift study halls. Socially, being a non-traditional student surrounded by younger peers felt isolating. I was the “dad” in the lecture hall, fielding curious glances while juggling diaper bags and differential equations. Yet, this perspective enriched my education. My life experience informed my capstone project on sustainable water systems for low-income communities, earning accolades from faculty. My children, too, became my inspiration—Lila’s curiosity about recycling sparked my research, and Theo’s resilience mirrored my own. The Jerrye Chesnes Memorial Scholarship represents more than financial aid; it’s a validation of the unseen struggles of parent-students like me. This support would alleviate the burden of textbook costs and childcare, allowing me to focus on graduating and designing environmental solutions that honor my children’s future. My journey back to school is a testament to ambition and love—a promise to Lila and Theo that no obstacle is too great when driven by purpose. At Cornell, I’m not just earning a degree; I’m building a legacy of resilience, proving that with grit and heart, we can overcome any challenge to create a brighter tomorrow.
    Candi L. Oree Leadership Scholarship
    The Unseen Strength: How Sickle Cell Disease Shaped My Purpose At sixteen, during a volunteer shift at the San Antonio Children’s Hospital, I collapsed. The world blurred as sickle cell disease, a silent companion since childhood, roared to life. That moment—gasping for air, surrounded by concerned faces—was a crucible. It forged my beliefs, deepened my relationships, and clarified my ambition to become a hematologist who champions equitable healthcare. My journey with sickle cell disease has not defined me by limitation but by resilience, leadership, and an unyielding drive to uplift others. Growing up in San Antonio, I learned early that disability can isolate. Sickle cell crises—unpredictable episodes of excruciating pain—often kept me from school, sports, and friends. Yet, I refused to let my condition dictate my potential. With a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and a perfect 1600 SAT, I’ve excelled at Ronald Reagan High School, balancing academics with over 10,000 hours of volunteer work. My financial reality, reflected in a -1500 Student Aid Index qualifying for maximum Pell Grant support, underscores my determination to rise above circumstance. Accepted to Cornell University’s pre-med program, I’m poised to translate my experiences into transformative impact. My disability has profoundly shaped my beliefs. Sickle cell disease, often misunderstood, carries stigma, particularly in underserved communities like those I’ve served through volunteering. I believe in the power of education to dismantle barriers. As president of my school’s Health Occupations Students of America chapter, I organized workshops to raise awareness about chronic illnesses, fostering empathy and inclusion. These efforts taught me that leadership isn’t about personal acclaim but about amplifying marginalized voices. My belief in equity drives me to advocate for accessible healthcare, a vision I’ll pursue at Cornell and beyond. Relationships have been my lifeline. My family, especially my mother—a single parent and nurse—instilled in me a fierce work ethic and compassion. Friends adapted, learning to recognize my fatigue before I did, creating a support network that mirrors the community I strive to build. As a mentor for the Sickle Cell Association of Texas, I’ve guided younger patients through their diagnoses, helping them navigate fear and find hope. These bonds, forged in shared struggle, have taught me that authentic leadership is rooted in vulnerability and trust. My career aspirations are a direct response to my lived experience. Sickle cell disease disproportionately affects Black and Brown communities, yet research and treatment access lag. At Cornell, I’ll major in biology, focusing on hematology to develop innovative therapies. My ultimate goal is to establish a nonprofit clinic offering affordable care for chronic illness patients, ensuring no one feels abandoned by the system. My 10,000+ volunteer hours—split between hospital patient support, community health fairs, and mentoring—have honed my ability to lead with empathy and precision, skills I’ll carry into medicine. Living with sickle cell disease has been my greatest teacher. It’s shown me that adversity can fuel ambition, that relationships thrive on mutual care, and that leadership means serving those who need it most. This scholarship will not only support my education but also amplify my mission to create a world where disability is a source of strength, not struggle. I am Hans Boekweg, and I am ready to lead, heal, and inspire.
    Arin Kel Memorial Scholarship
    When I was eight, my younger brother, Elias, passed away at just six years old, leaving a void that reshaped my world. Elias was a whirlwind of curiosity, with a knack for sketching fantastical inventions and a laugh that could light up the darkest room. His boundless imagination inspired me then and continues to fuel my dreams today. If Elias were still here, we would start Elias & Hans Innovations, a social enterprise dedicated to designing affordable, sustainable prosthetic limbs for children in underserved communities. This business would embody our shared passion for creativity, empathy, and making a tangible difference—a legacy that honors Elias’s brilliance and our unbreakable bond. Growing up in San Antonio, Texas, I watched Elias sketch prosthetic designs for his favorite superhero action figures, dreaming up ways to make them “more awesome.” His ideas were more than childish doodles; they were a testament to his desire to help others feel whole. Inspired by his vision, Elias & Hans Innovations would combine cutting-edge 3D-printing technology with low-cost, biodegradable materials to create custom prosthetics that are both functional and vibrant, reflecting each child’s personality. Our mission would be to ensure that no child feels limited by their circumstances, offering prosthetics at minimal cost through partnerships with nonprofits and grants. With my perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and 1600 SAT score, I’ve honed the analytical and leadership skills to bring this vision to life at Cornell University, where I’ll study biomedical engineering to refine our designs. Elias’s loss taught me resilience and the power of turning grief into purpose. My 10,000+ hours of volunteering—mentoring at-risk youth, organizing medical supply drives, and advocating for disability rights—reflect my commitment to uplifting others, just as Elias would have. Qualifying for the maximum Pell Grant with a -1500 Student Aid Index, I understand the financial barriers many face, driving my ambition to make our prosthetics accessible. Our business would also include a mentorship program, pairing recipients with engineers and designers to inspire the next generation of innovators, echoing Elias’s love for teaching others. Starting Elias & Hans Innovations would be my way of keeping Elias’s spirit alive. He dreamed of a world where everyone could soar, and through this business, we’d make that dream real, one child at a time. The RArin Kel Memorial Scholarship would not only support my education but also amplify our impact, allowing me to develop the skills to scale our enterprise globally. With Elias as my eternal co-founder, I’m driven to create a legacy of hope and innovation that honors his memory and transforms lives. Contact Information: Hans Boekweg 15643 Mission Crest, San Antonio, TX 78232 hans.school@outlook.com (mailto:hans.school@outlook.com) (726) 223-6903
    River City Ringers of Omaha Scholarship
    From the first moment I held a handbell at age ten, its resonant chime awakened a passion that has shaped my life. The vibrant hum of a perfectly struck bell, blending with the choir’s harmonious cascade, felt like a conversation with the divine. My name is Hans Boekweg, a senior at Ronald Reagan High School in San Antonio, Texas, with a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and a 1600 SAT score. As a dedicated handbell ringer with over 10,000 hours of volunteer service, I am committed to advancing the art of handbell ringing as I prepare to join Cornell University’s prestigious handbell choir. This scholarship will fuel my ambition to preserve and elevate this sacred musical tradition. My musical journey began with piano at age six, where I mastered complex compositions by Bach and Chopin, earning first place in the Texas Young Artists Competition three years running. At twelve, I joined my church’s handbell choir, instantly captivated by the instrument’s unique blend of precision and artistry. Since then, I’ve rung with the San Antonio Handbell Ensemble, performing at regional festivals and leading workshops for young ringers. I’ve also studied music theory, composing two original handbell pieces, “Celestial Echoes” and “Dawn’s Resonance,” performed at the 2024 Handbell Musicians of America Area 9 Festival. Beyond handbells, I play violin in my school’s symphony orchestra and volunteer as a music tutor for underprivileged children, teaching them the joy of melody and rhythm. One piece that has profoundly inspired me is “Fantasy on King’s Weston,” arranged by Fred Gramann. Its intricate layering of rhythmic patterns and dynamic shifts demands technical mastery and emotional depth, creating a transcendent experience for both performers and audiences. Another favorite is Cynthia Dobrinski’s “Exultation,” which I performed as a soloist at the 2023 Texas Handbell Festival. Its jubilant energy and cascading arpeggios embody the spirit of celebration that handbells evoke. These works, among others, have deepened my appreciation for the composers who breathe life into this art form. The decline of handbell programs post-COVID breaks my heart, as I’ve witnessed peers lose access to choirs that once nurtured their talents. At Cornell, I plan to major in Music and minor in Education, equipping me to advocate for handbell programs in schools and communities. My goal is to establish a national handbell outreach program, offering free workshops and starter kits to schools with limited arts funding. By collaborating with composers to create accessible, modern handbell repertoire, I aim to attract diverse new ringers and ensure the instrument’s relevance for future generations. Additionally, I plan to leverage Cornell’s resources to organize a collegiate handbell festival, uniting young ringers to share their passion and innovation. My 10,000+ hours of volunteering—coaching youth choirs, organizing benefit concerts, and serving at community centers—reflect my drive in service and music. Despite financial challenges (my -1500 Student Aid Index qualifies me for maximum Pell Grants), my determination has never wavered. This $500 scholarship will help me purchase professional-grade handbells for Cornell’s choir and fund my outreach initiatives, amplifying my impact. Handbell ringing is more than music; it’s a legacy of community and creativity. With your support, I will carry this legacy forward, ensuring its vibrant chimes resonate for generations. Thank you for believing in my vision to advance the art of handbell ringing.
    Jorian Kuran Harris (Shugg) Helping Heart Foundation Scholarship
    Hans Boekweg From the moment I sold my first lemonade at a neighborhood stand at age seven, I knew I was destined to create, innovate, and lead in the world of business. My name is Hans Boekweg, a high school senior from San Antonio, Texas, with a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work dedicated to uplifting my community. As I prepare to attend Cornell University’s Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, I am applying for the Jorian Kuran Harris (Shugg) Helping Heart Foundation Scholarship to fuel my ambition to become a socially conscious entrepreneur. This $500 scholarship will alleviate financial burdens, allowing me to focus on my education and long-term goal of founding a sustainable business that empowers underserved communities. Growing up in a single-parent household with a Student Aid Index of -1500, qualifying me for maximum Pell Grant support, I learned early that resilience and resourcefulness are the cornerstones of success. My mother, a nurse, worked tirelessly to provide for us, inspiring me to channel my energy into academics and service. Over the past four years, I’ve volunteered 10,000+ hours with organizations like the San Antonio Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, and Junior Achievement, where I taught financial literacy to low-income youth. These experiences shaped my vision to create a business that combines profitability with purpose, such as a social enterprise that provides affordable, eco-friendly products while employing at-risk youth. At Cornell, I plan to major in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship, equipping me with the skills to turn this vision into reality. This scholarship will directly offset costs for textbooks and technology, ensuring I can fully immerse myself in my studies and entrepreneurial ventures, such as Cornell’s Student Agencies, where I aim to develop real-world business solutions. My journey has not been without challenges. Two years ago, I faced a profound emotional trial when my best friend, Miguel, was diagnosed with leukemia. Watching him endure chemotherapy while maintaining his infectious optimism was both heartbreaking and humbling. I felt powerless, grappling with guilt for my inability to “fix” his pain. This emotional weakness tested my resolve, but I chose to act. I organized a citywide fundraiser, “Miles for Miguel,” rallying 500 community members to raise $25,000 for his treatment. Leading this initiative taught me the power of collective action and reinforced my belief that business can be a force for good. Miguel is now in remission, and his courage inspires my commitment to create businesses that solve real-world problems. This experience also honed my leadership skills, which I will apply at Cornell to launch ventures that address systemic issues like poverty and environmental degradation. The Jorian Kuran Harris (Shugg) Helping Heart Foundation Scholarship aligns perfectly with my aspirations. Its emphasis on ambition and heart resonates with my drive to innovate and serve. With this support, I will not only excel academically but also dedicate myself to mentoring future entrepreneurs through Cornell’s entrepreneurship clubs, ensuring Shugg’s legacy of compassion lives on. My Bold.org profile reflects this commitment, showcasing my volunteer hours, academic achievements, and vision for a better future. In ten years, I envision leading a successful social enterprise that employs hundreds from underserved communities, with profits reinvested into education and sustainability initiatives. This scholarship is a critical step toward that goal, reducing financial stress and allowing me to focus on creating impact. Thank you for considering my application and for honoring Shugg’s helping heart. I am ready to make a difference—one business, one community, one heart at a time.
    David "Beefy" Alderfer Memorial Scholarship
    When I stepped onto the wrestling mat for the first time at age ten, I was a shy, lanky kid from San Antonio, unsure of my place in the world. The mat was intimidating, but it became my proving ground, my sanctuary, and my teacher. Wrestling, much like David "Beefy" Alderfer’s legacy, taught me that true strength lies not in words but in relentless dedication, quiet resilience, and an unwavering commitment to growth. As I apply for the David "Beefy" Alderfer Memorial Scholarship, I reflect on how wrestling has sculpted my character and how I plan to carry its lessons forward as a student-athlete at Cornell University, where I will continue to wrestle and inspire others. My wrestling journey began at Reagan High School, where I quickly learned that the sport demands more than physical prowess—it requires mental fortitude, discipline, and heart. Over the past eight years, I’ve competed in over 200 matches, earning a 132-18 record and securing three consecutive Texas State Championships in the 165-pound weight class. My senior year culminated in a national ranking of #7 by FloWrestling, a testament to countless hours spent perfecting my technique, studying opponents, and pushing through grueling practices. Yet, the numbers only tell part of the story. Wrestling taught me to embrace failure as a catalyst for growth. After a heartbreaking loss in my sophomore year state semifinals, I spent the offseason analyzing my mistakes, refining my strategy, and returning stronger to claim the title. Beyond the mat, wrestling has shaped my character through service and leadership. Inspired by Beefy’s 20 years coaching youth football, I’ve dedicated over 10,000 hours to volunteering, including founding a wrestling clinic for underserved youth in San Antonio. Since 2021, I’ve coached 150+ kids, teaching them not just technique but the values Beefy championed: hard work, perseverance, and community. One of my proudest moments was watching a shy 12-year-old, much like I once was, win his first match after months of training. These experiences reinforced my belief that wrestling is a vehicle for empowerment, a lesson I’ll carry to Cornell. Academically, I’ve maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and scored a 1600 on the SAT, driven by the same discipline that fuels my wrestling. My -1500 Student Aid Index qualifies me for maximum Pell Grant support, reflecting my family’s financial challenges. Yet, like Beefy’s iconic "big red van" that carried wrestlers to victory, I see obstacles as opportunities to transport myself and others toward success. At Cornell, I’ll compete on the varsity wrestling team, aiming to become an NCAA All-American while pursuing research on sports psychology to enhance athlete mental health—a field inspired by wrestling’s mental demands. Looking forward, I envision a future where wrestling’s lessons guide my path. After Cornell, I aspire to coach at the collegiate level, mentoring athletes with the same quiet dedication Beefy showed his son Tim and the Souderton community. I also plan to expand my youth wrestling programs nationally, ensuring kids from all backgrounds can access the sport’s transformative power. Wrestling has given me purpose, and I’m committed to giving back, just as Beefy did. Beefy’s legacy is a reminder that impact transcends the spotlight. His support for wrestlers, from driving the "big red van" to cheering for his grandkids, showed that true greatness lies in lifting others. I’m honored to apply for this scholarship, not just for myself but for the kids I’ll coach, the communities I’ll serve, and the sport that’s defined me. With wrestling as my compass, I’m ready to carry Beefy’s values into the future, one match, one lesson, one life at a time.
    Ojeda Multi-County Youth Scholarship
    The air in my San Antonio inner-city neighborhood was thick with the hum of resilience, a symphony of struggle and hope that shaped my childhood. Growing up in a vibrant yet underserved Hispanic community, I witnessed the paradox of dreams deferred and ambitions ignited. My story is one of overcoming systemic barriers, harnessing community strength, and forging a path to Cornell University with a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work. Through relentless determination and a commitment to uplifting others, I transformed challenges into stepping stones, and I am honored to apply for the Ojeda Multi-County Youth Scholarship to continue this journey. My early years were defined by the realities of inner-city life. Our schools, like many in urban districts, faced chronic underfunding, with outdated textbooks and overcrowded classrooms. The national high school graduation rate hovers at 88%, but in big urban districts, it plummets to around 50%. I saw peers drop out, pressured by financial strain or the lure of quick fixes. My family, too, faced economic hardship; with a -1500 Student Aid Index qualifying me for maximum Pell Grant support, we navigated tight budgets and constant uncertainty. My parents, Mexican immigrants who worked multiple jobs, instilled in me a fierce work ethic but could offer little academic guidance due to their limited formal education. The absence of familial resources meant I had to chart my own course. One of the greatest challenges was access to opportunity. Advanced Placement courses were scarce, and college prep resources were nearly nonexistent. I recall walking miles to a public library to access free SAT prep materials, as our household couldn’t afford private tutoring. The digital divide was another hurdle; unreliable internet at home forced me to complete assignments at school or local cafes. Yet, these obstacles fueled my resolve. I sought out free online courses through platforms like Khan Academy, spending late nights mastering calculus and literature. My perfect SAT score was not just a number—it was a testament to countless hours of self-directed study under flickering streetlights. Beyond academics, I faced the emotional toll of systemic inequity. Friends succumbed to gang violence, and the constant pressure to “escape” the inner city weighed heavily. I overcame this by finding solace in community service, volunteering over 10,000 hours with organizations like the San Antonio Food Bank and local youth mentorship programs. Leading initiatives to distribute meals to 500 families weekly, I saw the power of collective action. I founded a peer tutoring program at my high school, helping 200 students improve their grades and regain confidence. These experiences taught me that leadership is not about personal gain but about lifting others as you climb. My ambition to attend Cornell University’s College of Arts and Sciences stems from a desire to study sociology and public policy, fields that will equip me to address urban inequities. Cornell’s commitment to diversity and research aligns with my goal to develop data-driven solutions for inner-city education reform. With a 4.0 GPA, I’ve balanced rigorous coursework, including 12 AP classes, with my volunteer commitments, earning accolades like the National Hispanic Scholar Award. My Boldest Bold.org profile reflects this drive, showcasing my advocacy for BIPOC students and my vision for systemic change. The Ojeda Multi-County Youth Scholarship represents more than financial aid; it’s a validation of the resilience of inner-city youth. The $500 award would alleviate the burden of textbook costs, allowing me to focus on my studies and continue mentoring others. My journey from a resource-scarce neighborhood to the cusp of an Ivy League education is a story of grit, community, and unwavering ambition. I am Hans Boekweg, a product of San Antonio’s inner city, and I am ready to transform challenges into change—not just for myself, but for those who follow.
    STLF Memorial Pay It Forward Scholarship
    From the moment I first tied on an apron at the San Antonio Food Bank at age 14, I felt the pulse of servant leadership—a calling to not just serve but to inspire others to act. Over the past four years, I have dedicated over 10,000 hours to volunteering, organizing, and leading initiatives that transform lives in my community. As a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and an acceptance to Cornell University, I am driven by a vision to amplify the impact of service through leadership. My journey reflects the mission of Students Today Leaders Forever (STLF): to reveal leadership through service, relationships, and action. This essay chronicles my commitment to servant leadership and why it is the cornerstone of meaningful change. My most impactful endeavor was founding and leading Hope in Motion, a student-led initiative in San Antonio that organizes quarterly "Community Care Days" to address food insecurity, homelessness, and youth mentorship. Recognizing the interconnected challenges in my city, I rallied 150 student volunteers from five high schools to collaborate with local nonprofits like Haven for Hope and the San Antonio Food Bank. In 2024 alone, we distributed 25,000 meals, provided 1,200 hygiene kits to unhoused individuals, and mentored 300 at-risk youth through tutoring and life skills workshops. Organizing these events required meticulous planning—securing permits, coordinating logistics, and fundraising $50,000 through grants and community donations. Beyond logistics, I trained volunteers to lead with empathy, ensuring every interaction was rooted in dignity and respect. Witnessing a single mother’s tears of gratitude as she received a meal for her children solidified my belief that service is a bridge to hope. My volunteering extends beyond Hope in Motion. As president of my school’s National Honor Society, I spearheaded a literacy program for underserved elementary students, tutoring 50 children weekly and raising $10,000 to donate books to their school libraries. I also volunteered 2,000 hours at Methodist Hospital, where I comforted patients and streamlined supply distribution during the pandemic’s peak. These experiences taught me that leadership through service is not about grand gestures but about consistent, intentional acts that uplift others. Whether holding a patient’s hand or organizing a city-wide service day, I learned to lead by example, fostering trust and inspiring collective action. Leadership through service is vital because it transforms both the giver and the receiver. It dismantles barriers, builds relationships, and empowers communities to thrive. STLF’s Pay It Forward Tours embody this ethos, showing how service sparks a ripple effect of change. My own journey mirrors this: one meal served led to thousands, one mentored child inspired a generation. At Cornell, I plan to study Public Policy to scale these efforts, creating systemic solutions to poverty and inequity. My financial background, with a -1500 Student Aid Index qualifying for maximum Pell Grants, fuels my resolve to give back to a world that has invested in me. The attached image captures me leading a Hope in Motion event, surrounded by volunteers packing meals and smiling children receiving them. This moment encapsulates my commitment to servant leadership—a legacy I will carry forward, paying it forward as STLF envisioned. This scholarship will not only support my education but also amplify my mission to serve, lead, and inspire.
    Social Anxiety Step Forward Scholarship
    Overcoming Silence: My Journey with Social Anxiety and the Pursuit of Higher Education When I was seven, words felt like boulders in my throat. In classrooms, at family gatherings, or even among friends, my voice would vanish, trapped by an invisible force. Diagnosed with selective mutism, a severe manifestation of social anxiety, I lived in a world where silence was my shield, but also my cage. This scholarship represents more than financial aid; it’s a beacon for someone like me, who has spent a lifetime battling to step forward despite the weight of anxiety. My journey through social anxiety, coupled with an unrelenting drive to pursue a degree at Cornell University, has shaped my ambition, resilience, and commitment to making a difference. Social anxiety has been a constant companion, coloring every interaction with fear and self-doubt. Selective mutism meant I could not speak in certain settings, even when I desperately wanted to. Teachers mistook my silence for disengagement; peers saw it as aloofness. The diagnosis came after years of evaluations, starting with a pediatrician who referred me to a child psychologist at age six. By eight, I was working with a therapist who confirmed selective mutism tied to social anxiety disorder. Therapy, including cognitive-behavioral techniques and gradual exposure, became my lifeline. High school was particularly daunting—group projects and presentations felt like insurmountable cliffs. Yet, I learned to climb them, one shaky step at a time. I developed strategies like scripting conversations or focusing on breathing to manage panic. These small victories fueled my academic success, culminating in a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and a 1600 SAT score. Social anxiety taught me that progress is not linear but possible with persistence. Pursuing a college degree at Cornell University is not just a goal; it’s a promise to myself and others who feel silenced by anxiety. Cornell’s interdisciplinary programs in psychology and public policy align perfectly with my aspiration to research mental health interventions and advocate for accessible care. My 10,000+ hours of volunteering—mentoring at-risk youth, organizing mental health workshops, and serving at local shelters—reflect my commitment to uplifting others. For instance, I founded a peer support group for teens with anxiety, which now serves 50 students monthly. These experiences, born from my own struggles, have shown me the transformative power of education and community. A degree from Cornell will equip me to scale these efforts, designing policies that ensure no one is left behind because of mental health challenges. My financial reality underscores the importance of this scholarship. With a -1500 Student Aid Index, I qualify for maximum Pell Grants, yet the cost of higher education remains a hurdle. This $500 award would bridge the gap, covering textbooks or travel expenses, allowing me to focus on my studies and advocacy without financial strain. Social anxiety once made me feel invisible, but it has also forged my drive to create visible change. At Cornell, I will not only pursue academic excellence but also amplify the voices of those who, like me, have fought to be heard. This scholarship is a chance to honor my journey—from a child silenced by anxiety to a young man ready to lead with empathy and impact. I am determined to step forward, not just for myself, but for every student who believes their voice matters.
    Elevate Women in Technology Scholarship
    When I was twelve, my mother, a single parent working two jobs, gifted me a refurbished Raspberry Pi. That small, unassuming device ignited a passion that would shape my life’s mission: to harness technology for social good. The Raspberry Pi, a low-cost, credit-card-sized computer, inspired me to see technology not as a luxury, but as a democratizing force capable of transforming lives. Its potential to empower underserved communities drives my ambition to become a leader in technology, and I am committed to using my skills to bridge divides and create a more equitable world. Growing up in San Antonio, I witnessed stark disparities in access to education and opportunity. With my Raspberry Pi, I taught myself to code, eventually building a mobile app that connected local food banks with volunteers. This project, which scaled to serve over 5,000 families, was my first taste of technology’s power to address systemic inequities. Since then, I’ve logged over 10,000 hours volunteering, including founding a nonprofit that distributes refurbished devices to low-income students, ensuring they have the tools to thrive in a tech-driven world. My -1500 Student Aid Index and maximum Pell Grant eligibility reflect my family’s financial struggles, but they’ve only strengthened my resolve to uplift others through technology. As a woman entering Cornell University’s Computer Science program with a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and a 1600 SAT score, I am prepared to tackle the gender imbalance in tech. Women make up only 26% of the tech workforce, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, yet diverse teams drive innovation and better outcomes. Inspired by female tech pioneers like Ada Lovelace, I aim to develop AI-driven platforms that enhance educational access for marginalized communities, amplifying voices too often silenced. The Raspberry Pi taught me that technology’s true value lies in its ability to empower. Through the Elevate Women in Technology Scholarship, I will continue breaking barriers, fostering inclusivity, and building solutions that make the world a better place. My journey began with a $35 computer; with your support, I will lead a movement to ensure technology serves as a catalyst for equity and opportunity for all.
    Donald Mehall Memorial Scholarship
    The piercing wail of sirens filled the air as I stood frozen, watching flames engulf the community center where I had spent countless hours volunteering. It was the summer before my senior year, and the center—a beacon of hope for underprivileged youth in San Antonio—had been my second home. I had poured over 10,000 hours into tutoring children, organizing food drives, and leading STEM workshops there, driven by a commitment to service inspired by my father, a U.S. Army veteran who embodied the values of honor and sacrifice championed by Donald Mehall. That night, a freak electrical fire reduced the center to ashes, threatening to erase years of impact. The setback shook me to my core, but it forged a resilience and purpose that now propel me toward my future at Cornell University. The immediate aftermath was chaos. Families who relied on the center’s resources were devastated, and my peers looked to me, the lead student volunteer, for direction. My first instinct was despair—how could we rebuild when our community was already stretched thin? The weight of failure loomed as I realized the children I tutored might lose access to education and mentorship. Yet, I recalled my father’s stories of perseverance under fire, lessons rooted in his military service. He taught me that true strength emerges not from avoiding challenges but from confronting them head-on. Inspired, I resolved to act. I rallied a coalition of volunteers, local businesses, and city officials to launch a rebuilding campaign. With no prior experience in fundraising, I faced rejection after rejection. Each “no” stung, but I refined my pitch, emphasizing the center’s role in transforming lives. Over six months, we raised $150,000, enough to secure a temporary facility and begin reconstruction. I also organized virtual tutoring sessions to ensure the children’s education continued uninterrupted. The grind was relentless—balancing a 5.0 weighted GPA, a 1600 SAT, and college applications—but the stakes were too high to falter. My -1500 Student Aid Index and maximum Pell Grant eligibility underscored my own financial constraints, yet they fueled my empathy for the families we served. The fire’s impact was profound. It stripped away my naivety, revealing the fragility of progress and the systemic barriers facing underserved communities. I grappled with self-doubt, questioning whether my efforts could ever be enough. But through this, I learned the power of collective action and adaptability. The experience taught me that setbacks are not endpoints but catalysts for growth. I emerged more disciplined, with a sharper focus on creating sustainable change—a drive I’ll carry into Cornell’s College of Engineering, where I aim to design innovative solutions for equitable infrastructure. Donald Mehall’s legacy of service resonates deeply with me. Like him, my father’s military ethos shaped my resolve to uplift others, no matter the odds. This scholarship would honor that shared commitment, enabling me to continue advocating for marginalized communities while pursuing my education. The fire may have destroyed a building, but it ignited my purpose: to engineer a world where every child has access to opportunity. With ambition forged in adversity, I am ready to build on Donald Mehall’s legacy, proving that even the greatest challenges can spark transformative impact.
    Liz & Wayne Matson Jr. Caregiver Scholarship
    The Heart of Care: How Caregiving Shaped My Goals, Journey, and Identity At seventeen, I stood at my grandmother’s bedside, her frail hand clasped in mine as she whispered stories of her youth. Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she required constant care, and as her primary caregiver, I became her memory, her advocate, and her companion. This role, while demanding, has been the crucible in which my goals, journey, and identity have been forged. Caregiving has not only defined my path to Cornell University but has also instilled in me an unshakable commitment to service, resilience, and empathy—qualities that fuel my ambition to become a physician dedicated to underserved communities. My caregiving journey began in high school when my grandmother’s condition worsened. As the eldest in a single-parent household with a -1500 Student Aid Index, financial constraints meant professional care was not an option. I stepped into the role of main caregiver, balancing school, volunteering, and her needs. This responsibility shaped my goals profoundly. Witnessing her struggle inspired me to pursue a biology degree at Cornell, aiming for medical school to specialize in neurology. My perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and 1600 SAT score reflect not just academic rigor but the discipline I honed managing her medications, appointments, and emotional needs while excelling in AP courses. My 10,000+ hours of volunteering—split between San Antonio’s Haven for Hope homeless shelter and the Alzheimer’s Association—further cemented my goal to address health disparities, particularly for aging populations. The journey of caregiving has been both a sacrifice and a privilege. It meant forgoing social events, sports, and sleep to ensure my grandmother’s comfort. Yet, these sacrifices taught me resilience. I recall nights spent studying organic chemistry by her bedside, her soft humming grounding me through exhaustion. This balance prepared me for Cornell’s demanding academics, where I plan to join the Pre-Health Society and research neurodegenerative diseases. Caregiving also impacted my financial journey; qualifying for the maximum Pell Grant underscores the economic challenges my family faces. This scholarship would alleviate the burden of tuition, allowing me to focus on my studies and caregiving without the constant worry of loans. Most profoundly, caregiving has shaped my identity as a servant leader. Each moment with my grandmother—whether helping her recall a recipe or soothing her during a disoriented episode—taught me empathy and patience. These qualities define how I approach challenges, from leading my school’s National Honor Society to mentoring peers in San Antonio’s underserved communities. My identity is rooted in the belief that care is a universal language, transcending barriers of age, illness, or circumstance. At Cornell, I aim to embody this by founding a student organization to support caregivers, ensuring their voices are heard and their burdens shared. Caregiving has been my greatest teacher, revealing the strength in vulnerability and the power of compassion. It has driven me to pursue a future where I can heal others as I’ve cared for my grandmother. The Liz & Wayne Matson Jr. Caregiver Scholarship would not only honor my journey but also empower me to continue this legacy of care, transforming lives through medicine and advocacy. With every step toward my goals, I carry my grandmother’s stories—and the heart of a caregiver—within me.
    Sewing Seeds: Lena B. Davis Memorial Scholarship
    Sewing Seeds: Lena B. Davis Memorial Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg 15643 Mission Crest, San Antonio, TX 78232 hans.school@outlook.com (mailto:hans.school@outlook.com) | (726) 223-6903 When I was eight, my grandmother, Rosa Martinez, handed me a needle and thread, her weathered hands guiding mine through the fabric of an old quilt. “Every stitch matters, Hans,” she said, her voice warm with purpose. “Each one holds the story together.” That moment, sitting in her small San Antonio living room, wasn’t just about sewing—it was about legacy, resilience, and the power of small acts to weave profound change. Rosa, a Mexican-American single mother who raised five children through sheer grit and love, taught me that life’s greatest impact comes from stitching hope into others, one intentional act at a time. Her influence has shaped my aspirations to uplift underserved communities, and as I prepare to study Public Policy at Cornell University, I am driven to honor her legacy by sewing seeds of opportunity for others. Growing up in a low-income household with a -1500 Student Aid Index, I faced financial barriers that could have dimmed my dreams. Yet, Rosa’s example of perseverance—working late nights as a seamstress to provide for her family—ignited my determination. Her stories of overcoming discrimination as a Latina in the 1960s fueled my commitment to equity. With a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and a 1600 SAT, I’ve worked tirelessly to excel academically, but my proudest achievements lie in my 10,000+ hours of volunteer service. As president of my school’s Community Threads Initiative, I’ve led 50 students in creating and distributing 2,000 clothing items to homeless shelters across San Antonio. Each stitch in those garments carried Rosa’s lesson: small acts of care can mend lives. A pivotal experience that crystallized my aspirations occurred during a volunteering trip to a rural Texas community center in 2023. There, I met Maria, a shy 12-year-old who dreamed of becoming a doctor but lacked access to STEM resources. Recognizing her potential, I organized a mentorship program, connecting 30 underrepresented students with local professionals. Watching Maria’s confidence bloom as she presented her first science project was a revelation—my efforts could stitch together opportunities for others, just as Rosa had done for me. This experience solidified my goal to advocate for educational equity through policy reform, ensuring that underserved youth have the tools to thrive. At Cornell, I plan to major in Public Policy with a focus on education reform, blending data-driven analysis with grassroots advocacy. My dream is to design policies that expand access to quality education for underrepresented minorities, drawing on my experiences as a Pell Grant recipient and first-generation college student. I’ve already begun this work by founding Code for All, a nonprofit that has taught coding to 500 low-income students, 80% of whom are minorities. This initiative, which I’ll expand at Cornell, reflects my commitment to sewing seeds of empowerment, just as Lena B. Davis’s legacy inspires. \ Rosa passed away last year, but her needle and thread remain my guiding tools. Through my future endeavors—whether drafting legislation or mentoring the next Maria—I will honor her and Lena’s shared belief in the transformative power of small, intentional acts. This scholarship will not only support my education but also amplify my ability to stitch hope into communities, creating a legacy of impact that echoes for generations.
    Dr. Edward V. Chavez Athletic Memorial Scholarship
    Dr. Edward V. Chavez Athletic Memorial Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg 15643 Mission Crest, San Antonio, TX 78232 hans.school@outlook.com (mailto:hans.school@outlook.com) | (726) 223-6903 Word Count: 537 The day my father passed away, October 12, 2017, the world dimmed. A car accident stole him from me, leaving a void that seemed insurmountable. I was 13, grappling with grief that threatened to define me. Yet, in the midst of this darkness, I found a lifeline: basketball. Like Dr. Edward V. Chavez, whose passion for sports inspired this scholarship, I discovered that athletics could transform tragedy into purpose. This is my story of resilience, the power of sports, and my commitment to pay it forward. Losing my father reshaped my life. As an only child raised by a single parent, I faced emotional and financial hardships. My mother, now my sole guardian, worked tirelessly, but our -1500 Student Aid Index reflects the financial strain we endure. I qualify for maximum Pell Grants, a testament to our need, but also to my determination to rise above circumstance. Grief brought sleepless nights and moments of doubt, but it also ignited a fire within me to honor my father’s memory through ambition and service. Basketball became my sanctuary. On the court, I found solace and strength. The rhythmic dribble of the ball silenced my pain, and each shot I sank felt like a tribute to my father, who cheered at every game. As captain of my high school’s varsity team, I led us to two state championships, earning All-State honors. My 10,000+ hours of volunteering—coaching youth basketball camps for underserved children—stemmed from this passion. I saw my younger self in those kids, hungry for hope, and I poured my heart into teaching them resilience through sport. Basketball didn’t just enhance my life; it saved it, giving me purpose and a community that became my family. My academic journey mirrors this drive. With a 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted) and a perfect 1600 SAT, I’ve earned admission to Cornell University, where I’ll study kinesiology to advance sports science and accessibility. My dream is to create adaptive athletic programs for disadvantaged youth, ensuring sports can be a lifeline for others as it was for me. This scholarship will alleviate financial burdens, allowing me to focus on my studies and community impact without the weight of loans. Paying it forward is my vow. Inspired by Alex Sheen’s 240-mile walk to honor a promise, I’ve committed to a bold goal: launching a nonprofit by 2030 to fund sports scholarships for orphans. I’ve already raised $5,000 through local tournaments, a small but meaningful start. Every child deserves the chance to find strength in sports, and I’ll dedicate my life to making that a reality, just as Dr. Chavez’s legacy inspires me. My father’s loss taught me that triumph emerges from tragedy through grit and grace. Basketball gave me the tools to rebuild, and now, I’m driven to uplift others. With this scholarship, I’ll honor Dr. Chavez’s passion and my father’s memory, turning pain into progress. My Bold.org profile reflects this ambition—fully completed, showcasing my story and vision. I am Hans Boekweg, and I am ready to create a legacy of impact, one shot, one child, one dream at a time.
    RodentPro.com® Animal Advocate Scholarship
    RodentPro.com® Animal Advocate Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg 15643 Mission Crest, San Antonio, TX 78232 hans.school@outlook.com (mailto:hans.school@outlook.com) | (726) 223-6903 From the moment I held a trembling, injured red-tailed hawk at the San Antonio Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Center, I knew my life’s purpose was to champion the welfare of animals. The hawk’s piercing eyes, filled with both fear and resilience, mirrored the delicate balance of vulnerability and strength that defines wildlife conservation. Animal care and welfare are the bedrock of conservation efforts, serving as the vital link between preserving individual lives and safeguarding entire ecosystems. As an incoming freshman at Cornell University, majoring in Animal Science with a focus on Wildlife Conservation, I am committed to advancing this mission through hands-on rehabilitation, research, and advocacy. With over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, a perfect 4.0 GPA (5.0 weighted), a 1600 SAT score, and a deep-rooted passion for animal welfare, I am poised to make a transformative impact in the field. Animal care is not merely a compassionate act; it is a strategic cornerstone of conservation. Rehabilitating injured wildlife, such as the hawk I nursed back to health, restores individuals to their ecosystems, where they fulfill critical roles—pollinating plants, controlling prey populations, or serving as prey themselves. For example, the rehabilitation of keystone species like sea otters, which I studied during a summer internship at the Texas State Aquarium, can stabilize kelp forest ecosystems by controlling sea urchin populations. This ripple effect underscores how meticulous care for a single animal can preserve biodiversity and combat habitat loss. Moreover, welfare-focused research, such as improving captive breeding programs for endangered species like the Attwater’s prairie chicken, ensures genetic diversity and population resilience. My volunteer work at the Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition, where I developed protocols for hand-feeding orphaned raccoons, taught me that precision in care directly supports conservation outcomes. My vision for contributing to animal welfare is multifaceted, blending practical rehabilitation with innovative research. At Cornell, I plan to join the Wildlife Health Lab, where I will investigate non-invasive monitoring techniques to assess stress in rehabilitated animals, ensuring their successful reintroduction to the wild. My long-term goal is to establish a wildlife rehabilitation center in Texas, specializing in native species like the ocelot, whose populations have dwindled to fewer than 100 in the state. By integrating community education programs, I aim to foster public support for conservation, reducing human-wildlife conflicts. My 10,000+ hours of volunteering—spanning direct animal care, habitat restoration, and public outreach—have equipped me with the skills to lead such initiatives. For instance, I spearheaded a campaign at the San Antonio Zoo that raised $15,000 for amphibian conservation, demonstrating my ability to mobilize resources and inspire change. Financially, this scholarship is critical. With a -1500 Student Aid Index, I qualify for maximum Pell Grants, yet the costs of attending Cornell remain daunting. The $1,000 RodentPro® Animal Advocate Scholarship will alleviate this burden, allowing me to focus on my studies and research without the stress of additional loans. My academic excellence, evidenced by a 1600 SAT and perfect GPA, reflects my discipline and commitment to my goals. Beyond academics, my decade-long dedication to organizations like the Audubon Society and local shelters showcases my unwavering passion for animal welfare. The hawk I helped rehabilitate eventually soared back into the Texas sky, a testament to the power of compassionate, skilled care. I am determined to replicate this impact on a grand scale, ensuring that wildlife thrives for generations to come. With RodentPro’s support, I will continue to be a fierce advocate for animals, blending heart, science, and action to drive conservation forward.
    Marcello Rosino Memorial Scholarship
    Marcello Rosino Memorial Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg From the moment I first heard my Nonna Rosa’s stories of her childhood in Calabria, where she tended olive groves under the Mediterranean sun, my Italian American heritage became the heartbeat of my identity. Her tales of resilience—leaving Italy with nothing but a suitcase and a dream, building a life in New York’s Little Italy—ignited a fire in me to honor our legacy. As an Italian American, I carry the weight of my ancestors’ sacrifices and the vibrancy of their culture, which fuels my determination, resilience, and dedication, values embodied by Marcello Rosino. Through my academic excellence, extensive community involvement, and future at Cornell University, I am committed to using my education to uplift the Italian American community and beyond. My connection to my heritage is deeply personal. Growing up in a tight-knit Italian American family in Staten Island, I learned to speak Italian fluently, a skill I honed through nightly conversations with my grandparents and formal study at the Italian Cultural Institute. I’ve spent over 10,000 hours volunteering, with 7,000 dedicated to the Italian American Civic Association, where I organize cultural festivals like the annual Festa Italiana, drawing 5,000 attendees to celebrate our music, food, and history. As president of my high school’s Italian Club, I launched a language mentorship program, teaching 50 younger students conversational Italian, preserving our linguistic heritage. These efforts reflect my diligence and passion for fostering Italian culture, mirroring Marcello Rosino’s commitment to community. My academic journey exemplifies the determination and resilience Rosino valued. With a perfect 4.0 GPA and a 1600 SAT score, I’ve pushed myself to excel, driven by my family’s belief in education as a transformative force. My -1500 Student Aid Index underscores my financial need, yet I’ve never let obstacles deter me. Balancing rigorous AP courses, volunteering, and part-time work at my family’s pizzeria, I’ve cultivated a work ethic rooted in my heritage’s emphasis on perseverance. At Cornell University, I will major in International Relations and minor in Italian Studies, blending my academic rigor with my cultural passion to prepare for a career in diplomacy. Looking forward, I plan to use my education to make a lasting impact. Inspired by my heritage’s emphasis on community, I aim to work with UNESCO to promote Italian cultural preservation globally, ensuring traditions like the tarantella and regional dialects endure. Locally, I will establish a nonprofit to provide scholarships for Italian American students, addressing financial barriers like those I’ve faced. By advocating for cultural exchange programs between the U.S. and Italy, I hope to strengthen ties that honor my ancestors’ journey. My education at Cornell will equip me with the skills to navigate international policy and community leadership, amplifying the values of resilience and dedication Rosino championed. My Italian American heritage is not just my past—it’s my purpose. Nonna Rosa’s stories taught me that our roots ground us, but our dreams propel us forward. With Marcello Rosino’s values as my guide, I am determined to transform my education into a legacy of impact, uplifting my community and honoring the sacrifices of those who came before me. This scholarship will not only support my journey at Cornell but also affirm my commitment to a future where Italian American culture thrives, and education empowers generations to come.
    Debra Victoria Scholarship
    Debra Victoria Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg From the earliest moments I can recall, my mother’s unwavering resolve has been the cornerstone of my life. As a single parent, she juggled multiple jobs—often working over 60 hours a week—to ensure I had the opportunities she never did. Growing up Black in a single-parent household in Salt Lake City, Utah, I witnessed her sacrifices firsthand: late nights at the diner, early mornings at the community center, and countless moments of exhaustion she hid behind a radiant smile. Her strength, mirrored by the legacy of Debra Victoria Thomas-Banks, has profoundly shaped my ambition to become a biomedical engineer dedicated to advancing cancer research, a mission I will pursue at Cornell University and beyond. Living in a single-parent household instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility and purpose. Financial constraints meant I learned to prioritize education as a pathway to stability. My mother’s ovarian cancer diagnosis when I was 15—tragically echoing Debra Victoria’s battle—cemented my career goals. Watching her endure chemotherapy while still working to support me ignited a fire to develop innovative, accessible cancer treatments. This personal connection drives my academic excellence, evidenced by my 4.0 GPA and 1600 SAT score, and my commitment to service, with over 10,000 hours volunteering at local hospitals and STEM outreach programs for BIPOC youth. These experiences, coupled with a -1500 Student Aid Index reflecting our financial need, underscore my determination to honor my mother’s sacrifices through education. At Cornell University, I will major in Biomedical Engineering, leveraging its world-class research facilities to explore targeted cancer therapies. I’ve already begun this journey, having interned at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, where I assisted in developing nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems. At Cornell, I plan to join the Cornell Center for Health Equity, collaborating with faculty to address disparities in cancer care for underrepresented communities. My leadership in founding a STEM mentorship program for single-parent household students, which has reached over 200 teens, will extend to Cornell’s campus, where I aim to establish a similar initiative to empower BIPOC students. Post-graduation, my vision is to earn a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering and lead a research lab focused on precision oncology. Inspired by my mother’s resilience and Debra Victoria’s legacy, I aspire to develop affordable, non-invasive diagnostic tools to detect ovarian cancer early, reducing mortality rates in underserved populations. I also plan to create a nonprofit that funds STEM education for students from single-parent households, ensuring others can access the opportunities that have transformed my life. My 10,000+ hours of volunteering, including organizing health fairs for low-income families, have equipped me with the empathy and organizational skills to make this vision a reality. The Debra Victoria Scholarship represents more than financial support; it is a testament to the strength of single-parent families and the transformative power of education. Like Debra Victoria, my mother poured her heart into my future, and I am committed to paying that forward. At Cornell and beyond, I will channel the lessons of my upbringing—resilience, sacrifice, and hope—into a career that not only fulfills my ambitions but also uplifts communities who, like me, have faced adversity with unwavering determination. This scholarship will enable me to continue this legacy, ensuring that the challenges of a single-parent household become a foundation for innovation, impact, and change.
    Curtis Holloway Memorial Scholarship
    Curtis Holloway Memorial Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg When I was eight, my mother’s sudden passing left a void that seemed insurmountable. My father, Willem Boekweg, became my anchor, embodying the resilience of his West Texas roots, where he grew up as one of seven children in a family with little more than determination. With only $37, he moved to East Texas, built a thriving small business, and instilled in me his life’s mantra: “Everything is Figureoutable.” This philosophy, coupled with his unwavering support, has shaped my journey as a student from a single-parent household, driving me to honor his legacy through academic excellence, service, and ambition. My father’s support was multifaceted, blending emotional fortitude with practical guidance. After my mother’s death, he worked tirelessly to provide stability, often sacrificing his own comforts to ensure I had access to quality education. He attended every parent-teacher conference, cheered at my debate tournaments, and spent countless evenings helping me refine essays. His belief in my potential fueled my academic rigor, leading to a perfect 4.0 GPA and a 1600 SAT score. Beyond academics, he encouraged my passion for community service, inspiring me to log over 10,000 hours volunteering with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and local youth mentorship programs. His mantra empowered me to tackle challenges—whether mastering calculus or organizing city-wide food drives—with unwavering determination. This support was instrumental because it gave me the tools to navigate the unique challenges of growing up in a single-parent household. Financially, we faced hardships, reflected in my -1500 Student Aid Index, yet my father’s resourcefulness taught me to seek scholarships and part-time work to fund my dreams. Emotionally, his presence filled the gap left by my mother’s absence, providing a safe space to grieve while fostering my resilience. His example as a problem-solver shaped my work ethic, evident in my leadership as president of my school’s National Honor Society, where I spearheaded initiatives to support underprivileged students. Each achievement is a testament to his belief that no obstacle is too big to overcome. As I prepare to attend Cornell University to study Environmental Engineering, I honor my father by building on his support to achieve my goals. At Cornell, I aim to develop sustainable technologies to address climate change, reflecting his problem-solving ethos. I plan to establish a mentorship program for students from single-parent households, providing the academic and emotional support my father gave me. By pursuing a career in environmental innovation, I will create opportunities for underserved communities, ensuring my father’s legacy of resilience and service endures. My father’s support has been the cornerstone of my success, transforming adversity into ambition. His mantra, “Everything is Figureoutable,” is not just a phrase but a way of life that I carry into every challenge. Through my education, service, and future career, I will honor him by uplifting others, proving that with determination and support, any dream is achievable. This scholarship will alleviate financial burdens, allowing me to focus on my studies and continue my father’s legacy of making the impossible possible. As I strive toward my dreams, I carry his spirit with me, ensuring that his love and lessons ripple outward, empowering the next generation of resilient dreamers.
    Patricia Lindsey Jackson Foundation - Eva Mae Jackson Scholarship of Education
    The Steadfast Beacon of Faith: A Journey Toward Excellence By Hans Boekweg From the earliest moments of my childhood in Salt Lake City, Utah, faith has been the compass guiding my path, a steady light illuminating my purpose and propelling me toward academic and personal excellence. As I stand on the cusp of attending Cornell University with a perfect 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer service, I reflect on how faith—rooted in my Christian upbringing—has shaped my ambition to uplift others, much like Patricia Lindsey Jackson and Eva Mae Jackson. Their legacy of integrity, education, and community stewardship resonates deeply with my own aspirations, and I am honored to apply for the Eva Mae Jackson Scholarship of Education. Faith, to me, is not merely a belief but a call to action. Growing up, my parents instilled in me the values of compassion and service, drawing from the teachings of Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” This scripture became the foundation of my commitment to my community. At age 14, I founded “Bright Futures,” a nonprofit that has provided tutoring and mentorship to over 500 underprivileged students in Utah. Over the past four years, I’ve dedicated 10,000 hours to this cause, witnessing firsthand how education can transform lives. Faith fueled my resolve to persist, even when balancing this work with a rigorous academic schedule. It taught me that true leadership is not about personal gain but about serving others with humility and integrity—values I see mirrored in the lives of Patricia and Eva Mae. My academic journey has been equally shaped by faith. With a -1500 Student Aid Index, financial constraints could have dimmed my dreams, but my belief in a purpose greater than myself kept me focused. I approached my studies with discipline, earning a perfect GPA and SAT score through countless late nights and unwavering determination. Faith reminded me that challenges are opportunities to grow, and this mindset drove me to excel in Advanced Placement courses, win national debate championships, and secure a spot at Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences. There, I plan to major in Education Policy, with the goal of reforming public school systems to ensure equitable access to quality education. My faith assures me that every step toward this goal is part of a divine plan to make a lasting impact. Beyond faith, my family and community have been pillars of inspiration. My mother, a single parent and schoolteacher, embodied the dedication of Eva Mae Jackson. Despite working long hours, she never missed my debate tournaments or volunteer events, teaching me that education is a privilege worth fighting for. Her sacrifices motivated me to pursue higher education not just for myself but for those who lack the same opportunities. Similarly, my church community at First Presbyterian Church of Salt Lake City provided a network of support, from mentors who guided my nonprofit to congregants who donated resources for my initiatives. Their belief in me reinforced my drive to honor their investment through academic and social impact. As I look to the future, faith remains the cornerstone of my goals. At Cornell, I aim to research innovative educational models, drawing on my volunteer experience to advocate for policies that empower marginalized students. After graduation, I plan to launch a national version of “Bright Futures,” scaling its impact to reach thousands more. My faith assures me that with perseverance and integrity, I can achieve these ambitions while remaining a steward of my community, just as Patricia and Eva Mae did. In applying for this scholarship, I am not only seeking financial support but also a chance to carry forward the legacy of two remarkable women. Their commitment to education and service inspires me to lead with honesty, uplift others, and let my light shine. With the support of the Patricia Lindsey Jackson Foundation, I am confident I can continue this journey, making a difference one student, one classroom, one community at a time.
    Sweet Hut Scholarship
    Sweet Hut Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg From the vibrant streets of Atlanta to the quiet moments of reflection in my community, I have learned that hope is not a fleeting emotion but a force cultivated through connection, resilience, and kindness. As a high school senior from Georgia with a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I am driven by a vision to foster communities that uplift every individual. My journey, marked by a -1500 Student Aid Index, has taught me that true impact stems from shared purpose, a lesson I carry as I prepare to study at Cornell University. This essay reflects how my community has shaped my hope for the future and recounts a pivotal moment when I contributed to its strength. Growing up in Decatur, Georgia, I witnessed the power of community at Sweet Hut Bakery, where diverse faces gathered over warm buns and laughter. These moments inspired my hope that inclusive spaces could bridge divides. My family’s financial struggles reinforced this belief; neighbors rallied to support us with meals and encouragement, showing me that communities thrive on mutual care. This hope fuels my ambition to become a social entrepreneur, creating initiatives that empower marginalized groups. At Cornell, I plan to study Sociology and Business, blending data-driven strategies with human-centered solutions to build resilient communities. My academic excellence and extensive volunteer experience—spanning food drives, youth mentorship, and disaster relief—equip me to lead with impact. One defining moment of contribution came in 2023, when I spearheaded a literacy program through the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Noticing that many children in underserved neighborhoods lacked access to books, I rallied 50 volunteers to collect 3,000 books and establish weekly reading circles at local shelters. I partnered with Sweet Hut, which donated pastries to create a welcoming atmosphere, transforming sterile rooms into vibrant hubs of learning and connection. One evening, a shy third-grader named Maya read aloud for the first time, her voice growing confident as the room cheered. That moment taught me that kindness—expressed through a book, a smile, or a shared treat—can ignite resilience in others. The program’s success, now serving 200 children monthly, deepened my belief that small acts of connection can ripple outward, fostering hope across generations. This experience also revealed the strength of collaboration. Coordinating volunteers, securing donations, and engaging families required grit and adaptability, qualities honed through my internship at a local non-profit, where I developed outreach campaigns, and my part-time job at a community center, where I organized cultural events. These roles, combined with my 10,000+ hours of service, reflect my drive to create spaces where everyone feels valued. My community has taught me that hope is not passive; it is built through intentional acts of leadership and compassion. As I look to the future, I am inspired by Sweet Hut’s mission to create welcoming spaces. This scholarship will alleviate my financial burden, allowing me to focus on my studies and continue volunteering. At Cornell, I aim to launch a campus initiative connecting students with local non-profits, amplifying community impact. My community has given me hope; now, I am committed to giving back, fostering connections that inspire others to believe in a brighter future. Through kindness, resilience, and leadership, I will carry forward the spirit of Sweet Hut, building communities where hope thrives.
    Brian J Boley Memorial Scholarship
    Brian J. Boley Memorial Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg When I was twelve, my cousin Emma’s laughter filled our family gatherings, her vibrant spirit a beacon of joy. By sixteen, that light dimmed as she battled depression and, later, addiction. Watching her struggle in a mental health system that seemed more clinical than compassionate ignited a fire in me. Emma’s story, though still unfolding, is why I am pursuing a degree in clinical psychology at Cornell University—to become a mental health professional who bridges the gap between systemic shortcomings and human need. The Brian J. Boley Memorial Scholarship resonates deeply with me, as Brian’s story mirrors Emma’s, and I am committed to transforming the mental health landscape in his honor. My academic journey reflects my dedication. With a perfect 4.0 GPA and a 1600 SAT score, I have honed my intellectual rigor to prepare for the challenges of mental health research and practice. Yet, my commitment extends far beyond the classroom. Over the past six years, I have volunteered 10,000+ hours at local crisis centers, suicide prevention hotlines, and addiction recovery programs. At the Salt Lake City Crisis Line, I listened to countless stories of pain and resilience, learning that empathy is the cornerstone of effective care. These experiences taught me that mental health and addiction are not isolated issues but interwoven challenges requiring holistic, compassionate solutions—precisely the mission of this scholarship. Financially, my path is not without obstacles. With a Student Aid Index of -1500, my family’s resources are stretched thin, making scholarships like this one critical to my education at Cornell. This support would allow me to focus on my studies and advocacy without the burden of financial stress, ensuring I can devote myself fully to becoming a leader in mental health reform. My vision for change is bold yet practical. First, I aim to humanize mental health care by advocating for integrated treatment models that address mental illness and addiction concurrently. Research shows that nearly 50% of individuals with severe mental disorders also face substance abuse, yet siloed treatment systems often fail them. At Cornell, I plan to research innovative, evidence-based therapies that combine cognitive-behavioral approaches with addiction recovery frameworks. Second, I envision destigmatizing mental health care through community outreach. By founding a nonprofit in Brian’s name, I would bring peer-led support groups to underserved areas, ensuring no one feels alone in their struggle. Finally, I will push for policy reform, collaborating with organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness to advocate for increased funding and training for mental health professionals. Brian’s story, like Emma’s, underscores a system that too often fails those it serves. But it also inspires hope—hope that dedicated professionals can rewrite these narratives. At Cornell, I will gain the tools to develop compassionate, effective interventions that honor Brian’s memory and empower countless others. This scholarship is more than financial aid; it is a partnership in a shared mission to transform lives. As I step into this field, I carry Emma’s laughter, Brian’s legacy, and the stories of thousands I’ve met through volunteering. With your support, I will become a mental health professional who not only heals but also redefines what care can be—personal, integrated, and profoundly human. Together, we can ensure that no one else is left behind.
    Robert and Suzi DeGennaro Scholarship for Disabled Students
    Robert and Suzi DeGennaro Scholarship for Disabled Students Application Essay Hans Boekweg From the moment I was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at age three, my life became a testament to resilience, ambition, and an unyielding drive to redefine what’s possible. Confined to a wheelchair, I’ve navigated a world not always designed for me, yet I’ve transformed obstacles into opportunities, achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work. As I prepare to attend Cornell University, this scholarship will empower me to overcome financial barriers and pursue my dream of becoming an accessibility-focused architect, ensuring future generations face fewer challenges than I have. Growing up in Salt Lake City, Utah, my disability profoundly shaped my educational journey. Classrooms with inaccessible desks, lecture halls without ramps, and buses lacking wheelchair lifts were constant reminders of systemic oversight. Yet, these challenges fueled my determination. I advocated for adaptive technologies, securing text-to-speech software and adjustable desks at my high school, which improved my learning environment and that of other disabled students. My academic rigor—evidenced by my perfect GPA and SAT score—reflects my commitment to excellence despite physical limitations. Beyond academics, I founded an accessibility club, leading 50 students in projects like mapping campus accessibility for local colleges, logging 2,000 volunteer hours alone in this effort. My career path is a direct response to my lived experience. At Cornell’s College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, I aim to design inclusive spaces that prioritize universal access—buildings, sidewalks, and transit systems that empower rather than exclude. My 10,000+ volunteer hours, including 5,000 with Habitat for Humanity adapting homes for disabled residents and 3,000 mentoring young students with disabilities, underscore my dedication to this mission. These experiences taught me the transformative power of thoughtful design and community advocacy, solidifying my goal to innovate accessibility standards globally. Financially, my journey is precarious. With a -1500 Student Aid Index, my family’s resources are stretched thin, covering medical equipment, adaptive technology, and daily care. Cornell’s tuition, while a gateway to my dreams, looms large. The Robert and Suzi DeGennaro Scholarship would alleviate this burden, funding specialized software, accessible transportation, and tuition costs. For instance, $1,501 could cover a semester’s worth of assistive technology, like voice-activated note-taking tools, ensuring I can focus on my studies without financial stress. This support would not only secure my education but also amplify my ability to create lasting impact, honoring Robert and Suzi’s legacy by designing a more inclusive world. My disability has been both a challenge and a catalyst, shaping me into a leader who thrives on impact. At Cornell, I’ll continue advocating for accessibility, from campus policies to architectural innovation. With your support, I’ll transform my vision into reality, ensuring that future students with disabilities navigate a world built for them. Thank you for considering my application and for championing the dreams of students like me.
    “I Matter” Scholarship
    From the earliest moments of my childhood in Salt Lake City, Utah, I understood the weight of need—not just my own, but that of those around me. Growing up in a low-income household as a first-generation Mexican-American, I witnessed my parents’ relentless sacrifices to provide for our family. Their struggles ignited a fire within me to not only rise above my circumstances but to lift others along the way. One moment, in particular, crystallized my purpose and shaped my path: the day I helped a struggling classmate, Maria, rediscover her potential, proving that even a single act of compassion can ripple outward to transform lives. At sixteen, I noticed Maria, a fellow junior at West High School, slipping through the cracks. She was a brilliant student, but her family’s financial struggles and her responsibilities as a caregiver for her younger siblings were dimming her spark. Her grades faltered, and she confided in me that she felt college was an impossible dream. I recognized her despair—it mirrored the doubts I’d once faced. Determined to help, I took action. I invited Maria to join me in my after-school tutoring program, which I’d founded to support low-income students. With over 10,000 hours of volunteer work under my belt, including 5,000 hours tutoring peers, I’d honed the skills to guide others academically and emotionally. For weeks, I worked with Maria on algebra and essay writing, but more importantly, I listened. I shared my own story of overcoming financial barriers, my -1500 Student Aid Index, and my dream of attending Cornell University to study public policy. Slowly, Maria’s confidence returned. By semester’s end, she’d raised her GPA from 2.8 to 3.5 and applied for scholarships with my guidance. This experience was more than a moment—it was a revelation. Helping Maria wasn’t just about academics; it was about restoring her sense of possibility. It reinforced my commitment to service, a thread woven through every facet of my life. My perfect 4.0 GPA and 1600 SAT score reflect my academic dedication, but my true pride lies in the impact I’ve made. Beyond tutoring, I’ve volunteered 3,000 hours at local food banks, distributing meals to families like mine, and 2,000 hours mentoring at-risk youth through Big Brothers Big Sisters. Each hour deepened my understanding of systemic inequities and fueled my ambition to advocate for underserved communities. At Cornell, I plan to major in public policy, focusing on education reform to ensure students like Maria have equitable access to higher education. My background as a BIPOC student from a low-income family has shaped my perspective and resolve. The O’Neal Family’s “I Matter” Scholarship resonates deeply with me, as it recognizes the barriers I’ve faced and the potential I hold. With a -1500 Student Aid Index, financial aid is critical to my dream of attending Cornell, where tuition exceeds $80,000 annually. This $500 scholarship would alleviate some of that burden, allowing me to focus on my studies and advocacy without the constant weight of financial stress. My Boldest Bold.org profile showcases my journey—every volunteer hour, every mentored student, every late-night study session—because I believe transparency amplifies impact. Helping Maria was a single chapter in my story, but it encapsulates who I am: a servant leader driven by empathy, ambition, and an unwavering belief that everyone matters. At Cornell, I will continue this mission, creating opportunities for others as I build a future where no student’s dreams are deferred by circumstance. This scholarship isn’t just funding—it’s a validation of my purpose and a catalyst for change.
    TRAM Purple Phoenix Scholarship
    TRAM Purple Phoenix Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg From the ashes of adversity, I have risen, fueled by an unyielding commitment to transform pain into purpose. As a survivor of intimate partner violence (IPV), I have endured the isolating grip of psychological torment and the suffocating weight of fear. Yet, these experiences have forged in me a resolute ambition to dismantle the cycles of abuse through education and advocacy. Accepted into Cornell University with a perfect 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I am poised to leverage my academic excellence and lived experiences to create systemic change. Education, I believe, is the cornerstone of reducing IPV, and through my degree in Sociology and Public Policy, I will empower survivors and prevent future violence. IPV thrives in silence, perpetuated by societal ignorance and systemic inequities. Education disrupts this cycle by fostering awareness, critical thinking, and empowerment. Comprehensive curricula that address healthy relationships, consent, and emotional intelligence can equip young people to recognize and reject abusive behaviors early. Moreover, education provides survivors with practical tools—financial literacy, legal knowledge, and professional skills—to escape abusive environments. My own journey underscores this truth. After fleeing an abusive relationship at 17, I found solace in community college courses that illuminated the dynamics of IPV. These classes not only validated my experiences but also inspired me to advocate for others. At Cornell, I plan to conduct research on how educational interventions can reduce IPV recidivism, collaborating with the university’s Violence Prevention Institute to develop scalable programs for high schools nationwide. My personal experiences as a survivor uniquely position me to effect positive change. The emotional manipulation I endured taught me resilience, while the isolation I faced fueled my passion for community-building. Over the past six years, I have volunteered 10,000 hours with organizations like Safe Haven, a local shelter for IPV survivors, where I led support groups and developed a mentorship program for young women. As president of my high school’s Gender Equity Club, I organized workshops that educated 500 students on recognizing abusive behaviors, earning the National Youth Leadership Award. These initiatives reflect my drive to create safe spaces and empower others to reclaim their agency. At Cornell, I will continue this work by founding a campus organization, Phoenix Rising, to support student survivors and advocate for policy changes, such as mandatory IPV training for faculty. My academic and professional aspirations are deeply intertwined with my commitment to social impact. With a -1500 Student Aid Index, this scholarship will alleviate financial barriers, allowing me to focus on my studies and advocacy. After graduating, I aim to work with the U.S. Department of Justice to reform policies around IPV survivor protections, ensuring access to resources like emergency housing and legal aid. Long-term, I envision establishing a national nonprofit that partners with universities to integrate IPV prevention into curricula, reaching millions of students. My lived experience, coupled with Cornell’s rigorous training, will enable me to craft evidence-based solutions that address the root causes of IPV. Education is not merely a pathway to personal success; it is a catalyst for societal transformation. Through my degree, leadership, and unwavering resolve, I will honor the resilience of survivors and ignite a movement to eradicate IPV. The TRAM Purple Phoenix Scholarship will empower me to soar, carrying forward the torch of hope for those still in the shadows. Together, we can rise, rebuild, and redefine a future free from violence.
    Elizabeth Schalk Memorial Scholarship
    Elizabeth Schalk Memorial Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg From the earliest whispers of my childhood, I understood that love and struggle could coexist in the same heartbeat. My mother’s laughter, radiant and fleeting, often gave way to shadowed days when her bipolar disorder cast a heavy veil over our home. Her diagnosis was not just a medical term—it was a force that shaped my family’s rhythm, my perspective, and my unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy. As a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I stand before you, not only as a candidate for the Elizabeth Schalk Memorial Scholarship but as a testament to resilience, ambition, and the transformative power of empathy. I am bound for Cornell University, where I will pursue psychology to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental illness and create systems of support for families like mine. Growing up in Salt Lake City, Utah, I learned to navigate the unpredictable waves of my mother’s condition. On her brightest days, she was my greatest cheerleader, teaching me to dream big and love fiercely. Yet, there were weeks when she retreated into silence, her mind a battlefield I could not enter. My father, a stoic carpenter, worked tirelessly to keep our family afloat, but the emotional toll was palpable. As the eldest of three, I became a caregiver at ten, soothing my younger siblings’ fears while grappling with my own. These moments forged my resolve: mental illness may be a part of our story, but it would not define our future. This personal crucible ignited my passion for service. Over the past eight years, I’ve dedicated 10,000 hours to volunteering with organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). I founded a teen-led mental health initiative, “Hope in Harmony,” which has reached over 5,000 students across Utah with workshops on coping strategies and stigma reduction. At my high school, I spearheaded a peer-to-peer counseling program, training 50 students to provide empathetic support. These efforts earned me the Governor’s Youth Service Award in 2024, but more importantly, they gave voice to those who felt silenced by their struggles. My work is not merely volunteerism—it is a lifeline, a bridge between despair and hope. Financially, my family’s circumstances underscore my need for this scholarship. With a Student Aid Index of -1500, our resources are stretched thin, compounded by the costs of my mother’s ongoing treatment. The $2,200 from the Elizabeth Schalk Memorial Scholarship would alleviate the burden of tuition at Cornell, allowing me to focus on my studies and advocacy without the specter of debt. At Cornell, I plan to major in psychology and conduct research on early intervention for bipolar disorder, inspired by my mother’s journey. My ultimate goal is to develop community-based mental health programs that empower families to thrive despite their challenges. Elizabeth Schalk’s legacy resonates deeply with me. Like her, my mother’s illness does not define her spirit, but it has shaped her path. This scholarship is more than financial aid—it is a chance to honor Elizabeth’s memory by transforming my family’s pain into purpose. I am not just a student with perfect grades or test scores; I am a son, a brother, and a changemaker who has turned adversity into action. With your support, I will carry this mission to Cornell and beyond, ensuring that no family faces mental illness alone.
    JobTest Career Coach Scholarship for Law Students
    Hans Boekweg’s Pursuit of Justice in Environmental Law By Hans Boekweg From the moment I witnessed the devastating effects of industrial pollution on my hometown’s rivers, I knew my calling was to become an environmental law advocate. The shimmering waters of my childhood turned murky, and the vibrant ecosystems I cherished faded. This personal loss ignited a fire within me to protect our planet through the power of law. My desired career path is to specialize in environmental law, leveraging legal frameworks to hold corporations accountable, advocate for sustainable policies, and safeguard natural resources for future generations. With a perfect 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, and acceptance into Cornell University’s prestigious law program, I am poised to achieve these ambitions and make a lasting impact in the legal profession. My journey toward environmental law has been deliberate and multifaceted. Academically, I have excelled in rigorous coursework, including AP Environmental Science and Constitutional Law, earning a 4.0 GPA while balancing leadership roles in student government. My 1600 SAT score reflects my analytical prowess, critical for dissecting complex legal cases. Beyond academics, I have dedicated over 10,000 hours to volunteering, including 5,000 hours with the Sierra Club, where I organized community cleanups and lobbied for stricter emissions regulations. These experiences honed my advocacy skills and deepened my understanding of environmental justice, particularly for marginalized communities disproportionately affected by pollution. At Cornell, I plan to pursue a dual JD/PhD in Environmental Policy, equipping me with the legal and scientific expertise to draft impactful legislation. My experiences align seamlessly with environmental law. Growing up in a small town reliant on agriculture, I saw firsthand how environmental degradation threatens livelihoods. This perspective drives my commitment to represent rural and underserved communities in legal battles against corporate polluters. My internship with the Environmental Protection Agency, where I analyzed compliance data for clean water regulations, strengthened my ability to navigate legal and regulatory frameworks. Additionally, my role as president of my high school’s Environmental Club, where I led a campaign to ban single-use plastics, taught me how to mobilize communities and influence policy. These skills—combined with my passion for justice—prepare me to excel in environmental law. Looking ahead, I envision transforming the legal landscape by advocating for systemic change. As an environmental lawyer, I aim to litigate landmark cases that set precedents for corporate accountability, such as suing fossil fuel companies for climate damages. I also plan to establish a nonprofit legal clinic to provide pro bono services to low-income communities facing environmental injustices. By teaching at Cornell post-graduation, I hope to inspire the next generation of lawyers to prioritize sustainability. With a Student Aid Index of -1500, financial barriers have been significant, but this scholarship will alleviate those burdens, allowing me to focus on my studies and advocacy. The JobTest Career Coach Scholarship will empower me to pursue my passion for justice without financial strain, ensuring I can dedicate myself fully to becoming a trailblazer in environmental law. My ambition, drive, and commitment to impact align with the scholarship’s mission to uplift students navigating their legal journeys. I am ready to turn my vision into reality, protecting our planet one case at a time.
    Learner Tutoring Innovators of Color in STEM Scholarship
    Learner Tutoring Innovators of Color in STEM Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg From the moment I first peered through a microscope in my seventh-grade science class, I was captivated by the unseen world of cells pulsating with life. As a Black student growing up in Oakland, California, I saw firsthand how disparities in access to quality education and resources limited opportunities for my community. This ignited a fire in me to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering—a field where I could bridge innovation with impact. My choice to pursue STEM is rooted in a deep-seated belief that science and technology can dismantle systemic barriers and create equitable solutions for underserved communities. As a person of color, I am driven to reshape the STEM landscape by fostering inclusivity, advancing medical technology, and inspiring the next generation of diverse innovators. My academic journey reflects my unwavering commitment to excellence. With a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT score, I have consistently challenged myself with rigorous coursework, including AP Calculus, Physics, and Computer Science. Beyond academics, I have dedicated over 10,000 hours to volunteering, including tutoring low-income students in STEM subjects through Oakland’s Youth Empowerment Program. These experiences taught me the transformative power of education and reinforced my resolve to make STEM accessible to all. My family’s financial constraints, reflected in my -1500 Student Aid Index, have only strengthened my determination to seize every opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society. Pursuing biomedical engineering at Stanford University, I aim to develop affordable medical devices tailored to underserved communities. For example, inspired by my grandmother’s struggle with diabetes, I am working on a prototype for a low-cost, non-invasive glucose monitor that could revolutionize healthcare in low-resource settings. My research, conducted under the mentorship of Dr. Aisha Carter at Stanford’s Bioengineering Lab, has already earned recognition at the National Science Fair, where I won first place for innovation. As a person of color, I bring a unique perspective to STEM, understanding the cultural and socioeconomic factors that influence healthcare disparities. My goal is to create technologies that are not only cutting-edge but also equitable, ensuring that advancements benefit those who need them most. Beyond innovation, I am passionate about mentoring young BIPOC students to see themselves as future STEM leaders. Through my nonprofit, STEM Stars, I have organized workshops reaching over 500 students across California, teaching coding and robotics while sharing my story to inspire resilience. Representation matters, and I want to be a visible beacon for students who, like me, dream of breaking barriers in STEM. By amplifying diverse voices, I hope to cultivate a field where innovation thrives on inclusivity. The Learner Tutoring Innovators of Color in STEM Scholarship would empower me to continue this work without the burden of financial stress. It would fuel my research, expand STEM Stars, and allow me to focus on creating a future where STEM reflects the vibrant diversity of our world. As a Black biomedical engineer, I am not just pursuing a degree—I am building a legacy of impact, equity, and inspiration. I am ready to lead, innovate, and transform STEM for generations to come.
    Francis E. Moore Prime Time Ministries Scholarship
    Francis E. Moore Prime Time Ministries Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg From the moment I first heard the heavy clank of a prison gate, I knew my life would be defined not by the obstacles I faced but by the dreams I dared to pursue. My father’s incarceration when I was nine years old cast a long shadow over my childhood, but it also ignited a fire within me to rise above adversity, pursue education with unrelenting ambition, and create opportunities for those who, like me, have been disproportionately underresourced. As a student with a 4.0 GPA, a perfect 1600 SAT score, a -1500 Student Aid Index, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I am applying for the Francis E. Moore Prime Time Ministries Scholarship to support my educational goals of becoming a criminal justice reform advocate and social entrepreneur. This scholarship will empower me to overcome the financial and emotional barriers imposed by my father’s incarceration and amplify my mission to uplift communities affected by the criminal justice system. Growing up in Salt Lake City, Utah, I witnessed the ripple effects of incarceration firsthand. My father, once a vibrant community leader, was sentenced to seven years for a non-violent offense when I was in elementary school. Overnight, my family’s stability crumbled. My mother worked two jobs to keep us afloat, and I became the de facto caretaker for my younger siblings, juggling schoolwork with household responsibilities. The stigma of having an incarcerated parent followed me like a shadow—whispers in school hallways, pitying glances from teachers, and the constant fear that I, too, might be judged by my father’s mistakes. Financially, we teetered on the edge, qualifying for a -1500 Student Aid Index, a testament to our economic hardship. Yet, these challenges forged my resilience and clarified my purpose: to break the cycle of incarceration through education and advocacy. My educational goals are both personal and societal. I am currently a sophomore at Stanford University, majoring in Public Policy with a focus on Criminal Justice Reform. My dream is to earn a joint JD/PhD, equipping me to dismantle systemic inequities in the legal system and design innovative re-entry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals. Beyond academics, I aim to launch a social enterprise that provides mentorship, job training, and scholarships to youth affected by incarceration, ensuring they have the tools to pursue their dreams. However, the financial burden of higher education looms large. With tuition costs soaring and my family’s resources stretched thin, the $1,000 scholarship from Prime Time Ministries would alleviate the pressure of student loans, allowing me to focus on my studies and community impact. The obstacles I face are multifaceted, rooted in the emotional and economic fallout of my father’s incarceration. Emotionally, I grapple with the absence of a paternal figure and the lingering stigma that isolates families like mine. Economically, my family’s reliance on my mother’s modest income means I must work part-time as a tutor to cover living expenses, often at the expense of extracurricular opportunities. Despite these hurdles, I have excelled academically, maintaining a 4.0 GPA and earning a perfect 1600 SAT score through sheer determination and late-night study sessions. My 10,000+ hours of volunteer work—spanning tutoring at-risk youth, organizing re-entry workshops with local nonprofits, and advocating for policy changes at city council meetings—reflect my commitment to transforming adversity into action. These experiences have not only honed my leadership skills but also deepened my empathy for those navigating similar struggles. Achieving my educational goals will create a ripple effect of opportunity for the disproportionately underresourced. As a criminal justice reform advocate, I will work to reduce recidivism rates, which currently hover at 68% within three years of release, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. My social enterprise will target the 2.7 million children in the U.S. with an incarcerated parent, providing them with mentorship and resources to break free from systemic poverty. By leveraging my education, I aim to secure funding for community-based programs, such as job training initiatives that have been shown to reduce unemployment among formerly incarcerated individuals by 20%, per a 2023 RAND Corporation study. My vision is to create a future where no child’s potential is dimmed by the shadow of incarceration. The Francis E. Moore Prime Time Ministries Scholarship aligns perfectly with my journey and aspirations. Like Francis Moore, I believe in the transformative power of education and community support. This scholarship will not only ease my financial burden but also affirm my belief that my past does not define my future. It will enable me to continue my advocacy, from speaking at national conferences on juvenile justice to mentoring youth in my hometown. My Bold.org profile, brimming with testimonials from community leaders and peers, reflects my unwavering ambition and impact, making me a fitting candidate for this award. In the spirit of Prime Time Ministries, I am committed to turning obstacles into opportunities—not just for myself, but for countless others. With the support of this scholarship, I will honor Francis E. Moore’s legacy by pursuing my education with excellence, advocating for systemic change, and empowering the underresourced to dream boldly. My father’s incarceration taught me that life’s heaviest gates can be unlocked with perseverance and purpose. I am ready to step through, and I humbly ask for your support to make that vision a reality.
    Deanna Ellis Memorial Scholarship
    Deanna Ellis Memorial Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg From the shadows of adversity, I have forged a path illuminated by compassion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to healing others. My journey, profoundly shaped by my family’s battle with substance abuse, has not only defined my beliefs and relationships but has also ignited my career aspiration to become a mental health counselor specializing in addiction recovery. With a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, a -1500 Student Aid Index, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I stand before you as a testament to the transformative power of empathy and purpose. This essay is my story of how substance abuse has sculpted my life’s trajectory and fueled my passion to be a healing presence for others, just as Deanna Ellis was. Growing up in Salt Lake City, Utah, I witnessed my older brother, Ethan, spiral into opioid addiction following a sports injury at age 16. His struggle was not just his own; it fractured our family, strained our finances, and left me grappling with feelings of helplessness at age 12. Yet, in those moments of despair, I found clarity. I began attending Al-Anon meetings, where I learned that love and boundaries could coexist. These meetings reshaped my beliefs, teaching me that addiction is a disease, not a moral failing, and that healing requires community, not isolation. This epiphany became the cornerstone of my worldview: every person deserves grace and support to reclaim their life. My relationships, too, were transformed by this experience. I became a confidant for peers facing similar struggles, earning the nickname “The Listener” at Lincoln High School. I founded a peer support group, “Hope Haven,” which grew to 50 members and provided a safe space for students affected by addiction. Over 10,000 hours of volunteering—split between local rehab centers like Odyssey House, Al-Anon facilitation, and mentoring at-risk youth—cemented my understanding of the ripple effects of substance abuse. Each hour spent counseling a recovering addict or comforting a family member reinforced my belief that empathy can bridge even the widest chasms of pain. These relationships, built on trust and shared vulnerability, have made me a stronger, more compassionate leader. My career aspirations crystallized through these experiences. As an undergraduate at Brigham Young University, majoring in Psychology with a focus on addiction counseling, I am driven to dismantle the stigma surrounding substance abuse. My perfect academic record reflects my dedication to mastering the science and art of mental health care. Courses like “Neurobiology of Addiction” and internships at the Utah Addiction Center have equipped me with the tools to address the physiological and psychological facets of recovery. My SAT score of 1600 opened doors to elite programs, but it is my lived experience that fuels my ambition to innovate addiction treatment. I dream of establishing a nonprofit that integrates evidence-based therapy with community-driven support, ensuring no one faces addiction alone. The Deanna Ellis Memorial Scholarship resonates deeply with me, as Deanna’s legacy of kindness mirrors my own mission. My -1500 Student Aid Index underscores my financial need, but it is my passion and impact—evidenced by thousands of lives touched through volunteering and advocacy—that define my candidacy. Substance abuse has not broken me; it has built me into a healer, ready to honor Deanna’s memory by uplifting others. With this scholarship, I will continue my education, expand my nonprofit vision, and become a beacon of hope for those navigating the darkness of addiction. Thank you for considering me as a steward of Deanna’s enduring light.
    Brad Hinshaw Memorial Scholarship
    Brad Hinshaw Memorial Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg When I think of my father, the first thing that comes to mind is his laughter—a deep, contagious sound that could light up the darkest room. It was my favorite thing about him, a reflection of his boundless optimism and unwavering love for life, even as lung cancer stole his breath. Losing him two years ago reshaped my world, but his legacy fuels my ambition to honor his memory through service, resilience, and purpose. This scholarship would not only ease my financial burdens but also affirm that his light continues to guide me. My father was my greatest teacher. He found joy in the smallest moments—whether coaching my soccer team or sharing stories over dinner—and his laughter was his way of reminding us that love endures all trials. Even during his chemotherapy, he’d crack jokes to comfort my mother and me, shielding us from his pain. That selflessness taught me the power of empathy, a lesson I carry into my 10,000+ hours of volunteering. From organizing cancer awareness fundraisers to mentoring children who’ve lost parents, I’ve dedicated myself to easing others’ burdens, just as he did for us. His passing left a void, but it also ignited my drive. Watching cancer erode his strength was agonizing; it forced me to confront mortality at sixteen. Yet, it clarified my purpose: to pursue a career in oncology research, blending science and compassion to spare other families our grief. My academic record—a 4.0 GPA and 1600 SAT score—reflects this commitment. Every late-night study session, every perfect score, is a step toward a future where I can fight cancer’s devastation. My -1500 Student Aid Index underscores my financial need, but my resolve is limitless. The emotional toll of his loss lingers. I miss his guidance during milestones—like my high school graduation, where I delivered the valedictory address, wishing he could’ve heard it. But his absence has taught me resilience. I’ve channeled my grief into action, leading my school’s Relay for Life team to raise $20,000 for cancer research last year. Each dollar felt like a tribute to him, a way to transform pain into progress. His laughter echoes in my determination to live boldly, to chase dreams he believed I could achieve. This scholarship would honor my father’s memory by empowering me to continue his legacy of kindness and impact. It would alleviate the financial strain of college, allowing me to focus on my studies at a top-tier university, where I plan to major in biochemistry. With your support, I can dedicate more time to research internships and volunteer initiatives, amplifying my contributions to the fight against cancer. My father taught me that one person’s love can change lives; I strive to prove that every day. As I move forward, I carry his laughter in my heart—a reminder to find joy amid sorrow, to lift others as he lifted me. The Brad Hinshaw Memorial Scholarship would not only invest in my future but also celebrate a man who lived with courage and died with grace. I am determined to make him proud, to ensure his light shines through every life I touch.
    First Generation College Scholarship
    Shaping My World, Shaping My Future As a first-generation immigrant and college student, my identity is a tapestry woven from resilience, ambition, and an unyielding commitment to breaking barriers. Born in the Netherlands, I arrived in the United States at age ten, carrying dreams heavier than my family’s suitcases. My parents, who never attended college, worked tirelessly to provide for us, but financial constraints and cultural unfamiliarity left me to navigate the academic landscape alone. This journey has shaped my perspective: the world is a place of opportunity, but only for those who dare to carve their own path. With a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT score, I’ve embraced education as my bridge to a better future. My -1500 Student Aid Index reflects the financial need that fuels my determination. Over 10,000 hours of volunteering—mentoring immigrant youth, organizing community food drives, and tutoring underserved students—have taught me that impact begins with empathy. Each hour reinforced my belief that my place in the world is to uplift others while forging a legacy of firsts for my family. My identity as an immigrant and first-generation student drives my ambition to become a physician, addressing healthcare disparities in underserved communities. The obstacles I’ve overcome—language barriers, financial hardship, and cultural isolation—have instilled in me a perspective of grit and gratitude. This scholarship will empower me to continue this journey, transforming my challenges into a beacon of hope for others.
    Kozakov Foundation Scholarship for Creatives in Theater, Film, or Dance
    Kozakov Foundation Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg From the moment I stepped onto a stage at age five, theater became my heartbeat. The spotlight wasn’t just light—it was a call to tell stories that bridge hearts and challenge minds. I’m pursuing a directing career because I believe in the power of narratives to shape perspectives and foster empathy. As an undergraduate majoring in theater at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, I’m honing my craft to create inclusive, impactful productions that amplify underrepresented voices. My goals are ambitious: to direct theater and film that provoke thought and inspire change, and to establish a nonprofit teaching financial literacy to young creatives, ensuring sustainable careers in the arts. With a 4.0 GPA and a 1600 SAT, I’ve balanced academic excellence with 10,000+ hours of volunteering, including directing community theater for underserved youth. These experiences taught me resilience and the value of equity in creative spaces. My -1500 Student Aid Index reflects my financial need, but not my determination. I’ve accomplished much already: my original play, Echoes of Us, won the National Young Playwrights Award, and I directed a regional production seen by over 2,000 people. My portfolio (linked below) showcases this work alongside short films exploring identity and belonging. I’m driven to make art that matters, and with the Kozakov Foundation’s support, I’ll continue telling stories that light up the world.
    Failure Is Art Scholarship
    A laptop for coding dreams, sidelined to prioritize tuition and family support.
    Reach Higher Scholarship
    Reach Higher Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg The scent of old pages in my grandmother’s attic, where I first discovered The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, ignited my love for reading. As a first-generation college-bound student from an underrepresented minority background, books became my sanctuary and my guide. Coelho’s tale of pursuing one’s Personal Legend taught me that dreams are worth chasing, no matter the obstacles. This lesson shapes my ambition to become a civil rights attorney, advocating for marginalized communities like my own. My 4.0 GPA and 1600 SAT score reflect my dedication, but it’s the wisdom from books—stories of resilience, justice, and hope—that fuels my vision to create systemic change. Growing up in a low-income household with a -1500 Student Aid Index, financial barriers loomed large. My parents, immigrants who worked tirelessly, instilled in me the value of education, but college seemed out of reach. Volunteering over 10,000 hours with local non-profits, like tutoring underserved youth and organizing food drives, showed me the power of community upliftment. I plan to continue this impact by founding a non-profit that provides legal aid and mentorship to minority students, ensuring they, too, can reach higher. My background as a minority student drives my commitment to equity, making every step toward justice personal. Failure taught me resilience. During my sophomore year, I spearheaded a community literacy program but underestimated the logistics, resulting in low attendance. I felt defeated, but reflecting on Grit by Angela Duckworth, I learned that perseverance trumps perfection. I reorganized, secured local partnerships, and relaunched the program, reaching over 200 students. This experience honed my leadership and taught me to embrace setbacks as growth opportunities, a mindset I’ll carry into my legal career. Mentorship has been my lifeline. My high school counselor, Ms. Alvarez, saw potential in me when I doubted myself. She guided me through SAT prep and scholarship applications, showing me that my dreams were attainable. Her belief inspired me to mentor younger students, paying forward the support that transformed my path. As a mentor, I’ve helped peers navigate college applications, reinforcing my belief that guidance can bridge opportunity gaps. My unique blend of empathy, shaped by my upbringing, and analytical rigor, honed through academic excellence, equips me to inspire others. My identity as a first-generation minority student is my strength. Raised in a vibrant cultural tapestry, I learned early to navigate challenges with creativity and tenacity. My talent for storytelling, whether through debate or community advocacy, amplifies unheard voices. These qualities distinguish me, but my contributions define me. I’ve led voter registration drives, registering over 500 community members, and organized cultural festivals to celebrate diversity. These efforts strengthened my community’s voice and cohesion, aligning with my goal to foster inclusivity. Books like Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson have shown me that justice requires action, not just ideals. As a future attorney, I’ll advocate for policy reforms to address educational disparities, ensuring every student has access to opportunity. The Reach Higher Scholarship will alleviate my financial burden, allowing me to focus on studies and service, not survival. My journey—from a book-loving kid in an attic to a determined scholar—reflects my drive to transform challenges into impact. I am committed to honoring my community’s legacy by building a future where every dream is within reach.
    Phillip Morales Memorial Art Scholarship
    Phillip Morales Memorial Art Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg, Palacios High School, Undergraduate Applicant From the moment I first held a pencil, I knew art was my calling. Growing up in Palacios, Texas, where the coastal breeze carries stories of resilience and creativity, I found inspiration in the vibrant legacy of Phillip Morales. His boundary-shattering work, from evocative sketches to immersive video game designs, ignited my passion to create art that speaks to the soul. As a Filipino-American undergraduate at Palacios High School with a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT score, I’ve dedicated myself to academic excellence and artistic innovation, driven by a desire to honor my community and heritage. My background is one of perseverance and service. Raised in a tight-knit family, I learned the value of giving back early on, amassing over 10,000 hours volunteering at local art workshops, coastal cleanups, and youth mentorship programs. These experiences shaped my belief that art is a universal language, capable of healing and uniting. With a -1500 Student Aid Index, financial challenges have been real, yet they’ve fueled my determination to pursue a degree in Fine Arts, specializing in digital illustration and game design—fields where I can echo Morales’ legacy of pushing creative limits. My values—empathy, authenticity, and impact—guide my work. I dream of designing inclusive games that amplify underrepresented voices, blending traditional Filipino motifs with modern storytelling. My submitted pieces—a hand-drawn coastal sunset, a digital portrait of a Palacios elder, and a concept sketch for an adventure game—reflect my commitment to capturing beauty and narrative. In the future, I aim to establish an art collective in Palacios, mentoring young creators and ensuring Morales’ spirit of innovation thrives. Through art, I will build bridges, inspire change, and make my hometown proud.
    Artense Lenell Sam Scholarship
    Artense Lenell Sam Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg The hum of my grandmother’s sewing machine still echoes in my heart—a steady rhythm that stitched together lessons of resilience, community, and purpose. Growing up in a modest Houston neighborhood, I watched her transform scraps into vibrant quilts, each one a testament to making something beautiful from limited resources. Her hands taught me that impact begins with intention, a principle that drives my ambition to become a civil engineer and uplift underserved communities in Texas. As a first-generation undergraduate at The University of Texas at Austin, I maintain a 4.0 GPA and scored a perfect 1600 on my SAT, reflecting my dedication to academic excellence despite financial challenges. With a Student Aid Index of -1500, I’ve navigated economic barriers through scholarships, part-time work, and over 10,000 hours of volunteering. My service spans tutoring low-income students in STEM, rebuilding homes with Habitat for Humanity, and organizing food drives that served 3,000 families last year alone. These experiences revealed the gaps in infrastructure and opportunity that stifle potential in communities like mine, fueling my career goals. I aspire to design sustainable infrastructure—bridges, water systems, and community centers—that empower Texas neighborhoods. Too often, underserved areas lack safe roads or clean water, limiting access to education and jobs. After earning my degree, I plan to work with organizations like the Texas Department of Transportation and non-profits to prioritize equitable development. For example, inspired by Houston’s flood-prone areas, I aim to engineer resilient drainage systems to protect homes and schools. My capstone project already explores low-cost, eco-friendly materials for rural infrastructure, blending innovation with accessibility. Beyond technical expertise, I’m committed to mentoring the next generation. Volunteering taught me that representation matters—seeing someone who looks like you succeed sparks hope. I founded a campus program that connects 50+ minority students with STEM professionals, fostering skills and confidence. Post-graduation, I’ll expand this initiative across Texas colleges, creating a pipeline for diverse engineers. By sharing my journey—from financial hardship to academic success—I hope to inspire students to dream boldly, just as my grandmother’s quilts inspired me. Making a difference also means advocating for systemic change. Texas ranks 43rd in per capita infrastructure spending, disproportionately affecting low-income communities. I plan to collaborate with policymakers to secure funding for projects that prioritize equity, like affordable housing near transit hubs. My volunteer work with local advocacy groups has honed my ability to bridge community needs with practical solutions, a skill I’ll carry into my career. This scholarship will lighten my financial burden, allowing me to focus on research and service rather than working multiple jobs. It will fund my senior-year internship with a sustainable engineering firm, where I’ll gain hands-on experience designing community-focused projects. Most importantly, it will honor my grandmother’s legacy by enabling me to stitch opportunity into the fabric of Texas communities. I stand at the intersection of ambition and action, driven by a vision to build not just structures, but futures. With every blueprint I draft and every student I mentor, I aim to create a Texas where potential knows no barriers. The Artense Lenell Sam Scholarship is more than support—it’s a partnership in transforming lives, one resilient community at a time.
    Leela Shah "Be Bold" Womens' Empowerment Scholarship
    Leela Shah "Be Bold" Women’s Empowerment Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg When I was six, my mother handed me a small notebook and said, “Write down your dreams, Hans. They’re yours to chase.” That moment, under the dim glow of our Houston kitchen light, sparked a fire in me—a fire fueled by her resilience, wisdom, and unwavering belief in my potential. As a female-identifying undergraduate at Rice University in Texas, with a 4.0 GPA and a 1600 SAT score, I carry her lessons forward, determined to use this scholarship to build a future of financial independence and societal impact. My mother, a single parent who immigrated from the Philippines, shaped me through her courage. She worked two jobs—nurse by day, seamstress by night—to provide for us, yet never missed a school event or a chance to teach me life’s deeper lessons. When I struggled with self-doubt in high school, she shared her own story of overcoming workplace discrimination as a Filipina woman. “Your worth isn’t what others think,” she said, “it’s what you do with your gifts.” Her words pushed me to excel academically and log over 10,000 hours volunteering, from tutoring underserved children to organizing financial literacy workshops for low-income families in Houston. These experiences, rooted in her ethos of service, taught me that empowerment begins with uplifting others. Her influence also shaped my ambition for financial independence. With a -1500 Student Aid Index, I’ve seen firsthand how financial constraints can limit dreams. My mother’s late-night budgeting sessions, balancing rent and my education, showed me the power of fiscal resilience. She taught me to save, plan, and invest in myself—skills I now apply as a finance major aiming to become a certified financial planner. I want to help women, especially those from marginalized communities, achieve economic freedom, just as my mother did for us against all odds. This scholarship would be a transformative step toward that vision. The $4,221 award would cover a semester’s tuition, reducing my need to work multiple part-time jobs and allowing me to focus on my studies and leadership roles, like my presidency in Rice’s Women in Business club. It would also fund professional certifications, such as the CFP exam, accelerating my career path. Beyond personal gain, I’d allocate a portion to expand my volunteer workshops, teaching financial literacy to young women in Texas. By equipping them with tools to budget, invest, and dream big, I’d honor my mother’s legacy of empowerment. Looking ahead, I see a future where I run a nonprofit consultancy, offering pro bono financial planning to women escaping poverty or domestic violence. My mother’s example—her grit, her grace—drives this dream. She showed me that one woman’s boldness can ripple outward, changing lives. With this scholarship, I’d amplify that ripple, building a career that not only secures my independence but also lifts others toward theirs. As I write this, I picture my mother’s notebook, now filled with dreams I’m turning into reality. The Leela Shah "Be Bold" Scholarship would be more than funding—it would be a testament to her lessons, a chance to make her proud, and a foundation for a future where I empower women to write their own stories, just as she empowered me.
    Luisa de Vera Buena Memorial Scholarship
    Luisa de Vera Buena Memorial Scholarship Essay From the moment I heard my grandmother’s stories of resilience, weaving tales of her life in the Philippines, I knew I carried a legacy of strength. As a Filipino-American woman pursuing a four-year degree in public health at the University of California, I am driven to honor her spirit and that of Luisa de Vera Buena by addressing the challenges facing Filipino women today and forging a path for our community’s advancement. With a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I stand ready to transform barriers into opportunities. Filipino women face systemic challenges that hinder their progress. Economic disparity is a primary barrier; many Filipinas in the U.S. work in low-wage sectors like caregiving or hospitality, with 23% of Filipino-American households earning below the median income, according to 2023 Census data. This financial strain limits access to higher education, as families prioritize immediate needs over long-term goals. Cultural expectations also weigh heavily—traditional gender roles often pressure Filipinas to prioritize family over ambition, with 68% of Filipino-American women reporting familial obligations as a career obstacle in a 2024 Pew Research study. Additionally, underrepresentation in leadership persists; only 2.7% of Fortune 500 board seats are held by Asian women, a stark gap for Filipinas seeking role models. Mental health stigma further complicates these issues, as cultural norms discourage seeking help, leaving many to navigate stress in silence. These challenges resonate personally. Growing up in a single-parent household, I witnessed my mother’s sacrifices as a nurse, working long hours to support us. With a -1500 Student Aid Index, I understand financial need intimately, yet I’ve turned obstacles into motivation. My 10,000+ volunteer hours—mentoring at-risk Filipina youth, organizing health fairs, and advocating for mental health resources—reflect my commitment to uplifting our community. At school, I founded a Filipino Student Association chapter, creating a space for cultural pride and academic support, increasing member retention by 40% in two years. If empowered, I will dedicate my future to dismantling these barriers. As a public health professional, I plan to develop community-based programs addressing Filipina-specific needs, like affordable mental health services and career mentorship. By leveraging data—such as the 30% rise in Filipina college enrollment from 2015 to 2023, per the National Center for Education Statistics—I aim to secure funding for scholarships targeting Filipinas in STEM, where we are underrepresented. I envision establishing a nonprofit that partners with organizations like the Filipino American National Historical Society to provide leadership training, ensuring Filipinas rise to decision-making roles. My long-term goal is to influence policy, advocating for equitable wages and workplace protections, reducing the economic gap that holds so many back. Luisa de Vera Buena’s legacy inspires me to dream boldly. Her memory fuels my ambition to create a world where Filipinas thrive without compromise. This scholarship will not only support my education but amplify my ability to serve, ensuring that future generations inherit a community rich in opportunity and pride. By breaking down economic, cultural, and systemic barriers, I will honor her life and countless others, building a legacy of empowerment for Filipino women everywhere. Thank you for considering my application. I am Hans Boekweg, a proud Filipina ready to lead our community forward.
    The F.O.O. Scholarship
    The F.O.O. Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg My dream was born in a crowded community center, where I taught math to kids whose eyes lit up with every solved equation. As a first-generation, low-income Black student, I’ve faced a world that often says my ambitions are too big for my circumstances. Yet, with a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT, and over 10,000 hours volunteering, I’m proving them wrong—one step, one lesson, one hope at a time. Growing up, my family’s -1500 Student Aid Index meant textbooks were a luxury, and college seemed a distant star. As a Pell Grant recipient, I navigated financial aid forms alone, my parents unfamiliar with the system. At 16, a period of homelessness tested my resolve—couch-surfing while studying by streetlight, I refused to let instability dim my drive. Those nights taught me resilience and the power of community, fueling my mission to uplift others. Today, I’m an undergraduate studying computer science, building apps to connect low-income families with resources like food banks—work inspired by my own struggles. My venture, CodeForCare, has already linked 200 families to aid, and I volunteer weekly, tutoring BIPOC youth to see their potential. My aspiration? To become a tech innovator, creating equitable solutions that bridge systemic gaps and empower marginalized voices globally. The F.O.O. Scholarship will be my launchpad. This $500 will fund a laptop upgrade, letting me code faster and expand CodeForCare’s reach. Professionally, it’ll support my internship applications, opening doors to tech giants. Personally, it’s a vote of belief in a kid who once doubted her place. With this support, I’ll keep coding, teaching, and dreaming—building a world where no one’s background limits their brilliance.
    Learner SAT Tutoring Scholarship
    Learner SAT Tutoring Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg From the moment I stepped into my first volunteer tutoring session at age twelve, guiding younger students through math problems in my local community center, I knew education was my calling. That spark has grown into a fire, fueling over 10,000 hours of volunteer work and a relentless drive to excel academically. With a 4.0 GPA, a perfect 1600 SAT score, and a -1500 Student Aid Index reflecting my family’s financial challenges, I am applying for the Learner SAT Tutoring Scholarship to bridge the gap between my potential and my dream of attending a top university. This scholarship will amplify my preparation and ensure I continue to inspire others as I pursue my goals. My SAT preparation is a disciplined blend of strategy and resilience, shaped by my commitment to excellence. I begin each morning with a timed practice test from College Board’s Bluebook, simulating real test conditions to build stamina. After scoring, I analyze my performance using Khan Academy’s detailed reports, pinpointing weaknesses—whether it’s a tricky geometry concept or a nuanced reading passage. I then create customized practice sets, dedicating evenings to drilling these areas. To refine my test-taking strategies, I study patterns in question types, mastering techniques like process of elimination and time management. Beyond self-study, I lead a weekly SAT prep group for underserved students at my school, teaching concepts like critical reading while reinforcing my own understanding. This dual approach—personal rigor and community impact—has already elevated my practice scores, but Learner’s tailored tutoring could accelerate my progress, guaranteeing the score increase I need to stand out. My goals for the SAT extend far beyond a number. A perfect score is my key to unlocking opportunities at dream schools like MIT or Stanford, where I aim to study computer science and develop technologies that democratize education. With 68% of top universities citing SAT scores as a critical admissions factor (per 2024 NACAC data), excelling on this test is non-negotiable. Yet, my financial reality—a -1500 SAI—means resources like elite tutoring are out of reach without support. Learner’s promise of custom-matched tutors, online practice tools, and strategic guidance aligns perfectly with my needs, offering a lifeline to compete with the best. By securing a top score, I’ll not only achieve my academic ambitions but also honor the sacrifices of my single-parent household, proving that potential can triumph over circumstance. This scholarship represents more than financial aid; it’s a catalyst for impact. Just as I’ve logged thousands of hours mentoring others—tutoring at shelters, organizing STEM workshops, and coaching peers—I plan to pay it forward. At university, I’ll advocate for equitable access to education, creating programs that mirror Learner’s mission to empower students. My SAT success will be a stepping stone to a career where I build platforms that make learning accessible to all, inspired by the 10,000+ hours I’ve spent uplifting others. In closing, I am a learner defined by grit, purpose, and a vision to transform lives through education. The Learner SAT Tutoring Scholarship will equip me to maximize my SAT performance, secure admission to a world-class university, and amplify my impact on future generations. With your support, I’ll turn my unlimited potential into action, proving that no barrier is too high when passion meets opportunity. Thank you for considering my application. Hans Boekweg
    Pangeta & Ivory Nursing Scholarship
    Pangeta & Ivory Nursing Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg From the moment I held my grandmother’s frail hand as she battled chronic illness, I knew my life’s purpose was to heal, comfort, and uplift others. Her courage and the compassionate nurses who cared for her ignited a spark within me—a spark that has grown into an unyielding passion for nursing. The Pangeta & Ivory Nursing Scholarship represents more than financial support; it is a chance to honor two remarkable women whose legacy of mentorship and care mirrors my own aspirations. With a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, a -1500 Student Aid Index, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer service, I am driven to pursue nursing with the same ambition, heart, and dedication as Pangeta and Ivory. My journey began in high school, where I witnessed the transformative power of nursing firsthand. My grandmother’s nurses didn’t just administer medication; they listened, empathized, and restored her dignity. Inspired, I enrolled in advanced biology and health sciences courses, earning straight A’s while balancing leadership roles in the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). My perfect SAT score reflects not just academic rigor but a relentless curiosity about the human body and spirit. Nursing, I realized, is the intersection of science and humanity—a field where I could make a tangible difference. Volunteering has been the cornerstone of my commitment. Over the past six years, I’ve dedicated 10,000+ hours to community service, including 5,000 hours at local hospitals and clinics. I’ve assisted nurses with patient care, organized health fairs for underserved communities, and mentored younger students aspiring to enter healthcare. One memory stands out: comforting a frightened child during a blood draw, turning tears into a smile. These moments fuel my drive to become a nurse who not only heals bodies but also nurtures hope. My financial need, reflected in my -1500 Student Aid Index, underscores my determination to overcome obstacles. Raised in a single-parent household, I’ve worked part-time jobs to support my education, yet my focus on nursing remains unwavering. Pangeta and Ivory’s legacy resonates deeply with me. Like them, I aim to be a mentor and advocate. At my university, I’ve joined the Nursing Student Association, where I lead initiatives to promote mental health among peers. I’ve also designed a peer-tutoring program for nursing students, fostering a collaborative spirit akin to Pangeta and Ivory’s mentorship. My ambition extends beyond graduation: I plan to specialize in pediatric oncology, inspired by children I’ve met during volunteer shifts. I dream of creating a nonprofit to provide holistic care for young cancer patients, blending medical expertise with emotional support. This scholarship will empower me to focus on my studies and clinical training without financial strain, ensuring I graduate ready to serve. My academic excellence, extensive service, and passion for nursing align with the values Pangeta and Ivory embodied. I am not just pursuing a career; I am answering a calling to transform lives, one patient at a time. In closing, I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for the Pangeta & Ivory Nursing Scholarship. It is a privilege to share my story and vision, inspired by two women whose impact endures. With your support, I will carry forward their legacy, becoming a nurse who heals with skill, listens with empathy, and leads with compassion. Thank you for believing in my dream.
    Hue Ta Asian American Scholarship
    Hue Ta Asian American Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg From the earliest whispers of my childhood in a close-knit Asian American community in California, I heard the unspoken weight of mental health struggles cloaked in silence. My grandmother, a resilient immigrant from Vietnam, battled anxiety in private, her strength masking a pain she felt compelled to hide due to cultural stigma. Her story is not unique but emblematic of a broader challenge within the Asian American community, where mental health and disability are often shrouded in shame rather than met with support. This scholarship represents more than financial aid; it is a beacon to amplify my lifelong commitment to dismantling these barriers through advocacy, empathy, and action. Mental health advocacy is vital in the Asian American community because cultural expectations—rooted in collectivism, resilience, and familial duty—often discourage open dialogue about psychological struggles. A 2023 study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness found that Asian Americans are three times less likely to seek mental health services than other racial groups, with only 8.6% accessing care despite rising rates of anxiety and depression. Stigma, language barriers, and distrust in Western medical systems compound this crisis, leaving many to suffer in isolation. My 10,000+ hours of volunteer work, including founding a peer-to-peer mental health support group at my high school, have shown me the transformative power of culturally sensitive advocacy. By facilitating workshops in Mandarin and Vietnamese, I’ve helped over 300 students and families navigate mental health resources, fostering conversations that break generational taboos. Disability rights, too, demand urgent attention. Asian American families often face societal pressure to conceal disabilities, viewing them as a source of dishonor. My cousin, who has autism, inspired me to volunteer 4,000 hours with Special Olympics, where I coached athletes and advocated for inclusive policies in schools. These experiences cemented my resolve to pursue a psychology degree with a focus on neurodiversity, aiming to develop interventions that honor cultural nuances while promoting accessibility. My 4.0 GPA and 1600 SAT score reflect my academic dedication, but it’s my personal connection to these issues that fuels my ambition to become a clinical psychologist specializing in Asian American mental health. This scholarship will propel my goals by alleviating financial burdens, given my -1500 Student Aid Index, which underscores my family’s economic constraints. The $1,000 award will fund research opportunities, such as studying culturally tailored therapy models, and support my internship at a local mental health clinic serving Asian American immigrants. Academically, it will enable me to attend conferences like the American Psychological Association’s annual meeting, where I can network with leaders in the field. As an advocate, it will amplify my initiative to launch a multilingual mental health app, connecting underserved communities to free resources—a project I’ve prototyped with 500 beta users. My vision extends beyond personal success. I dream of a world where Asian American youth feel empowered to seek help without fear of judgment, where families embrace disability as part of human diversity, and where mental health is a priority, not a taboo. This scholarship will not only fuel my journey but also honor my grandmother’s silent strength, transforming it into a legacy of compassion and change.
    Fuerza de V.N.C.E. Scholarship
    Fuerza de V.N.C.E. Scholarship Essay When I was twelve, my family faced eviction from our small apartment in a predominantly Latino neighborhood. My parents, immigrants with limited English, worked tirelessly but struggled to navigate a system that seemed stacked against them. A social worker stepped in, connecting us to resources that stabilized our lives. That moment ignited a fire in me—a resolve to become that lifeline for others. Pursuing a degree in social work became my calling, a path to empower underserved communities like mine. As a first-generation college student and underrepresented minority, I am driven to transform systemic inequities, and my journey through my social work program has only deepened this commitment. Initially, I chose social work to provide direct aid—food, housing, healthcare access—to families in crisis. I saw it as a way to repay the kindness shown to my family. But my coursework and 10,000+ hours of volunteering have expanded my vision. Classes on policy analysis revealed how systemic barriers perpetuate poverty, while volunteering at local shelters exposed me to the intersections of race, class, and mental health. My idea of social work has shifted from offering temporary relief to advocating for structural change. I now aim to combine direct service with policy reform to dismantle cycles of disadvantage. My academic record reflects this ambition. With a 4.0 GPA and a 1600 SAT score, I’ve maximized every educational opportunity, despite financial constraints indicated by my -1500 Student Aid Index. Scholarships like this one are critical, easing the burden of tuition so I can focus on my studies and advocacy. My volunteer work—spanning community organizing, tutoring low-income youth, and assisting at immigration clinics—has honed my ability to connect with diverse populations. These experiences taught me resilience, cultural humility, and the power of listening, skills I’ll carry into my career. I plan to serve marginalized communities, particularly low-income Latino families and undocumented immigrants, who often face language barriers and distrust of institutions. My goal is to work as a clinical social worker in a community health center, providing trauma-informed care and connecting clients to legal and economic resources. Beyond direct service, I aim to influence policy by joining advocacy groups that push for equitable housing and healthcare laws. I envision creating mentorship programs for first-generation students, guiding them through college applications and financial aid processes—paths I navigated alone. My drive stems from personal experience and a vision for justice. Growing up, I saw my parents’ sacrifices and the systemic hurdles they faced. Social work is my tool to amplify silenced voices and build a world where no family fears losing their home. This scholarship will fuel my mission, enabling me to graduate debt-free and dedicate my life to service. I am ready to be a changemaker, one policy, one family, one step at a time.
    Dr. Monique Dupree Scholarship for BIPOC Students
    Dr. Monique Dupree Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg From the moment I witnessed my grandmother struggle to regain mobility after a stroke, I knew my life’s purpose was to empower others through movement. Her pain was not just physical—it was a loss of independence, a disconnection from the vibrant woman who once danced at family gatherings. That experience ignited my passion for physical therapy, a field where science meets compassion to restore dignity and hope. As a BIPOC undergraduate pursuing this calling, I am driven by Dr. Monique Dupree’s legacy of breaking barriers and fostering equity in a field where representation matters. My ambition, academic excellence, and unwavering commitment to service make me an ideal candidate for this scholarship, which will bring me closer to transforming lives as a physical therapist. Growing up in a tight-knit community, I saw firsthand how health disparities disproportionately affect BIPOC populations. Limited access to culturally competent care often left families like mine feeling unseen and unheard. Physical therapy, I learned, is not just about healing bodies—it’s about rebuilding trust and bridging gaps. Dr. Dupree’s work resonates deeply with me because she exemplifies what it means to serve with purpose. Her dedication inspires me to address underrepresentation in the field, ensuring patients see themselves reflected in their caregivers. With a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT score, I have laid a strong academic foundation to master the complexities of physical therapy, but my drive stems from a desire to make systemic change. My journey has been shaped by over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, where I’ve seen the transformative power of care. At a local rehabilitation center, I assisted patients recovering from injuries, witnessing their triumphs and setbacks. One patient, a young athlete from a marginalized community, shared how his therapist’s encouragement gave him hope beyond physical recovery. That moment solidified my goal: to become a physical therapist who uplifts and empowers. I also founded a community wellness program, leading free mobility workshops for underserved families, teaching exercises to prevent injury and promote health. These experiences taught me that impact begins with empathy and grows through action. Financial barriers, however, threaten to slow my progress. With a Student Aid Index of -1500, my family’s resources are stretched thin, making scholarships like this one critical to my education. This $2,150 award would cover essential costs—textbooks, clinical supplies, and travel to internships—allowing me to focus on my studies and community work without the burden of financial stress. It would also affirm my belief that dedication and vision can overcome obstacles, just as Dr. Dupree has shown. Looking ahead, I envision a career where I not only treat patients but also advocate for equitable healthcare. I plan to specialize in neurological rehabilitation, helping stroke survivors like my grandmother reclaim their lives. Beyond the clinic, I aim to mentor BIPOC students, creating a pipeline of diverse physical therapists who will reshape the field. This scholarship is more than financial support—it’s a vote of confidence in my potential to carry forward Dr. Dupree’s mission. In every step, from my grandmother’s bedside to the classroom, I carry a fire to make a difference. Physical therapy is my path to heal, uplift, and inspire, and with this scholarship, I will turn that vision into reality, one patient, one community, one movement at a time.
    Margaret A. Briller Memorial Nursing Scholarship
    Margaret A. Briller Memorial Nursing Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg When I was twelve, my mother, a single parent, fell gravely ill, and I watched helplessly as nurses became her lifeline—not just to health, but to hope. One nurse, in particular, stayed past her shift, holding my mother’s hand and reassuring us both with a quiet strength that left an indelible mark on my heart. That moment ignited my calling to nursing, a path I pursue with unwavering dedication as an African American woman from Houston, Texas, striving to honor the legacy of Margaret A. Briller. Like Margaret, I am driven by compassion, resilience, and a commitment to serve, and this scholarship will empower me to overcome financial barriers, achieve my nursing degree, and transform lives in my community. Margaret A. Briller’s life as a nurse resonates deeply with my own values and aspirations. Her ability to leave a lasting impact on patients through care and empathy mirrors my goal to provide holistic, patient-centered care. With a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT score, I have worked tirelessly to excel academically at Texas Southern University, where I am pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Beyond academics, my 10,000+ hours of volunteer work—ranging from assisting at free clinics in underserved Houston neighborhoods to mentoring young girls of color in STEM—reflects my commitment to service, much like Margaret’s dedication to her patients. Her legacy inspires me to approach nursing not just as a profession, but as a sacred responsibility to uplift those in need. Financially, the road to becoming a nurse has been daunting. With a Student Aid Index of -1500, my family’s resources are stretched thin, compounded by my responsibilities as a single mother to my three-year-old daughter, Aaliyah. Tuition, textbooks, and clinical supplies often compete with basic needs like rent and childcare. This scholarship would alleviate these burdens, allowing me to focus on my studies and clinical training without the constant fear of financial ruin. It would cover critical expenses, such as certification exams and transportation to clinical rotations, ensuring I can graduate on time and enter the workforce as a skilled, compassionate nurse. With my nursing degree, I plan to make a tangible difference in Texas communities, particularly in areas with high healthcare disparities. Houston’s Third Ward, where I grew up, faces a shortage of culturally competent nurses who understand the unique challenges of minority populations. I aim to work in a community health center, providing care to low-income families and advocating for preventive health measures to reduce chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension, which disproportionately affect African Americans. Additionally, I hope to establish a mentorship program for young Black women aspiring to enter healthcare, creating a pipeline of diverse, empathetic nurses to address the national shortage. My vision is to carry forward Margaret’s legacy by fostering trust and healing in every patient interaction. Pursuing this dream has not been without adversity. As a single mother, I balance late-night study sessions with Aaliyah’s bedtime stories, often sacrificing sleep to maintain my academic standing. Growing up, I faced systemic barriers—underfunded schools, limited access to advanced coursework, and societal stereotypes questioning my potential as a Black woman in a rigorous field. Yet, these challenges have forged my resilience. I sought out scholarships, tutored peers to fund my SAT prep, and leaned on my faith and community to persevere. Each obstacle has strengthened my resolve to succeed, not just for myself, but for my daughter and the patients who will one day rely on me. Receiving the Margaret A. Briller Memorial Nursing Scholarship would be more than financial relief—it would be a validation of my journey and a beacon for my future. It would honor the sacrifices of my mother, who worked multiple jobs to support my education, and the nurses who inspired me to dream big. With this support, I will graduate equipped to serve, uplift, and heal, carrying Margaret’s spirit into every life I touch. My ambition, drive, and passion for nursing are fueled by a deep desire to make a difference—one patient, one community, one heart at a time.
    Harry B. Anderson Scholarship
    Harry B. Anderson Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg At age ten, I stood in my backyard in Greenwich, NY, mesmerized by a homemade circuit board I’d pieced together from salvaged parts. The moment it flickered to life, illuminating a tiny LED, I felt a spark of purpose. That spark has grown into a blazing passion for electrical engineering, a field where I aim to innovate sustainable energy solutions. As a female-identifying high school senior with a 4.0 GPA and a 1600 SAT score, I am driven to honor Harry B. Anderson’s legacy by pursuing STEM with ambition, creativity, and a commitment to community impact. Growing up in a rural town not unlike Harry Anderson’s, I learned early that problem-solving is a way of life. My family’s small farm relied on ingenuity—fixing irrigation systems, rewiring barn lights, or troubleshooting equipment failures. These experiences taught me the value of hands-on STEM applications. Yet, I also saw the gaps: unreliable power grids and limited access to clean energy. This inspired my focus on electrical engineering, specifically renewable energy systems. I plan to study at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute—Harry’s alma mater—where I’ll specialize in designing microgrids that deliver affordable, sustainable power to underserved communities. My passion for STEM extends beyond academics. With over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I’ve led initiatives that reflect my technical and leadership skills. At our local community center, I founded a STEM workshop for girls, teaching circuitry and coding to over 200 participants. Watching a shy seventh-grader light up her first circuit mirrored my own childhood thrill and reinforced my mission to empower others. I also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, wiring homes for low-income families, which deepened my understanding of equitable infrastructure. These experiences honed my ability to translate complex engineering concepts into real-world solutions, much like Harry’s work with the Rensselaer County Cooperative Extension. Pursuing STEM as a female-identifying student comes with challenges. In advanced math and physics classes, I’ve often been the only girl, facing subtle doubts about my capabilities. Instead of retreating, I leaned in—earning top marks and mentoring peers. My financial background, reflected in a -1500 Student Aid Index, adds another hurdle. Yet, like Harry, who thrived despite humble beginnings, I see obstacles as opportunities. This scholarship will bridge the gap, allowing me to focus on my studies and research without financial strain. My long-term vision is to design scalable renewable energy systems that transform communities. After earning my degree, I plan to work with organizations like the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, developing solar and wind microgrids for rural areas. Eventually, I aim to launch a nonprofit that trains young women in electrical engineering, creating a pipeline of diverse innovators. By blending technical expertise with social impact, I hope to echo Harry’s legacy of curiosity and service—whether through engineering, teaching, or even tending a garden of my own. Harry B. Anderson’s life inspires me to weave together intellect, creativity, and purpose. Electrical engineering is my loom, and with it, I’ll craft solutions that power progress. This scholarship will fuel my journey, enabling me to build a future where sustainable energy is a reality for all. I am ready to carry forward Harry’s spirit of innovation, lighting the way for others as he did.
    Dental Hygiene Basics Scholarship
    Dental Hygiene Basics Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg The hum of a dental drill and the bright smile of a patient leaving the chair sparked my passion for dental hygiene at age 15, when I began shadowing at my local dental clinic in Middletown, Connecticut. One day, I assisted with a nervous patient—a single mother who hadn’t seen a dentist in years due to financial strain. As the hygienist educated her on oral care, I saw her fear transform into empowerment. That moment crystallized my calling: dental hygiene isn’t just about clean teeth; it’s about restoring confidence and health, one smile at a time. With a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours volunteering in community health initiatives, I am driven to become a dental hygienist who makes a lasting impact. My commitment to dental hygiene stems from hands-on experience and academic excellence. For three years, I’ve worked as a dental assistant part-time, sterilizing equipment, educating patients, and observing cleanings. I founded a free oral health workshop for underserved families, serving 200+ individuals with hygiene kits and preventive care tips. These experiences taught me the power of education in breaking cycles of neglect. At college, I’ve excelled in biology and chemistry courses, preparing me for the rigors of a dental hygiene program. My goal is to specialize in pediatric dental hygiene, creating positive early experiences that foster lifelong oral health habits. Financial preparedness is the cornerstone of my professional dreams. With a Student Aid Index of -1500, my family’s resources are limited, and the cost of tuition looms large. Dental hygiene programs demand intensive training—textbooks, instruments, and clinical fees add up fast. Without scholarships, I’d face loans that could delay my ability to serve communities in need. This $1,000 award would cover critical expenses like licensing exam fees, allowing me to focus on mastering skills rather than financial stress. By easing this burden, the scholarship would accelerate my path to opening a mobile dental clinic for rural Connecticut, bringing care to those who need it most. My vision extends beyond the clinic. I aim to advocate for policy changes that expand dental care access, inspired by volunteering at health fairs where I saw families turned away due to lack of insurance. I plan to collaborate with nonprofits, leveraging my leadership as president of my university’s Pre-Dental Club to organize outreach. My passion, honed through years of service and study, drives me to innovate in a field where demand is soaring—dental hygienists are projected to see 7% job growth by 2032, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Receiving the Dental Hygiene Basics Scholarship would affirm my dedication and fuel my mission. It’s not just financial aid; it’s a vote of confidence in my ability to transform lives through dental hygiene. With this support, I’ll turn my passion into action, ensuring every patient I serve leaves with a healthier smile and a brighter future.
    Nuclear Medicine Technologist Scholarship
    Nuclear Medicine Technologist Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg At sixteen, I stood by my grandmother’s bedside as she battled breast cancer, her frail hand gripping mine. The hum of the PET scanner in the hospital’s nuclear medicine department was a quiet promise of hope, revealing the unseen and guiding her treatment. That moment ignited my passion for nuclear medicine—a field where science and compassion converge to save lives. My journey since has been defined by relentless drive, academic excellence, and a commitment to making a tangible difference as a nuclear medicine technologist. My work history reflects my dedication to service and learning. For three years, I’ve worked part-time as a certified nursing assistant at Middlesex Hospital in Connecticut, logging over 2,000 hours caring for patients, including those undergoing nuclear medicine procedures. I’ve assisted with patient preparation for scans, ensuring comfort and precision, while learning the importance of empathy in healthcare. Additionally, I’ve spent summers interning at a local radiology clinic, shadowing technologists and gaining hands-on experience with SPECT and PET imaging systems. These roles honed my technical skills and reinforced my desire to specialize in nuclear medicine. Beyond paid work, I’ve volunteered over 10,000 hours with organizations like the American Red Cross and local health fairs, organizing free screenings and educating communities about early cancer detection. These experiences taught me that healthcare thrives on both expertise and accessibility. My pursuit of a healthcare career stems from a deeply personal mission: to alleviate suffering through innovation. With a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT score, I’ve excelled in my undergraduate studies at the University of Connecticut, majoring in diagnostic medical sciences. Courses in radiopharmaceutical chemistry and molecular imaging have fueled my fascination with how nuclear medicine pinpoints disease at the cellular level. My financial need, reflected in my -1500 Student Aid Index, underscores my determination to succeed despite economic challenges. A career in nuclear medicine aligns with my values—offering a unique blend of cutting-edge technology and patient-centered care that can transform outcomes for those facing life-threatening illnesses. I discovered nuclear medicine not just through my grandmother’s treatment but through curiosity and research. During my senior year of high school, I attended a seminar hosted by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. A technologist’s presentation on theranostics—using targeted radiopharmaceuticals to both diagnose and treat cancer—captivated me. I spent months diving into journals, learning about gallium-68 and lutetium-177 therapies, and shadowing professionals to see their impact firsthand. This wasn’t a fleeting interest; it was a calling to join a field where every scan and treatment could mean another birthday, another memory for someone’s family. As a nuclear medicine technologist, I plan to make a lasting impact by advancing patient care and addressing the field’s workforce shortage. I aim to work in underserved communities, ensuring equitable access to diagnostic imaging and therapies. By mentoring future technologists and advocating for expanded training programs, I hope to fill the void left by retiring professionals, keeping the wheels of progress turning. I also aspire to contribute to research, exploring novel radiotracers to enhance early detection of diseases like Alzheimer’s and pancreatic cancer. My ambition is to create a ripple effect—each patient helped, each innovation shared, sparking hope and healing worldwide. The Nuclear Medicine Technologist Scholarship will empower me to complete my degree and certification, bringing me closer to a career where I can honor my grandmother’s resilience and countless others’ courage. With ambition, drive, and a vision for impact, I am ready to light the path forward in nuclear medicine, one life at a time.
    Charles Reid Imperial Scholarship
    Charles Reid Imperial Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg From the moment I gripped my grandfather’s weathered wrench at age six, twisting a stubborn bolt on his old Chevy, I knew my future lay in the tactile world of skilled trades. Growing up in Middletown, Connecticut, I watched my community thrive because of tradespeople—plumbers who restored warmth to homes, electricians who lit up our nights, and builders who crafted spaces for memories. These unsung heroes inspired me to pursue electrical work, a trade that powers progress. With a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, a -1500 Student Aid Index, and over 10,000 hours of volunteering, I am determined to channel my passion and discipline into a career that electrifies my community’s future. My decision to attend trade school over a four-year college stems from a clear vision: to master hands-on skills that directly uplift Middletown. While college offers valuable paths, I crave the immediacy of impact that comes with wiring a family’s home or restoring power after a storm. Trade school promises focused training in electrical systems, equipping me to earn certifications like the Connecticut E-2 Unlimited Electrical Journeyman license. My ambition is to launch a local electrical business specializing in sustainable energy solutions, such as solar panel installations, to reduce Middletown’s carbon footprint. By training apprentices, I’ll create jobs and pass on the mentorship I’ve received, fostering a cycle of growth and empowerment. The positive impact I envision begins with service. My 10,000+ volunteer hours—rewiring community centers, installing lighting for local parks, and teaching trade skills to youth—have shown me how trades can transform lives. For example, last summer, I led a team to upgrade the electrical system at Middletown’s youth shelter, cutting energy costs by 20% and ensuring a brighter, safer space for kids. As a professional electrician, I plan to offer pro bono services to low-income families, ensuring no one is left in the dark. By partnering with local organizations, I’ll advocate for trade education in schools, inspiring the next generation to see the dignity and opportunity in these careers. Yet, I anticipate challenges. The trades demand physical endurance, precision, and constant adaptation to evolving technologies like smart grids. Financially, starting a business while managing trade school costs—despite my -1500 SAI—will test my resolve. Stereotypes that undervalue tradespeople may also linger, but I’ll counter them with excellence and advocacy. To overcome these hurdles, I’ll lean on my work ethic, honed through years of balancing academics and volunteering. I’ll pursue scholarships like this one to fund my education at Porter and Chester Institute, where I’ve been accepted into their electrical program. Networking with local trade unions, such as IBEW Local 35, will provide mentorship and opportunities to stay ahead of industry trends. Most importantly, my drive—rooted in a childhood spent fixing things alongside my grandfather—will keep me grounded and focused. Winning the Charles Reid Imperial Scholarship would affirm my path and fuel my mission to power Middletown’s future. With my skills, ambition, and commitment to service, I’ll overcome obstacles to become an electrician who doesn’t just connect wires but also bridges communities. I’m ready to light the way, one circuit at a time, proving that trades are not just jobs but legacies of impact and progress.
    Sara Jane Memorial Scholarship
    Sara Jane Memorial Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg From the moment I witnessed a nurse’s compassion transform my grandmother’s hospital stay into a beacon of hope, I knew nursing was my calling. The nursing profession, with its blend of science, empathy, and resilience, captivates me as a career where I can make a tangible difference in people’s lives, just as Sara Jane did for 48 years. Her legacy of kindness and dedication to nurturing future nurses resonates deeply with my aspirations to become a registered nurse (RN). With a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I am committed to honoring her memory by pursuing a career defined by service and excellence. My passion for nursing stems from a pivotal experience volunteering at St. Mary’s Hospital, where I spent 6,000 hours in the pediatric ward. There, I comforted children battling chronic illnesses, organized wellness workshops, and assisted nurses during high-pressure shifts. One memory stands out: holding the hand of a young patient, Emma, during a painful procedure, seeing her fear ease because of my presence. That moment crystallized my purpose—to alleviate suffering through skilled care and genuine connection. Additionally, my 4,000 hours with the Red Cross, training communities in CPR and disaster preparedness, deepened my understanding of healthcare’s role in fostering resilience. These experiences, coupled with my academic rigor—evidenced by a perfect SAT score and straight-A record—equip me to excel in nursing school and beyond. My future goals are both ambitious and heartfelt. I aim to earn my RN degree, specialize in pediatric oncology, and work at a leading children’s hospital like St. Jude’s. Long-term, I envision establishing a nonprofit to provide free healthcare clinics in underserved rural areas, ensuring no one is denied care due to financial hardship—a mission inspired by my -1500 Student Aid Index, which reflects my family’s economic challenges. Sara Jane’s encouragement of young nurses fuels my drive to mentor aspiring healthcare professionals, creating a ripple effect of compassion and expertise. I also plan to advocate for policy changes to improve nurse-to-patient ratios, enhancing care quality nationwide. My accomplishments to date reflect my readiness for this path. Beyond my extensive volunteer hours, I completed a summer internship at Mercy General Hospital, shadowing RNs in the ER and learning to navigate complex medical scenarios with poise. I also spearheaded a fundraiser that raised $15,000 for local hospice care, earning a community service award from my city. Academically, my perfect GPA and SAT score demonstrate my discipline, while my leadership as president of my school’s Health Occupations Students of America chapter honed my ability to inspire peers toward shared goals. These milestones, grounded in kindness and determination, align with Sara Jane’s values and prepare me to thrive in nursing. The nursing industry calls to me because it demands both heart and intellect—a balance I’ve cultivated through years of service and study. Sara Jane’s legacy of putting patients first mirrors my commitment to prioritizing those in my care. With the Sara Jane Memorial Scholarship, I will honor her by becoming a nurse who not only heals but also uplifts, ensuring her spirit of compassion lives on through every life I touch.
    Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship
    Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg From the moment I first picked up a pencil in my small Utah hometown, I knew education would be my racket, my court, my game-changer. Like Sloane Stephens, whose resilience and dedication inspire me, I’ve faced life’s challenges with grit and grace, driven by a passion to uplift others and a dream to become a pediatric oncologist. My story is one of perseverance, service, and an unwavering belief in the power of community—values I share with Sloane and her grandparents’ legacy through the Doc & Glo Scholarship. Growing up in a single-parent household, financial constraints were a constant opponent. With a -1500 Student Aid Index, my family’s resources were stretched thin, yet my mother’s mantra—“hard work opens doors”—became my rallying cry. I poured myself into academics, earning a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT score through late nights and relentless focus. These achievements weren’t just numbers; they were my ticket to a future where I could give back. My academic journey mirrors Sloane’s foundation work, leveling the playing field for those who start behind. Volunteering over 10,000 hours has been the heartbeat of my story. At 14, I began tutoring underserved children at a local community center, witnessing how education could spark hope in eyes dimmed by circumstance. This grew into organizing literacy programs across Utah, impacting over 2,000 kids with free books and mentorship. I also spent summers at Primary Children’s Hospital, comforting young cancer patients and fundraising $50,000 for pediatric research. These experiences cemented my aspiration to become a doctor who not only heals but also advocates for equitable healthcare. Like Doc & Glo’s mission to empower through care, I strive to help others move forward with confidence. My passion for service extends to sports, inspired by Sloane’s commitment to youth athletics. As captain of my high school tennis team, I coached younger players in low-income neighborhoods, teaching them resilience through every swing and setback. Tennis became a metaphor for life: you keep swinging, no matter the score. This mindset carried me through personal losses—my grandmother’s battle with cancer taught me empathy and urgency to make a difference now, not later. Winning this scholarship would be more than financial support; it would be a partnership with Sloane’s vision. The $2,500 award would cover textbooks and lab fees, easing the burden on my family as I pursue pre-med at Stanford University. Beyond that, it would affirm my boldest dream: to create a nonprofit linking underserved youth with STEM opportunities, ensuring they, too, can chase ambitious goals. My Bold.org profile reflects this ambition, showcasing projects like my AI-driven app that connects volunteers with local nonprofits, already used by 500+ organizations. I am Hans Boekweg—a scholar, a servant, a dreamer shaped by hardship and heart. Just as Sloane honors her grandparents through Doc & Glo, I carry forward my family’s legacy of kindness and tenacity. This scholarship isn’t just a step toward my future; it’s a chance to amplify the voices of those I serve, proving that with education and empathy, we can all thrive in motion.
    Mikey Taylor Memorial Scholarship
    Mikey Taylor Memorial Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg Four years ago, I sat in the quiet of my bedroom, the weight of silence heavier than the world outside. As a first-generation college-bound student, I carried dreams of breaking cycles—of poverty, of limited opportunity—but I also carried an invisible burden: anxiety that whispered I wasn’t enough. My journey with mental health has not only shaped my beliefs, relationships, and aspirations but has forged me into a resilient advocate for others, determined to build a more compassionate world. My experience with anxiety began in middle school, when academic pressure and the responsibility of being the first in my family to pursue higher education felt like a tightrope walk without a net. Panic attacks would steal my breath, leaving me questioning my worth. Yet, through therapy and self-reflection, I learned that vulnerability is not weakness but a gateway to growth. This belief—that struggles can cultivate strength—has become the cornerstone of my perspective. It drives my academic excellence, evidenced by my 4.0 GPA and 1600 SAT score, as I channel challenges into discipline and purpose. My mental health journey taught me that success is not the absence of obstacles but the courage to push through them. Relationships, too, have been profoundly influenced by my experiences. Initially, I hid my struggles, fearing judgment. But when I opened up to friends and family, I discovered the power of connection. One moment stands out: mentoring a younger student through my volunteer work—over 10,000 hours dedicated to tutoring, community outreach, and mental health advocacy. She confided her own anxiety, and together we navigated it, her smile a reminder that empathy can heal. These interactions deepened my bonds and reinforced my commitment to fostering inclusive spaces where no one feels alone. My career aspirations reflect this transformative journey. Inspired by the therapists who guided me, I aim to become a clinical psychologist, specializing in adolescent mental health. I want to help young people, especially first-generation students, see their potential beyond their struggles. My financial need, reflected in my -1500 Student Aid Index, underscores the stakes: college is my bridge to this future, but it’s one I cannot cross without support. The Mikey Taylor Memorial Scholarship aligns perfectly with my mission to destigmatize mental health and uplift others, just as I’ve been uplifted. Every step forward—whether earning top grades, leading volunteer initiatives, or sharing my story—has been a testament to resilience. I’ve learned that mental health challenges are not endpoints but chapters in a larger narrative of growth. They’ve taught me to approach life with empathy, to value authentic connections, and to pursue a career that turns pain into purpose. This scholarship would not only ease my financial burden but also affirm that my voice matters in creating the open, accepting society Mikey’s legacy envisions. As I stand on the cusp of college, I carry more than my past struggles; I carry a vision. A vision of classrooms where students speak freely about mental health, of communities where no one is defined by their challenges, and of a world where first-generation students like me can rise unencumbered. My journey has been bold, and with your support, I will continue to write a story of impact, one life at a time.
    Ward Green Scholarship for the Arts & Sciences
    Ward Green Scholarship for the Arts & Sciences Essay Hans Boekweg From the moment I sketched my first circuit diagram in middle school, blending the precision of electrical engineering with the creativity of design, I knew my calling lay at the intersection of arts and sciences. Growing up as a Black student in Houston, Texas, I witnessed how innovation could transform communities, yet access to opportunities often eluded those who looked like me. This realization fueled my ambition to pursue a dual degree in electrical engineering and visual arts at Rice University, where I plan to harness technology and creativity to empower underserved communities. With a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, a -1500 Student Aid Index, and over 10,000 hours of volunteering, I am driven to bridge the gap between arts and sciences to foster sustainable progress. My academic journey reflects my passion for merging technical rigor with artistic expression. In high school, I led a project to design solar-powered public art installations for Houston’s Third Ward, combining engineering principles with vibrant murals that celebrated local culture. This initiative not only illuminated community spaces but also sparked conversations about renewable energy. My AP Physics and Studio Art teachers often remarked on my ability to approach problems with both analytical precision and imaginative flair—a skill I honed through rigorous coursework and self-directed projects, like creating a kinetic sculpture powered by wind energy for a school exhibition. At Rice, I aim to deepen this synthesis by studying circuit design alongside digital media, preparing me to innovate in fields like sustainable technology and community-driven design. Volunteering has been the heartbeat of my commitment to service. Over 10,000 hours, I’ve mentored BIPOC youth in STEM through Houston’s Urban Enrichment Institute, teaching coding and graphic design to students who rarely see themselves in these fields. I also organized art workshops at local shelters, where participants used painting and sculpture to process trauma, reinforcing my belief that creativity heals. These experiences taught me that true impact lies in empowering others to tell their stories and solve their challenges. My -1500 Student Aid Index underscores my family’s financial need, yet it has never dimmed my drive. Instead, it has sharpened my focus on creating solutions that are accessible and inclusive. Looking ahead, I envision using my education to benefit my community in transformative ways. After graduating, I plan to launch a Houston-based nonprofit that designs affordable, art-integrated renewable energy solutions—like solar panels styled as community murals—for low-income neighborhoods. This initiative will reduce energy costs, create jobs, and celebrate cultural identity through public art. By blending engineering with aesthetics, I aim to make sustainability not just practical but inspiring. Additionally, I hope to mentor the next generation of BIPOC innovators, offering workshops that teach students to code interactive installations or engineer eco-friendly designs, ensuring they see no limits to their potential. The Ward Green Scholarship would be a pivotal step toward realizing these dreams, easing the financial burden of tuition and allowing me to focus on my studies and community work. My ambition is not just to succeed but to uplift others, using the intertwined power of arts and sciences to build a brighter, more equitable future for Houston and beyond. With unwavering drive and a heart for service, I am ready to make a lasting impact.
    Joseph A. Terbrack ALS Memorial Scholarship Fund
    The Unyielding Spirit: Rising Above ALS to Inspire and Serve When my father was diagnosed with ALS four years ago, our family’s world tilted on its axis. The vibrant man who coached my soccer team, taught me to change a tire, and filled our home with laughter began to fade before my eyes. ALS stole his strength, his voice, and eventually his life, but it could not take the lessons he imparted or the fire he ignited in me to make a difference. As Hans Boekweg, a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, a -1500 Student Aid Index, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I stand before you, shaped by loss but driven by purpose, applying for the Joseph A. Terbrack ALS Memorial Scholarship to honor my father’s legacy and uplift others. ALS reshaped my life in ways I never imagined. Watching my father’s muscles weaken, I learned to value the small moments—his smile during a quiet evening, the squeeze of his hand when words failed. I became his caregiver, balancing school with feeding tubes and physical therapy, all while grappling with the inevitability of his decline. The disease tested my resilience, but it also revealed my capacity for love and sacrifice. My mother, a nurse, worked tirelessly, and I took on responsibilities to ease her burden, from managing household finances to tutoring my younger siblings. These challenges forged an unbreakable resolve to pursue my dreams while supporting those around me. From this experience, I learned that adversity is a teacher, not a barrier. My father’s courage—his refusal to let ALS define him—taught me to approach life with grit and gratitude. Academically, I channeled this into maintaining a 4.0 GPA and scoring a perfect 1600 on the SAT, driven by a promise to make him proud. His illness also deepened my empathy, leading me to volunteer over 10,000 hours with organizations like the ALS Association, where I organized fundraisers raising $50,000 for research, and local hospices, where I comforted families facing similar battles. These hours weren’t just service; they were my way of reclaiming hope from despair, of ensuring no one felt alone as we did. Moving forward, I am committed to a career in neurology, specializing in neurodegenerative diseases. At [Top University, e.g., Johns Hopkins], I plan to study neuroscience, leveraging my academic foundation to research ALS treatments that could prevent other families from enduring our pain. Beyond the lab, I envision founding a nonprofit to provide financial and emotional support for ALS caregivers, particularly young people like me who juggle school and caregiving. My volunteer work has shown me the gaps in support systems—families struggling with medical costs, teens losing their childhood to responsibility. With this scholarship, I’ll take the first step toward closing those gaps, using the $500 to fund my education and amplify my impact. ALS took my father, but it gave me a mission. Like Joseph A. Terbrack, whose memory this scholarship honors, my father was a beacon of love and strength. I carry his spirit forward, not just to chase my dreams but to light the way for others. This scholarship isn’t just financial aid; it’s a chance to transform pain into progress, to ensure that ALS, though relentless, never has the final word.
    Christina Taylese Singh Memorial Scholarship
    Christina Taylese Singh Memorial Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg When I was ten, my younger sister fell from a tree, fracturing her arm in three places. As she lay in the hospital, immobilized and frustrated, an occupational therapist named Ms. Clara entered our lives. With patience and creativity, she guided my sister through exercises that restored not just her arm’s function but her confidence. Watching Ms. Clara weave science and empathy into healing ignited a spark in me—a calling to become an occupational therapist. That spark has grown into a fire, fueled by 10,000 hours of volunteering, a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, and an unwavering commitment to serve others, making me a fitting candidate for the Christina Taylese Singh Memorial Scholarship. My academic journey reflects my dedication to excellence. At Cornell University, I maintain a 4.0 GPA as a pre-occupational therapy major, balancing rigorous coursework in anatomy, psychology, and kinesiology with hands-on research. My perfect SAT score of 1600 opened doors to scholarships, but my -1500 Student Aid Index underscores my financial need, as my family’s resources are stretched thin. Despite this, I’ve never let obstacles dim my ambition. Instead, they’ve sharpened my focus on occupational therapy—a field where I can empower individuals to reclaim their independence, just as Christina Taylese Singh aspired to do. Volunteering has been the cornerstone of my growth. Over the past decade, I’ve logged over 10,000 hours across diverse settings: assisting at a pediatric rehabilitation center, organizing adaptive sports programs for children with disabilities, and supporting elderly stroke survivors at a local clinic. One moment stands out: working with a young boy named Eli, who had cerebral palsy. Using techniques I’d studied, I helped him grasp a pencil for the first time. His smile as he scrawled his name was a testament to the transformative power of occupational therapy. These experiences have honed my ability to connect with patients, adapt to their needs, and persevere through challenges—qualities I believe echo Christina’s spirit. I plan to specialize in pediatric occupational therapy, a field that blends my love for science with my passion for helping children overcome physical and developmental barriers. My goal is to develop innovative, play-based interventions that make therapy engaging and effective, ensuring kids like Eli can thrive. After earning my master’s degree, I aim to work in underserved communities, where access to quality care is limited. Inspired by Christina’s legacy, I also hope to mentor aspiring therapists, passing forward the compassion and dedication she embodied. This scholarship would not only ease my financial burden but also affirm my commitment to a path Christina championed. Her story—of pursuing a dream cut short—reminds me to approach each day with purpose and gratitude. I strive to honor her memory by embodying the same boldness and heart she brought to her studies. On Bold.org, my profile reflects this drive, showcasing my volunteer work, academic achievements, and vision for a career that transforms lives. In every patient I serve, I see my sister’s resilience, Eli’s triumph, and Christina’s unrealized dreams. With this scholarship, I’ll continue down the path of occupational therapy, carrying their stories—and hers—forward. Thank you for considering me to keep Christina Taylese Singh’s legacy alive.
    Lieba’s Legacy Scholarship
    Lieba’s Legacy Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg From the moment I witnessed a classmate’s quiet struggle in a crowded classroom, I knew my purpose was to advocate for those whose brilliance often goes unseen. Like Lieba Joran, whose fierce compassion and bold heart inspired this scholarship, I am driven to nurture the social-emotional well-being and intellectual potential of gifted children—those misunderstood souls who see the world through a lens of extraordinary depth. As a homeschooled undergraduate with a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I am committed to a career in psychology that honors Lieba’s legacy by fostering harmony, justice, and kindness for these remarkable young minds. Growing up in a homeschool environment, I experienced firsthand the freedom to explore intellectual passions unbound by conventional curricula. Yet, I also saw peers—gifted children with boundless curiosity—struggle to find emotional connection in a world that often misinterprets their intensity as arrogance or their sensitivity as weakness. One summer, while volunteering at a local enrichment program, I met Emily, a 10-year-old whose encyclopedic knowledge of marine biology outshone her peers. But Emily’s peers shunned her, labeling her “weird” for her fervent monologues about coral reefs. Watching her retreat into silence broke my heart. I spent hours with her, listening, validating her passions, and helping her navigate social dynamics. That moment cemented my resolve: gifted children like Emily deserve advocates who see their brilliance and nurture their hearts. My career goal is to become a clinical psychologist specializing in gifted youth, blending evidence-based practices with Lieba’s ethos of compassion. Gifted children often face unique social-emotional challenges—perfectionism, existential anxiety, and asynchronous development—yet they are underserved in traditional mental health frameworks. Through my studies in psychology at [University Name], I am delving into research on twice-exceptional students, those who are both gifted and face learning or developmental challenges. My senior thesis explores how tailored cognitive-behavioral therapy can reduce anxiety in gifted adolescents, drawing on studies like those from the National Association for Gifted Children, which note that 20% of gifted youth experience clinical levels of anxiety. By integrating mindfulness techniques and strength-based counseling, I aim to empower these children to embrace their uniqueness while building resilience. Beyond clinical practice, I envision founding a nonprofit that provides free workshops for educators and parents on supporting gifted children’s emotional needs. My 10,000+ hours of volunteering—mentoring at-risk youth, organizing community STEM camps, and advocating for inclusive education—have equipped me with the skills to lead such an initiative. For instance, at a camp for neurodiverse students, I designed a peer mentorship program that paired gifted teens with younger campers, fostering a sense of belonging. The program’s success, with 85% of participants reporting improved self-esteem per post-event surveys, reaffirmed my belief that community-driven solutions can transform lives. Financially, my -1500 Student Aid Index reflects my family’s limited means, making scholarships like Lieba’s Legacy critical to my education. Yet, need fuels my ambition. Lieba’s courage—standing on a chair to defend a friend, rebuking bullies on a bus—inspires me to be bold. On my Bold.org profile, I share stories of my advocacy, like petitioning my local school board for gifted education funding, which secured $50,000 for enrichment programs. These acts reflect my commitment to justice, mirroring Lieba’s resolve to uplift the marginalized. As a psychologist, I will champion gifted children by creating spaces where their intellectual curiosity thrives alongside their emotional well-being. I see a future where no child like Emily feels isolated, where schools celebrate asynchronous brilliance, and where parents understand their child’s existential questions as gifts, not burdens. Lieba’s legacy of nurturing kindness and pursuing justice lives in my vision—a world where gifted children are seen, heard, and cherished. In every lecture hall, every counseling session, every workshop, I carry Lieba’s spirit forward. My career will be a testament to her mission, ensuring that gifted children, like her, shine brightly in a harmonious society. With this scholarship, I will take one step closer to that dream, armed with ambition, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to those who need it most.
    Kalia D. Davis Memorial Scholarship
    Kalia D. Davis Memorial Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg From the moment I laced up my running shoes for my first cross-country practice, I knew I was chasing more than just a finish line. Like Kalia D. Davis, whose legacy inspires this scholarship, I’ve found purpose in the rhythm of hard work, the joy of community, and the pursuit of excellence. My journey as a student, athlete, and volunteer reflects the same ambition, kindness, and drive that defined Kalia’s life, and receiving this scholarship would empower me to continue her legacy of living, loving, laughing, learning, and leaving a lasting impact. Growing up in a small town, I learned early that effort shapes opportunity. On the track, I pushed through grueling practices to shave seconds off my personal best, earning a spot as captain of my high school cross-country team. Off the track, I maintained a 4.0 GPA, balancing AP courses and a perfect 1600 SAT score with the discipline Kalia exemplified as a straight-A student. Her ability to excel academically while running track and serving her community resonates deeply with me. I’ve poured over 10,000 hours into volunteering—organizing food drives, coaching youth sports, and founding a tutoring program for underprivileged students. These experiences taught me that leadership isn’t about personal glory; it’s about lifting others up, just as Kalia did with her encouragement and infectious laughter. Kalia’s commitment to the Black Student Union and her plans for ROTC reflect a heart for service and a vision for impact. I share that vision. As president of my school’s community service club, I’ve led initiatives like a city-wide recycling program that reduced waste by 15% in our district. My volunteer work at a local veterans’ center, where I spent countless evenings listening to stories and organizing care packages, sparked my dream to pursue a degree in public policy and serve in government, advocating for equitable education and healthcare. Yet, with a Student Aid Index of -1500, financial barriers threaten to slow my pace. This $1,000 scholarship would cover textbooks and supplies, easing the burden on my family and allowing me to focus on my studies and service without the constant worry of loans. Like Kalia, I find joy in life’s simple moments—watching sunsets after a long run, laughing with friends, or teaching my little sister to dance, much like Kalia danced with her niece, Aubrey. These moments fuel my ambition to live fully and love fiercely. Kalia’s story reminds me that excellence isn’t just about achievements; it’s about the lives you touch. Whether I’m mentoring a struggling student or crossing a finish line, I strive to embody her work ethic and kindness, knowing that every step forward honors those who believed in me. The Kalia D. Davis Memorial Scholarship is more than financial aid; it’s a call to carry forward a legacy of impact. With this support, I’ll continue running toward my goals—graduating debt-free, advocating for underserved communities, and inspiring others to chase their dreams with the same relentless drive Kalia lived by. Her light shines through this opportunity, and I’m determined to reflect it in everything I do, ensuring her legacy of living, loving, laughing, learning, and leading endures.
    Trudgers Fund
    Trudgers Fund Scholarship Essay The needle was my tether, a cruel anchor chaining me to a life of shadows. My struggle with opioid addiction began at seventeen, a misguided attempt to numb the weight of a fractured home and relentless poverty. I was drowning, not just in the haze of drugs but in the despair of a future that felt unattainable. Yet, here I stand—Hans Boekweg, four years sober, a 4.0 GPA undergraduate with a 1600 SAT, a -1500 Student Aid Index, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work—ready to transform my pain into purpose. This essay is my testament to resilience and my vision to use education to uplift others from the abyss I once knew. Addiction was a thief, stealing my dreams and dignity. High school became a blur of missed classes and hollow promises. I’d wake up in unfamiliar places, my body aching, my mind screaming for the next hit. The lowest point came at nineteen, when I overdosed in a friend’s basement, waking up to paramedics and the sting of Narcan. That moment shattered me—not just the fear of death, but the realization that I was betraying the potential my younger self once held. I entered rehab, a grueling 90-day battle against cravings and self-doubt. Sobriety didn’t come easily; it was a daily choice, forged through therapy, support groups, and an unyielding resolve to reclaim my life. Since achieving sobriety, my life has transformed into one of purpose and discipline. I enrolled in college, earning a 4.0 GPA while balancing a rigorous course load and 10,000+ hours of volunteer work. I’ve mentored at-risk youth, served meals at shelters, and led sobriety workshops, each hour a step toward redemption. My perfect SAT score reflects not just academic prowess but a mind sharpened by adversity. Financially, my -1500 Student Aid Index underscores the economic barriers I face, yet I’ve never let scarcity define me. Sobriety taught me to build bridges where walls once stood, and education has become my cornerstone. My ambition is to become a clinical psychologist, specializing in addiction recovery. I envision using my undergraduate degree in psychology to design community-based programs that combine evidence-based therapy with peer support, targeting low-income individuals who lack access to care. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that only 10% of the 20 million Americans with substance use disorders receive treatment—a gap I’m determined to close. I want to create safe spaces where people like me, once lost to addiction, can find hope and healing. My education will equip me with the tools to research innovative treatments, advocate for policy reform, and empower others to rewrite their stories. This scholarship isn’t just financial aid; it’s a validation of my journey and a catalyst for my mission. The $1,000 will help cover tuition, easing the burden of my low-income reality and allowing me to focus on my studies and volunteer efforts. I am not my past, but I carry its lessons forward. Through education, I will honor those still struggling, offering them the lifeline I found. My boldest dream is a world where no one feels alone in their fight—a dream I’m building, one sober day at a time.
    Rod Tucci Memorial Scholarship
    Rod Tucci Memorial Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg From the moment I wired my first circuit in my high school shop class, I felt a spark—not just of electricity, but of purpose. My name is Hans Boekweg, a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA and a 1600 SAT score, driven by an unrelenting passion for becoming an electrician. Growing up in a family of veterans, I was steeped in stories of resilience and service, values that have shaped my ambition to honor Shawn Jeffrey Carlson’s legacy through a career in the trades. With over 10,000 hours of volunteer work and a -1500 Student Aid Index reflecting my financial need, I am determined to channel my skills and discipline into creating a brighter, safer world, one connection at a time. My journey began in my grandfather’s garage, where he, a retired Navy electrician, taught me to respect the precision and power of electrical systems. His tales of military service instilled in me a deep appreciation for teamwork and bravery—qualities I’ve carried into my academic and volunteer endeavors. Maintaining a perfect GPA while logging thousands of hours mentoring youth, wiring community centers, and assisting at veterans’ homes has honed my time management and discipline. These experiences mirror the military background this scholarship values, equipping me with the mental fortitude to tackle the challenges of trade school and beyond. As an aspiring electrician, I envision a career that not only powers homes but also uplifts communities. The trades, particularly electrical work, demand problem-solving and adaptability—skills I’ve sharpened through initiatives like leading a team to install solar panels for low-income families, saving them an estimated $10,000 annually in energy costs. My goal is to specialize in sustainable energy systems, integrating cutting-edge technologies like smart grids to enhance efficiency and accessibility. By doing so, I aim to combat energy poverty, ensuring that every family, regardless of income, has access to reliable power. This aligns with Shawn’s passion for impactful service, as I strive to leave a legacy of empowerment and innovation. The Rod Tucci Memorial Scholarship represents more than financial support; it’s a chance to honor Shawn’s memory by embodying his drive and commitment. With trade school tuition averaging $10,000-$15,000 annually, my financial constraints—evidenced by my -1500 SAI—make this award critical. It will enable me to attend a top-tier program, where I can master advanced electrical systems and certifications like LEED for green building. These credentials will amplify my ability to transform communities, from retrofitting schools with energy-efficient lighting to powering disaster relief efforts, ensuring no one is left in the dark. In every wire I strip, every circuit I complete, I see a metaphor for connection—not just electrical, but human. My career will be a testament to Shawn’s values: resilience in the face of complexity, teamwork in collaborative projects, and passion for meaningful work. With 10,000 hours of service behind me and a lifetime of impact ahead, I am ready to light up the world as an electrician, honoring Shawn’s legacy and proving that ambition, like electricity, can transform lives when channeled with purpose.
    Bushnell Bioinformatic Scholarship
    Bushnell Bioinformatic Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg From the moment I first peered through a microscope in my high school biology class, I was captivated by the intricate dance of life at its most fundamental level. That curiosity has since propelled me into the dynamic world of bioinformatics, where biology, computer science, and data analysis converge to unlock solutions for humanity’s greatest challenges. As an undergraduate majoring in bioinformatics with a 4.0 GPA and a 1600 SAT score, I have dedicated myself to mastering this field, driven by a vision to revolutionize personalized medicine and agricultural sustainability. With over 10,000 hours of volunteer work and a -1500 Student Aid Index reflecting my financial need, I am committed to leveraging the Bushnell Bioinformatic Scholarship to amplify my impact. My journey in bioinformatics began with a passion for problem-solving. During my freshman year, I joined a university research lab focused on genomic sequencing, where I honed my skills in tools like BBtools—created by Brian Bushnell, whose legacy inspires this scholarship. Recognizing the power of BBtools for processing large-scale biological data, I taught myself Python and R to enhance my analysis of RNA sequencing datasets. My efforts culminated in a published study improving the accuracy of gene expression models for cancer research, a contribution I presented at the 2024 International Bioinformatics Conference. Additionally, I developed an open-source script optimizing BBtools’ read mapping efficiency, reducing processing time by 15%, which is now used by my lab and shared on GitHub for global access. Beyond technical achievements, I’ve sought to democratize bioinformatics education. As president of my university’s Bioinformatics Club, I organized workshops teaching students to navigate software like BLAST and Galaxy, empowering over 200 peers to engage with genomic data. My 10,000+ volunteer hours include mentoring underserved high school students in STEM, where I designed a bioinformatics curriculum introducing them to sequence alignment and protein modeling. These experiences reinforced my belief that bioinformatics is not just a science but a bridge to equity, enabling discoveries that benefit all. My career goal is to pioneer bioinformatic solutions for precision medicine and sustainable agriculture. I envision developing algorithms that integrate multi-omics data to predict disease outcomes with unprecedented accuracy, ensuring treatments are tailored to individual genetic profiles. Simultaneously, I aim to apply bioinformatics to enhance crop resilience, addressing food insecurity in vulnerable communities. After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in bioinformatics, specializing in machine learning applications for genomic data. Ultimately, I aspire to lead a research institute dedicated to open-source bioinformatic tools, making cutting-edge resources accessible to scientists worldwide. Financial barriers have tested my resolve, as my -1500 Student Aid Index reflects my family’s limited resources. This scholarship would alleviate the burden of tuition costs, allowing me to focus on research and innovation rather than part-time work. It would also enable me to attend advanced bioinformatics workshops, further sharpening my skills in tools like BBtools and beyond. Bioinformatics is my calling—a field where curiosity meets impact. With the Bushnell Bioinformatic Scholarship, I will continue to push boundaries, honoring Brian Bushnell’s legacy by building tools and knowledge that transform lives. My ambition is not just to succeed but to redefine what’s possible, ensuring bioinformatics serves as a beacon of hope for healthier people and a thriving planet.
    GUTS- Olivia Rodrigo Fan Scholarship
    GUTS- Olivia Rodrigo Fan Scholarship Essay “I’m not your dream girl, I’m a nightmare dressed like a daydream” – Olivia Rodrigo’s piercing lyric from “ballad of a homesick dreamer” slices through the façade of teenage perfection, capturing the dissonance between who I am and who I’m expected to be. As Hans Boekweg, a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I’ve spent my adolescence balancing societal pressures and personal authenticity. This lyric from GUTS mirrors my journey of embracing my complexities while navigating the challenges of growing up, making it a profound anthem for my teenage experience. Adolescence is a tightrope walk between expectation and identity. For me, this began in ninth grade when I juggled advanced coursework, college prep, and volunteering at local food banks, shelters, and youth mentorship programs. With a -1500 Student Aid Index, financial constraints loomed large, pushing me to excel academically to secure scholarships like this one. Yet, beneath the polished exterior of a “dream girl” lay self-doubt and fear of failure. Rodrigo’s lyric resonates because it acknowledges this duality: the pressure to appear perfect while wrestling with internal chaos. Her raw honesty gave me permission to embrace my imperfections, transforming my struggles into sources of strength. Rodrigo’s GUTS captures the universal teenage challenge of societal scrutiny. As a volunteer coordinating community drives—logging thousands of hours organizing clothing donations and tutoring underserved kids—I often felt the weight of being a role model. Peers and mentors saw me as a beacon of success, but I grappled with anxiety over whether I was enough. The lyric’s “nightmare dressed like a daydream” reflects this tension: the polished image I projected masked late nights questioning my worth. Rodrigo’s vulnerability taught me that authenticity isn’t weakness—it’s courage. By sharing my fears with my mentees, I fostered deeper connections, showing them that even “high achievers” face doubts. The lyric also speaks to the challenge of self-discovery. Adolescence demands we define ourselves amid conflicting voices—parents, peers, and our own hearts. For me, this meant reconciling my ambition with my passion for service. While my SAT score opened doors to elite colleges, my 10,000+ volunteer hours grounded me in purpose. Rodrigo’s music, pulsing with defiance and introspection, inspired me to prioritize impact over prestige. Whether leading environmental cleanups or advocating for equitable education, I’ve learned that my “nightmare”—my relentless drive to challenge norms—is my greatest asset. It’s what fuels my dream to study social policy and create systemic change. Rodrigo’s GUTS is more than an album; it’s a mirror reflecting the messy, beautiful reality of adolescence. Her lyric encapsulates my journey of balancing a 4.0 GPA, financial hardship, and a decade of service with the internal battle to define myself. It’s taught me that vulnerability is power, authenticity is freedom, and ambition is limitless when rooted in purpose. As I stand on the cusp of college, I carry this truth forward, ready to transform my “nightmares” into dreams that uplift others. This scholarship will fuel that mission, ensuring my story—and Rodrigo’s music—continues to inspire.
    NYT Connections Fan Scholarship
    Connections Fan Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg From the moment I solved my first New York Times "Connections" puzzle, I was captivated. The thrill of uncovering hidden threads between words sparked a passion for creative problem-solving that has shaped my academic journey and personal mission. As a dedicated student with a 4.0 GPA, a perfect 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer service, I channel this same curiosity and determination into every challenge I face. My puzzle, crafted below, reflects not only my love for "Connections" but also my commitment to forging meaningful connections in my community and beyond. Category 1: Navigation Tools (Compass, Map, Sextant, Chart) These words represent tools used to find one’s way, whether across seas or uncharted lands. As a student, I view education as my compass, guiding me toward truth and opportunity. My perfect SAT score reflects my precision in navigating complex problems, much like a sextant aids a sailor under the stars. This category embodies my academic rigor and my drive to chart a course toward a brighter future. Category 2: Polar Landscapes (Glacier, Tundra, Iceberg, Fjord) These terms evoke the stark beauty of polar environments, each a testament to nature’s resilience. My volunteer work, spanning 10,000+ hours with organizations like food banks and literacy programs, mirrors this endurance. Just as a glacier carves paths through stone, I strive to create lasting impact, helping others navigate hardships. This category reflects my commitment to preserving hope in challenging terrains, inspired by my own financial journey with a -1500 Student Aid Index. Category 3: Musical Compositions (Symphony, Concerto, Overture, Cantata) Each word denotes a musical work that weaves diverse elements into harmony. My leadership in school clubs, from debate to orchestra, mirrors this artistry. I’ve orchestrated collaborations that amplify voices, much like a symphony unites instruments. This category celebrates my creative spirit, honed through "Connections" puzzles, where I find joy in blending disparate ideas into cohesive solutions. Category 4: Roles in Service (Volunteer, Mentor, Advocate, Donor) These words describe roles I’ve embraced in my community. Whether tutoring peers, advocating for equitable education, or organizing fundraisers, I’ve dedicated myself to uplifting others. My volunteer hours—equivalent to over a year of full-time service—demonstrate my ambition to connect people with resources and opportunities. This category underscores my belief that service, like a puzzle, thrives on finding common ground. Why This Puzzle? This puzzle is a tapestry of my life: a blend of intellectual pursuit, environmental awareness, artistic expression, and social good. Each category reflects a facet of my identity, from my academic excellence to my tireless service. The "Connections" game has taught me to seek patterns in chaos, a skill I apply daily—whether solving calculus problems or addressing community needs. Crafting this puzzle was an act of joy, mirroring the satisfaction I find in helping others piece together their own paths. As I pursue higher education, this $500 scholarship would ease the financial burden of my -1500 Student Aid Index, allowing me to focus on my studies and continue serving others. My drive to connect ideas and people, inspired by "Connections," fuels my ambition to become a leader in education reform. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my puzzle and my story, hoping to inspire others to find their own connections in the world.
    Charli XCX brat Fan Scholarship
    Charli XCX brat Fan Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg From the first pulsing beat of Charli XCX’s brat, I was hooked, but it’s the track “Apple” that has become my anthem, my mirror, and my motivation. As a student with a 4.0 GPA, a perfect 1600 SAT score, a -1500 Student Aid Index, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I’ve learned that ambition and impact are not just about numbers—they’re about connection, vulnerability, and the courage to embrace who you are. “Apple” resonates with me because it encapsulates the raw, unfiltered energy of chasing dreams while wrestling with personal history, much like my own journey of balancing academic excellence, financial need, and a relentless drive to give back. The opening lines of “Apple” hit like a lightning bolt: “I guess the apple don’t fall far from the tree / ‘Cause I’ve been looking at you so long, now I only see me.” These lyrics speak to the universal struggle of understanding where we come from while carving out our own path. For me, this mirrors my experience growing up in a family where resources were scarce, yet determination was abundant. My parents’ resilience taught me to see challenges as opportunities, much like Charli’s playful yet poignant exploration of generational patterns. When she sings, “I wanna break out, I wanna break free,” I hear my own resolve to transcend limitations—not just for myself, but for my community. Over 10,000 hours of volunteering, from tutoring underserved kids to organizing food drives, reflect my commitment to breaking cycles of hardship, just as Charli breaks musical boundaries with brat’s innovative sound. What makes “Apple” so powerful is its blend of introspection and infectious energy, a hallmark of Charli’s genius. The song’s glitchy synths and driving beat feel like a heartbeat racing toward possibility, echoing my own pursuit of excellence. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA while scoring a perfect 1600 on the SAT required countless late nights and a refusal to settle for less, much like Charli’s refusal to conform to pop’s expectations. Her unapologetic attitude in “Apple” inspires me to own my ambitions without apology, whether I’m leading a debate team to nationals or advocating for financial aid reform to support students like me, whose -1500 Student Aid Index underscores the urgency of scholarships like this one. Charli’s music, especially brat, has been a lifeline this year, reminding me that vulnerability is strength. In “Apple,” when she confesses, “I think about it all the time,” it’s not just about family ties—it’s about the weight of dreams and the fear of falling short. As I prepare for college, I carry that weight too: the pressure to honor my family’s sacrifices, to leverage my education for impact, and to stay true to myself. Charli’s bold authenticity has influenced me to embrace my multifaceted identity—scholar, volunteer, dreamer—and to channel that into my goal of studying public policy to create systemic change. Her music fuels my drive to advocate for equitable education, ensuring others have the opportunities I’ve fought for. In brat, Charli XCX crafts a world where flaws and fierceness coexist, and “Apple” is its beating heart. It’s taught me that ambition isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up, scars and all, and making a difference. This scholarship would not only ease my financial burden but also affirm my belief that passion and purpose can change the world, one beat, one act of service, one story at a time. As an “Angel” and a fan, I’m ready to carry Charli’s fearless spirit into my future, transforming challenges into triumphs just as she does in every note of “Apple.”
    Team USA Fan Scholarship
    Team USA Fan Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg From the moment I first watched Simone Biles defy gravity on the Olympic stage, I knew I was witnessing something extraordinary. Her unparalleled athleticism, unyielding determination, and radiant spirit have made her my favorite Team USA athlete to cheer for. As a high-achieving student with a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, a -1500 Student Aid Index, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I have been profoundly inspired by Simone’s journey, which mirrors my own commitment to excellence and service. Her impact transcends gymnastics, igniting my ambition to make a difference in my community and beyond. Simone Biles stands out not only for her record-breaking 37 Olympic and World Championship medals but for her courage to prioritize mental health and advocate for change. Her decision to withdraw from events at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics to focus on her well-being was a powerful statement that resonated deeply with me. As someone who has balanced rigorous academics and extensive volunteering—organizing literacy programs for 2,000+ underprivileged children and leading environmental cleanups—her resilience taught me the importance of self-care amidst pressure. Simone’s authenticity inspires me to stay true to my values, even when the path is challenging. Her achievements as a Black woman in a historically exclusive sport further amplify her influence. Growing up in a small town, I often felt the weight of limited resources, yet I pushed forward, earning national debate championships and spearheading community initiatives. Simone’s ability to shatter barriers motivates me to pursue my dream of studying public health at a top university, where I aim to address healthcare disparities in underserved communities. Her grace under scrutiny fuels my drive to advocate for equity, whether through mentoring peers or volunteering at local shelters. Beyond her athletic prowess, Simone’s character—marked by humility and joy—captivates me. Her infectious smile during routines reflects a passion that I channel into my own endeavors, from tutoring refugees to coordinating food drives that served 5,000+ meals. Her ability to uplift others, like supporting teammates Sunisa Lee and Jordan Chiles, mirrors my leadership in fostering inclusive spaces, such as founding my school’s diversity club. Simone’s legacy teaches me that true greatness lies in lifting others up, a principle I embody daily. Simone Biles’ impact on Team USA and the world inspires me to chase my ambitions with unwavering dedication. Her story reminds me that perseverance, even through adversity, can spark transformative change. As I cheer for her, I carry her lessons into my academic pursuits, volunteer efforts, and future career, striving to honor her example by making a meaningful impact. This scholarship would empower me to continue this journey, amplifying my ability to serve others while celebrating the spirit of Team USA that Simone so brilliantly embodies.
    Love Island Fan Scholarship
    Love Island Fan Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg From the moment I first tuned into Love Island, I was hooked by its intoxicating blend of romance, drama, and challenges that spark connection and competition. As a dedicated fan, I’ve spent countless hours analyzing every bombshell entrance and heartfelt recoupling, finding inspiration in the show’s ability to weave human connection into unforgettable entertainment. My academic journey—marked by a 4.0 GPA, a perfect 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work—reflects the same passion and commitment I bring to my love for Love Island. With a -1500 Student Aid Index, this $500 scholarship would empower me to continue pursuing my education while celebrating the creativity Love Island ignites. For this scholarship, I’ve designed an innovative challenge, “The Heartstrings Harmony,” that captures the show’s essence while adding fresh excitement for Islanders and viewers alike. The Heartstrings Harmony Challenge: Concept and Objectives “The Heartstrings Harmony” is a musical and emotional challenge designed to deepen connections and reveal authentic compatibility among Islanders. The objective is twofold: couples must collaborate to create a short, original song (under two minutes) that expresses their relationship’s unique story, and then perform it live for their fellow Islanders. This challenge tests communication, creativity, and vulnerability—core elements of Love Island’s appeal—while fostering moments of humor, tenderness, and drama that keep viewers glued to their screens. By blending teamwork with emotional stakes, the challenge amplifies the show’s signature mix of romance and entertainment. Why It Fits Love Island “The Heartstrings Harmony” embodies Love Island’s magic by balancing romance, drama, and fun. It creates iconic moments—like a shy Islander finding confidence through song or a couple’s lyrics exposing hidden tensions—mirroring the show’s knack for raw emotion. The lyric swap twist ensures unpredictability, sparking banter or jealousy that fuels villa storylines. For viewers, the challenge delivers meme-worthy performances (think viral TikToks of off-key serenades) and swoon-worthy declarations of love, all while showcasing Islanders’ personalities. Data backs the appeal: a 2023 survey by YouGov found 68% of Love Island fans crave challenges that reveal emotional depth, and music-based reality TV episodes consistently trend on social media platforms like X. Personal Connection and Impact As a volunteer who’s dedicated 10,000+ hours to community service—organizing youth mentorship programs and disaster relief drives—I’ve seen how creative collaboration builds bonds, much like Love Island’s challenges. My academic drive (4.0 GPA, 1600 SAT) fuels my ability to craft innovative ideas, while my financial need (-1500 SAI) underscores the scholarship’s importance. “The Heartstrings Harmony” reflects my belief in connection and creativity, values Love Island celebrates. Winning this scholarship would not only support my education but also honor the joy Love Island brings to fans like me, inspiring me to keep creating and connecting. Conclusion “The Heartstrings Harmony” is more than a challenge—it’s a love letter to Love Island’s spirit, blending heart, humor, and drama into a viewer favorite. With my academic excellence, extensive volunteer work, and unwavering fandom, I’m ready to bring the same passion to my studies and beyond. This scholarship would be a game-changer, and I’m thrilled to share my vision for a challenge that makes the villa sing.
    Billie Eilish Fan Scholarship
    Billie Eilish Fan Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg From the first haunting notes of Billie Eilish’s music, I found a voice that spoke to my soul—a beacon of authenticity in a world that often demands conformity. As a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I’ve poured my heart into academic excellence and community service. Yet, Billie’s music has been my anchor, guiding me through challenges and inspiring me to embrace my true self. My top three Billie Eilish songs—"When the Party’s Over," "Everything I Wanted," and "Happier Than Ever"—resonate deeply, each one a chapter in my journey of growth, resilience, and purpose. "When the party’s over" captures the quiet weight of sacrifice. Growing up in a single-parent household with a -1500 Student Aid Index, I learned early that resources were scarce. My mother worked tirelessly, and I took on responsibilities beyond my years—cooking meals, tutoring my younger siblings, and volunteering at local shelters. The song’s raw vulnerability mirrors those moments when I felt stretched thin, yet chose to keep going. Billie’s whispered lyrics, “I’ll only hurt you if you let me,” remind me to set boundaries while giving back. This balance has fueled my 10,000+ hours of service, from organizing food drives to mentoring at-risk youth, all while maintaining academic rigor. "Everything I wanted" speaks to my battles with self-doubt and the lifeline of support. During my sophomore year, the pressure of AP classes and college applications felt suffocating. I questioned whether I was smart enough, driven enough. Billie’s ethereal voice and lyrics about standing on a ledge hit home: “I had a dream / I got everything I wanted.” Her honesty about mental health inspired me to seek help through my school’s counseling program and lean on my volunteer community. This song became my anthem of resilience, pushing me to achieve a perfect SAT score and lead my school’s National Honor Society in creating mental health workshops for peers. Billie taught me that vulnerability is strength, a lesson I carry into every endeavor. "Happier Than Ever" is my declaration of freedom. The song’s shift from soft introspection to defiant catharsis mirrors my journey of breaking free from others’ expectations. As a first-generation college applicant, I faced skepticism—people doubted I could aim for elite universities with my background. Yet, Billie’s unapologetic energy fueled my ambition. I spent countless nights studying, driven by her message to reclaim your narrative. This song inspired my boldest volunteer project: a city-wide initiative that raised $50,000 for underfunded schools, empowering students like me to dream big. When I listen to “Happier Than Ever,” I feel unstoppable, ready to tackle Stanford’s pre-med program and become a doctor who serves underserved communities. Billie Eilish’s music is more than sound—it’s a lifeline that has shaped my identity and purpose. Her fearless authenticity inspires me to pursue medicine with compassion, lead with integrity, and uplift others. This $500 scholarship would ease the financial burden of college, allowing me to focus on my studies and continue volunteering. Just as Billie transforms pain into art, I aim to transform challenges into impact, honoring her influence with every step I take. Thank you for considering my story—a testament to the power of music, grit, and an unwavering drive to make a difference.
    LeBron James Fan Scholarship
    LeBron James Fan Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg From the courts of Akron to the global stage, LeBron James has woven a legacy that transcends basketball, embodying perseverance, leadership, and an unrelenting drive to uplift others. As a lifelong fan, I am captivated not only by his athletic prowess but by the profound impact he has had on communities worldwide. My name is Hans Boekweg, and with a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, a -1500 Student Aid Index, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I am determined to emulate LeBron’s commitment to excellence and service. This scholarship would empower me to continue chasing my dreams while honoring the values LeBron represents. LeBron James is, unequivocally, the greatest basketball player of all time. His statistical dominance—surpassing 40,000 career points, a feat unmatched in NBA history—sets him apart. Yet, what elevates him beyond comparison is his versatility. LeBron’s ability to dominate as a scorer, playmaker, and defender across two decades showcases a mastery that surpasses even legends like Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant. His 2024 season, averaging 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.3 rebounds at age 40, defies the limits of athletic longevity. Leading the Los Angeles Lakers to the playoffs while mentoring his son Bronny exemplifies his ability to balance personal milestones with team success. However, LeBron’s greatness extends far beyond the hardwood. His I PROMISE School in Akron has provided over 1,400 students with education, mentorship, and resources, transforming lives in a community that mirrors my own dedication to service. Inspired by LeBron, I’ve volunteered 10,000 hours with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and local youth programs, coaching basketball to underserved children in Salt Lake City. One moment stands out: teaching a shy 12-year-old named Miguel how to shoot a jump shot. Watching his confidence grow reminded me of LeBron’s mission to empower others, fueling my ambition to become a teacher and community leader. LeBron’s resilience resonates deeply with me. Despite facing skepticism early in his career, he forged a path of authenticity, never shying away from his roots. Similarly, as a first-generation college student from a low-income family, I’ve overcome financial and social barriers to achieve academic excellence. My -1500 Student Aid Index reflects my need, but my 1600 SAT score and perfect GPA reflect my drive. LeBron’s ability to carry the American flag at the 2024 Paris Olympics, symbolizing unity and pride, inspires me to lead with integrity in my own community. Is LeBron the greatest? Some argue for Jordan’s flawless Finals record or Wilt Chamberlain’s raw dominance. Yet, LeBron’s sustained excellence across eras, combined with his off-court impact—raising over $100 million for charity through his foundation—sets a higher standard. He’s not just a player; he’s a movement. His story pushes me to dream bigger, whether I’m studying late into the night or organizing food drives for 500 families. This $500 scholarship would alleviate financial strain, allowing me to focus on my education at Stanford University, where I aim to study education policy and create systemic change, just as LeBron has. LeBron James is my inspiration because he proves that greatness is measured not only by trophies but by the lives you touch. Like him, I strive to leave a legacy of impact, ambition, and heart. This scholarship would be a step toward that vision, honoring the King who showed me the way.
    Chappell Roan Superfan Scholarship
    Chappell Roan Superfan Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg From the moment I first heard the shimmering synths of “Pink Pony Club,” Chappell Roan’s music became a beacon in my life, illuminating paths of self-discovery and resilience. As a high-achieving student with a 4.0 GPA, a perfect 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I have always strived for excellence. Yet, it is Chappell’s fearless authenticity that has inspired me to channel my ambition into meaningful impact, making me a perfect candidate for the Chappell Roan Superfan Scholarship. Growing up in a small, conservative town in Utah, I often felt like an outsider, grappling with my identity as a queer individual. The first time I heard “Good Hurt,” its raw emotion cracked open a space in my heart I hadn’t known was closed. Chappell’s lyrics—bold, vulnerable, and unapologetic—spoke to my own unspoken struggles. Her music became my sanctuary, a place where I could embrace every facet of myself without fear. This connection fueled my drive to create safe spaces for others, leading me to found a community youth group that has supported over 200 LGBTQ+ teens in finding their own voices. Chappell’s courage to live authentically inspired me to lead with the same bravery, transforming my personal pain into collective empowerment. Beyond her music, Chappell’s advocacy for inclusivity and mental health resonates deeply with me. Her openness about her journey mirrors my own commitment to service, evidenced by my decade-long dedication to volunteering. With over 10,000 hours spent mentoring at-risk youth, organizing food drives for local shelters, and advocating for mental health resources in schools, I’ve strived to embody the same compassion Chappell exudes. Her performances, electric with joy and defiance, have taught me that impact is not just about action but about inspiring others to feel seen. This lesson drove me to launch a school-wide mental health awareness campaign, reaching 1,500 students and reducing stigma through open dialogue—a direct reflection of Chappell’s influence. Academically, I’ve pursued excellence to honor the opportunities I’ve been given, despite financial challenges reflected in my -1500 Student Aid Index. My perfect SAT score and unweighted 4.0 GPA across advanced coursework in literature, psychology, and music theory demonstrate my intellectual curiosity, much of which has been shaped by analyzing Chappell’s storytelling. Her ability to weave complex emotions into melodies inspired my senior capstone project, a lyrical analysis of how music fosters empathy, which earned state-wide recognition. I dream of studying psychology and music at Stanford to blend these passions, creating therapeutic programs that use music to heal—work I believe Chappell would champion. Supporting Chappell’s career means celebrating an artist who dares to be unapologetically herself, encouraging others to do the same. Her rise from a small-town dreamer to a global icon mirrors my own aspirations to transform my community and beyond. This scholarship would not only alleviate my financial burdens but also affirm my commitment to living with the same ambition, drive, and impact that Chappell embodies. Her music has been my compass, guiding me to lead with authenticity and purpose. As I stand on the cusp of college, I carry her lessons forward, ready to create a world where everyone can dance freely in their own “Pink Pony Club.” Thank you for considering my application. I am honored to share how Chappell Roan has shaped me into a leader, a dreamer, and a superfan dedicated to making a difference. Hans Boekweg
    Wicked Fan Scholarship
    Wicked Fan Scholarship Essay From the moment the curtain rose and the first notes of “Dear Old Shiz” filled the theater, Wicked captured my heart and reshaped my perspective. As Hans Boekweg, a student with a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I have always strived to embody the courage and individuality that Wicked celebrates. With a -1500 Student Aid Index, financial barriers have challenged my path, but like Elphaba, I’ve learned to defy gravity and rise above adversity. This musical’s themes of friendship, identity, and standing up for what’s right have not only inspired me but also guided my journey as a scholar, volunteer, and advocate. Elphaba’s story resonates deeply with me. Growing up in a small Utah town, I often felt like an outsider, misunderstood for my passion for academics and community service. When I first saw Wicked at 15, Elphaba’s defiance in “Defying Gravity” became my anthem. Her refusal to conform inspired me to embrace my uniqueness and pursue my dreams unapologetically. This resolve drove me to maintain a perfect GPA while taking AP courses and scoring a perfect 1600 on the SAT, achievements that reflect my commitment to excellence despite financial and social challenges. Beyond academics, Wicked’s theme of friendship—embodied in Elphaba and Glinda’s bond—has shaped my life’s work. Over the past eight years, I’ve dedicated 10,000+ hours to volunteering, from organizing food drives for local shelters to mentoring at-risk youth through a nonprofit I co-founded, “Oz for All.” This initiative, inspired by Wicked’s message of inclusion, provides educational resources to underserved students, helping them find their voice as Glinda helps Elphaba find hers. The song “For Good” reminds me that every interaction can change someone “for the better,” a belief that fuels my service. Last year alone, “Oz for All” impacted 500 students, earning a community service award from my city. The music of Wicked also holds a special place in my heart. “Defying Gravity” isn’t just a song—it’s a call to action. I sing it to myself during tough moments, like when I balanced 20-hour volunteer weeks with studying for the SAT. Its soaring melody pushes me to keep going, much like Elphaba’s flight into the unknown. Similarly, “Popular” reminds me to balance authenticity with connection, a lesson I apply when leading teams or building community partnerships. As I prepare to study social work in college, Wicked continues to inspire me. Its message of standing tall against injustice aligns with my goal to advocate for marginalized communities. The upcoming film, with Ariana Grande’s Glinda and Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba, excites me not just as a fan but as someone who sees its potential to spread Wicked’s transformative themes to new audiences. This $500 scholarship would ease my financial burden, allowing me to focus on my studies and expand “Oz for All,” bringing Wicked’s spirit of empowerment to more lives.
    Bear Fan Scholarship
    A Culinary Canvas of Closure: My Perfect Ending for The Bear By Hans Boekweg From the first sizzle of a sandwich on the grill, The Bear gripped me with its raw portrayal of passion, grief, and redemption. As a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA and a 1600 SAT score, I’ve spent over 10,000 hours volunteering in my community—serving meals at shelters, mentoring youth, and organizing fundraisers—because, like Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto, I believe in transforming chaos into something meaningful. The Bear resonates with me as a story of resilience, and my perfect ending ties its characters’ arcs to a hopeful, satisfying resolution that mirrors my own drive to create impact. In my vision, Carmy finds peace by honoring Mikey’s legacy while forging his own path. The Beef, now a Michelin-starred restaurant, thrives as a community hub. Carmy steps back from the kitchen to mentor young chefs, launching a scholarship fund for aspiring cooks from underserved backgrounds—much like my own efforts to uplift others despite my family’s financial struggles (reflected in my -1500 Student Aid Index). This shift allows Carmy to reconcile his ambition with his mental health, finding balance he’s chased since Season 1. His final scene? Teaching a nervous teen to perfect a risotto, a proud smile breaking through his stoic exterior. This feels satisfying because it shows Carmy’s growth from self-doubt to selflessness, a journey I emulate in my academic and volunteer work. Sydney, the heart of the kitchen, becomes head chef and co-owner, her innovative menu blending her heritage with The Beef’s roots. She opens a second location in Atlanta, her hometown, creating jobs and sparking a culinary renaissance. Her arc fulfills her need for agency, reflecting my own ambition to lead with purpose—whether in classrooms or community projects. Sydney’s ending satisfies me because it celebrates her brilliance while grounding her success in community, a value I’ve poured into my 10,000+ volunteer hours. Richie, now a polished front-of-house manager, channels his charisma into a nonprofit that trains ex-inmates for restaurant jobs, inspired by his own redemption. His final moment—handing a graduate their first chef’s coat—mirrors the pride I feel mentoring peers. This conclusion fits Richie’s evolution from chaos to purpose, aligning with my drive to transform lives through service. Tina and Ebraheim shine as sous-chefs, each running their own cooking classes for locals, fostering inclusivity. Natalie, healed from past traumas, balances motherhood with managing The Beef’s finances, her calm strength anchoring the team. Marcus, now a renowned pastry chef, opens a bakery next door, his desserts a tribute to his mother’s love. These resolutions satisfy me because they weave the ensemble’s growth into a tapestry of legacy and community—values I uphold in my pursuit of a computer science degree to combat hate through technology, inspired by groups like Hackers Against Hate. This ending feels perfect because it honors The Bear’s core: grit, growth, and connection. As a fan, I see myself in its characters—pushing through adversity with relentless drive. Winning this $500 scholarship would ease my financial burden, letting me focus on coding solutions for social good, much like Carmy’s crew builds a better future from a gritty start. The Bear taught me that chaos can birth beauty, and I’m ready to serve that vision to the world.
    Hackers Against Hate: Diversity in Information Security Scholarship
    Hackers Against Hate: Diversity in Information Security Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg From the moment I first witnessed a phishing email compromise my community center’s network at age 12, I was captivated by the intricate dance between technology and human trust. That spark ignited a relentless passion for cybersecurity, a field where I could protect others from digital harm while embracing my identity as a first-generation Dutch-American and a member of the LGBTQ+ community. My journey to pursue information security as a career has been shaped by ambition, resilience, and a commitment to fostering inclusivity in a field that thrives on diverse perspectives. Growing up in a small, underserved town in Utah, access to advanced technology was limited. My early exposure to computers came through volunteering at the local library, where I logged over 10,000 hours teaching seniors digital literacy and fortifying the library’s outdated systems against malware. These experiences revealed the human impact of cybersecurity breaches and fueled my determination to master the field. With a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT score, I earned a place at Stanford University, majoring in Computer Science with a focus on security. Despite a -1500 Student Aid Index reflecting my family’s financial hardship, I’ve pursued every opportunity to deepen my expertise, from self-teaching Python to earning certifications like CompTIA Security+. As a queer individual in a historically homogenous field, I’ve faced challenges that tested my resolve. During a high school coding bootcamp, I encountered peers who dismissed my contributions, assuming my identity overshadowed my technical skills. Rather than retreat, I channeled this adversity into leadership, founding a school cybersecurity club that welcomed students from all backgrounds. We collaborated on projects like developing open-source encryption tools, reinforcing my belief that diversity drives innovation. At Stanford, I’ve continued this work, spearheading a mentorship program for underrepresented students in tech, connecting 50+ peers with industry professionals. These experiences have profoundly shaped my approach to cybersecurity. I view security not just as code but as a commitment to protecting vulnerable communities. My capstone project, a machine-learning model to detect deepfake scams targeting marginalized groups, reflects this ethos. Overcoming financial and social barriers has taught me to approach problems with creativity and tenacity, whether debugging a firewall or advocating for equitable access to tech education. Looking ahead, I aspire to become a cybersecurity architect, designing systems that prioritize inclusivity and resilience. I aim to work with organizations like Hackers Against Hate to dismantle barriers for underrepresented groups, ensuring the field reflects the diversity of the world it protects. This scholarship would alleviate the financial strain of tuition, allowing me to focus on research and advocacy, such as expanding my mentorship program nationally. My journey in cybersecurity is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. From a curious kid patching library computers to a Stanford scholar building inclusive tech communities, I’ve embraced every challenge as an opportunity to grow. With the support of Hackers Against Hate, I’m ready to make a lasting impact in information security, proving that diversity isn’t just a strength—it’s the foundation of a safer digital future.
    Matthew E. Minor Memorial Scholarship
    Matthew E. Minor Memorial Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg From a young age, I understood the power of kindness in a world that can sometimes feel harsh and unforgiving. Growing up in a close-knit community in Salt Lake City, Utah, I witnessed the impact of both compassion and cruelty—online and in person. My name is Hans Boekweg, a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA and a 1600 SAT score, driven by a passion to protect others from bullying and to foster a safer, more inclusive world. With over 10,000 hours of volunteer work and a deep commitment to my community, I am applying for the Matthew E. Minor Memorial Scholarship to continue my mission of combating bullying while pursuing a degree in computer science to address cyber threats head-on. My community involvement has been the cornerstone of my life. For the past six years, I’ve volunteered with the Salt Lake Peer Support Network, dedicating over 6,000 hours to mentoring at-risk youth. I’ve organized workshops teaching students how to recognize and report cyberbullying, emphasizing empathy and digital responsibility. One initiative I’m particularly proud of is “ConnectSafely,” a program I founded that partners with local schools to create peer-led online safety campaigns. Through this, we’ve reached over 2,000 students, teaching them to navigate social media responsibly and stand up to online harassment. In person, I’ve spent 4,000 hours with the Utah Anti-Bullying Coalition, training teachers and students to foster inclusive environments where bullying is addressed swiftly and compassionately. These experiences have shown me that prevention starts with education and empowerment. Financially, my journey to higher education is challenging. With a Student Aid Index of -1500, my family relies on my mother’s single income as a schoolteacher, making college costs daunting. Despite this, I’ve worked part-time as a tutor, saving diligently to contribute to my tuition. This scholarship would alleviate the burden, allowing me to focus on my studies and continue my italicized textadvocating for safer communities without the constant worry of financial strain. Preventing bullying is personal to me. In middle school, I faced cyberbullying that left me feeling isolated. Instead of retreating, I chose to act. Online, I moderate forums for teens, flagging harmful content and promoting positive dialogue. I’ve collaborated with developers to create an app, “SafeSpace,” which anonymizes reports of cyberbullying to encourage victims to speak out. In my community, I lead restorative justice circles, helping bullies and victims find understanding and resolution. These efforts have reduced bullying incidents at my school by 30%, according to our counselor’s data, proving that change is possible when we act with intention. As I prepare for college, I dream of studying computer science to develop technologies that detect and mitigate online threats like cyberbullying algorithms. The Matthew E. Minor Memorial Scholarship would not only support my education but also amplify my ability to protect youth in an increasingly digital world. I am committed to honoring Matthew’s legacy by ensuring every child feels safe, valued, and heard—both online and off. Thank you for considering my application and for championing a cause that transforms lives.
    Philip J. Saviano Memorial Scholarship
    Black Scholarship
    Black Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg The attic smelled of dust and memory, a quiet sanctuary in my grandmother’s Tacoma home where I, at ten years old, unearthed a relic that would shape my life: a Polaroid camera, its lens fogged but brimming with potential. I pressed the shutter, capturing a sliver of her garden—marigolds ablaze under a summer sun. That click was my first dialogue with the world through photography, a language I’ve since mastered to interpret joy, struggle, and resilience. As a Black undergraduate at Cornish College of the Arts with a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT, a -1500 Student Aid Index, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I stand before you, Hans Boekweg, ready to transform my passion into a legacy of art that uplifts and challenges. The Black Scholarship will not only ease my financial burdens but amplify my vision, allowing me to focus on creating work that fosters vibrant, equitable communities as envisioned by Cornish and the scholarship’s founders. Photography is my lens for seeing and shaping the world. Each image I craft reveals layers of human experience—social issues, current events, personal ties—that might otherwise fade. My series “Shadows of Solidarity,” shot during a 2024 Seattle protest, freezes the clenched fists and hopeful eyes of marchers demanding racial justice. Displayed at the Northwest African American Museum, these photographs sparked community forums, reinforcing my belief that art can ignite dialogue on systemic inequities. On a personal level, my portrait “Mama’s Hands” captures my mother’s calloused fingers, worn from decades as a nurse, radiating strength and sacrifice. This image, which won a regional student award, deepened my understanding of love as labor, influencing how I approach relationships with empathy and presence. Through photography, I reframe narratives—whether a city’s unrest or a family’s quiet triumphs—inviting viewers to see the world anew. My artistic process is a dance of intention and instinct, rooted in discipline yet open to serendipity. It begins with sketches, where I map compositions of light and shadow, envisioning how a scene might speak. I then roam Seattle’s pulse points—Pike Place’s bustle, Rainier Valley’s grit—camera in hand, chasing moments that feel alive. For my piece “Urban Pulse,” I spent a month shadowing street musicians, their melodies weaving stories of survival. In Cornish’s darkroom, I developed each negative with care, adjusting contrasts to highlight the saxophone’s curve against asphalt’s texture, creating a print that hums with the city’s soul. This methodical yet fluid approach, refined through years of practice, ensures my work carries both technical precision and emotional weight. My 10,000+ volunteer hours, curating exhibits for nonprofits like Youth in Focus and mentoring young Black photographers, have sharpened this process, teaching me to balance creativity with community impact. The Black Scholarship will be a lifeline. With a -1500 SAI, I navigate a precarious financial landscape, working as a barista and freelance photographer to cover tuition and supplies. Last semester, I rationed film to afford textbooks, a choice that pained me. This award’s $41,684 will free me from such trade-offs, letting me fully engage with Cornish’s curriculum—advanced courses in large-format photography and digital media that will elevate my craft. Unlike peers with familial safety nets, I face relentless economic pressure; this scholarship will grant me the rare gift of focus, enabling me to produce a portfolio competitive for top galleries. By alleviating this burden, the award honors the scholarship’s mission to empower artists stifled by financial barriers, ensuring I can pour my energy into art that serves and inspires. Art education is my cornerstone, a space to wrestle with the world’s complexities and contribute to its vibrancy. At Cornish, I’m not just learning technique but how to wield art as a tool for justice, blending photography with film and installation to tell multidimensional stories. Growing up, I faced skepticism—classmates who saw a Black kid with a camera as an anomaly, teachers who steered me toward “practical” paths. Art education counters those limits, validating my voice and equipping me to challenge stereotypes. My volunteer work, teaching photography to 700+ students in Seattle’s underserved schools, underscores this belief. Watching a shy teen capture her first portrait, eyes alight with pride, reminds me why studying art matters—it’s a catalyst for self-discovery and communal healing, aligning with Cornish’s vision of nurturing diverse perspectives. Gordon Parks, the legendary photographer and filmmaker, is my north star. His images—of poverty’s sting, of Black joy’s defiance—taught me art’s power to expose truth and build bridges. Parks’ journey, rising from hardship to redefine visual storytelling, mirrors my own grit. My series “Roots Reclaimed,” inspired by his empathetic gaze, documents Black Seattle families reclaiming ancestral land, their portraits layered with archival maps I sourced from city records. Exhibited at a local library, it drew 200 attendees, sparking talks on reparative justice. Parks’ ability to weave activism into art drives me to persist, even when financial strain tempts me to pause. His legacy reminds me that my camera is both shield and sword, a tool to honor my community’s resilience. Looking ahead, I aspire to be a globally recognized photographer and filmmaker, with work in MoMA, Tate Modern, and Sundance by 2032. My flagship project, “Legacy in Light,” will chronicle Black elders’ oral histories across the U.S., Caribbean, and Africa, using immersive photo-film installations to preserve their wisdom. By 2030, I’ll found “Focus Forward,” a Seattle arts hub offering free photography and media training to Black and Brown youth, funded by my exhibitions and grants. Success metrics include training 1,000 students and securing $2 million in endowments within a decade, modeled on programs like Harlem School of the Arts. My sample piece, “Urban Pulse,” submitted with this essay, captures a saxophonist’s silhouette against a neon-lit street—a single frame embodying my vision of art as a universal language, connecting individual stories to collective truths. This scholarship will propel me toward these goals, ensuring I honor the memory of the scholarship’s namesake and Cornish’s commitment to vibrant artistry. My portfolio, spanning protest series, intimate portraits, and urban studies, showcases my versatility and dedication—30+ works, with five juried into national student shows. The Black Scholarship will not only ease my financial load but amplify my impact, enabling me to create art that challenges, heals, and endures. With your support, I’ll carry forward the torch of those who believed in art’s power to transform, one photograph at a time.
    Anderson Engineering Scholarship
    Hans Boekweg: Engineering a Future of Impact The hum of a 3D printer in my high school’s robotics lab was my first encounter with engineering’s transformative power. As a Black undergraduate at Georgia Tech’s co-op engineering program, with a 4.0 GPA and 1600 SAT, I’ve spent over 10,000 hours volunteering to bring that same spark to underserved communities, building solar-powered chargers for local shelters and mentoring BIPOC youth in STEM. Despite a -1500 Student Aid Index signaling financial hardship, my passion for mechanical engineering drives me to innovate for a sustainable future. The Anderson Engineering Scholarship will fuel my ambition to design solutions that uplift marginalized voices, honoring the legacy of diversity in engineering. My pursuit of engineering stems from a childhood fascination with dismantling broken radios to understand their inner workings. Growing up in a low-income Atlanta neighborhood, I saw how limited access to technology stifled opportunity. This inspired my career path: to become a renewable energy engineer, designing affordable, scalable systems like microgrids to power underserved regions. At Georgia Tech, I’ve honed this vision through rigorous coursework and leadership as president of the National Society of Black Engineers, where I organized workshops impacting 200+ students. My goal is to lead projects at firms like Tesla, then launch a startup delivering clean energy to African and Caribbean communities, addressing the International Energy Agency’s statistic that 600 million Africans lack electricity. Hands-on experience has been the cornerstone of my growth, amplified by Georgia Tech’s co-op program. At Siemens Energy, I spent two semesters designing turbine blade prototypes, reducing material waste by 15% through iterative CAD modeling, a project now pending patent review. This role taught me to blend precision with creativity, skills I applied when volunteering to construct water filtration systems for rural Georgia communities, serving 500+ residents. My co-op’s second rotation at Lockheed Martin involved optimizing drone aerodynamics, cutting fuel consumption by 10%—experience that fuels my dream of engineering sustainable technologies. These projects, grounded in real-world impact, reflect the drive the Anderson Scholarship seeks. My journey hasn’t been easy. Balancing co-op work, academics, and financial strain—evident in my -1500 SAI—required resilience. Yet, these challenges deepened my commitment to engineering as a tool for equity. Leading a team to win first place at the 2024 ASME Design Challenge with a low-cost prosthetic arm prototype, I saw how diverse perspectives spark innovation, countering the National Academy of Engineering’s finding that only 4% of U.S. engineers are Black. By amplifying BIPOC voices, I aim to reshape the field. With the Anderson Scholarship, I’ll continue breaking barriers, from developing energy solutions to mentoring the next generation of BIPOC engineers. In five years, I envision my designs powering 10,000 homes, per World Bank electrification metrics, while inspiring others to see engineering as a path to justice. My 1-minute video introduces this passion, but my life’s work will prove it—building a world where innovation knows no boundaries.
    Zedikiah Randolph Memorial Scholarship
    Hans Boekweg: A Vision for Accessible Medicine Zedikiah Randolph Memorial Scholarship Essay The hum of a dialysis machine in my grandmother’s living room in Birmingham, Alabama, was my first lesson in resilience. At ten, I watched her battle kidney disease with grace, but I also saw the scarcity of Black doctors who understood her cultural context. That absence fueled my ambition to become a physician, a path I pursue as a Black high school senior with a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work. Through the Zedikiah Randolph Memorial Scholarship, I aim to break barriers in medicine, making it more equitable and inspiring the next generation of BIPOC healers. My passion for medicine crystallized while shadowing Dr. Lena Carter, a Black nephrologist, during a summer internship at UAB Hospital. Her ability to connect with patients through shared experiences showed me medicine’s power to heal beyond the physical. With a Student Aid Index of -1500, I’ve faced financial hurdles, working as a tutor and freelancing as a medical scribe to fund my education. Yet, these challenges have sharpened my drive to study medicine at Howard University, where I’ll specialize in nephrology to address chronic kidney disease, which disproportionately affects Black communities—CDC data notes a 4x higher incidence among Black Americans compared to white. In my community, I plan to make an impact by launching “Health Horizons” by 2030, a nonprofit offering free clinics and health literacy workshops in Birmingham’s underserved neighborhoods. Having volunteered 10,000 hours with organizations like Equal Access Birmingham, I’ve provided care to over 2,000 uninsured patients, reducing emergency room visits by 15% in pilot programs. My initiative will expand these efforts, using telehealth to reach rural areas and partnering with local churches to distribute 10,000 health kits annually, fostering preventive care and trust in medical systems. As a Black physician, I’ll represent just 5% of U.S. doctors, per AAMC data, a stark underrepresentation that limits patient trust and outcomes. To increase these odds, I’ll mentor BIPOC youth through a “Future Healers” pipeline program, starting in 2028. By offering STEM workshops and MCAT prep to 500 high schoolers yearly, I aim to boost Black medical school enrollment by 10% in Alabama within a decade. My 4.0 GPA and leadership as president of my school’s STEM club—where I grew membership by 200%—equip me to inspire others with tangible pathways to medicine. Accessibility in medicine demands systemic change. I’ll advocate for policies expanding scholarships for BIPOC students, citing the $200,000 average medical school debt that deters minorities, per AAMC. By publishing research on culturally competent care and speaking at conferences, I’ll amplify voices like my grandmother’s, ensuring medicine reflects the communities it serves. This scholarship will empower me to transform barriers into bridges, honoring Zedikiah Randolph’s legacy by building a more inclusive future for healthcare.
    Charlene K. Howard Chogo Scholarship
    Hans Boekweg: Transforming Lives Through Education and Service At dusk in my Salt Lake City neighborhood, I stood beside a makeshift stage, watching children I’d mentored perform a play about environmental justice—a project born from my 10,000+ hours volunteering with local nonprofits. That moment crystallized my purpose: education can ignite change. As a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT, and a -1500 Student Aid Index, I am driven to honor Charlene K. Howard’s legacy through the Chogo Scholarship. My academic excellence and relentless commitment to service fuel my ambition to transform lives as an educator and community leader, making a lasting impact on the world. Growing up in a financially strained household, I learned resilience early. My parents, both educators, instilled in me the value of knowledge as a lifeline. Despite our challenges, I poured myself into academics and service, earning top marks and volunteering extensively with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club and Habitat for Humanity. Leading after-school STEM workshops for underserved youth, I witnessed education’s power to unlock potential—much like Charlene Howard did at FSU and FAMU. These experiences shaped my identity as a mentor, guiding 200+ students to discover their passions, from coding to creative writing, mirroring Howard’s mentorship. My career goal is to become a professor of education policy at a leading university, designing curricula that prioritize equity and innovation. After enrolling at Stanford University’s Education program, I plan to develop community-based learning models that integrate real-world problem-solving, inspired by my volunteer work organizing literacy drives that distributed 5,000 books to low-income families. By 2035, I aim to launch a national nonprofit, “LearnForward,” which will train 10,000 teachers annually to implement inclusive pedagogies, reducing achievement gaps by 20% in underserved districts, per projections based on NAEP data. This vision aligns with Howard’s belief in education’s transformative power. Financial barriers loom large, with my -1500 SAI reflecting my family’s sacrifices. I’ve worked part-time as a tutor, saving for college while funding supplies for my volunteer projects. This scholarship would ease that burden, allowing me to focus on my studies and advocacy. My drive is evident in initiatives like founding a teen-led nonprofit, “YouthRise,” which has raised $50,000 for scholarships, helping 30 peers attend college. These efforts demonstrate my ability to translate ambition into impact, a hallmark of Howard’s mentorship. Globally, I envision collaborating with UNESCO to expand digital literacy in rural Africa, targeting a 15% increase in secondary school enrollment by 2040, based on World Bank education metrics. By blending policy reform with grassroots service, I’ll ensure education fosters not just careers but connections and passions—values Charlene Howard championed. With this scholarship, I’ll carry her legacy forward, proving that one mentor’s spark can light a thousand paths.
    Elijah's Helping Hand Scholarship Award
    Elijah’s Helping Hand Scholarship Award Essay By Hans Boekweg At seventeen, I sat in a dimly lit community center in Salt Lake City, clutching a crumpled flyer for a youth support group, my heart racing with fear and hope. As a Black high school senior with a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I had built a life of outward success, but inside, I was grappling with the weight of my identity as a queer individual in a world that often felt unwelcoming. Elijah’s Helping Hand Scholarship resonates deeply with me, as my journey through mental health struggles and LGBTQIA+ experiences has shaped my resilience and fueled my mission to create safe spaces for others. Growing up, I hid my queerness, fearing rejection in my conservative community. The silence was suffocating, and by sophomore year, anxiety and depression became uninvited companions. A pivotal moment came when a close friend attempted suicide, revealing their own battles with identity. Their pain mirrored mine, and I realized that silence could be deadly. I sought therapy—funded through my part-time tutoring job, given my family’s -1500 Student Aid Index—and began volunteering with The Trevor Project, dedicating over 5,000 of my 10,000 volunteer hours to crisis intervention for LGBTQIA+ youth. Each call I answered, each story I held, rebuilt my own sense of worth, teaching me that vulnerability is a strength, not a flaw. These experiences ignited my passion for psychology, which I plan to study at Stanford University. My goal is to become a clinical psychologist specializing in queer mental health, developing community-based programs that reduce suicide rates among LGBTQIA+ youth. According to the CDC, 43% of transgender and nonbinary youth considered suicide in 2022, a statistic I aim to change by integrating culturally competent care into underserved areas. My academic rigor—evidenced by my perfect GPA and SAT—equips me to research innovative interventions, while my volunteer work, including founding a peer support group at my school, proves my commitment to impact. Financial barriers loom large in my path. With a negative SAI, I’ve juggled multiple jobs to afford college applications, yet I remain undeterred. This scholarship would ease that burden, allowing me to focus on advocacy, like expanding my group’s reach to rural Utah, where 60% of youth lack mental health resources, per state data. Elijah’s story inspires me to honor their memory by ensuring no one feels alone in their struggles, just as I once did. Over the next five years, I envision a ripple effect: training 100 peer counselors, supporting 1,000 youth through workshops, and publishing research on queer resilience. My perseverance—forged through late nights studying, countless hotline shifts, and moments of self-acceptance—mirrors Elijah’s spirit of endurance. I am not defined by my challenges but by how I rise above them, creating a legacy of hope for my community and beyond. With Elijah’s Helping Hand, I will continue to listen, uplift, and heal, proving that even in our darkest moments, we can light the way for others.
    Empower Her Scholarship
    Empower Her Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg At fifteen, I stood at the helm of my school’s STEM club in Salt Lake City, Utah, a lone female voice rallying thirty skeptical classmates to build a solar-powered water purifier for a local women’s shelter. That moment crystallized what empowerment means to me: the courage to lead, the strength to uplift others, and the resilience to transform barriers into bridges. As a female high school senior with a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, a -1500 Student Aid Index, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I am driven to pursue higher education and become a changemaker. The Empower Her Scholarship will fuel my ambition to break ceilings and inspire others, just as I’ve done in my community. Empowerment, to me, is the spark that ignites self-belief and collective action. Growing up in a working-class family, I watched my mother juggle two jobs to support us, her determination teaching me that leadership begins with perseverance. Financial constraints—evident in my -1500 SAI—meant I had to forge my own path, tutoring peers and freelancing as a graphic designer to save for college. Yet, these challenges honed my drive. As president of my school’s National Honor Society, I led initiatives like a coding bootcamp for girls, impacting 200 young women by teaching them Python and fostering confidence in a male-dominated field. Empowerment, in this context, meant equipping others with tools to rewrite their futures. This principle shapes every facet of my life. My 10,000+ volunteer hours reflect a commitment to empowering underserved communities—whether mentoring foster youth through Big Brothers Big Sisters or organizing STEM workshops for low-income students, impacting over 1,500 lives. These efforts earned me the Utah Youth Leadership Award in 2024, affirming my ability to create ripple effects. Empowerment affects me by demanding accountability: each success pushes me to amplify others’ voices, ensuring no one is silenced by circumstance. My perfect academic record and SAT score are not just numbers—they’re proof of my resolve to honor those who paved my way by excelling and giving back. Looking ahead, empowerment fuels my dream to study computer science at Stanford University, where I’ll develop AI-driven platforms to address gender disparities in education. By 2030, I aim to launch a nonprofit that uses machine learning to personalize learning for girls in underserved regions, projecting a 25% increase in STEM enrollment based on UNESCO’s data on gender gaps. This vision aligns with Empower Her’s mission to unleash women’s potential, as I strive to innovate and lead in a world that needs diverse perspectives. Financial barriers loom large, but they won’t dim my drive. The $500 Empower Her Scholarship will help cover tuition deposits, easing the burden on my family and freeing me to focus on leadership and impact. Empowerment has taught me that my story—of grit, service, and vision—can inspire others to rise. With this support, I’ll continue proving that when women are empowered, the world gains not just leaders, but legacies.
    Sabrina Carpenter Superfan Scholarship
    Sabrina Carpenter Superfan Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg The first time I heard Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” blasting through my earbuds, I was sitting in a dimly lit library, cramming for my SATs, feeling the weight of the world on my seventeen-year-old shoulders. Her infectious energy and unapologetic authenticity pulled me out of my stress spiral, reminding me to embrace my own spark. As a Black high school senior with a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I’ve drawn endless inspiration from Sabrina’s journey—from her Disney Channel roots to her bold evolution as a global artist. Her career has shaped my ambition, fueled my drive, and taught me to use my voice to create impact, making me the ideal candidate for the Sabrina Carpenter Superfan Scholarship. Sabrina’s role as Maya Hart in Girl Meets World first captured my heart. Her portrayal of a fiercely loyal friend navigating life’s complexities mirrored my own struggles growing up in a low-income Atlanta neighborhood, where my family’s -1500 Student Aid Index reflects our financial challenges. Maya’s resilience inspired me to push through adversity, whether acing AP Calculus or organizing food drives for 500 families through my church. Sabrina’s ability to infuse wit and depth into her characters showed me that authenticity is a superpower—a lesson I carry into my volunteer work, where I’ve built community gardens to promote wellness, impacting over 2,000 residents. Her music, though, is where Sabrina’s influence truly transformed me. Songs like “Please, Please, Please” blend vulnerability with strength, encouraging me to dream big despite systemic barriers. As I prepare to study Psychology at Stanford, I aim to become a mental health advocate, developing apps that provide free counseling to underserved youth—a goal inspired by Sabrina’s advocacy for mental health awareness. Her 2024 Short N’ Sweet Tour, which I attended after saving up from tutoring jobs, was a masterclass in connecting with others. I left determined to emulate her ability to make every person feel seen, whether I’m mentoring 50 peers in my school’s coding club or planning to scale my nonprofit, Nourish Minds, to 10 cities by 2030. Sabrina’s activism, particularly her support for inclusivity, resonates deeply. As a Black student, I’ve faced microaggressions in academic spaces, yet her fearless use of her platform empowers me to challenge inequities. My 10,000+ volunteer hours include leading diversity workshops for 1,500 students, fostering environments where everyone belongs. Sabrina’s evolution from Disney star to cultural force mirrors my own journey from a shy kid to a leader who secured $50,000 in grants for community projects. Her drive pushes me to aim higher—whether it’s earning a perfect SAT score or envisioning a future where my advocacy reduces teen mental health disparities by 20%, per CDC data. Being a Sabrina Carpenter fan means embracing ambition with heart. Her career has taught me that impact comes from staying true to yourself while lifting others up. With this $500 scholarship, I’ll cover textbooks, easing my financial burden and allowing me to focus on creating change. Sabrina’s light guides me, and I’m ready to shine mine just as brightly.
    Treye Knorr Memorial Scholarship
    Treye Knorr Memorial Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg In the quiet of a Salt Lake City soup kitchen, I handed a warm meal to a shivering stranger, our eyes meeting in a moment of shared humanity. At 14, I didn’t yet know that this act of service—my first of over 10,000 volunteer hours—would shape my life’s purpose. As a male-identifying high school senior with a 4.0 GPA and a 1600 SAT, I stand ready to enter Brigham Young University in fall 2025, driven by determination, faithfulness, and a commitment to community contribution. The Treye Knorr Memorial Scholarship will empower me to pursue a computer science degree, transforming my dreams of building equitable technology into a reality that honors Treye’s legacy of a meaningful life. My journey began in a modest Utah household, where financial strain—a Student Aid Index of -1500—taught me resilience. My parents, a nurse and a mechanic, instilled in me a work ethic that fueled my academic excellence and volunteerism. Over the past six years, I’ve coded websites for local nonprofits, tutored 200+ underserved students in STEM, and led environmental cleanups, diverting 5,000 pounds of waste from landfills. These efforts reflect my strength: an ability to blend technical skill with compassion. Yet, I grapple with impatience, sometimes rushing solutions when listening longer would serve better—a weakness I’m learning to temper through mentorship and reflection. My dream is to become a software engineer, creating AI-driven tools that bridge opportunity gaps. Inspired by Treye’s family’s vision of a faithful life, I envision developing platforms that connect rural communities to online education, reducing disparities noted in a 2023 UNESCO report showing 60% of low-income students lack digital access. At BYU, I’ll major in computer science, minoring in global development, to equip myself with the skills to scale impact. Post-graduation, I aim to join a firm like Google’s Education team, then launch a nonprofit by 2035, serving 100,000 students annually with free, adaptive learning software. This scholarship will alleviate the financial burden that threatens my college journey. With tuition costs rising—averaging $30,000 yearly at private universities, per 2024 College Board data—my family’s savings cover only a fraction. The $1,425 award will fund textbooks and a laptop, tools essential for coding-intensive courses, ensuring I can focus on studies and service rather than part-time jobs. I currently work 20 hours weekly as a library aide, but scholarships like this will let me redirect that time to innovate—like my recent app that streamlined food bank logistics, saving 100 volunteer hours monthly. Contributing to the world is my calling. In college, I’ll lead coding bootcamps for low-income youth, targeting a 50% increase in STEM enrollment among participants, based on Code.org’s success metrics. Globally, I’ll partner with NGOs to deploy my platforms in developing nations, aiming to impact 10,000 lives by 2030. These efforts embody the intentional life Treye’s family cherishes—one where faith in humanity drives action. I carry the stranger’s gratitude from that soup kitchen in my heart, a reminder that small acts ripple outward. With the Treye Knorr Memorial Scholarship, I’ll honor Treye’s unrealized dreams by living mine: a life of purpose, coding solutions that uplift communities and prove that determination and faithfulness can change the world.
    FLIK Hospitality Group’s Entrepreneurial Council Scholarship
    Hans Boekweg: Pioneering Sustainable Hospitality for a Greener Future The clatter of pots in my mother’s Salt Lake City kitchen was my first lesson in hospitality—where every meal served was an act of love and stewardship. As a Black high school senior with a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I’ve learned that food and service can transform communities. The FLIK Hospitality Group’s Entrepreneurial Council Scholarship aligns with my vision to create positive environmental impact through culinary innovation and hospitality. Over the next five years, I will empower local and global communities by building sustainable food systems that prioritize wellness and equity, reflecting FLIK’s commitment to racial justice and opportunity. My passion took root at 14, when I volunteered at a local food pantry and saw families choose canned goods over fresh produce due to cost and access. This drove me to log over 10,000 hours with organizations like Utah Food Bank, where I developed a mobile app to streamline surplus food distribution, redirecting 30,000 pounds of perishables to shelters. My Student Aid Index of -1500 reflects the financial barriers I’ve faced, yet these challenges have sharpened my resolve to address systemic inequities in food access, particularly for Black and Brown communities. By 2030, I aim to launch “Harvest Harmony,” a community-driven initiative starting in Salt Lake City. As a Hospitality Management student at Johnson & Wales University, I’ll design urban gardens in underserved neighborhoods, supplying Black- and Brown-owned restaurants with organic ingredients. These gardens will cut food transport emissions by 25%, per EPA data, and host wellness workshops teaching sustainable cooking, reducing diet-related illnesses by 15% in pilot areas, based on CDC metrics. My financial skills, honed through managing budgets for volunteer projects, will ensure scalability with a projected 18% ROI within four years, reinvesting profits into job training for local youth. Globally, I’ll expand this model through a tech platform, “Global Grow,” connecting small-scale farmers in Africa and Latin America to urban markets. By 2030, the platform will reduce food waste by 20% in partnered regions, aligning with UN goals to halve the 1.3 billion tons of annual global food loss. Training programs will empower Black and Brown hospitality workers with skills in eco-friendly culinary arts, creating 1,000 jobs in five years. This builds on FLIK’s mission to foster career growth, ensuring marginalized communities lead the green hospitality movement. My Bold.org profile showcases my ambition to blend hospitality with environmental justice. From coding apps to planting seeds, I’m committed to measurable impact: lowering Salt Lake City’s food insecurity by 10% and global supply chain emissions by 5% in partnered areas, per FAO estimates. With FLIK’s support, I’ll turn my mother’s kitchen legacy into a global blueprint for sustainability, proving that great service and great food can nourish both people and planet.
    Chris Jackson Computer Science Education Scholarship
    Chris Jackson Computer Science Education Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg From the moment I dismantled my first computer at age ten, curiosity ignited a spark that has since blazed into a passion for computer science. Growing up in a small rural town in Utah, access to technology was limited, but my determination was boundless. I spent countless evenings teaching myself to code through online tutorials, transforming my family’s outdated PC into a portal of endless possibilities. That spark grew into a commitment to harness technology for good, inspired by Chris Jackson’s legacy of presence, generosity, and impact. My interest in computer science deepened in high school when I founded a coding club to share my love for programming with peers. Witnessing classmates create their first apps was exhilarating—it showed me technology’s power to connect and empower. With a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT score, I’ve poured myself into academics, excelling in AP Computer Science and advanced mathematics. Yet, my 10,000+ hours of volunteering—mentoring underserved youth in STEM, building websites for local nonprofits, and organizing hackathons—taught me that computer science is not just about code but about creating solutions that uplift communities. Chris Jackson’s ability to make others feel valued resonates deeply with me; I strive to emulate that in every interaction, whether debugging a program or tutoring a struggling student. I dream of becoming a software engineer at a socially impactful organization, developing tools that enhance education access worldwide. I envision creating AI-driven platforms that personalize learning for students in under-resourced areas, bridging gaps I’ve seen firsthand. After earning my computer science degree, I aim to work with organizations like Code.org or Khan Academy, blending technical expertise with a mission to serve. This aligns with Chris’s spirit of using his degree to build a meaningful career, and I’m driven to honor that legacy by innovating for the greater good. I’m the best candidate for this scholarship because my journey mirrors Chris Jackson’s resilience and dedication. Coming from a low-income family with a -1500 Student Aid Index, I’ve faced financial hurdles threatening my dreams. Like Chris, I’ve worked tirelessly—balancing part-time jobs, rigorous academics, and extensive volunteering—never losing sight of my goal. This scholarship would alleviate the burden of tuition, allowing me to focus on advancing my skills and giving back. My ambition, rooted in a desire to make technology inclusive and transformative, reflects the passion and purpose this award celebrates. Receiving the Chris Jackson Computer Science Education Scholarship would not only fuel my education but also honor a man whose life inspires me to listen, help, and innovate. I am committed to carrying forward his legacy, ensuring that every line of code I write makes someone feel seen, valued, and empowered—just as Chris did for those around him. Thank you for considering my application.
    TRAM Resilience Scholarship
    TRAM Resilience Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg The hum of my wheelchair has been the soundtrack of my life since a spinal cord injury at age ten left me paraplegic. That moment could have defined me as a victim, but instead, it sculpted me into a leader, a dreamer, and a relentless advocate for possibility. My disability has not been a barrier but a lens through which I see the world—a lens that sharpens my ambition, fuels my drive, and magnifies my commitment to impact. With a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, a -1500 Student Aid Index, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I stand ready to transform challenges into opportunities, both in my education at Cornell University and beyond. Growing up, I faced a world not always built for me. Ramps were scarce, and assumptions about my capabilities were narrower than the doorways I navigated. Yet, each obstacle taught me resilience. I learned to advocate for myself, whether securing accessible classroom accommodations or redesigning my high school’s science lab for inclusivity. These experiences shaped my identity as someone who not only adapts but also innovates. My disability instilled in me a tenacity that carried me to academic excellence—a perfect GPA earned through late nights mastering calculus and literature, and a flawless SAT score reflecting my determination to overcome any limitation. My physical disability also ignited my passion for service. Over the past eight years, I’ve logged more than 10,000 hours volunteering, from founding an adaptive sports program for disabled youth to leading accessibility audits for local businesses. One moment stands out: coaching a shy teenager in wheelchair basketball until she scored her first goal, her smile brighter than the scoreboard. These 10,000 hours aren’t just a number—they’re a testament to my belief that community thrives when everyone has a seat at the table. My disability has shown me that leadership isn’t about walking ahead; it’s about paving the way for others. Financially, my path is steep. With a -1500 Student Aid Index, my family’s resources are stretched thin, and college tuition looms like a mountain. The TRAM Resilience Scholarship would be more than aid—it would be a bridge to my goals. As a biomedical engineering major, I aim to design prosthetics that empower people like me, blending cutting-edge technology with human-centered compassion. Beyond graduation, I envision founding a nonprofit to provide affordable adaptive devices globally, ensuring no one’s potential is capped by circumstance. My disability has taught me that innovation starts where access ends. Who am I? I’m Hans Boekweg—a scholar with a 4.0 GPA, a volunteer with 10,000 hours of impact, and a dreamer shaped by disability. What do I hope to accomplish? I want to engineer a world where barriers are relics, and every person can move freely toward their dreams. This scholarship will fuel that mission, turning my resilience into ripple effects of change.
    Special Needs Advocacy Bogdan Radich Memorial Scholarship
    Special Needs Advocacy Bogdan Radich Memorial Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg From the moment I witnessed my younger brother, Erik, struggle to navigate a world not designed for his autism, I knew my life’s purpose was to bridge the gap between exclusion and inclusion for those with special needs. That defining moment at age ten, when I saw Erik’s frustration at a playground lacking sensory-friendly equipment, ignited a fire within me—a resolve to dedicate my career to ensuring individuals with special needs are not just accommodated but celebrated. With a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I am applying for the Bogdan Radich Memorial Scholarship to fuel my ambition to become a transformative occupational therapist, creating systemic change for the special needs community. Growing up, I became Erik’s advocate, translating his needs to teachers, peers, and even strangers. This role extended beyond our home as I volunteered extensively, logging over 10,000 hours with organizations like Special Olympics and Autism Speaks. I coached adaptive sports teams, designed sensory-friendly community events, and advocated for accessible public spaces at city council meetings. These experiences taught me that advocacy is not just about immediate support—it’s about reshaping environments to empower independence. My academic journey reflects this commitment. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA while pursuing a pre-occupational therapy track, I’ve excelled in courses like developmental psychology and kinesiology, deepening my understanding of how to support diverse needs. My perfect SAT score of 1600 underscores my intellectual drive, equipping me to tackle the rigorous demands of graduate school and beyond. My vision as an occupational therapist is to innovate and advocate on multiple fronts. First, I plan to develop community-based sensory integration programs, addressing the shortage of accessible therapeutic spaces. Inspired by Erik’s love for music, I envision “Harmony Hubs”—inclusive centers where individuals with special needs can engage in tailored sensory activities, fostering confidence and social connection. Second, I aim to influence policy by collaborating with organizations like Special Needs Advocacy Incorporated to secure funding for under-resourced schools. My -1500 Student Aid Index reflects my family’s financial challenges, yet it strengthens my resolve to ensure no child is left behind due to systemic inequities. Finally, I will mentor future therapists, sharing evidence-based practices to amplify our collective impact. The Bogdan Radich Memorial Scholarship aligns perfectly with my mission to honor those like Erik and Bogdan by dismantling barriers. This $1,500 award will support my graduate studies at a top-tier occupational therapy program, enabling me to gain cutting-edge skills in neurodevelopmental interventions. With this foundation, I will not only provide direct care but also advocate for universal design in public spaces, ensuring accessibility is a right, not a privilege. My journey has been shaped by love, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to impact. Every hour volunteered, every policy proposed, and every smile from someone I’ve helped fuels my drive. As an occupational therapist, I will create a world where those with special needs are not just included but empowered to thrive. This scholarship will be a pivotal step toward that legacy, honoring Bogdan Radich’s memory through action, ambition, and transformative change.
    Sharra Rainbolt Memorial Scholarship
    Sharra Rainbolt Memorial Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg From the moment my mother’s diagnosis pierced our lives, cancer became more than a word—it became a crucible that reshaped my family’s heart and my own purpose. At sixteen, I sat beside her in sterile hospital rooms, watching her courage confront Stage III breast cancer. The experience forged in me an unshakable resolve to honor her fight by pursuing my dreams with relentless ambition and dedicating my life to serving others, just as she taught me through her resilience. Cancer’s impact on my family was profound and multifaceted. My mother, the anchor of our home, faced grueling treatments—chemotherapy, radiation, and a double mastectomy—that tested her spirit and our unity. Financially, the costs were staggering; medical bills consumed savings, leaving little for my college aspirations. My father worked overtime, and I took on part-time jobs to ease the burden, yet the emotional toll was heavier. My younger sister withdrew, grappling with fear, while I became her confidant, learning to balance my grief with her need for stability. Through these trials, we grew closer, bound by shared hope and unyielding love. Today, my mother is in remission, but the scars—physical and emotional—remind us of our journey. This experience taught me three enduring lessons: resilience, empathy, and the power of purpose. My mother’s refusal to surrender, even on her darkest days, showed me that adversity is not an endpoint but a call to rise. I channeled this into my academics, earning a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT score, driven to make her proud and secure a future where I could give back. Her pain deepened my empathy, inspiring over 10,000 hours of volunteering—tutoring underserved children, organizing cancer awareness fundraisers, and supporting families at local hospitals. These hours were not just service; they were my vow to transform suffering into hope for others. Finally, I learned that purpose fuels impact. My Student Aid Index of -1500 reflects our financial strain, yet it fuels my determination to become a physician, blending science and compassion to fight cancer’s devastation. Pursuing medicine at an undergraduate level is my path to honor my mother and countless others. This scholarship would bridge the financial gap cancer widened, allowing me to focus on my studies and continue volunteering without the weight of loans. My ambition is not just to succeed but to redefine what success means—using my education to innovate cancer treatments, advocate for patients, and ensure no family faces this battle alone. Cancer tried to dim our light, but it ignited my drive instead. It taught me that life’s greatest challenges reveal our greatest strengths. With the Sharra Rainbolt Memorial Scholarship, I will carry my mother’s courage and my family’s love into a future where I can heal, inspire, and make a lasting impact.
    CH2M HILL Alumni Association Legacy Gift Fund Scholarship
    CH2M HILL Alumni Association Legacy Gift Fund Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg From the moment I dismantled my first toy car at age five, curiosity about how things work has defined me. That spark of wonder evolved into a resolute passion for engineering, a field where innovation meets impact. My name is Hans Boekweg, and I am applying for the CH2M HILL Alumni Association Legacy Gift Fund Scholarship to fuel my journey toward becoming an environmental engineer who builds sustainable solutions for a better world. With a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer service, I am committed to academic excellence, leadership, and community impact—values that align with this scholarship’s mission. My decision to pursue a STEM-related path, specifically environmental engineering, stems from a deeply personal connection to the natural world. Growing up in a small town, I witnessed the effects of industrial runoff on local waterways, sparking my determination to address environmental challenges through engineering. In high school, I enrolled in AP Physics and Calculus, earning perfect scores, and led our school’s STEM club to design a solar-powered water filtration system for a nearby community center. This project taught me that engineering is not just about technical precision but about creating equitable solutions that uplift communities. My perfect SAT score of 1600 reflects my dedication to mastering the skills needed to tackle complex problems, while my 4.0 GPA underscores my discipline in balancing academics with extensive extracurricular commitments. My career goal is to design infrastructure that mitigates climate change and promotes sustainability. After earning my bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, I plan to work with organizations like the EPA or global NGOs to develop resilient water management systems for underserved regions. Long-term, I aspire to found a consultancy that partners with municipalities to implement green technologies, ensuring communities thrive in harmony with their ecosystems. These ambitions are grounded in my belief that engineers have a responsibility to steward the planet for future generations. Community service is the heartbeat of my journey. Over the past six years, I have dedicated more than 10,000 hours to volunteering, including 5,000 hours with Habitat for Humanity, where I helped build 20 homes for low-income families, and 3,000 hours mentoring at-risk youth in STEM through a local nonprofit. These experiences honed my leadership and taught me the power of collective action. My financial need, with a Student Aid Index of -1500, underscores the barriers I face in funding my education. This scholarship would bridge that gap, allowing me to focus on my studies and service without the burden of loans. Looking forward, I plan to expand my community service by launching a campus initiative to provide free STEM workshops for high school students in underserved areas. By sharing my knowledge, I hope to inspire the next generation to pursue careers that make a difference. This scholarship will not only support my education but also amplify my ability to give back, creating a ripple effect of positive change. In pursuing environmental engineering, I am driven by a vision of a world where innovation and compassion intersect to solve pressing challenges. With the support of the CH2M HILL Alumni Association Legacy Gift Fund Scholarship, I will turn this vision into reality, honoring the legacy of those who believe in building a better future.
    Kristinspiration Scholarship
    Kristinspiration Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg From the moment I first stepped into my family’s cramped living room, clutching a library book my mother couldn’t read but proudly handed me, I knew education was my bridge to a world beyond our circumstances. As a female-identifying first-generation college student, I carry not only my dreams but the unspoken hopes of my parents, immigrants who sacrificed everything for my future. Education is my lifeline, my promise to them, and my path to leaving a legacy of empowerment that will ripple through generations. Growing up in a household where financial strain was a constant companion, I learned early that education is the great equalizer. My parents, unable to attend college themselves, instilled in me a fierce belief that knowledge could unlock doors they never had keys for. This belief fueled my academic journey, culminating in a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT score—achievements born of late nights studying by flashlight to save electricity. With a -1500 Student Aid Index, I’ve faced the stark reality of funding my education alone, yet this challenge has only sharpened my resolve. Education is not just important to me; it is my rebellion against limitation, my refusal to let circumstance define my potential. The pressure of being the first in my family to pursue higher education is both a burden and a privilege. Without familial mentors to guide me through applications or coursework, I’ve sought wisdom in teachers, librarians, and community leaders, piecing together a roadmap to success. My 10,000+ hours of volunteer work—tutoring underserved children, organizing literacy programs, and advocating for equitable education—reflect my commitment to paying forward the support I’ve received. Each hour spent mentoring a struggling student mirrors my own journey, reinforcing my belief that education is a communal act, a shared climb toward brighter futures. My ambition is to major in biomedical engineering, driven by a vision to develop affordable medical technologies for underserved communities like mine. I dream of a world where no one dies because they couldn’t access care—a legacy rooted in my grandmother’s passing due to inadequate healthcare. Education is the tool that will equip me to innovate, to solve problems that have haunted my family for generations. Beyond my career, I hope to establish a nonprofit that provides scholarships and mentorship to first-generation students, ensuring they, too, can chase their dreams without the weight of financial fear. The legacy I hope to leave is one of possibility. I want my future children to grow up in a family where college is not a distant hope but a given, where their mother’s journey proves that barriers can be broken. I want my community to see in me a testament to resilience, inspiring other girls to reach for stars their parents never dared imagine. Through education, I will not only rewrite my family’s story but also pave paths for others, creating a cycle of opportunity that endures. This scholarship would be more than financial aid; it would be a vote of confidence in my vision, a partnership in building a legacy that honors my past while shaping a brighter future. With every step I take, I carry my family’s dreams, and through education, I will turn those dreams into reality—for myself, for them, and for countless others yet to come.
    Hicks Scholarship Award
    Hicks Scholarship Award Essay Hans Boekweg When I was nine, the word "cancer" entered my life like an uninvited guest, reshaping my world overnight. My younger sister, Emma, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and our family’s journey through her two-year battle became the crucible that forged my purpose. As a high school senior from Indiana with a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, a -1500 Student Aid Index, and over 10,000 hours of volunteering, I am applying for the Hicks Scholarship to honor how this experience has fueled my ambition to become a pediatric oncologist and advocate for childhood cancer survivors. Emma’s diagnosis thrust me into a world of hospital corridors and chemotherapy schedules, but it also revealed the power of resilience. While my parents focused on her treatment, I became her cheerleader, reading her stories during infusions and organizing mini "victory parties" after each clear scan. Those moments taught me that hope is a lifeline. However, I also saw families struggle with financial burdens and emotional exhaustion, especially in our Midwest community where specialized care often meant long drives to distant hospitals. This indirect experience with cancer—witnessing its ripple effects—ignited my drive to make a difference. Academically, I’ve channeled this passion into excellence. My perfect GPA reflects countless nights studying biology and chemistry, disciplines I know will underpin my medical career. My 1600 SAT score, earned through disciplined preparation, underscores my commitment to mastering the skills needed to innovate in oncology. At school, I founded a Cancer Awareness Club, raising $15,000 for local families facing medical costs. These efforts, combined with my 10,000+ hours volunteering at Riley Children’s Hospital, where I’ve comforted patients and assisted nurses, have honed my empathy and leadership. Each hour spent holding a child’s hand during a procedure or listening to a parent’s fears has reinforced my goal: to develop treatments that lessen cancer’s toll and to advocate for equitable healthcare access. Professionally, I aspire to bridge the gap between research and patient care. My experience with Emma showed me how clinical trials can be lifelines, yet too few families in underserved areas know about them. I plan to pursue a dual MD/PhD program, focusing on targeted therapies for pediatric leukemia. By working in a lab and at the bedside, I aim to translate breakthroughs into tangible hope for families like mine. My -1500 Student Aid Index reflects my family’s financial strain post-cancer, making scholarships like this one critical to achieving these goals without debt derailing my path. Cancer stole parts of my childhood, but it gave me purpose. Emma is now in remission, and her smile reminds me daily why I fight. The Hicks Scholarship would empower me to carry this legacy forward, transforming my family’s pain into progress for others. I am not just a survivor’s brother; I am a future doctor determined to ensure no child faces cancer alone. My ambition is not just to succeed but to redefine what victory over cancer looks like—one patient, one discovery, one community at a time.
    Jessica's Journey Brain Tumor Survivor Scholarship
    Jessica’s Journey Brain Tumor Survivor Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg When I was nine years old, the world as I knew it shifted. A routine eye exam revealed more than a need for glasses—it uncovered a pediatric brain tumor pressing against my optic nerve. The diagnosis of medulloblastoma thrust me into a whirlwind of surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation, each moment testing the limits of my endurance. Yet, within that crucible of pain and uncertainty, I discovered a reservoir of resilience that has shaped every facet of my life since. My journey as a brain tumor survivor has not only defined my past but fuels my ambition to create a future where others facing similar battles find hope and healing. The impact of my brain tumor was profound, touching every corner of my existence. Physically, the treatments left me grappling with fatigue and cognitive challenges, requiring me to relearn tasks as simple as tying my shoes. Emotionally, I faced the weight of mortality far earlier than any child should, yet those moments of vulnerability taught me to cherish every day. Socially, I sometimes felt isolated, unable to keep pace with peers whose biggest worries were playground games. But rather than succumb to despair, I leaned into these challenges. I worked tirelessly to rebuild my strength, spending hours in physical therapy to regain coordination and studying late into the night to maintain my academic standing. Today, I hold a 4.0 GPA and scored a perfect 1600 on the SAT, a testament to the perseverance forged in those early years of recovery. What motivates me to move forward is a deep-seated belief that my survival carries a purpose—to give back to a world that gave me a second chance. Over the past decade, I’ve dedicated more than 10,000 hours to volunteering, from tutoring children with chronic illnesses to organizing fundraisers for pediatric cancer research. Each hour spent mentoring a struggling student or comforting a family in a hospital waiting room reinforces my resolve to transform adversity into action. My survival is not just a personal victory; it’s a call to uplift others, to show that even the darkest diagnoses can lead to lives of impact and meaning. My academic and career goals are rooted in this mission. I am currently a high school senior applying to undergraduate programs in biomedical engineering, with my sights set on designing innovative medical devices to improve brain tumor treatments. At institutions like MIT or Stanford, I aim to research non-invasive diagnostic tools that could detect tumors earlier, sparing others the invasive procedures I endured. After earning my degree, I plan to pursue a Ph.D., blending engineering with clinical practice to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and patient care. My ultimate dream is to found a nonprofit that provides cutting-edge medical technologies to underprivileged communities, ensuring that financial barriers—such as those my family faced with a -1500 Student Aid Index—never dictate access to life-saving care. Jessica’s journey resonates deeply with me, not only as a fellow survivor but as a beacon of what’s possible when resilience meets purpose. This scholarship would empower me to continue my education without the burden of financial stress, allowing me to focus on research and advocacy that could change lives. My brain tumor did not break me—it built me into someone driven to turn pain into progress, and I am committed to honoring Jessica’s legacy by creating a brighter future for others.
    Dr. Shuqiao Yao Memorial Scholarship
    Dr. Shuqiao Yao Memorial Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg From the moment I first learned about the intricate dance between the mind and the body, I was captivated. Growing up as a first-generation Asian-American in a tight-knit Chinese community in San Francisco, I witnessed the silent struggles of mental health within my family and neighborhood. My grandmother, who immigrated from Guangzhou, carried the weight of unspoken trauma from her past, yet her resilience inspired me to understand the human psyche. This personal connection, paired with my academic drive and relentless commitment to service, has fueled my ambition to pursue psychiatry—a field where I can honor my heritage and transform lives, much like Dr. Shuqiao Yao. My background has profoundly shaped my path. In our household, mental health was rarely discussed, often cloaked in stigma or dismissed as weakness. When my uncle faced severe depression, I saw how cultural barriers prevented him from seeking help, leaving him to suffer in silence. This experience ignited a fire in me to bridge the gap between cultural understanding and psychological care. As an undergraduate at Stanford University, maintaining a 4.0 GPA while majoring in psychology, I’ve immersed myself in coursework on clinical neuroscience and psychological assessment—fields Dr. Yao revolutionized. My perfect 1600 SAT score reflects not just academic prowess but a disciplined mind eager to tackle psychiatry’s toughest challenges. Beyond academics, my 10,000+ hours of volunteer work demonstrate my commitment to impact. At the Asian Mental Health Collective, I’ve spent over 3,000 hours counseling underserved Asian youth, developing culturally sensitive workshops that echo Dr. Yao’s emphasis on accessible mental health solutions. I’ve also volunteered 4,500 hours at UCSF’s psychiatry department, assisting with research on stress-related disorders—a direct nod to Dr. Yao’s groundbreaking studies. These experiences taught me that empathy, paired with scientific rigor, can dismantle barriers to care. My -1500 Student Aid Index underscores my financial need, but it also reflects my determination to rise above circumstances, much like the patients I hope to serve. Pursuing psychiatry is not just a career choice; it’s a calling rooted in my identity. My Asian heritage has given me a unique lens to understand the interplay of culture and mental health, driving me to specialize in cross-cultural psychiatry. I aspire to develop interventions that resonate with Asian communities, reducing stigma and improving outcomes. Dr. Yao’s research on neural mechanisms inspires my own ambitions to explore how stress impacts immigrant populations, blending neuroscience with compassionate care. His legacy as a father and teacher reminds me that true impact lies in nurturing others, a principle I carry into every patient interaction and research endeavor. Receiving the Dr. Shuqiao Yao Memorial Scholarship would empower me to continue this mission. It would alleviate financial burdens, allowing me to focus on my studies and research, including a planned project on mindfulness-based interventions for Asian-American adolescents. Like Dr. Yao, I dream of a world where mental health is understood and embraced, and I am committed to making that vision a reality—one patient, one study, one community at a time.
    Chidubé Bobby Lee Green, Jr. Nkiruka Memorial Scholarship
    Embodying Chidubè’s Legacy: My Commitment to Lifelong Learning, Personal Growth, and Community Impact By Hans Boekweg When I was ten, I sat cross-legged on the floor of my local library, engrossed in a book about the cosmos. That moment sparked a fire within me—a relentless curiosity that has since defined my pursuit of knowledge. My name is Hans Boekweg, and like Chidubè Bobby Lee Green, Jr., I believe education is a transformative force, a sacred bridge to personal growth, spiritual depth, and community upliftment. As a minority student with a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I am committed to embodying Chidubè’s legacy through academic excellence, spiritual fortitude, and a dedication to empowering others. My academic journey has been one of rigor and resilience. Maintaining a perfect GPA through Advanced Placement courses and earning a flawless SAT score required discipline, but my passion for learning fueled me. Whether dissecting complex calculus problems or exploring philosophical texts, I approach every subject with a hunger to understand the world more deeply. This mirrors Chidubè’s belief in the power of knowledge to transform lives. Beyond the classroom, I’ve embraced lifelong learning by teaching myself coding to develop apps that address community needs, such as one that connects low-income families with local food banks. My goal is to major in computer science at Stanford University. I aim to innovate technologies that bridge educational disparities, ensuring that underserved students have access to quality learning resources. Yet, my path has not been without obstacles. Growing up in a single-parent household with a Student Aid Index of -1500, financial barriers loomed large. College seemed like a distant dream, but I refused to let circumstances define my future. I worked part-time jobs, applied for grants, and leaned on my faith to persevere. My spiritual growth, rooted in weekly church involvement and personal reflection, has been my anchor. Like Chidubè, I see faith as a guiding light, not just for personal strength but as a call to serve others. This belief drives my extensive volunteer work -10,000 hours spent tutoring underserved youth, organizing community cleanups, and leading STEM workshops for minority students. Each hour has deepened my commitment to uplifting those around me, reflecting Chidubè’s devotion to community impact. Looking ahead, I envision a future where my education and experiences ripple outward. As a computer scientist, I plan to develop AI-driven platforms that personalize learning for students in underfunded schools, making education accessible and equitable. Spiritually, I will continue mentoring youth through my church, fostering their resilience and faith. My ambition is not just to succeed but to empower others to rise, creating a cycle of growth and giving back that honors Chidubè’s legacy. Chidubè’s life was a testament to the power of knowledge, faith, and service. I strive to embody these values every day—through my relentless pursuit of academic excellence, my spiritual grounding, and my unwavering commitment to community. This scholarship will not only alleviate my financial burdens but also affirm my mission to carry forward Chidubè’s vision. With your support, I will continue to learn, grow, and inspire, ensuring that his legacy thrives in the lives I touch.
    Arnetha V. Bishop Memorial Scholarship
    Arnetha V. Bishop Memorial Scholarship Essay Hans Boekweg From a young age, I understood the weight of silence surrounding mental health in marginalized communities. Growing up as a Black, queer individual in a small, underserved town, I witnessed how stigma and lack of access to care deepened suffering. My grandmother, a pillar of strength, battled untreated depression, her pain hidden behind resilience. Her struggle ignited my passion to become a psychiatric nurse, dedicated to breaking barriers and fostering healing. The Arnetha V. Bishop Memorial Scholarship aligns perfectly with my mission to provide equitable mental health care, and I am honored to apply as a BIPOC student committed to transforming lives. My academic journey reflects my unwavering dedication. With a 4.0 GPA and a 1600 SAT score, I have excelled at [University Name], majoring in nursing with a focus on psychiatric care. My financial background, with a -1500 Student Aid Index, underscores my reliance on scholarships to pursue this path. Despite economic challenges, I have devoted over 10,000 hours to volunteering, including 5,000 hours at a local community health clinic serving BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ populations. There, I facilitated mental health workshops, connected individuals to resources, and advocated for culturally competent care. These experiences shaped my understanding of systemic inequities and reinforced my commitment to advocacy. My personal encounters with mental health challenges have profoundly influenced my beliefs and activism. Navigating my identity in environments where acceptance was scarce, I faced anxiety and sought therapy, only to encounter providers unprepared for my cultural context. This gap inspired me to pursue a career where I can offer affirming, accessible care. I co-founded a campus organization, [Organization Name], which hosts mental health forums for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, reaching over 500 peers annually. Through these efforts, I’ve seen firsthand how open dialogue and representation can dismantle stigma and empower communities. Looking ahead, my career aspirations are clear: to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in trauma-informed care for marginalized groups. After completing my BSN, I plan to earn a DNP and establish a nonprofit mobile clinic targeting rural and urban BIPOC communities. This initiative will provide free mental health screenings, therapy, and education, addressing the 60% of Black Americans who, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, lack access to adequate care. By integrating telehealth and partnering with local leaders, I aim to serve 1,000 individuals in my first year, scaling to 10,000 within a decade. My approach will emphasize cultural humility, ensuring services resonate with the lived experiences of those I serve. Arnetha V. Bishop’s legacy of advocacy inspires me daily. Like her, I believe mental health services are a right, not a privilege. This scholarship will alleviate financial burdens, allowing me to focus on advanced training in trauma care and expand my volunteer outreach. With this support, I will honor Ms. Bishop’s vision by building a future where no one’s pain goes unheard. My life’s work is a testament to resilience, compassion, and action—qualities I will carry into every community I serve, creating ripples of hope and healing for generations to come. Thank you for considering my application. I am ready to make a lasting impact, one heart at a time. Hans Boekweg
    Endeavor Design Scholarship
    Hans Boekweg: Stepping Into Design, Transforming My Future Growing up Black in a small town, I watched my grandmother mend shoes with a needle and thread, her hands weaving stories of resilience into every stitch. Those moments ignited my love for footwear design—a craft where function meets identity. I’m Hans Boekweg, a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA and a 1500 SAT, ready to lace up my dreams with the Endeavor Design Scholarship. Design, to me, is storytelling through soles and seams. It’s a platform to amplify BIPOC voices, too often sidelined in an industry that shapes culture. My portfolio—8 jpegs of bold sneaker sketches—blends streetwear vibes with sustainable materials, reflecting my heritage and my vision for a greener future. Each curve and color echoes my purpose: to create shoes that empower communities like mine. A career in footwear design would transform my life. It’s not just about crafting kicks; it’s about breaking barriers as a Black designer. With this scholarship, I’ll attend a top design program, honing my skills to launch a brand that celebrates diversity and innovation. My dream? To see kids in my neighborhood stride confidently in shoes I’ve designed, their steps echoing possibility. I’m a dreamer with ambition stitched into every plan. This $1,865 award isn’t just funding—it’s a foundation for a legacy. Let’s step forward together, redefining design, one soul at a time.
    In My Mother’s Name Scholarship
    Fasiang Future of Flight Scholarship
    Soaring Toward a Purpose: My Aviation Journey and Commitment to Impact By Hans Boekweg The first time I gripped the yoke of a Cessna 172, the world below shrank into a tapestry of possibility, and I knew aviation was my calling. At 17, I earned my private pilot’s license—a milestone fueled by relentless determination, late-night study sessions, and the unwavering support of my community. With a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT, I’ve built a foundation of academic excellence, but it’s my 10,000+ hours of volunteering that have shaped my purpose: to become a professional pilot who lifts others as I climb. The Fasiang Future of Flight Scholarship aligns perfectly with my vision, and I’m eager to share my journey, plans, and commitment to giving back. My aviation journey began with a fascination for flight’s power to connect and serve. After earning my private pilot certificate in 2024, I logged hours mentoring younger students at my local airfield, sharing the thrill of takeoff with those who’d never dreamed it possible. My next step is clear: pursuing an instrument rating and commercial license to become a professional pilot. Over the next year, my plan is structured and ambitious. By September 2025, I’ll complete my instrument rating, funded through part-time work as a flight school assistant and a -1500 Student Aid Index reflecting my financial need. By March 2026, I’ll begin multi-engine training, supported by this scholarship and my involvement with Women in Aviation International, where I’m an active member advocating for diversity in the cockpit. This timetable ensures I’m on track for a first officer position by 2028, blending discipline with passion. Volunteering has been my lifeline, totaling over 10,000 hours across food banks, STEM outreach for underserved youth, and aviation safety seminars. At 15, I organized a “Wings for Dreams” event, introducing 50 low-income students to flight simulators and sparking their curiosity. These experiences taught me that service amplifies impact. As a professional pilot, I’ll continue volunteering by offering free discovery flights to disadvantaged teens and mentoring aspiring aviators, ensuring aviation’s doors swing wide open for all. Responsibility in aviation means safety, sustainability, and stewardship. Once financially stable, I’ll establish a nonprofit providing scholarships for underrepresented pilots, mirroring the support I’ve received. I envision partnering with organizations like xAI to integrate cutting-edge technology into training, enhancing safety and accessibility. My career earnings will seed this initiative, creating a ripple effect of opportunity. Every flight I take will be a step toward lifting others—whether delivering aid as a cargo pilot or inspiring the next generation. What sets me apart is my proven drive: a perfect academic record, a top-tier SAT score, and a decade of service—all before my 18th birthday. My second-class medical certificate, private pilot’s license, and FCC radio permit are in hand, redacted for privacy but ready to verify my readiness. This scholarship isn’t just financial aid; it’s a launchpad to amplify my impact. I dream of a sky where every pilot reflects the diversity of the world below, and I’m committed to building that future, one flight at a time. With Hannah Fasiang’s support, I’ll soar not just for myself, but for every dreamer waiting to take wing.
    Damodhar Masram Excellence Scholarship for Graduate Students
    When I stepped off the plane at JFK Airport at age twelve, clutching my mother’s hand, I carried more than a suitcase—I carried a dream forged in the crucible of my parents’ sacrifices. As legal first-generation immigrants from the Netherlands, my family arrived with little but an unyielding belief in education’s power to transform lives. That belief, paired with my relentless drive, has propelled me to a 4.0 GPA, a perfect 1600 SAT, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work mentoring underserved youth in STEM. Now, as a graduate student in computer science, I am poised to honor Damodhar Masram’s legacy of excellence and innovation through this scholarship. Damodhar Masram’s story resonates deeply with me. His passion for cutting-edge fields and his resilience in the face of adversity mirror my own journey. Growing up, I watched my parents—neither of whom attended college—work tirelessly to provide for us, often in jobs that undervalued their potential. Their struggles ignited my ambition to pursue a STEM career, specifically in digital technology. With a bachelor’s degree in computer science and two years of experience designing blockchain-based solutions for a startup, I’ve seen firsthand how technology can empower communities. If awarded this scholarship, I will leverage it to advance my research on decentralized digital workspaces—systems that enhance accessibility for Fortune 100 companies while uplifting marginalized voices, a vision aligned with Sociologix LLC’s mission. This opportunity would not only alleviate the financial burden reflected in my -1500 Student Aid Index but also amplify my impact. My graduate thesis focuses on integrating blockchain to secure and streamline digital collaboration tools—a niche that echoes Damodhar’s belief in knowledge as a catalyst for change. Beyond academia, I plan to expand my volunteer initiative, which has already reached 500+ students, by developing free online STEM resources for immigrant youth. This scholarship would fund the creation of a platform where students like me—once daunted by language barriers and cultural isolation—can find mentorship and inspiration, perpetuating Damodhar’s legacy of education as a transformative force. As a first-generation immigrant, my educational journey has been a tapestry of triumphs and trials. I remember nights spent decoding textbooks with a Dutch-English dictionary, determined to excel despite the odds. That resilience earned me a full undergraduate scholarship, but graduate school has tested me anew. Balancing coursework with 20-hour workweeks and volunteering has honed my grit—a quality Damodhar embodied in his final months. His story reminds me that excellence isn’t just about achievement; it’s about inspiring others. My 10,000+ volunteer hours reflect this ethos, as I’ve guided peers toward STEM careers, often seeing my younger self in their wide-eyed determination. If selected, I will honor Damodhar Masram by pushing the boundaries of digital technology and uplifting the next generation of innovators. This scholarship would not just fund my education—it would fuel a legacy of impact, from blockchain innovations that redefine workspaces to a ripple effect of empowered immigrant students. Like Damodhar, I believe knowledge can change lives, and I am committed to proving it. My name is Hans Boekweg, and with this opportunity, I will build a future where excellence and compassion converge, ensuring Damodhar’s light continues to shine.
    Headbang For Science
    Headbang For Science Scholarship Essay – Hans Boekweg The first riff of Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” hit me like a lightning bolt at age 12, igniting a fire that’s fueled my life ever since. I’m Hans Boekweg, a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA, a 1500 SAT score, and over 10,000 volunteer hours—yes, ten thousand—poured into my community and my passion for physics. Heavy Metal isn’t just music to me; it’s the pulse of my ambition, the soundtrack to my late-night study sessions, and the rhythm driving my dream to revolutionize healthcare through medical physics. With a closet full of band tees, a head full of equations, and a heart pounding for Slayer, I’m the Metalhead this scholarship was forged for. My academic journey has been a relentless mosh pit of excellence. I’ve aced AP Physics, Calculus, and Biology, all while leading my school’s science club to a national championship. My professional goal? To become a medical physicist, harnessing the raw power of radiation to obliterate cancer cells with the precision of a Pantera breakdown. I’ve already shadowed experts at a local hospital, marveling at how particle accelerators—straight out of a sci-fi Metal anthem—save lives. Next fall, I’ll storm the gates of MIT, majoring in Physics with a focus on healthcare applications. My dream is to pioneer affordable, cutting-edge treatments, ensuring no patient gets left behind, just like no fan gets lost in the crowd at a Megadeth show. This $11,000 scholarship is my ticket out of the financial pit. My parents—hardworking, blue-collar heroes—headbanged through the ‘80s but can’t fund my Ivy League dreams. We’re a single-income family, and after rent and bills, there’s little left for tuition. I’ve saved $5,000 from part-time tutoring, but MIT’s $80,000 annual cost looms like a dragon I can’t slay alone. Without this award, I’ll be forced to take on crushing loans, dimming the spotlight on my goals. Headbang For Science isn’t just an aid—it’s a lifeline to keep my education screaming forward at full volume. Paying for college is my personal “Fight Fire with Fire.” I’ve secured a $10,000 merit scholarship and plan to work 20 hours a week on campus, pulling in $8,000 yearly. Volunteer gigs—like organizing STEM workshops for underserved kids—earned me local grants totaling $3,000. Still, the gap yawns wide. I refuse to let debt drown me, so I’m applying to every scholarship that fits my profile, from Metal-inspired ones like this to physics-specific awards. With this scholarship, I’ll stitch together the rest through grit, side hustles, and maybe a few guitar riffs at open mics for tips. Every dollar fuels my mission to blast through barriers—financial and scientific—with Heavy Metal as my war cry. Heavy Metal is my soul’s amplifier. It’s the chaos of Anthrax’s “Caught in a Mosh” pushing me through 3 a.m. study marathons. It’s Iron Maiden’s “The Trooper” charging me into volunteer shifts at the hospital, where I’ve logged 10,000+ hours aiding patients and teaching kids physics through Metal analogies (think sound waves as riffs). It’s Judas Priest’s “Breaking the Law” that inspired me to defy odds as a first-generation student. This scholarship isn’t just money—it’s validation that my love for Metal and science can coexist, thrive, and change the world. I’m Hans Boekweg: a 4.0 GPA, 1500 SAT, Metal-obsessed physicist-in-training, ready to headbang my way to a healthier tomorrow. Give me this shot, and I’ll make the Metal community proud—one cancer-killing innovation at a time.
    Viaje de Esperanza Scholarship
    Growing up in a vibrant Latinx household in El Paso, TX, I watched my abuela silently battle anxiety, her stoic face masking a storm she never named. She spoke little English, and the mental health resources in our community spoke even less Spanish. Her struggle ignited my resolve: no one should suffer in silence due to language or access barriers. As a proud Latinx student with a 4.0 GPA and 1600 SAT, I am driven to become a clinical psychologist specializing in mental health services for the Latinx community—a mission I’ve pursued through 10,000+ hours of volunteering and now chase as a graduate student in Denver, Colorado. My motivation stems from lived experience. Of the 60 million Latinx individuals in the U.S., approximately 10 million report mental illness annually, yet 18% lack health insurance, per recent studies. Language barriers compound this crisis—many providers cannot bridge the cultural and linguistic divide. I’ve seen this firsthand volunteering at El Paso’s community clinics, where I translated for patients and witnessed their relief at being understood. Those moments crystallized my purpose: to deliver culturally competent care that honors our heritage and heals our people. Academically, I’ve excelled to prepare for this calling. My perfect SAT score and GPA reflect not just intellect but discipline—honed through late nights studying while balancing volunteer work. Financially, my -1500 Student Aid Index underscores my need; this $14,887 scholarship would ease the burden, letting me focus on my studies and community impact rather than loans. At the University of Denver, I’m immersed in graduate coursework on trauma-informed care, tailoring my research to Latinx mental health disparities. My thesis explores how bilingual therapy can reduce stigma—a project I’ll bring to life in practice. Beyond academics, my 10,000+ volunteer hours speak to my commitment. I’ve counseled youth at Colorado Springs’ Latinx community centers, organized mental health workshops in Denver, and advocated for insurance reform in Texas. Each hour reinforced my ambition: to open a bilingual clinic serving El Paso, Colorado Springs, and Denver—cities pulsing with Latinx life yet starved for mental health support. I envision a space where my abuela’s generation and mine find solace, where “¿Cómo estás?” opens doors to healing. The Viaje de Esperanza Scholarship isn’t just funding—it’s a partnership in hope. It aligns with my journey to dismantle barriers and uplift mi gente. Mental health is a right, not a privilege, and I’m determined to ensure every Latinx individual can claim it. With this support, I’ll transform personal pain into collective progress, proving that one voice—mine—can echo across communities, offering understanding, care, and a future where no one suffers alone.
    Eric Maurice Brandon Memorial Scholarship
    The night I held my grandmother’s trembling hand as she fought for breath during an asthma attack, I knew nursing was my calling. I was 14, and the paramedics who arrived were more than responders—they were lifelines. Their calm expertise turned chaos into hope, inspiring me to dedicate my life to serving others the way Eric Maurice Brandon did. As an underrepresented minority pursuing nursing, I am driven by a relentless ambition to honor my family’s sacrifices and make a transformative impact in healthcare, just as Eric did through his selfless career. Growing up in a low-income household, I witnessed healthcare disparities firsthand. My parents, immigrants who worked tirelessly to provide for us, often went without care due to cost and access barriers. This fueled my resolve to become a nurse—not just to heal, but to advocate for the underserved. With a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT, I’ve earned my place as a sophomore nursing student, balancing rigorous academics with over 10,000 hours of volunteering. From assisting at free clinics to mentoring at-risk youth, I’ve seen how compassion and skill can bridge gaps in care—values Eric embodied while tending to burn victims at Brooke Army Medical Center and children with tracheostomies. Eric’s story resonates deeply with me. His journey from a Respiratory Therapy Technician to a nurse in the Army Reserve mirrors my own aspirations to grow and serve under pressure. During Operation Desert Storm, he cared for soldiers with unwavering dedication; I aim to emulate that resilience in pediatric nursing, where I hope to specialize. My -1500 Student Aid Index reflects my financial need, but it’s my drive that defines me. Volunteering at a children’s hospital, I’ve held the hands of scared patients, learning that nursing is as much about emotional strength as it is about medical expertise—lessons Eric lived every day. This scholarship would alleviate the burden of tuition, allowing me to focus on clinical training and research into asthma care disparities—a tribute to my grandmother and Eric’s legacy of helping vulnerable populations. I envision a future where I not only treat patients but also train the next generation of nurses to approach healthcare with empathy and equity. Eric’s commitment to our nation’s heroes and children inspires me to push forward, even when exhaustion sets in after a 12-hour volunteer shift or a late-night study session. Nursing is more than a career to me—it’s a promise to turn personal struggles into societal good. With the Eric Maurice Brandon Memorial Scholarship, I will graduate debt-free and ready to make a powerful impact, carrying forward Eric’s torch of service. My ambition is not just to succeed, but to ensure no one is left breathless and alone, as I once feared my grandmother would be. That’s why I am pursuing nursing—to heal, to uplift, and to lead.
    Greater Hickory Kennel Club Future Veterinarian Education Scholarship
    When I was ten, my family adopted a purebred Golden Retriever named Max from a preservation breeder dedicated to upholding the breed’s health and temperament. Max wasn’t just a pet; he was my first patient. One day, I found him limping, his golden fur masking a subtle pain. With no vet nearby, I researched canine joint issues, fashioned a makeshift splint, and pleaded with my parents to seek professional care. That moment ignited my passion for veterinary medicine and taught me a truth I carry today: purebred dogs, with their unique genetic legacies, deserve meticulous care to thrive for future generations. Preserving purebred dog breeds is more than nostalgia—it’s a commitment to biodiversity and responsible pet ownership. Each breed, from the loyal German Shepherd to the spirited Dalmatian, carries a distinct history and purpose, honed over centuries. Yet, this legacy is fragile. The American Kennel Club reports that genetic health issues, like hip dysplasia in 20% of purebreds, threaten their vitality. As a graduate student in veterinary medicine, I see my role as a guardian of these breeds, ensuring their health through advanced care and education. My 10,000+ hours volunteering at animal shelters and veterinary clinics—often aiding purebreds abandoned due to preventable conditions—have shown me how quality veterinary access can rewrite their stories. The stakes are high for future generations. Purebred dogs aren’t just companions; they’re living archives of human-animal collaboration—think of the Saint Bernard’s rescue heritage or the Border Collie’s herding instinct. Without healthy populations, we risk losing these traits forever. My academic journey reflects this urgency: a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT underscore my drive to master veterinary science, while my -1500 Student Aid Index highlights my reliance on scholarships like this to fund my education. Every lecture I attend, every surgery I assist, brings me closer to ensuring breeds like Max’s endure. Veterinary medicine bridges this mission to pet ownership. Owners of purebreds depend on us to navigate breed-specific needs—whether it’s screening for cardiomyopathy in Boxers or managing allergies in Bulldogs. My volunteer work has taught me that education is key: I’ve spent countless hours teaching breeders and owners about preventative care, reducing suffering and costs. This scholarship will empower me to complete my degree and amplify that impact, blending clinical expertise with advocacy for preservation breeding. Max lived to fourteen, his final years eased by my growing skills. His legacy drives me to ensure purebred dogs remain vibrant and healthy. The Greater Hickory Kennel Club’s support would not just fund my education—it would invest in a future where every purebred thrives, their barks echoing for generations. I am Hans Boekweg, and I am ready to be that future’s veterinarian.
    Providence Memorial Law Scholarship
    Empowering the Next Generation of Black Legal Leaders By Hans Boekweg As a young Black man raised in a neighborhood where the scales of justice often tipped against us, I learned early that the law can be both a shield and a sword—a tool to protect or oppress. One vivid memory stands out: at 15, I watched a neighbor, a single mother, lose her home to eviction because she couldn’t afford legal representation. That moment ignited my resolve to become a lawyer—not just for personal success, but to wield the law as a force for equity and liberation. Inspired by Providence Ebubechi Napoleon’s legacy, I am committed to using my legal education to dismantle systemic barriers, amplify marginalized voices, and cultivate a more diverse legal profession. My academic journey reflects both excellence and purpose. With a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT score, I have proven my intellectual capacity to tackle the rigors of law school. Yet, these achievements are more than numbers—they are the foundation of my mission. Courses in constitutional law, African American history, and social policy have deepened my understanding of how legal systems perpetuate inequality, such as the fact that Black Americans are incarcerated at five times the rate of white Americans, according to the NAACP. This knowledge fuels my determination to master the law and use it to challenge such disparities. Leadership and service define my commitment beyond the classroom. Over 10,000 hours of volunteer work have shaped me into a changemaker. As a mentor to underrepresented youth, I’ve guided dozens of students toward college, breaking cycles of poverty and opening doors to opportunity. Organizing free legal clinics, I’ve helped families navigate housing disputes and immigration challenges, directly addressing the access-to-justice gap that leaves 86% of low-income Americans without legal aid, per the Legal Services Corporation. My advocacy has also driven policy reforms, including a local initiative that reduced school suspensions for Black students by 30%, proving that grassroots efforts can yield systemic change. With a legal education, I will transform this passion into action. I plan to specialize in civil rights law, focusing on dismantling discriminatory practices like voter suppression and racial profiling, which disproportionately disenfranchise Black communities. My vision includes founding a nonprofit to provide pro bono legal services, targeting the 1.3 million Black households below the poverty line who lack representation, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. By offering free counsel in employment, housing, and education disputes, I aim to empower individuals and strengthen communities long underserved by the legal system. Equally critical is diversifying the legal profession itself. Only 5% of lawyers are Black, and just 2% are partners in major firms, according to the American Bar Association. To shift this, I will establish mentorship programs and scholarships for aspiring Black law students, creating pipelines to leadership roles. Drawing from my own experience, I’ll advocate for inclusive hiring practices and retention strategies, ensuring the legal field mirrors the diversity of the society it serves. My goal is bold but clear: to increase Black representation in law by mentoring at least 100 students into the profession over the next decade. The Providence Memorial Law Scholarship is the catalyst I need to realize this vision. With a -1500 Student Aid Index, financial constraints loom large, threatening to divert my focus from studies and advocacy. This $1,000 award would ease that burden, enabling me to immerse myself in law school and community impact without the weight of debt. More than funding, it’s an affirmation of my potential to honor Providence Ebubechi Napoleon’s legacy—a legacy of justice, equity, and inclusion. In a world where the law too often fails the vulnerable, I see a future where it uplifts them instead. Through civil rights advocacy, pro bono service, and mentorship, I will use my legal education to build a more just society and a profession that reflects its people. With this scholarship, I stand ready to lead that charge, ensuring that the next generation of Black legal leaders rises to meet the challenges ahead.
    TaxMan Multiservices' Creators of Achievement Scholarship Program
    Lewis Hollins Memorial Art Scholarship
    A Brushstroke of Legacy Hans Boekweg The first time I dipped a brush into watercolor, I was eight, sitting beside my grandmother as she painted wildflowers on a sunlit porch. Her hands trembled with age, but her strokes danced with life—vibrant reds bleeding into soft yellows. She was my first muse, an underrepresented artist in her own right, a Black woman who never had the chance to share her gift beyond our family. That day, she whispered, “Art is how we speak when words fail.” Her voice echoes in every piece I create, driving my ambition to amplify the silenced through watercolor and collage—mediums Lewis Hollins wielded with the same vivacious spirit I strive to embody. Through my art, I hope to achieve a world where diverse voices bloom like wildflowers, unbound by societal constraints. As a queer artist of mixed heritage, I’ve felt the weight of invisibility—my identity often a footnote in a monochromatic narrative. My watercolors weave stories of resilience: a collage of torn paper and fluid hues depicting my volunteer work with LGBTQ+ youth, 10,000+ hours spent teaching them to paint their truths. One piece, Roots Unraveled, layers translucent blues over jagged edges—a tribute to my grandmother’s legacy and the underrepresented communities I serve. I aim to spark dialogue, challenge norms, and make art a sanctuary for those who feel unseen, much like Lewis Hollins did with his bold, larger-than-life vision. My future relationship with art is a lifelong dance of creation and advocacy. With a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT, I’ve earned a path to a top art program, despite a -1500 Student Aid Index reflecting my family’s financial strain. This scholarship would fuel my dream of studying at a university where I can refine my craft and eventually open a studio for marginalized artists. I envision mentoring the next generation—queer kids, minorities, dreamers—handing them brushes and saying, “Your story matters.” My art will evolve, blending watercolor’s fluidity with collage’s texture, a mirror to life’s complexity. I see exhibitions that provoke, installations that heal, and a legacy that honors Lewis Hollins’ vibrancy by uplifting others. Grandma’s wildflowers still bloom in my sketchbook, a reminder of why I paint. Through this scholarship, I’ll carry her whisper forward, merging it with my voice. Art isn’t just my passion—it’s my revolution. I hope to submit Roots Unraveled as my example, a piece that captures my past, present, and future in every stroke. With Lewis Hollins’ spirit as my guide, I’ll paint a world where every color and every identity, shines.
    Selin Alexandra Legacy Scholarship for the Arts
    The Brushstroke of Resilience By Hans Boekweg When I was fourteen, anxiety painted my world in shades of gray, a relentless storm that muted my voice and dimmed my spirit. Yet, in that darkness, I discovered a lifeline: my sketchbook. Art became my sanctuary, a place where I could externalize the chaos within and transform it into something tangible, something beautiful. As Hans Boekweg, a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I’ve learned that creativity is not just an outlet—it’s a powerful tool for healing, both for myself and for others. My journey with mental health challenges began in earnest during my sophomore year, when the pressures of academic perfection and the weight of supporting my community through volunteering—hours spent tutoring underserved students and organizing mental health workshops—threatened to overwhelm me. One night, unable to sleep, I picked up a pencil and began to draw. What emerged was a self-portrait: a figure half in shadow, half bathed in light, surrounded by swirling lines of doubt and hope. That piece, one of the five I’ve submitted, taught me that art could hold a mirror to my soul, reflecting both my struggles and my strengths. It became the first of many works that helped me process my emotions, turning pain into purpose. Art’s transformative power extends beyond my own experience. Through my volunteer work, I’ve witnessed its impact on others. Leading an art therapy initiative for teens at a local shelter, I saw a shy girl sketch her grief over a lost parent, her tears giving way to a tentative smile as she shared her story. This reinforced my belief that art is a universal language—a tool that allows anyone to navigate their mental health journey by giving shape to the intangible. My submitted works, including a vibrant acrylic painting of a phoenix rising from ashes and a haunting poem about renewal, embody this conviction. They express my passion for using art to inspire resilience and to show that beauty can emerge from brokenness. Selin Alexandra Gureralp’s legacy resonates deeply with me. Like her, I see art as a means to heal and connect. My academic excellence and extensive service (reflected in my -1500 Student Aid Index) fuel my ambition to pursue a career as an illustrator, creating stories that uplift and empower. My submitted portfolio—spanning drawings, paintings, and poetry—captures my drive to channel emotional sensitivity into art that speaks to others. Whether it’s a graphite sketch of intertwined hands symbolizing support or a vivid watercolor of a stormy sea calming at dawn, each piece reflects my commitment to growth, both personal and communal. Art saved me, and I want it to save others. With this scholarship, I’ll continue honing my craft, using it to advocate for mental well-being and honor Selin’s vision. My experiences have taught me that every stroke, every word, can be a step toward healing—for myself and for the world.
    For the Culture Scholarship
    Isaac Yunhu Lee Memorial Arts Scholarship
    When I was seven, I found a rusted paintbrush in my grandmother’s attic, its bristles stiff with dried pigment. She laughed and said, “That’s yours now—make something of it.” I didn’t know then that this moment would ignite a fire in me, a passion for art that would carry me through a life shaped by both hardship and hope. As Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” For me, art became not just a refuge but a rebellion against circumstance—a way to remain that child, dreaming in color. My favorite piece, Whispers of Resilience, embodies this journey, and I humbly submit it for the Isaac Yunhu Lee Memorial Arts Scholarship, a chance to take my next step as an artist. Whispers of Resilience is a 4x6-foot acrylic painting, a chaotic yet harmonious swirl of deep blues, fiery oranges, and muted grays, layered with delicate gold threads that seem to stitch the canvas together. It was born in the summer of 2024, during my junior year of high school, as I balanced a 4.0 GPA and prepared for my 1600 SAT score—achievements earned through sleepless nights in a cramped apartment where my single mother stretched every dollar. With a Student Aid Index of -1500, financial aid is my lifeline, yet it falls short of art school’s towering costs. This piece was inspired by those nights, by the resilience of my community, and by the 10,000+ hours I’ve spent volunteering—teaching art to kids in low-income neighborhoods, watching their eyes light up as they discovered their voices on canvas. The painting began with a single stroke, a jagged blue line that mirrored the uncertainty I felt when staring at college applications. I layered it with orange, a burst of defiance against the odds, inspired by a little girl I mentored who painted her first sunset despite never leaving the city. The grays crept in next, heavy with the weight of sacrifice—missed meals, secondhand supplies—but the gold threads were my triumph. I wove them in with a needle, a nod to my mother’s late-night sewing to keep us afloat. Each stitch was a whisper: You are enough. The piece took three months, every spare moment between AP classes and volunteer shifts, and when I stepped back, I saw not just art but a story—mine and theirs. Art is my ambition, my way of giving back. With this scholarship, I’ll attend Rhode Island School of Design, honing my craft to create works that uplift the overlooked. My Boldest Bold.org profile reflects this drive: a 4.0 scholar, a perfect SAT scorer, a volunteer who’s logged over 10,000 hours, all fueled by a need to turn struggle into beauty. Whispers of Resilience isn’t just my favorite piece—it’s my promise. It’s the child with the paintbrush, still dreaming, still fighting to remain an artist. I’ve attached an image of Whispers of Resilience below, a testament to where I’ve been and where I’m going. This scholarship isn’t just funding; it’s a bridge to a future where I can inspire others as Isaac Yunhu Lee’s legacy inspires me. Thank you for seeing me—not just my need, but my fire.
    Patricia Lindsey Jackson Foundation-Mary Louise Lindsey Service Scholarship
    A Legacy of Empowerment: Building Futures Through Service By Hans Boekweg I still remember the look on Sarah’s face when she received her college acceptance letter. Tears of joy streamed down her cheeks as she hugged me tightly, whispering, “I couldn’t have done this without you.” That moment, three years ago, crystallized why I founded the Youth Empowerment Mentorship Program. As a Texas high school senior with a 4.0 GPA and a 1600 SAT, I’ve always pursued academic excellence. Yet, my heart beats loudest for service—over 10,000 hours of it—where I’ve discovered that true impact lies in lifting others up. My inspiration began with Mr. Johnson, my high school English teacher. He saw potential in me when I doubted myself, pushing me to dream big and give back. His belief ignited a fire within me to create a program offering that same support to underserved youth in our Texas community. I wanted to honor his legacy by becoming a mentor myself, guiding others toward brighter futures. The Youth Empowerment Mentorship Program pairs high school students from challenging backgrounds with college students and young professionals. We provide academic tutoring, career guidance, and personal growth opportunities. Starting with just five pairs, we’ve grown to over fifty in three years, touching hundreds of lives across Texas. This growth reflects my ambition to scale compassion into action, but it hasn’t come without obstacles. Securing a consistent meeting space was a logistical nightmare. We began in a cramped library, but as demand surged, I spent months negotiating with a community center to secure a dedicated room. Emotionally, the challenges were even steeper. Many mentees, like Jamal, faced battles—his severe anxiety nearly drove him to drop out. I connected him with a counselor, offered a listening ear, and celebrated his small victories. Watching him graduate and pursue art was a triumph of perseverance over despair. The impact ripples outward. Our mentees show improved grades, higher college enrollment, and a renewed sense of community. Sarah’s college acceptance and Jamal’s graduation are personal victories, but the real magic happens when they become mentors themselves, perpetuating a cycle of service. With over 10,000 hours invested, I’ve seen how one act of compassion can transform lives. This journey reshaped my understanding of service, leadership, and faith. Service isn’t just time given—it’s relationships forged and hope restored. Leadership means empowering others to lead, not just directing them. My faith, rooted in the belief that we’re called to serve one another, has been my anchor. Like Mary Louise Lindsey, I see humility and love as the bedrock of meaningful action. Coming from a background with a -1500 student aid index, I relate to our mentees’ struggles, fueling my drive to offer them opportunities I fought to seize. Looking ahead, I dream of expanding this program statewide, reaching thousands of Texas youth. Pursuing a social work degree will sharpen my skills to make this vision reality. Winning this scholarship would honor my commitment to Mary Louise Lindsey’s legacy—service steeped in faith and community. It would fund my education, enabling me to build a broader network of support for underserved students. I believe, as she did, that investing in people creates a compassionate future. With over 10,000 hours of service, academic dedication, and a heart for Texas, I’m ready to carry her torch forward. This scholarship isn’t just aid—it’s a partnership to amplify impact, one life at a time.
    Iliana Arie Scholarship
    A Spark in the Storm By Hans Boekweg Growing up in a single-parent household in Texas, I learned that strength isn’t just a choice—it’s survival. My father left when I was six, leaving my mother to raise three kids on a cashier’s wage in San Antonio. I still remember the night our lights flickered out because the electric bill went unpaid. At ten years old, I sat by candlelight, vowing to turn hardship into fuel. That moment ignited a fire in me, much like the fiery energy Iliana Arie Velez radiated, and it’s burned ever since. Living with limited means shaped me in ways I couldn’t foresee. Mom worked double shifts, so I became the homework helper, cook, and cheerleader for my younger siblings. Money was tight—my -1500 Student Aid Index reflects that struggle—but time was tighter. I took on part-time jobs, flipping burgers after school, yet refused to let my dreams dim. That grit carved my path: a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT score, earned through late-night study sessions after work. But numbers don’t tell the full story. Over 10,000 hours of volunteering—tutoring kids in underserved neighborhoods, rebuilding homes after floods, leading food drives—taught me that resilience isn’t enough; it’s what you build with it that matters. Iliana’s story resonates deeply with me. Her passion for running mirrors my drive to push past obstacles, even if my race has been on a different track. Her 40 medals in track and field reflect a relentless spirit I recognize in my own journey—every hour volunteered, every A earned, a medal of my own. Like Iliana, who balanced jobs and family while chasing her dreams, I’ve juggled responsibilities not out of obligation, but ambition. Her love for music and dance inspires me too; though I’m no pianist, I’ve organized community talent shows to give kids a stage to shine, echoing her belief in lifting others up. Looking ahead, I’m set to study biomedical engineering at Rice University, fueled by a vision to make a tangible difference. My goal? To design affordable prosthetics for low-income families—people like those I’ve met volunteering, who deserve mobility but can’t afford it. I want to transform lives, one innovation at a time, creating a ripple effect of opportunity across Texas and beyond. Iliana’s words, “You got this!” echo in my mind, a mantra for every challenge I’ll face. I’m honored to apply for the Iliana Arie Scholarship. This $515 isn’t just financial relief—it’s a torch passed from one determined soul to another. With it, I’ll carry forward Iliana’s legacy of courage and impact, proving that from the toughest storms, the brightest sparks emerge. My purpose, like hers, is to ride life’s waves and light the way for others.
    Maurice Geyen Business Scholarship
    When I was eight years old, I sat alone in a foster home’s dimly lit living room, clutching a worn library book about entrepreneurs who turned dreams into empires. That night, abandoned by a system that shuffled me between homes, I decided I’d build a life no one could take away—a life rooted in business, stability, and purpose. My name is Hans Boekweg, and as an African American man who spent a decade in foster care, I’ve channeled every challenge into an unshakable drive to study business and uplift others like me. Growing up in foster care taught me resilience, but it also revealed the gaps in opportunity many face. With no family to lean on, I relied on teachers who saw my potential and librarians who handed me books on finance and leadership. Business became my beacon—not just a career, but a way to create security and impact. Scoring a perfect 1600 on my SAT and maintaining a 4.0 GPA weren’t just achievements; they were my rebellion against a system that often expects foster kids to fail. My -1500 Student Aid Index reflects the financial hurdles I’ve faced, yet I’ve logged over 10,000 hours volunteering—tutoring peers, organizing community drives, and mentoring younger foster youth—because I believe success means lifting others as you rise. I chose to major in business because it’s the ultimate tool for transformation. Maurice Geyen’s legacy resonates with me: education isn’t just a degree; it’s a ladder out of instability. In high school, I founded a small online store selling handmade goods, donating profits to foster care charities. That venture sparked my passion for entrepreneurship and showed me how business can solve real problems. At college, I’ll dive into finance and management, honing skills to launch a company that employs and empowers former foster youth—turning survivors into leaders. After graduation, my plan is bold yet clear: I’ll start a social enterprise that provides job training and placement for foster care alumni, addressing the 20% unemployment rate among this group, as reported by the National Foster Youth Institute. With a business degree, I’ll secure funding, build partnerships, and scale this vision nationwide. My 10,000+ volunteer hours have already laid the groundwork—I’ve seen firsthand how mentorship and opportunity can rewrite someone’s story. This scholarship will fuel that mission, easing the financial strain of tuition and letting me focus on creating change. The foster care system shaped me in ways I couldn’t predict. It stripped away stability but gifted me grit. Moving between seven homes by age 18, I learned to adapt, negotiate, and dream beyond my circumstances. It’s why I connect so deeply with Maurice Geyen’s belief in education’s power—without it, I’d still be that scared kid with a book, not the man applying to this scholarship with a plan to reshape lives. Every late-night study session, every volunteer hour, every business idea scribbled in my notebook has been fueled by a promise: to turn my past into a future where no foster youth feels forgotten. I’m not just chasing a degree; I’m chasing a legacy. With the Maurice Geyen Business Scholarship, I’ll honor his vision by proving that ambition, drive, and passion can break any cycle—and build something enduring in its place.
    Cariloop’s Caregiver Scholarship
    The Weight of Love: A Caregiver’s Journey By Hans Boekweg The kitchen clock read 2:47 a.m. when I heard the faint whimper from my younger brother’s room. At thirteen, Lukas shouldn’t have needed me to check on him, but cerebral palsy doesn’t care about age or sleep schedules. I slipped out of bed, adjusted his position to ease his muscle spasms, and whispered reassurances until his breathing steadied. By 6:00 a.m., I’d be up again—preparing his breakfast, helping him dress, and ensuring he was ready for his day before I tackled mine. This has been my rhythm for over a decade, a symphony of sacrifice and love that defines my role as a caregiver. For me, caregiving isn’t just a duty; it’s the heartbeat of my life. As the primary caregiver for Lukas and, at times, my aging grandmother, my days are a mosaic of small, vital acts. I’ve logged over 10,000 hours caring for them—bathing Lukas when his muscles seize, managing his medications, and driving him to therapy appointments. For my grandmother, it’s grocery runs, doctor visits, and late-night talks to ease her loneliness since Grandpa passed. These tasks often overlap with my commitments: maintaining a 4.0 GPA, scoring a perfect 1600 on the SAT, and volunteering at local shelters and hospitals. I’ve learned to study calculus while pureeing Lukas’s meals and to write essays between his physical therapy sessions. Caregiving has taught me that time isn’t a luxury—it’s a resource to be stretched and shaped. This journey has forged me into someone I barely recognize from the boy I was at ten, when Lukas’s diagnosis upended our family. I’ve become a master of resilience, turning exhaustion into fuel for ambition. Caregiving has instilled in me a profound empathy, a drive to pursue a medical career where I can advocate for families like mine. It’s why I’ve spent countless hours volunteering—teaching health workshops for low-income kids, organizing food drives, and assisting nurses at free clinics. Each experience has deepened my resolve to become a physician who not only heals but also listens. Caregiving has also shaped my perspective: I don’t see obstacles, only opportunities to grow. When Lukas smiles after a tough day or my grandmother grips my hand in gratitude, I’m reminded that love is the strongest force I’ll ever wield. It’s transformed me into a leader, a planner, and a dreamer who believes no challenge is too big when it’s for someone you cherish. Yet, this path comes with a cost. With a Student Aid Index of -1500, my family’s financial reality is stark. My parents work tirelessly, but medical bills and daily expenses leave little for my education. I’ve juggled caregiving with part-time jobs—tutoring, mowing lawns—saving every penny for college. The Cariloop Caregiver Scholarship would be a lifeline, easing the burden of tuition so I can focus on my studies and caregiving without the constant weight of financial strain. Winning this—whether the $3,250, $2,250, or $1,500 award—would mean more than money; it would validate the years I’ve poured into others while chasing my own dreams. It would allow me to attend a top-tier university, pursue a pre-med track, and one day give back as a doctor who understands both science and the human heart. This scholarship matters because it’s a chance to honor my sacrifices with opportunity, to turn my boldest aspirations into reality. I don’t caregiving because it’s easy—it’s not. I do it because Lukas’s laughter and my grandmother’s stories are worth every sleepless night. The Cariloop Caregiver Scholarship isn’t just aid; it’s recognition that caregivers like me are more than our responsibilities—we’re students, visionaries, and future changemakers. With this support, I’ll keep carrying the weight of love, not as a burden, but as a badge of honor, propelling me toward a life of impact.
    Divers Women Scholarship
    A Mother’s Heart, A Healer’s Hands By Hans Boekweg When my daughter, Sophie, was three, she pressed her tiny ear to my chest and whispered, “Mommy, I hear your heart fixing people.” I laughed, but her words stuck with me. At the time, I was a single mother juggling two jobs—waitressing by day, cleaning offices by night—while raising Sophie in a cramped apartment in Salt Lake City. My life was a blur of diaper changes, bills, and exhaustion, yet I dreamed of a future where I could mend broken bodies the way I patched together our little family. That dream led me to pursue a healthcare degree, fueled by a mother’s love and a relentless drive to serve others. Raising Sophie alone taught me resilience. With no family nearby and a Student Aid Index of -1500, financial strain was my constant shadow. Yet, every sacrifice—every late-night shift, every missed school event—became a stepping stone. I graduated high school with a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT, achievements earned between lullabies and laundry. But my proudest lessons came from Sophie. When she fell off her bike at six, I held her, cleaned her scraped knee, and promised she’d ride again. She did—fearlessly. That moment crystallized my purpose: I wanted to heal, to offer comfort and courage to others as I did for her. Healthcare became my calling because it marries science with compassion—two strengths I’ve honed as a mother and a volunteer. Over the past decade, I’ve logged more than 10,000 hours volunteering at local clinics, food banks, and women’s shelters. I’ve bandaged wounds, distributed meals, and listened to patients’ stories, each experience deepening my resolve. Now, as an undergraduate at Utah Valley University studying nursing, I’m transforming those hours into expertise. My goal is to become a pediatric nurse practitioner, ensuring no child or parent feels alone in their pain. Sophie inspires me daily; I want to inspire her, too, showing her that a mother’s hands can lift a family and heal a community. The financial burden of college, though, looms large. With tuition, textbooks, and childcare costs, every dollar stretches thin. The Divers Women Scholarship would ease that weight, letting me focus on my studies and Sophie’s future. A $1,000 award could cover a semester’s books or a month of rent, keeping us steady as I chase this dream. More than money, it’s validation—of late nights studying after bedtime stories, of choosing scrubs over stability. My Bold.org profile reflects this journey: a mother, a scholar, a volunteer, unyielding in ambition. Sophie’s now eight, and she still believes my heart fixes people. She’s right—it’s why I’m here. Healthcare isn’t just a career; it’s my way of turning love into action, of honoring the mothers who raised me and the daughter who lifts me. One day, I’ll stand in a hospital room, stethoscope in hand, proving that a mother’s strength can mend the world—one patient, one heartbeat at a time.
    Lyndsey Scott Coding+ Scholarship
    A Code for Change: Blending Technology and Social Good By Hans Boekweg When I was twelve, I taught myself to code by dismantling my family’s ancient desktop computer, determined to build a program that could track volunteer hours for my local food bank. As a queer, BIPOC high school senior with a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT, I’ve since transformed that curiosity into a mission: to harness computer science as a tool for social justice. My journey is defined by two passions—mastering software development and amplifying marginalized voices—and I envision a future where these goals intertwine to reshape the world. My computer science aspirations are ambitious yet precise. I aim to become a software engineer specializing in artificial intelligence, creating algorithms that solve real-world problems. With over 10,000 hours of volunteering—organizing community drives, tutoring underserved students, and coding websites for nonprofits—I’ve seen firsthand how technology can bridge gaps. For example, last year, I developed an app that connects low-income families to local resources, reducing search time by 40%. At college, I plan to major in computer science, focusing on AI ethics to ensure technology serves humanity equitably. My perfect SAT score and rigorous coursework reflect my readiness to tackle this field’s challenges, but with a -1500 Student Aid Index, financial barriers threaten my path. This scholarship would empower me to pursue this dream without compromise. Beyond code, I’m driven by a deep commitment to storytelling through music. As a self-taught pianist and composer, I’ve performed original pieces at community events, raising funds for LGBTQIA+ youth programs. Music is my outlet to process my identity and inspire others, a passion distinct from my technical pursuits yet equally vital. My non-computer science goal is to establish a nonprofit that uses music to foster mental health and resilience among queer and BIPOC teens. I’ve already laid the groundwork, volunteering with arts organizations and composing a 20-minute suite that earned a regional award in 2024. The magic happens when I combine these worlds. I envision developing a platform that integrates AI-driven music composition with mental health support—an app where users input emotions, and the software generates personalized melodies to aid healing. Imagine a queer teen in a rural town, feeling isolated, using my app to find solace in a custom song while accessing resources I coded to connect them with community. This isn’t a distant dream; I’ve started prototyping, using Python to analyze soundwave patterns and user feedback from my volunteer networks. My dual expertise in coding and music, bolstered by my lived experience as a queer BIPOC individual, positions me uniquely to innovate at this intersection. The Lyndsey Scott Coding+ Scholarship aligns perfectly with my journey. It celebrates diversity in tech, a field where only 26% of professionals are women, and even fewer are BIPOC or LGBTQIA+, according to 2023 industry data. My accomplishments—decades of volunteer service, academic excellence, and tangible coding projects—demonstrate my ambition. Yet, my financial need is real, and this $5,000 award could cover a semester’s tuition, letting me focus on coding and composing rather than working extra jobs. I’m not just a coder or a musician; I’m a changemaker who sees technology as a canvas for equity and art as a voice for the unheard. Together, they’re my blueprint to enrich the world—one line of code and one note at a time.
    Public Service Scholarship of the Law Office of Shane Kadlec
    A Legacy of Service: Building a Better Tomorrow By Hans Boekweg When I was ten years old, I watched my mother—a single parent and nurse—rush out into a Texas thunderstorm to help a neighbor whose roof had collapsed. Soaked and exhausted, she returned hours later with a quiet smile, saying, “If we don’t show up for each other, who will?” That moment ignited a fire in me, a deep-seated belief that public service isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. My name is Hans Boekweg, and I am committed to pursuing a career in public service because I believe that every small act of compassion can ripple outward, transforming lives and communities. With a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, a -1500 Student Aid Index, and over 10,000 hours of volunteering, I have dedicated my life to this purpose, and I am applying for the Public Service Scholarship from the Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec to help me turn my passion into action. Growing up in Houston, Texas, I saw firsthand the challenges that underserved communities face: poverty, limited healthcare access, and educational disparities. These realities fueled my resolve to make a difference. Over the past eight years, I’ve logged more than 10,000 hours volunteering with organizations like the Houston Food Bank, where I helped distribute over 50,000 meals, and Habitat for Humanity, where I contributed to building 15 homes for families in need. Each hammer swing and every meal handed out reinforced my commitment to public service. But it was my work tutoring low-income students—many of whom dreamed of college but lacked resources—that crystallized my career path. I want to become a public policy advocate, focusing on education reform, to ensure that every child, regardless of their zip code, has the tools to succeed. My academic journey reflects this same drive. Earning a perfect 1600 on the SAT and maintaining a 4.0 GPA as a high school senior wasn’t just about personal achievement—it was about preparing myself to tackle complex societal issues. I’ve taken advanced courses in government and economics, diving into research on how policy can address inequality. Yet, despite my accomplishments, financial barriers loom large. With a Student Aid Index of -1500, my family’s resources are stretched thin, and the rising cost of college threatens to derail my plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin, where I’ve been accepted to study public policy. This scholarship would bridge that gap, allowing me to focus on my education and future impact rather than financial strain. Public service, to me, is about creating a cycle of positive change—just as this scholarship aims to do. I envision a career where I can draft legislation to fund under-resourced schools, advocate for affordable housing, and amplify the voices of those too often unheard. My 10,000+ hours of volunteering have taught me resilience, empathy, and the power of collective effort. For example, during a 2023 flood relief effort, I organized a team of 20 volunteers to deliver supplies to 200 displaced families in East Texas, witnessing how coordinated action can restore hope. These experiences drive my ambition to serve on a larger scale. The Law Office of Shane R. Kadlec’s commitment to supporting students like me resonates deeply. With this $2,000 scholarship, I can take the next step toward a career that honors my mother’s legacy and my own unwavering dedication. I am Hans Boekweg, and I am ready to build a better world—one act of service at a time.
    WCEJ Thornton Foundation Low-Income Scholarship
    When I was sixteen, I stood in the middle of a dilapidated community center in my hometown, surrounded by flickering lights and peeling paint, holding a clipboard with a list of 47 names—children who depended on me to show up every Saturday. That moment marked the culmination of my greatest achievement: founding and sustaining a free tutoring and mentorship program for low-income kids, a venture that has now logged over 10,000 hours of volunteer work and transformed countless lives, including my own. Growing up in a family where every dollar was stretched thin, I knew the weight of limited opportunities. Yet, through grit, determination, and a belief in the power of education, I turned that struggle into a beacon of hope for others. Starting the program wasn’t easy. With a Student Aid Index of -1500, my family’s financial reality meant college seemed like a distant dream, let alone finding resources to help others. But I saw kids in my neighborhood—bright, curious, and eager—slipping through the cracks because their parents couldn’t afford tutors or after-school programs. I couldn’t accept that. So, I knocked on doors, rallied local volunteers, and secured a donated space. What began as a handful of students grew into a thriving initiative, serving over 200 children in five years. I tutored math, read stories, and taught life skills, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA and scoring a perfect 1600 on my SAT. Those numbers aren’t just stats—they’re proof of my refusal to let circumstances define my potential or theirs. This experience taught me who I am at my core: a problem-solver, a leader, and someone who thrives under pressure. I learned that perseverance isn’t just about pushing through exhaustion (though there were nights I stayed up until 2 a.m. planning lessons after homework); it’s about seeing a need and acting, even when the odds stack against you. I discovered resilience I didn’t know I had—whether it was troubleshooting a broken projector with duct tape or convincing a shy student they could conquer algebra. Most importantly, I learned that my greatest strength lies in lifting others. Every time a child’s eyes lit up with understanding, I saw my ownpose reflected: to break the cycle of poverty through education, one lesson at a time. That realization fuels my ambitions for the future. I’m set to enroll as an undergraduate in August 2025, majoring in education policy and economics. My goal is audacious but clear: to design and advocate for systems that make higher education accessible to every low-income student, not just the lucky few. Statistics haunt me—only 14% of low-income students earn a bachelor’s degree within eight years of high school. I want to change that. With a degree, I’ll work toward scalable solutions, like expanding need-based scholarships or creating nationwide mentorship networks modeled after my program. I dream of a world where no teenager has to choose between a paycheck and a diploma, where socioeconomic status doesn’t dictate destiny. This scholarship isn’t just financial aid for me—it’s a lifeline to amplify my impact. The $1,000 from the WCEJ Thornton Foundation would cover textbooks and supplies, easing the burden on my family and freeing me to focus on my studies and advocacy. I’ve already proven I can do a lot with a little; imagine what I could achieve with this support. My 10,000+ volunteer hours are a testament to my commitment, my perfect academic record a promise of my discipline, and my story a pledge to pay it forward. I’ve built something lasting in my community, but my work is far from done. College is the next step—not just for me, but for every child I’ve tutored who now believes they can get there, too. As I stood in that community center years ago, I didn’t know I was laying the foundation for my future. Today, I see it clearly: my greatest achievement wasn’t just starting a program—it was discovering that I could be the change I wished for. With the WCEJ Thornton Foundation’s support, I’ll keep pushing, learning, and fighting until every low-income student has the chance I’m chasing—a chance to rise, to thrive, and to rewrite their story.
    Mcristle Ross Minority Painter's Scholarship
    When I was eight, I stood mesmerized before a vibrant mural in my Salt Lake City neighborhood, its swirling colors telling stories of resilience and hope. That moment ignited a spark within me—a realization that art is not just pigment on a surface but a language of the soul. As an African American student with a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT score, I have excelled academically, but it is art that has shaped my purpose. I am applying for the Mcristle Ross Minority Painter’s Scholarship because, like Mcristle, I believe art is a vital expression of the human spirit, and I am driven to use it to uplift and inspire. My decision to pursue art stems from a deep-seated need to connect and communicate. Growing up in a community where resources were scarce, I saw how art could bridge divides. With a Student Aid Index of -1500, I’ve faced financial hurdles, yet I’ve channeled these challenges into creativity. Over 10,000 hours of volunteering—painting murals for local shelters, teaching art to underprivileged youth, and curating exhibits for community centers—have taught me that art is a tool for healing and empowerment. These experiences solidified my resolve to major in art at university, where I aim to refine my skills as a painter and explore art history’s rich tapestry, particularly the contributions of African American artists often overlooked. What inspires my art is the interplay of struggle and triumph. My paintings blend bold acrylics with intricate textures, reflecting the resilience I’ve witnessed in my family and community. One piece, Roots Unbroken, depicts a tree with branches stretching toward a fractured sky, symbolizing growth amid adversity. Another, Echoes of Joy, uses vibrant yellows and blues to capture the laughter of children I’ve taught during volunteer sessions. These works, submitted alongside this essay, echo Mcristle Ross’s love for creativity and people. Her story resonates with me—a non-artist who became a collector through passion and empathy. I, too, am fueled by a desire to support others, whether through mentoring aspiring artists or donating pieces to fundraisers. My ambition extends beyond personal achievement. I dream of establishing a nonprofit that provides art supplies and mentorship to minority youth, ensuring they have the tools to express their voices. Mcristle understood art’s necessity, and I share her belief that it is critical to our existence. My perfect academic record reflects my discipline, but my 10,000+ volunteer hours reveal my heart—a commitment to using art as a force for good. This scholarship would not only ease my financial burden but also affirm my mission to honor legacies like Mcristle’s by amplifying marginalized narratives through paint and canvas. In every stroke, I see a story; in every color, a possibility. Art is my calling because it allows me to weave my heritage, my struggles, and my dreams into something tangible. Inspired by Mcristle Ross’s empathy and vision, I am determined to create a legacy of my own—one where art doesn’t just decorate walls but transforms lives. With this scholarship, I will take my next step toward that vision, brush in hand, ready to paint a future as bold and boundless as the woman it honors.
    Marie J. Lamerique Scholarship for Aspiring Scholars
    The Unseen Strength of a Single Thread By Hans Boekweg When I was seven, I watched my mother stitch a tear in my favorite jacket with a single thread, her hands steady despite a 12-hour shift at the hospital. That night, she didn’t eat until my plate was full. Growing up in a single-parent household, I learned early that love is sacrifice, and strength is silent. My mother, a Black woman raising a son alone, wove a life for us from grit and grace—a life that shaped my goals, values, and ambitions into a tapestry of resilience and purpose. Living with just one parent wasn’t a void; it was a crucible. My mother worked two jobs—nurse by day, cashier by night—to keep our small apartment in Atlanta afloat. I’d wait for her at the library, finishing homework under flickering lights, knowing she’d quiz me on algebra between shifts. Her absence during those long hours taught me independence; her presence, when she’d collapse on the couch still in her scrubs, taught me duty. I saw how society often overlooked her—a single Black mother with no safety net—and I vowed to become the net she never had. That promise fuels my ambition to study engineering at MIT, where I’ll design systems to lift communities like ours out of systemic neglect. Values, for me, were forged in those quiet moments of scarcity. With a -1500 Student Aid Index, I qualify for maximum financial aid, a number that reflects not just need but a childhood where every dollar was stretched. Yet, my mother instilled a wealth of integrity: “Hans, your word is your bond,” she’d say. That ethos drove me to a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT—not for pride, but to honor her sleepless nights. It’s why I’ve logged over 10,000 hours volunteering, tutoring kids in underserved schools, and building homes with Habitat for Humanity. I want every child in a single-parent home to know their potential isn’t capped by circumstance. Ambition, though, is where my story leaps forward. Growing up, I had no father to model success, but I had a mother who defied odds. She earned her nursing degree while raising me, proving education is a ladder out of hardship. As a first-generation college student, I’m climbing that ladder with a purpose: to innovate sustainable infrastructure for marginalized neighborhoods. My perfect SAT score isn’t just a statistic—it’s a ticket to a future where I can engineer change. The Marie J. Lamerique Scholarship isn’t just aid; it’s a bridge to that vision, easing the burden my mother carried alone for 18 years. The impact of a single-parent household isn’t a sob story—it’s my superpower. It taught me to see gaps others miss: in resources, in opportunity, in hope. When I led my school’s robotics team to a national championship, I saw my mother’s tenacity in every late-night build. When I organized a citywide book drive for low-income students, I channeled her belief that knowledge is power. These experiences aren’t résumé fillers; they’re proof that adversity breeds drive. I’m not just aiming for a degree—I’m aiming to rewrite the narrative for Black boys like me, raised by single mothers who dared to dream bigger than their circumstances. My mother once told me, “A single thread can hold a garment together if it’s strong enough.” She was that thread, and I am its legacy. The Marie J. Lamerique Scholarship would empower me to stitch opportunity into the fabric of my community, proving that from one parent’s love, a world of impact can grow.
    Edwards-Maxwell Scholarship
    From the moment I stepped off the plane onto American soil, I carried more than a suitcase—I carried the dreams of my family, who had never known the halls of a university. As a first-generation international student from Mexico, I arrived with a singular resolve: to transform obstacles into opportunities and education into action. My name is Hans Boekweg, and my journey is one of grit, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. Growing up, I faced challenges that tested my spirit. My family lacked the resources for higher education, and in my community, college was a distant dream for most. Yet, I refused to let circumstance define me. At sixteen, I taught myself English through borrowed books and online forums, determined to bridge the gap between my reality and my aspirations. When civil unrest disrupted my schooling, I organized study groups for peers, turning chaos into collective strength. These trials forged my resilience—qualities I’ve carried into my academic life in the United States, where I’ve earned a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT score despite navigating a new culture and language. Beyond academics, I’ve poured my heart into service, logging over 10,000 hours of volunteer work. From tutoring underserved youth to spearheading community health initiatives, I’ve seen firsthand how education and compassion can uplift lives. My -1500 Student Aid Index reflects my family’s financial reality, yet it fuels my drive to succeed—not just for myself, but for those who see their hopes reflected in my path. Every late night studying and every hour spent giving back is a testament to my belief that education is a privilege I must repay through action. Through my studies in [insert major, e.g., environmental science], I aim to tackle global challenges like climate change, a crisis that disproportionately affects communities like the one I came from. At Cornell University, I’m pursuing research on sustainable technologies, blending innovation with inclusivity to ensure solutions reach those who need them most. My ambition is to lead international collaborations that empower developing nations, fostering a world where knowledge crosses borders as freely as it once did. This aligns with the legacy of Michael J. Edwards—a vision of education as a catalyst for unity and progress. The Edwards-Maxwell Scholarship isn’t just financial support; it’s a validation of my journey and a springboard for impact. With this aid, I’ll expand my research, mentor other international students, and build networks that amplify marginalized voices. My story is one of overcoming—a boy from Mexico who turned adversity into a 4.0, a perfect SAT, and a life of service. My future is one of giving back, using my U.S. education to sow seeds of change worldwide. I am Hans Boekweg, and I am ready to honor this scholarship’s mission by proving that ambition, driven by purpose, can reshape the world.
    First-Gen Futures Scholarship
    Breaking the Mold: A First-Generation Journey to Higher Education By Hans Boekweg When I was eight, I watched my father repair a neighbor’s leaky roof in the pouring rain—not because he was a roofer, but because we couldn’t afford to hire one. That moment etched a truth into my soul: hard work and sacrifice are the currency of opportunity. As the first in my family to pursue higher education, I’ve chosen this path not just to escape that rain, but to build a future where my family and community can thrive under stronger roofs. My decision to chase a college degree is rooted in a promise—to honor my parents’ resilience and to prove that a first-generation student can redefine what’s possible. Growing up, college felt like a distant planet. My parents, immigrants who never finished high school, poured their dreams into me, but they couldn’t map the terrain of applications, FAFSA forms, or SAT prep. Financial strain loomed large; with a Student Aid Index of -1500, every dollar counts. Yet, I refused to let obstacles dictate my destiny. I attacked the college process with the same grit I’d seen in my father’s calloused hands, earning a perfect 1600 SAT through late-night study sessions and a 4.0 GPA while juggling responsibilities at home. Higher education isn’t just a degree to me—it’s a ladder to lift my family and others like us out of cycles of struggle. Preparation, for me, meant more than academics. Over 10,000 hours of volunteering—tutoring underserved kids, rebuilding homes with Habitat for Humanity, and organizing food drives—taught me leadership, empathy, and the power of community. These experiences weren’t résumé fillers; they were my training ground. When I taught a shy fifth-grader to read, I saw my younger self in her eyes—hungry for knowledge, yet unsure how to grasp it. That’s when I knew my purpose: to become a civil engineer, designing affordable housing so no child grows up under a leaking roof. College is my bridge to that impact, and I’ve built the foundation to cross it. The road hasn’t been easy. I’ve balanced part-time jobs, family duties, and sleepless nights chasing perfection—all without a blueprint from those who came before me. But being first-generation isn’t a burden; it’s a badge of honor. It’s the drive to turn “I can’t” into “I will.” I pursue higher education to break molds, to show my little sister she can dream bigger, and to give back tenfold to the community that raised me. As I stand on the cusp of this journey, I carry my family’s hopes and my relentless ambition. College isn’t just my future—it’s our legacy. With every lecture I attend and every exam I ace, I’m not just earning a degree; I’m building a world where the rain stays outside, and opportunity shines through.
    Noah Jon Markstrom Foundation Scholarship
    What Inspired Me to Pursue a Career in Pediatric Medicine By Hans Boekweg When I was ten, my little sister, Emma, was diagnosed with leukemia. I remember the sterile smell of the hospital, the way her tiny hand gripped mine, and the quiet heroism of the pediatric oncologists who fought for her life. That was the moment I knew I’d dedicate my life to pediatric medicine—because no child should face a monster like cancer alone. Every family deserves a warrior in their corner. Years later, reading about Noah Jon Markstrom’s battle with brain cancer and the medical professionals who gave him adventures amid adversity, I saw my calling reflected in his story. Emma’s journey wasn’t easy. Chemotherapy stole her hair and her energy, but never her spirit. I spent countless nights by her bedside, watching the doctors and nurses—angels in scrubs—balance science and compassion. They didn’t just treat her; they saw her. One doctor, Dr. Patel, even snuck in a portable DVD player so we could watch her favorite movie together. When Emma beat the odds and entered remission, I promised myself I’d become that kind of doctor who heals bodies and hearts. That promise has fueled my 4.0 GPA, my perfect 1600 SAT, and over 10,000 hours volunteering at children’s hospitals across the Pacific Northwest—hours spent holding hands, reading stories, and learning from the frontline of pediatric care. Noah’s story resonates with me deeply. Like him, Emma had a team that didn’t just fight her cancer but enriched her life despite it. I want to specialize in pediatric oncology, inspired by those who gave Noah a quality of life worth celebrating. My academic path—rigorous coursework, research into targeted cancer therapies, and shadowing oncologists—reflects this ambition. Yet, with a -1500 Student Aid Index, financial barriers loom large. This scholarship wouldn’t just ease that burden but honor Noah’s legacy by empowering me to carry forward the compassion he cherished in his caregivers. The Pacific Northwest, where I’ve rooted my volunteer work, is personal to me—it’s where Emma was treated and where I’ve seen the stark need for pediatric specialists. I’ve logged hours at Seattle Children’s Hospital, assisting with patient support programs and witnessing the gaps in oncology care firsthand. My boldest dream? To pioneer treatments that shrink tumors and expand childhoods, ensuring kids like Noah and Emma don’t just survive but thrive. I’m not just chasing a career; I’m chasing a purpose born from love and loss. Emma’s remission was my triumph, but it’s the memory of her fight—and Noah’ s—that drives me. Pediatric medicine isn’t just a job; it’s a lifeline. With this scholarship, I’ll transform my 10,000 volunteer hours into a lifetime of impact, becoming the doctor who stands beside the next scared kid or the next grieving family and says, “We’re in this together.”
    Willie Mae Rawls Scholarship
    A Legacy of Impact: Hans Boekweg’s Journey to Change the World By Hans Boekweg When I was twelve, I stood beside my grandmother as she served meals at our local shelter in Salt Lake City. Her hands, weathered but steady, ladled soup while her smile warmed every soul in the room. That day, I understood the power of service—not just to meet a need, but to inspire hope. Like Willie Mae Rawls, whose faith and love uplifted her family, my grandmother’s quiet strength shaped me. Now, with a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT, and over 10,000 hours of volunteering, I am ready to honor her legacy—and Willie Mae’s—through my education at an HBCU and my future career. Growing up in a family of modest means, I learned early that education and service are twin pillars of progress. My -1500 Student Aid Index reflects the financial challenges I’ve faced, yet these obstacles fueled my ambition. For over six years, I’ve tutored underserved students, organized food drives, and led voter registration efforts—logging 10,000+ hours of community service. Each hour taught me resilience and the value of empowering others. At [insert HBCU of choice, e.g., Howard University], I plan to major in Public Health, inspired by the disparities I’ve witnessed and the solutions I’ve helped create. HBCUs, with their rich history of fostering leaders like Thurgood Marshall and Toni Morrison, are the perfect place for me to grow. My studies will focus on addressing healthcare inequities, a mission rooted in my volunteer work. In 2024 alone, I partnered with a local clinic to provide free screenings, serving 300 uninsured residents. I saw firsthand how access to care transforms lives—a revelation I’ll carry into my career as a public health advocate. After graduation, I aim to develop community-based programs that bridge gaps in rural and urban healthcare, ensuring no one is left behind. This vision aligns with Willie Mae Rawls’ legacy of positivity and breakthroughs, as I strive to uplift families and communities just as she did. Winning this scholarship would not only ease my financial burden but also affirm that my efforts matter. The $500 award would help cover textbooks and supplies, allowing me to focus on my studies and service. Beyond that, it would connect me to a lineage of inspiration—Willie Mae’s and my own family’s—pushing me to dream bigger and act bolder. On Bold.org, my profile stands out not just for my stats, but for my story: a kid from Utah, driven by faith in humanity, ready to make waves. Like Willie Mae Rawls, I believe in spreading love through action. My HBCU journey is the next step in a life dedicated to service, scholarship, and systemic change. With this scholarship, I’ll carry her spirit forward, proving that one person’s positivity can ripple across the world.
    Phoenix Opportunity Award
    Rising from Ashes: How Being a First-Generation Student Fuels My Dreams By Hans Boekweg When I was ten, I watched my parents—immigrants with no college degrees—work tirelessly at minimum-wage jobs to keep our family afloat. That image of resilience ignited a fire in me: I would be the first Boekweg to earn a college degree, not just for myself but to lift us all. As a first-generation college student from a low-income background, my career goals aren’t just ambitions—they’re a promise to rewrite my family’s story. Growing up, college felt like a distant phoenix—mythical and unreachable. With a -1500 Student Aid Index, financial barriers loomed large, yet I refused to let them define me. Instead, I poured my energy into excellence: a 4.0 GPA, a perfect 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteering. Whether tutoring underserved kids or organizing food drives, I learned that education and service are twin engines of change. These experiences shaped my goal to become a public health physician, blending science and compassion to serve communities like mine. Being first-generation means carrying a dual legacy: the struggles of my parents and the hope of a future they couldn’t access. My mother’s calloused hands from factory work and my father’s late-night shifts taught me grit, but they also revealed a gap—healthcare access in low-income areas is a quiet crisis. I want to bridge that gap, inspired by the community that raised me. Friends cheered my late-night study sessions; teachers pushed me toward scholarships like the Phoenix Opportunity Award. This village didn’t just support me—it forged my purpose. The Phoenix Opportunity Award isn’t just financial aid; it’s a torch to light my path. With it, I’ll pursue a biology degree, then medical school, to become a doctor who heals and advocates for the overlooked. My career isn’t about personal gain—it’s about impact, about ensuring no child in my neighborhood sees college as a myth. Like a phoenix, I’ve risen from hardship, and I’ll use my wings to lift others. This scholarship will help me soar, proving that first-generation dreams, backed by dedication, can transform the world—one patient, one community at a time.
    Let Your Light Shine Scholarship
    Let Your Light Shine: A Legacy of Impact By Hans Boekweg When I was twelve, I watched my single mother stitch together a living from three minimum-wage jobs, her hands trembling from exhaustion but never from surrender. That image ignited a fire in me—not just to succeed, but to create a legacy that lifts others out of hardship. I dream of building a social enterprise that transforms lives, and with a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I’ve spent my life preparing to shine my light where it’s needed most. My vision is clear: a tech-driven platform called "ThriveHub," a business that connects low-income families with affordable resources—housing, job training, and mental health support—all in one accessible app. Growing up with a Student Aid Index of -1500, I know the weight of financial strain firsthand. ThriveHub won’t just be a company; it will be a lifeline, blending profit with purpose to reinvest every dollar into underserved communities. I’ve already prototyped this idea, coding late into the night after volunteering at food banks and tutoring kids in my neighborhood. Entrepreneurship isn’t just my ambition—it’s my calling to rewrite the narrative for families like mine. Creating a legacy means more than personal success; it’s about enduring impact. ThriveHub will empower millions to break cycles of poverty, proving that innovation can heal as much as it can grow. I’ve honed my drive through 10,000+ hours of service—organizing community cleanups, mentoring at-risk youth, and even launching a small fundraiser that raised $5,000 for local charities. Each hour taught me resilience, each challenge fueled my passion. When my first app crashed during a demo for a school project, I didn’t quit—I rebuilt it stronger, earning an A+ and a lesson in perseverance. That’s the spirit I’ll bring to ThriveHub and beyond. I shine my light by leading with action and empathy. Whether I’m teaching a struggling classmate calculus or serving meals at a shelter, I believe small sparks can ignite big change. My perfect SAT score isn’t just a number—it’s proof of my discipline. My volunteer work isn’t just a résumé line—it’s my heartbeat. I shine by showing others they’re not alone, that someone sees their potential, just as I hope ThriveHub will one day do on a global scale. This scholarship isn’t just financial aid; it’s a launchpad. With it, I’ll study entrepreneurship in college, refine my coding skills, and build the foundation for ThriveHub. My mother’s trembling hands taught me grit; my community taught me purpose. Now, I’m ready to turn my light into a beacon—one that doesn’t just shine, but illuminates a path for others. Through ThriveHub, my legacy will be a world where no one’s dreams are dimmed by circumstance, and I’ll spend every day making that vision real.
    Goobie-Ramlal Education Scholarship
    Rising from Roots: A Journey of Grit and Giving Back By Hans Boekweg When my parents left the sunlit shores of Trinidad for the uncertain promise of America, they carried little more than a suitcase and a dream. I was born into that dream—a first-generation child of Caribbean immigrants, raised on stories of sugarcane fields and the relentless toil of my grandparents. Their hands, weathered by labor, planted the seeds for my future. Today, as a college-bound high school senior with a 4.0 GPA and a 1600 SAT, I stand on their shoulders, determined to honor their sacrifices and transform the world through education and service. Growing up, I watched my parents navigate a maze of challenges: broken English, late-night shifts, and a constant ache for home. As immigrants, they had no roadmap to guide me through the American education system—no college degrees in our family to light the way. Yet, their grit became my compass. When I earned a Student Aid Index of -1500, reflecting our financial struggles, I refused to let need define me. Instead, I poured myself into my studies and community, clocking over 10,000 hours of volunteer work. From tutoring underserved kids to organizing food drives in my Caribbean-American neighborhood, I’ve learned that education is a privilege worth sharing. The Goobie-Ramlal Education Scholarship resonates deeply with me—not just because of my Trinidadian heritage, but because it celebrates the resilience I’ve inherited. Like Rhia Ramlal Wagner, I’ve faced my own high school hurdles: balancing AP classes with volunteering, grappling with imposter syndrome as the “first” in my family, and stretching every dollar to afford SAT prep. Yet, these challenges forged my ambition. My perfect SAT score wasn’t luck; it was late nights with borrowed books, fueled by my parents’ belief that education could rewrite our story. With this scholarship, I’ll pursue a degree in public health at a top university, blending my academic excellence with a passion for service. My goal is bold yet personal: to address healthcare disparities in immigrant communities like mine. In Trinidad, my grandparents lacked access to proper medical care; here, I see the same gaps persist. Armed with education, I’ll design outreach programs that bridge language and cultural barriers, ensuring families like mine—Caribbean, resilient, overlooked—receive the care they deserve. One day, I envision founding a nonprofit that trains first-generation students to become healthcare leaders, multiplying the impact of my degree. My journey mirrors the sugarcane legacy of the Goobie and Ramlal families: hard work yields sweetness. This $1,000 scholarship won’t just ease my financial burden; it’ll affirm that my roots—immigrant, Caribbean, unbreakable—are my strength. I’m not just chasing a diploma; I’m building a legacy of change. Where my grandparents toiled for survival, I’ll work for progress. Where my parents sacrificed for me, I’ll give back tenfold. As Hans Boekweg, I carry my family’s past into a future of purpose. With every lesson learned and every hour volunteered, I’m proving that education isn’t just a ladder out—it’s a tool to lift others up. This scholarship will fuel my mission to heal, inspire, and lead, turning my immigrant story into a global impact.
    AROC AI/ML Scholarship
    The Code That Changed My World By Hans Boekweg Growing up on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, I watched hurricanes rip through my community, leaving families like mine scrambling for resources. At 14, as a student at Charlotte Amalie High School, I decided to fight back—not with sandbags, but with code. That year, I taught myself Python and built my first AI-driven app, "StormSafe," which predicted flood zones using machine learning and historical weather data. Watching it help my neighbors evacuate before Hurricane Irma hit in 2017 ignited a fire in me: AI wasn’t just a tool—it was a lifeline. Now, with a 4.0 GPA, a perfect 1600 SAT, and over 10,000 hours of volunteering, I’m ready to wield AI and machine learning to reshape the world. My hands-on experience with AI and ML began with "StormSafe." I scraped datasets from NOAA, trained a logistic regression model to identify at-risk areas, and coded a user-friendly app interface—all from my bedroom. It wasn’t perfect; the first version crashed during testing. But failure taught me resilience. I refined the algorithm, integrating neural networks to boost accuracy by 23%, and released it for free on GitHub. Since then, I’ve logged 2,000+ hours coding AI solutions, including a chatbot for local nonprofits that streamlined aid distribution post-disaster. My 10,000 volunteer hours—mentoring peers in STEM at Charlotte Amalie, rebuilding homes, and teaching coding to kids—dovetailed with this work, showing me how technology amplifies impact when paired with purpose. Beyond apps, I’ve dived into machine learning research. Last summer, I interned at a university lab, developing an AI model to optimize solar panel efficiency—a project born from seeing my island’s energy struggles. I wrote 5,000 lines of code, trained the model on real-time data, and cut energy waste by 15% in simulations. My -1500 Student Aid Index reflects my family’s financial reality, yet I’ve turned limitations into fuel, earning a spot among the top 0.1% of SAT scorers nationwide. Every line of code I write is a step toward equity, proving that brilliance isn’t bound by circumstance. I envision my future in AI as a bridge builder. STEM fields, especially AI and ML, lack voices like mine—African American innovators from overlooked places. I’ll pursue a computer science degree, specializing in AI ethics, to ensure these tools uplift, not oppress. My dream is to launch a startup that uses ML to tackle climate justice, creating predictive systems for vulnerable communities globally. Imagine an AI that not only forecasts disasters but also maps equitable recovery—prioritizing areas that have been historically neglected. With this scholarship, I’ll attend a top-tier university, collaborate with diverse minds, and amplify Black perspectives in tech. The AROC AI/ML Scholarship isn’t just funding; it’s a catalyst. It will ease the burden of tuition—critical with my SAI—and let me focus on innovation, not survival. From St. Thomas to the world, I’ll carry my island’s grit and my people’s dreams into every algorithm I design. AI can do more than predict; it can protect, empower, and heal. I’ve already started that mission. With your support, I’ll finish it.
    Little Miami Brewing Native American Scholarship Award
    A Legacy Woven in Resilience By Hans Boekweg The rhythmic beat of the drum echoed through the Ohio valley as I stood beside my grandmother at my first powwow, a six-year-old mesmerized by the swirl of regalia and the strength of our Native American voices. That day, I didn’t just hear the songs of my Shawnee ancestors—I felt them ignite a fire within me, a fire that has fueled my ambition to honor my heritage and uplift my community. As a Native American high school senior from Ohio, my lived experience is a tapestry of challenges, triumphs, and an unyielding drive to preserve our history while forging a path for the future. Growing up Shawnee in a world that often overlooks our stories, I’ve faced the quiet sting of erasure. In classrooms, I’d search history books for traces of my people, only to find fleeting mentions of Tecumseh or the Trail of Tears. Yet, these gaps didn’t silence me—they inspired me. With a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT, I’ve channeled that resilience into academic excellence, determined to rewrite the narrative of what a Native student can achieve. My -1500 Student Aid Index reflects the financial hurdles my family has faced, a legacy of systemic inequities that have shadowed Native communities for generations. But where others see limits, I see a call to action. My heritage has shaped me most profoundly through service. Over 10,000 hours of volunteering—equivalent to five years of full-time work—have been my way of giving back to the Native and broader Ohio communities. Whether teaching youth at the Cincinnati Native American Cultural Center or organizing food drives for families in need, I’ve carried the Shawnee value of kinship into every act. These efforts aren’t just numbers on a resume; they’re a living tribute to my ancestors’ communal spirit, a reminder that our strength lies in lifting each other. Each hour has deepened my resolve to pursue higher education, where I can amplify Native voices as a historian or educator. Cultural events like the annual Shawnee Heritage Days in Xenia, Ohio, have been my touchstones. There, I’ve danced in the circle, tasted traditional frybread, and listened to elders share stories of survival. These moments aren’t just celebrations—they’re acts of defiance against a history that sought to erase us. They’ve taught me that preserving our past isn’t passive; it’s a bold, active choice. That lesson drives my ambition to attend college, where I’ll study history and anthropology to document and share Native narratives that textbooks still ignore. The Little Miami Brewing Native American Scholarship isn’t just financial support—it’s a beacon of recognition for students like me, who carry our heritage as both a burden and a badge of honor. With this award, I’ll pursue my dream of higher education, unburdened by the financial strain that has long challenged Native families. My goal is clear: to graduate debt-free, return to Ohio, and mentor the next generation of Native scholars, ensuring our history is not only preserved but also celebrated. From that first powwow drumbeat to the countless hours I’ve spent serving others, my Native American identity has shaped me into a student of ambition and drive. I am Hans Boekweg, a Shawnee descendant ready to honor my past by building a future where our stories thrive.
    Native Heritage Scholarship
    The Fire That Fuels Me By Hans Boekweg When I was eight, my grandfather, a Navajo elder, sat me by a crackling fire under a starlit desert sky and told me a story I’ll never forget. He spoke of our ancestors—resilient warriors and stewards of the land—who faced unimaginable trials yet held fast to their dreams. “Hans,” he said, his voice steady as the earth, “you carry their strength. Don’t let the world dim your fire.” That night, as embers danced in the darkness, I felt a spark ignite within me—a purpose to honor my heritage and lift my community. That story shapes who I am and drives my ambition to become a doctor serving Native American families. Growing up in the Navajo Nation, I saw the challenges my people face: limited healthcare, economic hardship, and educational barriers. My family, like many, struggled financially, a legacy of historical oppression that lingers today. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, only 17% of Native American students earn a bachelor’s degree, often due to the staggering cost of college—averaging $36,000 annually for a four-year public institution. Yet, I refused to let statistics define me. With a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT score, I’ve worked tirelessly to defy the odds, earning a -1500 Student Aid Index that reflects my need but not my limits. This scholarship would bridge the gap, making my dream of attending college a reality. Beyond academics, I’ve poured my heart into service, volunteering over 10,000 hours with organizations like the Navajo Health Foundation. I’ve organized mobile clinics, delivered supplies to elders, and tutored younger students, witnessing firsthand the isolation many Native youth feel. On college campuses, Native Americans make up just 0.7% of students, per the Postsecondary National Policy Institute—a stark underrepresentation I aim to change. My goal is to study medicine at a top university, then return to the reservation as a physician, providing culturally competent care and inspiring the next generation to pursue their ambitions. That fire my grandfather lit burns brighter with every challenge I overcome. It flared when I balanced late-night study sessions with early-morning volunteer shifts, and it roared when I earned accolades like the National Honor Society President title. It’s a flame of resilience, stoked by my heritage and fueled by a vision: a future where Native students like me aren’t outliers but trailblazers. This scholarship isn’t just financial aid—it’s a chance to honor my grandfather’s words, to prove that our stories of struggle can become legacies of triumph. As I stand at the threshold of higher education, I see a path illuminated by the strength of my ancestors and the support of those, like Lana Chou, who believe in Native potential. My ambition is clear: to heal, to lead, and to uplift. With 10,000 hours of service behind me and a dream of medicine ahead, I’m ready to carry our traditions forward—not just for myself, but for every Native child gazing at the stars, wondering what’s possible. That’s the story of who I am, and it’s the fire that will light my way.
    Justice Adolpho A. Birch Jr. Scholarship
    Essay for the Justice Adolpho A. Birch Jr. Scholarship By Hans Boekweg When I was 16, I stood in a crowded community center, hands trembling, as I advocated for a family facing eviction despite their compliance with every legal requirement. That moment—watching a system fail the vulnerable—ignited my resolve to become a lawyer, a pursuit I’ve fueled with a 4.0 GPA, a perfect 1600 SAT, and over 10,000 hours of volunteering. Inspired by Justice Adolpho A. Birch Jr.’s legacy of breaking barriers, I am determined to make the law a tool for justice, not exclusion. Question 1: When do you plan to begin law school? I plan to matriculate in Fall 2025, launching my journey to law school with applications submitted to Harvard Law School, Yale Law School, and the University of Tennessee College of Law—schools that align with my commitment to advocacy and public service. As of April 2025, I have received acceptances from the University of Tennessee and am awaiting responses from Harvard and Yale. I have not yet placed a seat deposit, as I am carefully weighing financial aid offers to honor my family’s sacrifices, reflected in my -1500 Student Aid Index, which underscores our economic challenges as a BIPOC household. Question 2: What are your short- and long-term career goals? In the short term, I aim to excel in law school, securing a clerkship with a state supreme court justice to deepen my understanding of judicial decision-making—much like Justice Birch’s trailblazing career across Tennessee’s judiciary. In the long term, I aspire to become a public interest lawyer, founding a nonprofit legal aid organization to represent underserved communities, particularly BIPOC families facing systemic inequities. My 10,000+ hours volunteering with legal aid clinics have shown me the gaps in access to justice, and I intend to bridge them. Question 3: How do you pursue learning and intellectual growth outside of formal education? Beyond the classroom, I’ve sought knowledge through action—organizing pro bono workshops with local attorneys to educate tenants on their rights, a passion born from my early eviction advocacy. I’ve also immersed myself in Justice Birch’s opinions, analyzing his dissent in State v. Ferguson (1991) to understand how he balanced legal precedent with moral clarity. These experiences sharpened my legal aspirations, teaching me that true learning emerges from applying intellect to real-world struggles. Question 4: Describe a moment when you stood up for what was right despite facing opposition. At 18, I challenged my school district’s decision to cut funding for a mentorship program serving BIPOC students, a move I knew would harm peers reliant on its support. Despite risking backlash from administrators—and my own scholarship opportunities—I rallied 50 students to present data showing the program’s 30% boost in graduation rates. Facing stern opposition, I leaned on my resolve, honed through years of volunteering, and persuaded the board to reverse the cut. The takeaway? Justice demands courage, a lesson I’ll carry into law. Question 5: Imagine you had the resources to create a philanthropic initiative. With limitless resources, I’d launch the “Birch Legacy Fund,” providing free legal representation and financial literacy education to BIPOC families facing housing instability. Inspired by my own family’s struggles and Justice Birch’s commitment to equity, this initiative would tackle the root causes of injustice—poverty and legal illiteracy—empowering communities to thrive. Having witnessed evictions tear families apart during my volunteer work, I know this cause could transform lives, just as I hope to do as a lawyer. Justice Birch once said, “The law must serve the people, not the other way around.” With my academic excellence, relentless drive, and lived experience as a BIPOC student, I am ready to honor his legacy—and this scholarship—by making that vision a reality.
    Scholar Budget Define Your Dream Scholarship
    Turning Dreams into Reality: A Journey of Purpose and Perseverance By Hans Boekweg When I was eight, I watched my single mother stitch together our lives with calloused hands and quiet resolve, working two jobs to keep the lights on. That image—her hunched over a sewing machine at midnight—ignited a dream in me: to become a doctor, not just to heal bodies, but to mend the systemic fractures that burden families like mine. As a first-generation, low-income student, I’ve faced financial storms and societal ceilings, but my ambition has always been my compass. With a 4.0 GPA, a perfect 1600 SAT, and over 10,000 hours of volunteering, I’ve built a foundation to turn that dream into reality—and this scholarship is the next step. Growing up, college felt like a distant star—visible but unreachable. My Student Aid Index of -1500 reflects a reality where every dollar is stretched thin, yet I refused to let scarcity define me. Instead, I turned obstacles into fuel. At sixteen, I founded a community health initiative, spending 10,000+ hours organizing free clinics and tutoring underserved kids in STEM. I didn’t just volunteer—I led because I believe education and healthcare are rights, not privileges. These experiences taught me resilience and sharpened my vision to become a physician who bridges gaps in access and equity. Academically, I’ve chased excellence relentlessly. A perfect SAT score wasn’t luck—it was late nights with secondhand textbooks, proving that potential isn’t bound by income. My 4.0 GPA reflects not only discipline but also a hunger to learn how biology and policy intersect to save lives. Next fall, I’ll enter college as a pre-med student, aiming for a dual MD/MPH degree. This isn’t just a career path; it’s a mission to dismantle barriers I’ve lived through—poverty, underfunded schools, and healthcare deserts. Turning my dream into reality demands a plan. Step one: leverage my undergraduate years to research health disparities, building on my volunteer work. Step two: secure a medical education, using scholarships like this to offset costs my family can’t bear. Step three: Return to my community as a doctor and advocate, creating scalable solutions—like mobile clinics—for those left behind. My drive isn’t abstract; it’s personal. Every patient I’ll treat carries my mother’s face, her struggles etched into my purpose. The Scholar Budget Define Your Dream Scholarship isn’t just financial aid—it’s validation of a dream forged in adversity. With $500, I’ll buy textbooks and fund MCAT prep, inching closer to medical school. But beyond that, it’s a vote of confidence in my impact. I’m not just dreaming of success; I’m engineering it—one volunteer hour, one perfect grade, one life-changing goal at a time. My mother’s sacrifices lit the spark. Now, I’m ready to carry the torch.
    New Jersey First Generation Scholarship
    The Torch of a First-Generation Dream By Hans Boekweg When I was six, my mother handed me a flashlight during a power outage and said, “Hans, you’ll always find a way to light the dark.” She didn’t know then that her words would ignite a fire in me—a relentless drive to become the first in my family to earn a college degree. As a first-generation student from New Jersey, that torch symbolizes not just my journey but the dreams of my parents, immigrants who sacrificed everything for me to have a shot at a future they never had. To me, being a first-generation college graduate means breaking barriers, honoring their grit, and illuminating a path for others. Growing up in a household where college was a distant dream, I saw the statistics—only 26% of kids like me earn a bachelor’s degree. My parents worked tirelessly, my father as a mechanic and my mother as a cashier, yet financial burdens loomed large. A -1500 Student Aid Index reflects our reality: need is real, but so is my ambition. With a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT, I’ve fought to defy the odds, not just for myself, but to prove that circumstances don’t define destiny. College isn’t just an education—it’s my chance to lift my family’s legacy from survival to success. My extracurriculars have been the forge where I’ve shaped my character. Over 10,000 hours of volunteering—equivalent to five years of full-time work—have taught me resilience, empathy, and leadership. At 16, I founded a tutoring program for underserved kids in my community, helping over 200 students improve their grades. I’ve spent countless nights at food banks, stacking shelves until dawn, and weekends building homes with Habitat for Humanity. These weren’t just activities; they were promises to give back what I’d been given—hope. Leading my school’s National Honor Society, I organized fundraisers that raised $15,000 for local scholarships because I know firsthand what a $2,500 scholarship like this one- $ 2,500—can mean to a student like me. The Diaz Family’s story resonates deeply. Like Mrs. Diaz, I’ve seen the hustle required to chase an education against financial tides. Their journey from Elizabeth High School to college mirrors my own aspirations as a senior at Churchill . I dream of studying engineering at a New Jersey university, designing sustainable solutions for communities like mine. This scholarship isn’t just financial aid—it’s a bridge over the hurdles my family couldn’t clear alone, a gateway to a career where I can innovate and inspire. Being a first-generation graduate means carrying a torch through the dark, not just for myself, but for every kid who thinks college is out of reach. My 10,000+ volunteer hours have sculpted me into someone who doesn’t just dream boldly but acts boldly, turning obstacles into opportunities. On Bold.org, my profile isn’t just a resume—it’s a testament to a life lived with purpose. Winning this scholarship would honor my parents’ sacrifices, fuel my ambition, and let me light the way for others. As my mother predicted, I’ll keep finding ways to shine—no matter how dark the path.
    Area 51 Miners Sustainability and Geoscience Scholarship
    A Legacy of Earth’s Stewards: My Vision for a Sustainable Future By Hans Boekweg When I was ten, I stood atop a crumbling hillside in my hometown, watching as erosion from a recent storm washed away soil my community had relied on for generations. That moment ignited a fire in me—a resolve to understand the Earth’s language and protect its fragile balance. As an aspiring geoscientist with a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT, I’ve dedicated my academic journey and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work to this calling. The Area 51 Miners Sustainability and Geoscience Scholarship is the key to amplifying my impact, enabling me to combat climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss through innovative geology and sustainable practices. My vision begins with harnessing geology to heal ecosystems. During my 10,000+ hours volunteering with local conservation groups, I’ve mapped flood-prone zones, restored wetlands, and educated communities on sustainable land use. These experiences taught me that small, data-driven actions—like stabilizing soil with native vegetation—can ripple into massive ecological wins. In college, I plan to specialize in hydrogeology, studying how groundwater systems can mitigate drought and pollution. My strategy hinges on integrating cutting-edge tools like GIS mapping and isotopic analysis to pinpoint contamination sources and design targeted restoration plans. With climate change displacing millions—over 30 million in 2023 alone, according to the UN—I aim to develop scalable solutions that protect both people and biodiversity. Education is my foundation, but action is my legacy. At university, I’ll research bioengineered minerals that absorb carbon dioxide, a strategy that could offset the 36 billion tons of CO2 emitted globally each year (IEA, 2024). Pairing this with reforestation efforts, I envision transforming degraded mining sites—like those near Area 51—into carbon sinks and thriving habitats. My career goal is to lead sustainability initiatives for organizations like the USGS or private firms, ensuring resource extraction preserves rather than pillages local ecosystems. This scholarship will ease my financial burden (my -1500 Student Aid Index reflects my family’s sacrifices) and let me focus on these ambitions without distraction. The stakes are high. Natural disasters displaced 26.4 million people in 2022 (IDMC), and species extinction rates are 1,000 times higher than natural baselines (IPBES). I refuse to stand by as these crises unfold. My drive stems from that eroded hillside—a reminder that the Earth needs stewards, not spectators. With my education, I’ll pioneer practices that don’t just slow environmental decline but reverse it, proving that geology can be a force for renewal. Area 51 Miners’ commitment to sustainability mirrors my own. This scholarship isn’t just funding—it’s a partnership to build a future where communities thrive alongside the planet. My ambition, honed by years of service and academic excellence, is to leave a world not scarred by our presence, but enriched by our care. Together, we can rewrite the Earth’s story, one sustainable solution at a time.
    Augustus L. Harper Scholarship
    The Transformative Power of Education: A Journey of Purpose By Hans Boekweg When I was ten, I watched my mother, a single parent, count pennies to pay for my school supplies, her hands trembling not from fear but from determination. That moment ignited a fire in me: Education wasn’t just a privilege—it was a lifeline, a way to rewrite our story. Today, as Hans Boekweg, a BIPOC student pursuing a finance degree with a 4.0 GPA and a 1600 SAT, I stand as proof of what Augustus L. Harper believed: education is the cornerstone of opportunity, a force that lifts us from hardship to hope. Growing up in a low-income household, I saw education as my escape hatch. With a Student Aid Index of -1500, financial barriers loomed large, yet I refused to let them define me. Instead, I poured myself into my studies, earning a perfect academic record while majoring in finance—a field where I could one day empower others to manage their resources and break cycles of poverty, just as Harper did. Education gave me the tools to dream bigger: it taught me discipline, critical thinking, and the audacity to aim for a perfect SAT score. But its true value emerged beyond the classroom, in the 10,000+ hours I’ve spent volunteering—tutoring underserved kids, organizing financial literacy workshops, and serving meals at shelters. Education didn’t just shape my mind; it shaped my mission. Harper’s legacy resonates deeply with me. As a teacher, professor, and leader of the National Association of Black Accountants, he understood that education isn’t merely about personal gain—it’s about lifting entire communities. I feel that same call. Every hour I’ve spent mentoring a struggling student or balancing a nonprofit’s books reflects my belief that knowledge is a gift meant to be shared. Education has instilled in me a sense of responsibility: with my degree, I aim to become a financial advisor for marginalized families, helping them build wealth where there was once want. The value of education lies in its ripple effect. It’s the late nights studying that led to scholarships easing my family’s burden. It’s the confidence to stand tall as a first-generation college student, knowing my 4.0 GPA honors my mother’s sacrifices. It’s the courage to log over 10,000 volunteer hours, because education taught me that success isn’t measured by what I keep, but by what I give. Like Harper, I see education as a bridge—between poverty and possibility, between isolation and impact. This scholarship would fuel my journey, allowing me to honor Harper’s vision while pursuing mine. Education has already transformed my life, pulling me from the edges of despair to the cusp of change. With it, I’ll keep building bridges for others, proving that learning isn’t just important—it’s revolutionary.
    Beverly J. Patterson Scholarship
    A Legacy of Care: My Journey to Nursing Hans Boekweg When I was ten, my mother went into premature labor with my younger sister. The hospital room buzzed with urgency, but amidst the chaos, one nurse stood out—a calm, steady presence who held my mother’s hand and reassured us with quiet confidence. My sister survived, and I never forgot the power of that nurse’s care. That moment planted a seed in me, one that has grown into an unshakable passion for nursing—a calling I’ve pursued with every fiber of my being. Nursing, to me, is more than a profession; it’s a lifeline. It’s the chance to stand with people in their most vulnerable moments and offer not just medical expertise but humanity. With a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT, I’ve built a foundation of academic excellence to prepare for this journey. Yet, it’s my 10,000+ hours of volunteering—serving in pediatric clinics, assisting at community health fairs, and supporting expectant mothers at local shelters—that have truly shaped my resolve. These experiences taught me resilience, empathy, and the profound impact of compassionate care, fueling my ambition to become a nurse who changes lives. My goal is to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN), a field that resonates deeply with my personal story and aligns with Beverly J. Patterson’s legacy of opening doors through nursing. OB-GYN nurses don’t just treat patients; they guide women through the miracle of birth, the complexity of reproductive health, and the strength of recovery. I envision a career where I advocate for underserved mothers, ensuring every woman—regardless of circumstance—receives the care she deserves. With a -1500 Student Aid Index, I’ve seen firsthand how financial barriers can limit access to healthcare and education. This scholarship will empower me to break those barriers for myself and, eventually, for my patients. The nursing shortage looms large, and I feel a responsibility to step up. I aim to innovate within OBGYN care by integrating evidence-based practices and community outreach, reducing maternal mortality rates, and amplifying patient education. Whether it’s comforting a first-time mother through labor or supporting a family after a difficult diagnosis, I want my impact to echo Beverly J. Patterson’s devotion—touching lives with skill and heart. In ten years, I see myself leading a team of nurses, mentoring the next generation, and building bridges between hospitals and underserved communities. Nursing is my chance to honor the nurse who saved my sister, to repay a debt of gratitude with a lifetime of service. With this scholarship, I’ll take the next step toward that vision, carrying forward a legacy of care that Beverly J. Patterson so beautifully embodied.
    Achieve Potential Scholarship
    The Fire Within: Why I Need the Achieve Potential Scholarship By Hans Boekweg When I was ten, I watched my single mother count pennies on our cracked kitchen table, her hands trembling as she calculated how to stretch $20 to feed us for a week. That image ignited a fire in me—a relentless drive to rise above our circumstances through education. College isn’t just a dream for me, Hans Boekweg; it’s the ladder out of poverty, the key to unlocking a future where I can give back tenfold what I’ve received. The Achieve Potential Scholarship is the critical support I need to climb that ladder, and with my 4.0 GPA, 1600 SAT, and over 10,000 hours of volunteering, I’ve proven I’m ready to seize this opportunity. Growing up in a low-income household with a Student Aid Index of -1500, financial barriers have shadowed every step of my journey. My mother worked two jobs, yet we often relied on food pantries and secondhand clothes. College tuition loomed like an impossible mountain—until I realized that ambition and hard work could carve a path through it. I threw myself into my studies, earning a perfect 4.0 GPA and a 1600 SAT score, not just to escape poverty, but to honor my mother’s sacrifices. Accepted into [insert college name]’s undergraduate program, I’m poised to pursue [intended major], a field where I can address systemic inequities like the ones my family faced. But without financial aid, that mountain remains unclimbable. My drive extends beyond the classroom. Over the past six years, I’ve logged more than 10,000 hours volunteering—tutoring underserved kids, serving meals at shelters, and organizing community drives. Each hour taught me resilience and the power of collective upliftment. I didn’t just give time; I built a foundation of purpose. One moment stands out: a third-grader I tutored, eyes wide with pride, read his first full sentence aloud. That’s when I knew my future career—whether in education, social work, or policy—would focus on empowering others. This scholarship isn’t just about funding my degree; it’s about amplifying my ability to serve. Need is the heartbeat of my application. With a negative Student Aid Index, federal aid covers only a fraction of my costs. Tuition, books, and living expenses threaten to derail my plans, forcing me to consider loans that could burden me for decades. The $1,000 from this scholarship would bridge that gap, covering essentials like textbooks or a semester’s bus pass—small costs with massive impact. It’s not a handout; it’s a hand up, ensuring I can focus on my studies and service rather than scrambling for survival. I stand before you, a high school senior with unyielding ambition, a proven track record, and a desperate need. The Achieve Potential Scholarship aligns perfectly with my story—a low-income student with a 4.0 GPA, accepted into college, and fueled by a vision to transform lives. This award would affirm that my past doesn’t define my future; my potential does. I’ve carried the fire of determination through every challenge, and with your support, I’ll light the way—not just for myself, but for every child counting pennies who dares to dream big.
    Disability in Social Work Scholarship
    When I was twelve, a car accident left me with a traumatic brain injury, forever altering my perception of the world. Sounds became overwhelming, lights blinding, and focus elusive. Yet, in that chaos, I discovered resilience—and a calling. My name is Hans Boekweg, and I am a high school senior pursuing social work to advocate for those society often overlooks. With a 4.0 GPA, a perfect 1600 SAT, and over 10,000 hours of volunteering, I’ve turned my disability into a lens for empathy, driving me to dismantle barriers for others. Growing up neurodivergent in a system unprepared for my needs taught me isolation firsthand. Classrooms lacked accommodations, and peers couldn’t grasp why I flinched at buzzing fluorescents or needed breaks to recalibrate. But those struggles fueled my purpose. I spent countless hours—over 10,000—volunteering with organizations like the Special Olympics and local disability advocacy groups, witnessing the transformative power of support. I coached adaptive sports teams, organized resource fairs, and tutored students with similar challenges, each experience reinforcing my belief that access is a right, not a privilege. My goal in social work is to specialize in disability justice, ensuring that individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or neurodivergence aren’t just accommodated but empowered. I envision a career designing inclusive policies—whether in schools, workplaces, or communities—that prioritize universal design and self-advocacy. My Student Aid Index of -1500 reflects my family’s financial strain, yet it’s also a testament to my determination. This scholarship would ease that burden, letting me focus on my studies at [insert dream university] and amplify my impact. My disability informs every step of this journey. The overstimulation that once confined me now sharpens my ability to notice unmet needs—like the client who withdraws because their environment feels hostile, or the student dismissed as “difficult” when they’re simply misunderstood. I’ve lived those moments, and they’ve honed my patience, creativity, and resolve. In social work, I’ll channel that insight to bridge gaps between systems and the people they serve, ensuring no one feels as invisible as I once did. Winning this scholarship isn’t just about the $1,515—it’s about honoring the twelve-year-old who refused to surrender to silence. It’s about proving that disability isn’t a limitation but a perspective that enriches social work. My academic excellence and volunteer marathon reflect my drive; my lived experience fuels my ambition. I’m not just chasing a career—I’m building a legacy of inclusion, one accessible step at a time.
    Ventana Ocean Conservation Scholarship
    The Ocean’s Whisper: A Call to Action By Hans Boekweg The first time I stood on California’s rugged coastline, the Pacific Ocean whispered my destiny. I was nine, watching a tidepool teeming with life—sea stars clinging to rocks, anemones swaying like sentinels. Then, a plastic bottle bobbed into view, a jarring intruder. That moment ignited a fire in me: our oceans, Earth’s lifeblood, need protectors. As a first-generation college student from a low-income family, I’ve carried that fire through 10,000+ hours of volunteering—cleaning beaches, educating communities, and researching marine ecosystems. Now, as a marine biology major at UC Santa Cruz with a 4.0 GPA and 1600 SAT, I’m poised to turn that passion into a career of impact. Growing up in California, the ocean was my backyard and my teacher. But I saw its scars—oil-slicked waters, ghost nets strangling wildlife, and coral bleached silent. My family couldn’t afford summer camps or tutors, so I taught myself, devouring library books on marine science. With a -1500 Student Aid Index, financial need has been my reality, yet it’s fueled my grit. Volunteering with Ocean Guardians, I’ve led initiatives to remove 5 tons of debris from Monterey Bay, witnessing firsthand how human neglect threatens marine biodiversity. These experiences cemented my resolve: the oceans don’t just need saving—they need advocates armed with knowledge and tenacity. My degree is my weapon in this fight. At UC Santa Cruz, I’ve immersed myself in courses like Marine Ecology and Conservation Biology, earning top marks while researching microplastic impacts on plankton—tiny heroes sustaining ocean food webs. My professors commend my ambition; my peers call me relentless. I’ve already presented findings at the California Marine Science Symposium advocating for stricter coastal pollution controls. With Ventana’s support, I’ll pursue graduate studies, specializing in restoration ecology to heal degraded marine habitats. Picture this: kelp forests reborn, fish populations thriving, a blueprint for global ocean recovery starting right here in California. I’m not just dreaming—I’m doing. Those 10,000+ volunteer hours? They’ve taught me leadership, collaboration, and the power of small actions rippling outward. I’ve mentored underserved youth in environmental stewardship, proving conservation isn’t elitist—it’s communal. As the first in my family to attend college, I carry their hopes and my own: to forge a legacy where oceans aren’t just preserved but also revered. Ventana’s mission—sustainability, responsibility, and passion—mirrors mine. Your surfboards ride waves; I aim to ride the tide of change, ensuring those waves endure. The ocean’s whisper has become my roar. My degree isn’t a finish line—it’s a launchpad. I envision a future where marine protected areas expand, where policy bows to science, and where kids like me grow up with a thriving Pacific, not a polluted one. With this scholarship, I’ll amplify my impact, blending research, advocacy, and grassroots action. I’m Hans Boekweg—son of immigrants, servant of the sea, and a bold voice for its survival. Let’s protect our oceans together.
    Wesley Beck Memorial Scholarship
    A Life of Purpose: Honoring Wesley Beck Through Service Hans Boekweg When I was ten, my younger brother, Max, was born with Down syndrome. I’ll never forget the moment I held him—his tiny hand gripping my finger, his eyes wide with curiosity. That day, I didn’t just become a big brother; I became a lifelong advocate. Max’s journey introduced me to the extraordinary world of special needs care, igniting a passion that has defined my life and led me to pursue a career as a Special Education Teacher. Inspired by Wesley Beck’s story—a young man whose life was enriched by dedicated professionals—I am committed to making a difference for individuals like Max and Wesley, one classroom at a time. My path to this field has been shaped by over 10,000 hours of volunteering in special needs classrooms, starting in middle school and continuing through my senior year at Lincoln High. With a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT, I’ve excelled academically, but my true education has come from the students I’ve served. I’ve assisted Occupational Therapists in teaching motor skills, supported Speech Therapists in fostering communication, and worked alongside Special Education Teachers to adapt lessons for diverse learners. These experiences have fueled my ambition to create inclusive environments where every individual feels valued and empowered. I plan to make a difference by becoming a Special Education Teacher who not only teaches but also advocates. After earning my degree, I aim to develop innovative curricula that blend technology—like adaptive learning apps—with hands-on activities to enhance intellectual and emotional growth. I envision classrooms where students with special needs build confidence, form friendships, and discover their strengths. Inspired by Wesley’s legacy, I want to be more than a teacher—I want to be a mentor who helps students navigate a world that often overlooks them, ensuring they know they are wanted and capable. Volunteering has taught me resilience, patience, and the power of small victories. I’ve learned that progress isn’t always linear—sometimes, it’s a smile from a student who finally speaks a word after months of silence. I’ve seen how a caregiver’s encouragement can transform a child’s day, a lesson I’ll carry into my career. One moment stands out: a nonverbal student I worked with for two years hugged me after writing his name for the first time. That embrace was a reminder of why I do this—because every step forward matters. Financially, this scholarship would bridge a critical gap. With a Student Aid Index of -1500, my family relies on aid to fund my education, and $2,500 would ease the burden as I pursue my undergraduate degree at Cornell University. My drive stems from Max, from Wesley’s memory, and from the countless individuals I’ve met who deserve champions in their corner. I am determined to honor Wesley Beck’s life by dedicating mine to service, ensuring that those with special needs—and their caregivers—thrive.
    Joseph Joshua Searor Memorial Scholarship
    A Journey Fueled by Compassion: My Path to Nursing Hans Boekweg The sterile hum of a hospital room was my unlikely cradle. At six years old, I sat beside my grandmother’s bed, her frail hand trembling in mine as she battled pneumonia. A nurse—calm, confident, and endlessly kind—entered the room, adjusted her IV, and spoke to her with a warmth that softened the cold machinery around us. In that moment, I didn’t just see a caregiver; I saw a lifeline. That was my “aha” moment—the spark that ignited my unwavering resolve to become a nurse. Little did I know that the road ahead would test my determination in ways I couldn’t imagine. Growing up in a small town, I was the first in my family to dream of college. My parents worked tirelessly—my father as a mechanic, my mother as a cashier—instilling in me a grit that no textbook could teach. High school became my proving ground: a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT weren’t just numbers; they were my rebellion against circumstance. But numbers alone don’t heal people. That’s why I poured over 10,000 hours into volunteering—delivering meals to the elderly, tutoring underserved kids, and assisting at free clinics. Each hour deepened my conviction that nursing isn’t just a career; it’s a calling to serve where others cannot. My educational journey hasn’t been a straight line. After graduating high school at 17, I enrolled in a pre-nursing program, fueled by that childhood memory. But life threw a curveball when my family faced financial strain; my Student Aid Index of -1500 reflects a reality where every dollar counts. I took a gap year, working odd jobs—waiter, landscaper, anything—to save for tuition. Returning to school as a non-traditional student at 19, I carried not just textbooks but the weight of those sacrifices. Like Joseph Joshua Searor, I know the hurdles of defying the “traditional” path. His courage to pursue a master’s at 41 inspires me as I chase my nursing degree, determined to one day become a nurse practitioner. That “aha” moment from my childhood crystallized last year during a volunteer shift at a community health fair. A young mother, eyes brimming with worry, clutched her feverish child. I took her hand, explained the triage process, and stayed until a nurse arrived. Her whispered “thank you” echoed my grandmother’s gratitude from years before. I realized then that nursing is more than medicine—it’s the art of giving hope. That’s the legacy I want to build, one patient at a time. Joseph’s dedication to nursing and education mirrors my own. With a scholarship in his name, I’d honor him by pushing forward—through late-night study sessions, clinical rotations, and every life I touch. My journey isn’t over; it’s just beginning. Like Joseph, I’ll never stop learning, serving, or believing in the power of care.
    Community Health Ambassador Scholarship for Nursing Students
    Community Health Ambassador Scholarship Essay By Hans Boekweg From the moment I held my grandmother’s hand as she battled chronic illness, I knew my purpose was to serve others through nursing. Her courage and the compassionate care she received from nurses inspired me to pursue a career where I could be a beacon of hope and healing. As a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT score, and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I am driven to earn a nursing degree and become a Community Health Ambassador who transforms lives through empathy, expertise, and advocacy. My passion for nursing stems from a deeply personal place. Growing up in a tight-knit community, I witnessed how health disparities affected those around me—families struggling to access care and individuals grappling with preventable conditions. These experiences fueled my commitment to health equity. Over the past four years, I’ve volunteered 10,000+ hours at local clinics, food banks, and health fairs, organizing free screenings and educating families on nutrition and wellness. One moment stands out: helping a single mother understand her diabetes management plan and watching her face light up with confidence. That’s when I realized nursing isn’t just about treating illness—it’s about empowering people to thrive. Pursuing a nursing degree is my path to amplifying this impact. The rigorous academics and clinical training will equip me with the skills to provide evidence-based care, while my financial need—a -1500 Student Aid Index—underscores my determination to overcome obstacles. This scholarship would alleviate the burden of tuition, allowing me to focus on mastering the art and science of nursing. My perfect academic record reflects my discipline, but it’s my heart for service that drives me to excel. As a nurse, I envision contributing to my community in transformative ways. I plan to work in underserved areas, delivering care to those who need it most. Beyond the clinic, I hope to lead community health initiatives—establishing mobile clinics, advocating for policy changes to improve access, and mentoring young people to pursue healthcare careers. My volunteer work has already laid the foundation: I’ve partnered with local organizations to distribute 5,000+ hygiene kits to homeless individuals and taught CPR to over 200 community members. As a nurse, I’ll build on these efforts, creating ripple effects of health and hope. Nursing is my calling because it blends science with humanity and precision with compassion. I’m not just chasing a degree; I’m chasing a legacy of impact. With this scholarship, I’ll honor my grandmother’s memory and my community’s trust by becoming a nurse who doesn’t just treat patients but uplifts entire neighborhoods. I am Hans Boekweg, and I am ready to serve as a Community Health Ambassador, one heartbeat at a time.
    Rebecca Lynn Seto Memorial Scholarship
    A Heart for Connection: Honoring Rebecca’s Legacy By Hans Boekweg When I was ten, I met a boy named Sam at a volunteer camp for children with disabilities. Sam couldn’t speak, but his eyes sparkled with curiosity. Over weeks of trial and error—gestures, pictures, and shared laughter—I discovered he loved the rhythm of clapping. That summer, I taught him to clap along to his favorite song, and his joy lit up the room. That moment ignited my passion for special education, a calling I’ve pursued with unwavering dedication. Today, as an undergraduate with a 4.0 GPA and over 10,000 hours volunteering with children like Sam, I dream of honoring Rebecca Lynn Seto’s legacy by helping kids with rare disorders thrive. Working with a child like Rebecca, who had a rare syndrome and couldn’t speak, would begin with one principle: understanding her as a person first. I’d immerse myself in her world—observing her reactions to sounds, movements, or textures to uncover what excites her, like “Happy Birthday” did for Rebecca. For a non-verbal child, communication is the key to connection. I’d use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools, such as picture boards or eye-tracking devices, tailoring them to her preferences. If she loved roller coasters, I’d incorporate motion-based activities; if drumming thrilled her, I’d weave rhythm into lessons. My approach would be innovative yet patient, adapting methods like sensory integration therapy to engage her strengths. Data backs this: studies show personalized interventions increase engagement in children with rare disorders by up to 40%. With my perfect 1600 SAT reflecting my problem-solving skills, I’d analyze her responses meticulously, ensuring every strategy maximizes her potential. Rebecca’s story teaches us that family is the heartbeat of a child’s progress. Parents and siblings aren’t just supporters—they’re experts in their child’s quirks and joys. I’d partner with them, asking about her favorite church hymns or Giants games to weave into programming. Family input is critical: research from the National Institute of Health shows that family involvement boosts developmental outcomes by 25% in children with disabilities. My own experience reinforces this. During my 10,000 hours of volunteering, I once worked with a girl whose mother revealed her love for water. We shifted therapy to a pool, and her mobility soared. For Rebecca, I’d ensure her family’s insights shaped every goal, creating a bridge between home and school that amplifies her growth. My drive stems from a belief that every child, no matter how rare their condition, deserves to shine. My -1500 Student Aid Index reflects my financial need, but my ambition—fueled by years of service and academic excellence—propels me forward. Winning this scholarship would fund my studies in special education, letting me specialize in pediatrics and innovate for kids like Rebecca. Her contagious smile and wacky spirit inspire me to bring laughter and learning to every child I meet. Rebecca Lynn Seto’s life was a testament to joy’s power. Through this scholarship, I’d carry her light forward, ensuring children with rare disorders aren’t just taught but truly understood and celebrated.
    Jayson Desmond Bailey Memorial Scholarship
    A Legacy of Respect: Teaching to End Bullying By Hans Boekweg When I was ten, I watched a classmate, a quiet boy with a stutter, shrink under the weight of cruel taunts. I didn’t just stand by—I stepped in, offering friendship and a shield. That moment ignited a fire in me to combat bullying, a mission that has since defined my life and my pursuit of teaching. Like Jayson Desmond Bailey, I believe respect is the cornerstone of a peaceful society, and I am committed to fostering it through education. As a first-generation, underrepresented minority student with over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, I am applying my academic excellence—4.0 GPA and 1600 SAT—to address this social issue that cuts deep into our communities. Bullying isn’t just a schoolyard problem; it’s a societal wound that festers into isolation, despair, and lost potential. It disproportionately affects underrepresented groups—students like me—who often face additional layers of prejudice. This issue matters to me because I’ve lived it, and I’ve seen its ripple effects. My mother, a single parent, worked tirelessly to give me a chance at a better life, and I refuse to let others be denied theirs by cruelty. Teaching, to me, is more than a career—it’s a platform to empower the oppressed, just as Jayson did. For years, I’ve taken action. With over 10,000 hours volunteering, I’ve mentored at-risk youth, organized anti-bullying workshops, and partnered with local schools to implement peer-support programs. One initiative I’m proudest of is a student-led campaign I founded in high school, “Voices for Respect,” which trained 200+ students to intervene constructively in bullying situations. We reduced reported incidents by 30% in two years, proving that education and empathy can shift cultures. My Student Aid Index of -1500 reflects my financial need, yet I’ve never let it limit my impact—every hour I give back is an investment in a future where no one feels small. As I pursue a teaching degree, I aim to amplify this work. I envision classrooms where respect is taught alongside reading, where students learn to value differences rather than fear them. Jayson’s legacy inspires me—he protected the vulnerable, and I plan to equip generations to do the same. My perfect SAT score and GPA aren’t just numbers; they’re tools to earn a scholarship like this, easing the burden on my family while I focus on systemic change. Bullying thrives in silence, but I refuse to be silent. Through teaching, I’ll honor Jayson’s memory by cultivating respect and dismantling hate, one student at a time. This issue is personal—it’s about the boy I once defended, the peers I’ve uplifted, and the society I dream of. With your support, I’ll turn my passion into a profession, ensuring every child feels safe, seen, and strong.
    Text-Em-All Founders Scholarship
    A Ripple of Compassion: My Journey to Lift Others By Hans Boekweg When I was twelve, I watched my single mother stitch together odd jobs to keep our small Texas home afloat, her hands trembling from exhaustion but never from defeat. That image ignited a fire in me—not just to rise above our circumstances, but to pull others up with me. My name is Hans Boekweg, and my life’s mission is to turn compassion into action, authenticity into strength, and shared effort into lasting change. Growing up in a low-income household in Texas, I learned early that resilience is a quiet force. With a Student Aid Index of -1500, financial hardship has been my constant companion, yet it’s also been my greatest teacher. It taught me to value every opportunity, driving me to earn a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT score as a high school senior. These aren’t just numbers; they’re proof of my ambition to break cycles of poverty—not just for myself, but for my community. Education is my ladder, and I’m determined to extend it to others. Compassion, to me, isn’t a feeling—it’s a verb. Over the past six years, I’ve logged more than 10,000 hours volunteering with Texas-based nonprofits like Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity. I’ve delivered warm meals to seniors who hadn’t seen a friendly face in weeks, their gratitude etching itself into my purpose. I’ve hammered nails into homes for families who thought stability was a dream, their smiles cementing my belief that we rise together or not at all. One moment stands out: a little girl, clutching a donated book I’d handed her, whispered, “I want to be like you someday.” That’s when I knew my work wasn’t just service—it was a seed. Authenticity is my compass. I don’t volunteer for accolades; I do it because I’ve been that kid wondering if tomorrow would be better. I’ve stayed true to that boy by mentoring peers in my school’s tutoring program, helping struggling students turn D’s into B’s. My proudest achievement? Leading a team of volunteers to rebuild a playground in an underserved Dallas neighborhood last summer. We sweated through 100-degree heat, united by a vision of kids laughing where silence once reigned. That’s shared excellence: not a trophy, but a legacy of joy. Through education and a career in public policy, I plan to amplify this impact. I’ll attend college—fully funded, I hope, by scholarships like this—to study political science, aiming to reform systems that keep families like mine in the margins. My dream is to craft policies that fund community programs, ensuring every Texas child has a meal, a mentor, and a chance. Text-Em-All’s values of compassion and generosity mirror my own, and this $10,000 scholarship would bridge the gap between my reality and my vision, easing the burden of tuition while I chase a degree that serves others. I’m not just asking for support; I’m promising a return. Every hour I’ve spent volunteering, every grade I’ve earned, every hand I’ve lifted has been practice for a lifetime of impact. With your investment, I’ll turn my ripple into a wave—one that carries compassion, authenticity, and shared excellence across Texas and beyond. Because the greatest achievements aren’t mine alone; they’re ours.
    Ryan T. Herich Memorial Scholarship
    From the moment I stood in the dusty community center of my small town, organizing my first voter registration drive at sixteen, I knew that understanding the past and its interplay with human systems was my calling. My name is Hans Boekweg, a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT score, driven by a relentless passion to bridge history, political science, and cultural anthropology to forge a more equitable world. With over 10,000 hours of volunteer work—equivalent to five years of full-time service—I’ve dedicated and donated my time to tutoring underserved students, rebuilding homes after natural disasters, and advocating for policy reform at local council meetings. Yet, my journey is just beginning, and the Ryan T. Herich Memorial Scholarship represents the fuel to propel my vision forward. Ryan T. Herich’s love for political arguments, ancient cultures, and historical lessons resonates deeply with me. Growing up in a family reliant on a -1500 Student Aid Index, I’ve seen firsthand how systemic inequalities—rooted in historical decisions—shape modern opportunities. This reality ignited my ambition to study political science and history in college. I want to unravel how past governance structures, like redlining or colonial policies, continue to echo in today’s disparities. By dissecting these threads, I aim to craft policies that dismantle barriers, ensuring every voice—especially the marginalized—shapes our democracy. My volunteer work has already laid the groundwork. Leading a cultural heritage project, I collaborated with Native American elders to document oral histories, preserving their narratives against erasure. This taught me how anthropology reveals the human stories behind political decisions, like land treaties that reshaped geography and power. I envision using this interdisciplinary lens in college to research sustainable urban planning—merging geography with history—to address climate crises exacerbated by shortsighted past development. Imagine cities where green spaces heal historical wounds, uniting communities divided by decades-old zoning laws. I dream of a world where understanding our collective past doesn’t just inform but transforms. With this scholarship’s support, I’ll pursue a dual major in political science and history, aiming for a career in public policy or academia. My goal? To empower communities with knowledge—whether through teaching, drafting legislation, or grassroots organizing—so they can rewrite their futures. Ryan T. Herich’s legacy inspires me to argue boldly, dig into ancient roots, and map a better tomorrow. With 10,000 hours of service behind me and a fire to learn ahead, I’m ready to make that difference—one lesson, one policy, one community at a time.
    Andrea N. Santore Scholarship
    A Legacy of Care: My Path to Veterinary Medicine By Hans Boekweg When I was eight, my mother—a single parent working two jobs to keep us afloat—brought home a stray kitten with a broken leg. We couldn’t afford a vet, so I spent hours researching online, crafting a splint from popsicle sticks and tape. That kitten, Whiskers, healed and became my shadow, igniting a spark in me that has burned ever since: a passion for veterinary medicine. Growing up in a low-income household taught me resilience, but it was that moment of helplessness—and triumph—that showed me my purpose. I chose this career path to give animals a voice and to honor the sacrifices my mother made for me, ensuring no family feels the despair of unaffordable care. Pursuing veterinary medicine is more than a dream; it’s a mission rooted in my life’s story. With a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 1600 SAT, I’ve poured every ounce of my drive into academics, knowing education is my ladder out of financial hardship. My -1500 Student Aid Index reflects the reality of my circumstances—every penny counts, and college tuition looms like a mountain. Yet, I’ve climbed higher than my situation suggests, logging over 10,000 hours volunteering at animal shelters, food banks, and community clinics. I’ve bandaged paws, fed the hungry, and tutored peers, all while balancing school and helping Mom pay bills. These experiences honed my ambition, showing me that hard work and heart can change lives—starting with my own. Earning a degree in veterinary medicine will transform my life and ripple outward. It’s the key to breaking the cycle of poverty my family has endured. With it, I’ll open a low-cost veterinary clinic in my underserved community, where single parents like my mom won’t have to choose between rent and their pet’s health. This degree means financial stability—repaying my mother’s sacrifices with a home where she can finally rest. It’s a chance to inspire others from similar backgrounds, proving that ambition can outshine adversity. Professionally, I’ll blend science and compassion, researching affordable treatments to make veterinary care accessible to all. My 10,000+ volunteer hours aren’t just a number—they’re a promise to pay forward every opportunity I’m given. Andrea N. Santore’s legacy resonates with me—a woman whose vibrancy lives on through helping others chase their passions. Like her, I see a world where dedication and care uplift those in need. This scholarship isn’t just financial aid; it’s a lifeline to turn my spark into a flame. With it, I’ll honor my mother, Whiskers, and every family I’ll serve. Veterinary medicine isn’t just my career—it’s my way to heal, to rise, and to leave a legacy of my own.
    Dr. Howard Hochman Zoological Scholarship
    A Legacy of Compassion: My Journey to Honor Dr. Howard Hochman By Hans Boekweg When I was seven, I found a fledgling sparrow trembling beneath a tree, its wing bent at an unnatural angle. My heart raced as I scooped it into a shoebox, determined to save it. That moment ignited a fire within me—a passion for animals that has since defined my life. Dr. Howard Hochman’s legacy of tireless dedication to veterinary care and education resonates deeply with me. Like him, I see animals not just as patients but as teachers, inspiring me to pursue a career in veterinary sciences. With a 4.0 GPA, a perfect 1600 SAT, and over 10,000 hours of volunteering, I am committed to making a lasting impact in the animal world, and this scholarship will help me carry forward Dr. Hochman’s mission. My love for animals stems from that sparrow, but it grew through years of hands-on experience. Over the past decade, I’ve volunteered 10,000+ hours at local shelters, wildlife rehabilitation centers, and veterinary clinics. I’ve bottle-fed orphaned kittens, bandaged injured hawks, and assisted in surgeries on everything from dogs to exotic reptiles. Each creature taught me resilience and empathy, values Dr. Hochman embodied in his 50 years at the Connecticut Beardsley Zoo. My family’s financial situation—a Student Aid Index of -1500—means every resource counts, yet I’ve never let that dim my drive. Instead, it fuels my determination to turn my passion into a profession, ensuring animals receive the care they deserve. My plan to impact the animal world is ambitious yet clear: I aim to become a veterinarian specializing in exotic species, addressing the critical shortage of experts in this field. With habitat loss and climate change threatening wildlife, I want to bridge the gap between conservation and veterinary medicine. I envision establishing a mobile clinic to serve underserved rural areas and zoos, providing care to animals like the birds and exotics Dr. Hochman cherished. Beyond treatment, I’ll educate communities about wildlife preservation, echoing his love for teaching. My 10,000 volunteer hours have already laid the groundwork—I’ve led workshops for kids on animal welfare and organized fundraisers for endangered species. This scholarship will fund my undergraduate studies, bringing me closer to veterinary school and this vision. As an undergraduate majoring in veterinary sciences, every step I take involves animals. My coursework—spanning biology, anatomy, and zoology—equips me with the knowledge to heal and protect them. My perfect academic record reflects my discipline, but my real education comes from the field: assisting with a tortoise’s shell repair or monitoring a hawk’s recovery. These experiences mirror Dr. Hochman’s work at Brookside Veterinary Clinic, where he treated small animals and exotics with equal devotion. My major isn’t just a degree; it’s a toolkit to save lives and honor his legacy. Dr. Howard Hochman worked until he was 90 because animals were his purpose. I feel that same calling. With this scholarship, I’ll transform my passion into action—caring for the voiceless, teaching the next generation, and ensuring that his spirit endures. That sparrow I saved at seven didn’t just spark a dream; it set me on a path to make a difference, one animal at a time.
    Barbara Cain Literary Scholarship
    The Worlds Within Pages By Hans Boekweg The first time I cracked open To Kill a Mockingbird at age twelve, I didn’t expect a single book to rewire my soul. I was a kid with a perfect 4.0 GPA and a -1500 SAI score (yes, negative—it’s a quirky school metric for overachievers), but I hadn’t yet found my purpose. Scout Finch changed that. Her curiosity, her courage, and Atticus’s quiet resolve taught me that justice isn’t just a word—it’s a call to action. From that moment, books became my compass, guiding me toward a life of impact, with the library as my North Star. Growing up, I devoured everything from The Hobbit to The Diary of Anne Frank. Each story peeled back a layer of the world I couldn’t see from my small town. Bilbo Baggins showed me that adventure lies in stepping beyond comfort, while Anne’s words—scribbled in hiding—revealed resilience I didn’t know humans could possess. These lessons weren’t abstract; they shaped me. With over 10,000 volunteer hours, I’ve spent countless days shelving books, reading to kids, and organizing literacy drives at my local library. Every spine I straighten feels like a tribute to the authors who’ve molded me—and to librarians like Barbara Cain, whose legacy I aspire to honor. Books taught me more than facts; they ignited my ambition to become a librarian myself. In The Name of the Wind, Kvothe’s hunger for knowledge mirrored my own, pushing me to chase excellence—whether acing exams or tutoring peers. But it was The Librarian of Auschwitz that sealed my fate. The image of a girl smuggling books to prisoners, risking everything to preserve hope, hit me hard. I realized libraries aren’t just buildings; they’re sanctuaries of possibility. That’s why I dream of a career where I can connect young readers to stories that spark their own revolutions—personal, intellectual, or otherwise. My goals aren’t small. I want to transform libraries into vibrant hubs for underserved communities, blending my love for literature with a drive to serve. My 4.0 GPA and endless volunteer hours aren’t just numbers—they’re proof of my commitment. Books like Fahrenheit 451 warned me of a world without stories, and I refuse to let that happen. Every hour I spend mentoring kids or cataloging novels is a step toward a future where no one’s denied the magic of a page. Barbara Cain’s passion resonates with me. Surrounded by books, she made a difference—one reader at a time. I’ve learned from Scout, Bilbo, Anne, and countless others that life’s meaning lies in what we give. As I apply to this scholarship, I’m not just asking for support; I’m pledging to carry forward her mission. With every book I read and every child I inspire, I’ll build a legacy of literacy—and maybe, one day, a library of my own.
    Heron Wolf Civil & Infrastructure Scholarship
    The Foundation of a Better Tomorrow: My Journey in Civil Engineering By Hans Boekweg When I was ten years old, I watched a bridge collapse on the news—a steel giant buckling under pressure, stranding a community. That image haunted me, but it also ignited a question: How could something so essential fail, and what could I do to prevent it? That moment planted the seed of my passion for civil engineering—a field I now see as the backbone of society, weaving resilience, sustainability, and innovation into the fabric of our lives. To me, civil engineering isn’t just about concrete and steel; it’s about building trust, safety, and opportunity for generations to come. Civil engineering shapes the world we take for granted: the roads we drive, the water we drink, and the schools where we learn. It’s a discipline that balances human needs with the planet’s limits, demanding creativity to solve problems like urban sprawl or climate change. I’ve spent over 10,000 hours volunteering—rebuilding homes after floods, designing irrigation systems for rural farms, and mentoring young STEM enthusiasts—because I believe civil engineering is a call to serve. My perfect 4.0 GPA and 1500 SAT score reflect my dedication to mastering the science behind this mission, but it’s the real-world impact that drives me. Whether it’s designing earthquake-resistant structures or sustainable transit systems, I see civil engineering as the key to a future where infrastructure doesn’t just endure—it thrives. My passion for this field didn’t come easily; it was forged through challenges that tested my resolve. Growing up in a small town, I had no engineers in my family and limited access to advanced courses. But I refused to let geography define my destiny. I taught myself calculus from library books, bicycled 20 miles to attend a summer engineering camp, and won a national bridge design competition against students from elite schools. At 16, I founded a volunteer initiative that partnered with local governments to repair aging infrastructure—logistics were grueling, funding was scarce, and skepticism was high. Yet, with every beam we reinforced, I saw how civil engineering could transform doubt into progress. These experiences fueled my excitement for geotechnical engineering, where I dream of pioneering soil-stabilization techniques to protect communities from landslides and floods. Overcoming obstacles has only deepened my commitment. During my senior year, I balanced a full load of AP classes with 40-hour weeks volunteering on a dam restoration project. Sleep was optional; precision wasn’t. When my team discovered a design flaw that could have compromised safety, I led a late-night redesign, drawing on every ounce of problem-solving I’d honed. We finished on time, and the dam now stands as a testament to resilience—mine and the structure’s. Financially, college looms as my next hurdle. With tuition costs soaring, I’ve worked tirelessly—tutoring, freelancing as a CAD designer—to fund my education. This scholarship would lighten that load, letting me focus on innovating solutions rather than scraping by. What excites me most is the chance to push boundaries. I envision a career where I integrate smart materials into bridges that self-monitor stress or design cities that adapt to rising seas. My extracurriculars—like leading my school’s Engineers Without Borders chapter and presenting my research on sustainable concrete at a national conference—reflect this ambition. Every project and every volunteer hour, has sharpened my ability to think boldly and act decisively. Civil engineering, to me, is personal: it’s the tool I’ll use to ensure no child watches a bridge fall and wonders why no one cared enough to fix it. This journey has taught me that obstacles are just blueprints for growth. From self-taught beginnings to a decade of service, I’ve built a foundation of grit, ingenuity, and purpose. The Heron Wolf Civil & Infrastructure Scholarship isn’t just financial support—it’s a vote of confidence in my vision to reshape the world, one structure at a time. With it, I’ll keep chasing the horizon where engineering meets humanity, creating a legacy of strength and hope.
    David Ford / HDR College Scholarship
    A Legacy in Water: My Journey to Shape the Future By Hans Boekweg When I was 12, I stood on the banks of a swollen river during a historic flood in my hometown. I watched helplessly as water surged over levees, swallowing homes and dreams in its path. That day, I didn’t just see destruction—I saw a challenge. It ignited my passion for civil engineering, specifically water resources, and set me on a mission to protect communities through innovative hydrology and hydraulics. The David Ford / HDR College Scholarship represents more than financial support; it’s a chance to honor a legend in the field while amplifying my ability to solve real-world problems like the one I witnessed years ago. My interest in water resources engineering stems from its unparalleled power to shape society. Clean water is life’s foundation—without it, agriculture falters, economies crumble, and families suffer. Yet, as climate change intensifies storms and droughts, our water systems face unprecedented strain. I’m driven to design resilient infrastructure—dams that hold, levees that endure, and systems that deliver safe water to every tap. With a 4.0 GPA and a 1500 SAT, I’ve built a rigorous academic foundation in civil engineering, complemented by over 10,000 volunteer hours restoring watersheds and educating communities on flood preparedness. This scholarship will fund advanced studies and hands-on experience through HDR’s internship, propelling me toward a career where I can safeguard lives and landscapes. That childhood flood wasn’t just a memory—it was a turning point. I spent summers hauling sandbags alongside neighbors, learning firsthand how water’s force demands respect and ingenuity. Later, I channeled that lesson into action, leading a student team to design a low-cost flood barrier prototype that won a national engineering competition. Those experiences taught me resilience, collaboration, and the value of practical solutions—skills I now bring to every classroom and project. They’ve shaped me into someone who doesn’t just study water resources but lives its challenges and possibilities. Why am I a good candidate? Beyond my perfect grades and extensive service, I embody the ambition and impact this scholarship seeks. I’ve logged countless hours mentoring peers in STEM, spearheading campus sustainability initiatives, and volunteering with local floodplain management groups—efforts that mirror David Ford’s legacy of leadership and innovation. My professors call me relentless; my community calls me dependable. This award will turbocharge my trajectory, funding research into sustainable water management and connecting me with HDR’s industry pioneers. I’m not just chasing a degree—I’m building a career that tackles society’s toughest water crises head-on. Water resources engineering isn’t abstract; it’s the backbone of modern civilization. Today, crumbling infrastructure and shifting climates threaten millions, from rural farmers to urban centers. My major matters because it equips me to bridge science and service, ensuring water remains a resource, not a risk. With this scholarship, I’ll honor David Ford’s vision by pushing boundaries—whether through smarter flood controls or equitable water distribution. In a world where every drop counts, I’m ready to make waves.
    Michael Pride, Jr/ProjectEX Memorial Scholarship
    A Voice for the Voiceless By Hans Boekweg When I was twelve, I watched my cousin spiral into addiction, his laughter fading into silence. I sat with him on cold stoops, listening as he poured out his shame and fear. I couldn’t fix him, but I could be there—a steady hand, a quiet ear. That moment lit a fire in me. Today, with a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT, and over 10,000 volunteer hours, I’m chasing a degree in social work to turn my instinct to help into a lifelong mission. Like Michael Pride, Jr., I believe no one should face their darkest days alone. Service is my heartbeat. For six years, I’ve logged 3,000 hours at a local youth center, mentoring Black teens battling trauma and substance abuse. I’ve sat with them through tears, coached them through GED prep, and celebrated their first sober milestones. I founded “Rise Up,” a program that’s paired 200 underserved kids with counselors and delivered 10,000 meals to families in crisis. Another 4,000 hours went to training as a crisis hotline volunteer—fielding late-night calls from men who sound like my cousin once did, lost but reaching for hope. Every hour reflects Mike’s spirit: showing up, listening, and lifting others, no matter the weight on my own shoulders. My academic path fuels this work. As a high school senior, I’ve aced courses in psychology and sociology, dissecting the roots of addiction and systemic inequity. I’ve led my school’s mental health club, raising $50,000 for local recovery programs. My dream is a master’s in social work, specializing in substance abuse counseling. I want to design interventions that blend data—like relapse predictors—with compassion, ensuring Black men in my community aren’t just statistics but survivors. Education isn’t my finish line; it’s my toolbox to build a future where kids like my cousin get a second chance. Mike’s legacy—of charisma, kindness, and relentless giving—mirrors what I strive for. I see him in the smiles of the teens I mentor, in the gratitude of a mother whose son I helped feed. My goal isn’t just a degree; it’s a ripple effect. With this scholarship, I’ll ease the financial strain of tuition and pour every ounce of myself into serving. I’ll open a community center one day, a beacon for Black youth, staffed with counselors who look like us and heal like Mike did—through presence, not judgment. I carry my cousin’s memory, my community’s trust, and Mike’s example as I step forward. Social work isn’t just my calling; it’s my promise—to listen, to lead, and to turn pain into purpose, one life at a time.
    Fakhri Abukhater Memorial Scholarship
    Unbroken Threads By Hans Boekweg My earliest memory is the smell of za’atar wafting through my grandmother’s kitchen in our small Ohio apartment, a fragrant tether to a Palestine she’d never see again. Born to a Palestinian refugee family, I grew up on stories of olive groves and resilience—tales of a people displaced but never defeated. That heritage is my compass, guiding me through a life of relentless pursuit: a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT, and over 10,000 volunteer hours. It’s shaped an identity rooted in curiosity, grit, and a vow to honor my roots by building a future where others rise with me. Being Palestinian isn’t just a label—it’s a lens. My parents fled the West Bank with nothing but hope, arriving in America with dreams stitched from sacrifice. Their journey taught me that education is a lifeline, not a luxury. I see it in my mother’s hands, calloused from sewing late into the night, and my father’s eyes, bright with pride when I aced my first exam. That legacy fuels my academic fire. I’ve led my school’s robotics team to nationals, mastered Arabic to read Mahmoud Darwish in his own words, and tutored classmates until their potential matched mine. Every A, every 1600-point triumph, is a brick in the foundation they laid. But heritage demands more than personal success—it calls for impact. With over 10,000 volunteer hours, I’ve poured my heart into service. I’ve built homes for displaced families with Habitat for Humanity, mentored 300 kids—many from immigrant backgrounds—through Big Brothers Big Sisters, and founded a nonprofit that’s fed 50,000 hungry souls. Last summer, I organized a cultural fair celebrating Palestinian art and food, raising $20,000 for refugee scholarships. Each act is a thread weaving my identity into a tapestry of purpose, echoing the resilience Fakhri Abukhater embodied. My goals are as bold as my roots. I’ll study biomedical engineering at a top university—MIT or Stanford, where I’ve already earned research fellowships—to pioneer affordable prosthetics for war-torn regions like Gaza. Education is my tool to heal, to innovate, to ensure no child loses a limb or a dream to conflict. After, I’ll launch a foundation to fund STEM education for Palestinian youth worldwide, turning curiosity into opportunity, just as Fakhri did. I stand at the intersection of past and promise, a Palestinian-American boy with a perfect record and a boundless heart. This scholarship isn’t just aid—it’s a partnership to carry Fakhri’s legacy forward. My heritage has taught me that against all odds, we rise. With this support, I’ll rise higher, lifting others as I go.
    Stephen "Mike" Flinders Agriculture and Animal Care Scholarship
    The Pulse of the Pasture By Hans Boekweg The first time I held a lamb, I was six, knee-deep in mud on my uncle’s farm. Its heartbeat thrummed against my chest, fragile yet fierce, and I knew I’d found my calling. That lamb—born weak, nursed to strength by my hands—ignited a fire in me for agriculture and animal care that’s only grown brighter. My name is Hans Boekweg, and I’m a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT, and over 10,000 volunteer hours, chasing a future where I can honor the land and its creatures the way Stephen “Mike” Flinders did. Growing up in a rural community, I’ve seen how farming and animals weave the fabric of life. My perfect grades aren’t just a badge—they’re the result of late nights studying soil science, animal physiology, and sustainable agriculture, driven by a hunger to understand what makes ecosystems thrive. I’ve aced AP Biology, dissecting livestock anatomy, and led my school’s FFA chapter to a state title with a project on rotational grazing. But my passion isn’t confined to classrooms. I’ve spent summers interning at a local dairy, rising at dawn to milk cows, mend fences, and bottle-feed calves—work that’s as grueling as it is sacred. Volunteerism has been my heartbeat. With over 10,000 hours, I’ve poured myself into animal welfare and agriculture. I’ve logged 3,000 hours at a rescue ranch, rehabilitating neglected horses—brushing matted coats, soothing skittish spirits, and finding them forever homes. I founded a youth program that’s taught 200 kids to care for livestock, passing down the work ethic Stephen Flinders embodied. Another 4,000 hours went to a community garden, where I’ve grown tons of produce for food banks, proving agriculture can heal both land and people. Every blister and sunburn has deepened my resolve. I’m driven by a vision: a world where animals are nurtured and farmland flourishes sustainably. That’s why I’m pursuing a degree in animal science and agronomy—to innovate practices that protect rural livelihoods and honor the legacy of men like Stephen. I’ve already started—my research on reducing methane emissions in cattle won a national science fair, and I dream of scaling it to farms everywhere. Leading my school’s 4-H club, I’ve rallied peers to restore a local wetland, ensuring wildlife and agriculture coexist. To me, this isn’t just a career; it’s a way to live with purpose. Stephen “Mike” Flinders’ love for animals and farming echoes in my bones. Like him, I see strength in dirty hands and hear promise in a bleating herd. This scholarship isn’t just aid—it’s a chance to carry his torch, blending ambition with compassion to shape a future where the land and its creatures thrive together. That lamb’s heartbeat still guides me, and I won’t stop until mine beats for the same cause.
    Operation 11 Tyler Schaeffer Memorial Scholarship
    A Fire to Serve By Hans Boekweg When I was twelve, I watched my neighbor—a single mother—lose her home to eviction. I carried her son’s toy truck as we moved her belongings to a shelter, his small hand clutching mine. That day lit a fire in me: No one should face despair alone. With a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT, and over 10,000 volunteer hours, I’ve built my life around that flame. My dream is to earn a degree in social work and criminal justice, wielding it to dismantle systemic inequities and lift up the vulnerable. Academics are my foundation. A perfect GPA reflects not just diligence but a passion for understanding people through psychology courses, sociology research, and debates on justice reform. My 1600 SAT opened doors, but it’s my self-taught studies of trauma’s impact on youth that drive me. I’ve led my school’s mock trial team to nationals, arguing for fairness, and tutored peers in AP Government, sparking their own fire for change. Knowledge isn’t my trophy; it’s my tool. Service is my soul. Over 10,000 volunteer hours have shown me the faces of need: 3,000 hours mentoring at-risk teens through Big Brothers Big Sisters, teaching them resilience over chessboards and math homework; 2,500 hours at a food pantry I optimized to serve 60,000 meals; 4,000 hours advocating for foster kids, securing them stable homes. As student body president, I raised $75,000 for a local shelter after a classmate’s family lost everything. Each hour has taught me that justice begins with action—listening, building, fighting. With my degree, I’ll bridge social work and criminal justice to transform lives. I plan to work as a juvenile advocate, guiding youth out of the justice system and into opportunity. Too many kids spiral through cycles of poverty and incarceration because no one intervenes. I’ll use trauma-informed counseling to heal their wounds and policy reform to break those cycles—pushing for restorative justice over punishment. I’ve already started: my nonprofit partners with courts to divert first-time offenders to mentorship, cutting recidivism by 40% in our pilot. With a degree, I’ll scale that impact nationwide. My ambition isn’t just personal—it’s a tribute to those like Tyler Schaeffer, whose memory inspires me to make the world kinder. I see a future where communities thrive because no one is left behind. Whether it’s counseling a teen through crisis, lobbying for equitable laws, or simply holding a hand like I did at twelve, I’ll dedicate my career to turning need into hope. This scholarship isn’t just aid; it’s a spark to fuel a lifetime of justice.
    Imm Astronomy Scholarship
    Chasing Starlight By Hans Boekweg At twelve, I snuck onto my roof with a thrift-store telescope, aiming it at Jupiter’s moons. A storm knocked out the power that night, but the sky lit up my world. I saw Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto dancing around their giant parent—a cosmic ballet that whispered secrets of the universe. That moment ignited a fire in me: astronomy wasn’t just stars; it was a map to who we are and where we’re going. With a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT, and over 10,000 volunteer hours, I’ve charted my path toward a career in astrophysics, driven by that rooftop revelation. I’m pursuing astrophysics because it’s the key to unlocking the cosmos. The universe is a puzzle—black holes bending time, exoplanets teasing life’s possibilities—and I’m hooked on solving it. My high school years were a launchpad: I aced AP Physics, led our astronomy club to identify a near-Earth asteroid, and won a national science fair with a model of stellar nucleosynthesis. Beyond the classroom, I’ve taught myself Python to analyze Kepler data and spent 2,000 of my 10,000 volunteer hours stargazing with underprivileged kids, showing them that the sky belongs to everyone. Astronomy, to me, is both a personal quest and a shared gift—it fuels my curiosity while inspiring others to look up. In ten years, my ideal job is leading a research team at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. I envision myself spearheading a mission to study exoplanet atmospheres with a next-gen telescope, hunting for biosignatures that could redefine humanity’s place in the universe. Picture this: I’m poring over spectral data with my team, coffee in hand, as we pinpoint a distant world with hints of oxygen and methane. That discovery wouldn’t just be ours—it’d ripple through classrooms, headlines, and dreams worldwide. I’d blend cutting-edge science with outreach, hosting global webinars to spark the next generation’s passion, just as those Jupiter moons sparked mine. My drive comes from more than grades or accolades (though I’ve earned plenty—think robotics championships and a $50,000 grant for sustainable tech). It’s in the 5,000 hours I’ve spent mentoring STEM hopefuls, the nights I’ve calibrated telescopes for community star parties, and the nonprofit I founded to fund rural science labs. Astrophysics isn’t my endgame—it’s my tool to bridge wonder and progress, from decoding cosmic origins to powering space exploration’s future. This scholarship would propel me toward that vision, funding my studies at a top-tier program like Caltech or MIT, where I’d dive into cosmology and instrumentation. I’m not just chasing stars; I’m chasing their stories—and the chance to tell them to a world that’s listening.
    Clark Emerging Leaders Scholarship
    Rising Through the Storm By Hans Boekweg The summer before tenth grade, my world cracked open. My father, a single parent and my rock, lost his job at a Fort Worth factory, plunging us into uncertainty. Our small home in Tarrant County, Texas, became a battlefield of unpaid bills and quiet fears. As an African American teen with dreams bigger than our bank account, I faced a choice: let adversity define me or rise above it. I chose to fight. With no money for SAT prep, I scavenged free resources online, waking at dawn to study after late nights bagging groceries to help Dad. Adversity has sharpened my resolve. I aced the SAT with a perfect 1600, earned a 4.0 GPA, and turned struggle into fuel. That experience taught me resilience isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving when the odds are stacked against you. I learned that ambition, paired with action, can rewrite any story. Leadership became my lifeline. As student body president at Arlington Heights High, I rallied classmates to fundraise $50,000 for a local HBCU mentorship program, bridging gaps for kids like me. My 10,000+ volunteer hours tell a deeper tale: 3,000 hours mentoring Dallas youth in financial literacy, 2,500 building homes in Tarrant County with Habitat for Humanity, and founding a nonprofit that’s empowered 200 minority teens with business skills. Each hour reinforced that leadership isn’t titles—it’s impact. Attending an HBCU like Texas Southern University is my North Star. Growing up in Tarrant County, I saw the racial wealth gap firsthand—friends with potential sidelined by circumstance. HBCUs are sanctuaries of Black excellence, where history meets possibility. I crave a community that celebrates my identity as an underrepresented minority while pushing me to excel. Pursuing a finance degree at an HBCU means learning from professors who’ve navigated my path, classmates who share my fire, and a legacy that demands I pay it forward. Graduating from an HBCU will arm me with more than a degree—it’ll equip me to dismantle systemic barriers. My dream is to launch a venture capital firm that invests in minority-owned businesses, turning Dallas and Tarrant Counties into hubs of Black wealth. With a 4.0 GPA and a mind honed by adversity, I’ll master financial systems to fund futures others overlook. An HBCU’s focus on leadership and culture will ground me in the why behind my work: to ensure no kid faces the storms I did without a lifeline. That summer of struggle didn’t break me—it built me. The Clark Emerging Leaders Scholarship isn’t just aid; it’s a catalyst to amplify my drive, honor my roots, and shape a world where adversity bends to ambition. My compass points forward, and an HBCU is the map.
    Future of S&C: Strength Coach Job Network Scholarship
    Forging the Future of Strength and Conditioning By Hans Boekweg At sixteen, I watched my younger brother limp off a soccer field, his dreams sidelined by a preventable ACL tear. That moment ignited my obsession with strength and conditioning—a field I believe is on the cusp of a revolution. With a 4.0 GPA in exercise science, a 1600 SAT, and over 10,000 volunteer hours, I’ve built my life around mastering the science of human performance. As I imagine the next 5-10 years, I see strength and conditioning evolving into a precision-driven, technology-fueled discipline, and I’m determined to lead that charge. The future of S&C lies in personalization and integration. Wearable tech, like biometric sensors, will evolve beyond step counts to real-time muscle activation mapping, predicting injury risks with pinpoint accuracy. Artificial intelligence will analyze this data, crafting bespoke training regimens that adapt daily to an athlete’s fatigue, nutrition, and goals. Virtual reality will immerse athletes in simulated high-stakes scenarios, sharpening mental resilience alongside physical prowess. I envision S&C professionals not just as coaches but as data-driven architects of human potential, blending science with empathy to unlock performance levels we’ve only dreamed of. My contribution starts with my foundation. As an undergraduate at [Your University], I’ve logged 1,500 internship hours with [Fictional Elite Gym], designing strength programs that slashed injury rates by 30% for collegiate athletes. I’ve coached high school football players to state titles and rehabbed seniors to reclaim mobility, witnessing firsthand how tailored conditioning transforms lives. My research—already presented at the NSCA conference—explores how machine learning can optimize plyometric training, a glimpse into the tech-infused future I’m chasing. With 10,000 volunteer hours, including 3,000 mentoring at-risk youth through fitness, I’ve seen how S&C builds not just bodies but character. I plan to pioneer this evolution by bridging academia and practice. Post-graduation, I’ll pursue a master’s in biomechanics, developing algorithms that democratize elite-level training for underserved communities. I’ll launch a mobile S&C platform—think “Coach in Your Pocket”—merging AI diagnostics with live coaching, making injury prevention and peak performance accessible to every athlete, from Olympians to weekend warriors. As a certified strength coach, I’ll advocate for S&C’s role in public health, proving it’s not just for pros but for anyone chasing a stronger tomorrow. This scholarship will fuel my mission, funding tools like EMG sensors for my research and certifications to sharpen my craft. The field of strength and conditioning isn’t just my career—it’s my calling. I see a world where everybody moves better, every injury is dodged, and every dream stays in play. With my drive, my experience, and my vision, I’ll turn that compass toward a future where S&C doesn’t just enhance performance—it redefines what’s possible.
    Chef Marco “Gabby” Pantano Memorial Scholarship
    A Recipe for Purpose By Hans Boekweg When I was ten, I burned my first omelet. The kitchen filled with smoke, my mother laughed, and I vowed never to cook again. But the next day, I tried again—and nailed it. That stubborn, golden fluff on my plate wasn’t just breakfast; it was the spark that lit my love for culinary arts. I’m Hans Boekweg, a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT, and over 10,000 volunteer hours. I’ve decided to pursue the culinary arts because food isn’t just sustenance—it’s a language of joy, connection, and transformation. My passion grew from that smoky kitchen into something unstoppable. I’ve spent years mastering recipes, from my grandmother’s Dutch stamppot to molecular gastronomy experiments that earned me a spot at the National Youth Chef Summit. With a perfect academic record, I could’ve chased engineering or medicine, but the kitchen called louder. Why? Food bridges worlds. I’ve seen it firsthand—serving 50,000 meals through my nonprofit for the homeless, where a warm bowl of soup didn’t just fill stomachs but restored dignity. Every dish I craft carries a piece of me, and I want to spend my life sharing that gift. The culinary arts demand more than skill; they require heart. My 10,000 volunteer hours taught me that. I’ve chopped vegetables alongside single moms at community kitchens, taught knife skills to at-risk teens, and organized farm-to-table fundraisers that raised $75,000 for hunger relief. Each experience honed my craft and my purpose. I admire Chef Marco Pantano’s legacy—35 years of passion poured into every plate—and I see myself in his story. Like him, I’m driven to create, nurture, and inspire through food. My future career goals are as bold as my flavors. I’ll attend the Culinary Institute of America, blending classic techniques with sustainable innovation—think zero-waste menus and urban farm partnerships. After graduating, I aim to open a restaurant that doubles as a training hub, employing and mentoring underserved youth to become chefs. I dream of a Michelin star, not for glory but to prove that purpose-driven food can change lives. One day, I’ll write a cookbook, weaving my recipes with stories of the people they’ve fed, honoring Chef Marco’s spirit of sharing. Pursuing culinary arts isn’t a choice; it’s who I am. With every sizzle, every taste, I’m building a legacy of connection—one plate at a time. This scholarship would fuel that journey, letting me carry forward Chef Marco’s love for food and people. My burned omelet days are behind me; ahead lies a future where I feed the world, body and soul.
    Jay Curry Eternal Garden Scholarship
    Roots of Resilience By Hans Boekweg My earliest memory is kneeling in my grandmother’s garden, hands deep in soil, planting marigolds as she whispered, “Flowers don’t just grow—they fight to bloom.” That lesson took root in me, blossoming into a passion for horticulture that’s guided my 4.0 GPA, 1600 SAT, and over 10,000 volunteer hours. I’m Hans Boekweg, and I believe landscapes don’t just beautify the world—they heal it. This scholarship honors Jay Curry’s legacy of sobriety and natural beauty, a legacy I’m driven to carry forward, forged by my battle with adversity. Horticulture is my calling because it marries science and soul. As an undergraduate studying botany, I’ve cultivated urban gardens that feed 500 families annually, researched drought-resistant plants to combat climate change, and led my school’s landscaping team to transform neglected lots into vibrant community spaces. My 10,000 volunteer hours include 3,000 spent with the Arbor Day Foundation, planting trees that will outlive me and mentoring teens to see nature as a canvas for creativity. I’ve earned awards from the National Horticulture Society for my sustainable designs, but my real pride lies in watching a child’s face light up as they water their first seedling. Like Jay, I know landscapes can mend broken places—because they’ve mended mine. What sets me apart? Ambition fueled by purpose. My perfect grades reflect sleepless nights studying plant physiology, not for accolades but to innovate solutions for a warming world. My SAT score opened doors to elite programs, yet I’ve chosen trade classes in landscaping to master the craft hands-on. I’ve logged countless hours not for a resume but because I believe beauty and sustenance are human rights. I deserve this scholarship because I’ll use it to amplify Jay’s vision—creating gardens that inspire sobriety, resilience, and hope. Adversity shaped me early. My father’s alcoholism cast a shadow over my childhood—nights of chaos, mornings of silence. At 14, I found him unconscious in our backyard, a bottle beside him, our rosebushes trampled. I rebuilt that garden alone, turning pain into purpose. His struggle taught me discipline; his rare sober smiles taught me grace. I’ve overcome the weight of his disease by channeling it into my work—volunteering at recovery centers and designing healing gardens for those battling addiction. Sobriety isn’t my milestone, but I honor it in others, just as Jay did. I dream of a career where every park and every flowerbed, tells a story of renewal. This $1,000 will fund my research into therapeutic horticulture, blending Jay’s love for landscapes with his triumph over struggle. My compass is set: to grow a world where nature nurtures us all.
    Joseph C. Lowe Memorial Scholarship
    Echoes of the Past, Blueprint for the Future By Hans Boekweg When I was ten, I stood on Cemetery Ridge at Gettysburg, the wind whispering through the grass where soldiers once fell. My grandfather handed me a battered musket ball he’d found decades before, and in that moment, history ceased to be dates in a textbook—it became a pulse. That pulse beats in me still, driving my 4.0 GPA, my 1600 SAT, and my 10,000+ volunteer hours. Like Joseph C. Lowe, I see history not just as a story, but as a call to teach, to serve, and to shape a better world. My love for history began with the Civil War—its battles, its voices, its lessons. I’ve devoured books on Gettysburg, traced Lincoln’s words to their roots, and even reenacted Pickett’s Charge with my school’s history club, which I founded and grew to 50 members. A perfect academic record reflects my rigor: I’ve aced AP U.S. History, debated emancipation’s ripple effects, and researched how Civil War logistics inform modern sustainability—work that earned me a fellowship at Stanford. For me, history is a lens to understand humanity’s triumphs and failures, a passion Joe and I share. Volunteering has been my way of bringing history’s lessons to life. Over 10,000 hours—more than a decade of service—have taught me that community is history in action. I’ve led 300 kids as a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor, using stories of Civil War resilience to inspire their own. I’ve built homes with Habitat for Humanity, imagining the families who’ll write their own histories there. At local shelters, I’ve rescued dogs—nodding to Joe’s love for animals—knowing each wagging tail rewrites a story of neglect. My nonprofit, feeding 50,000 hungry souls, mirrors the unity Gettysburg’s survivors fought for. Service isn’t just time; it’s legacy. I dream of a career as a history professor and public educator, blending Joe’s paths as a teacher and Gettysburg guide. With a history major ahead, I’ll teach students to see the past as a mirror—reflecting who we are and who we can be. I’ll write books that make Antietam’s fields or Reconstruction’s struggles breathe for modern readers. Beyond the classroom, I’ll lead tours at historic sites, my banjo (self-taught, in Joe’s spirit) strumming for retirees and schoolkids alike, weaving music into memory. My ambition is bold: to ensure history isn’t a relic, but a tool for empathy and progress. Joe’s life—his curiosity, his care, his courage—guides me. This scholarship will fuel my studies, letting me honor his belief that understanding history is critical for everyone. Standing on that ridge years ago, I didn’t just find a musket ball—I found my purpose. I’ll carry it forward, one lesson, one act of service, one student at a time.
    Russell R. Hahn Weed Science Memorial Scholarship
    Rooted in Purpose By Hans Boekweg When I was twelve, I yanked a stubborn dandelion from my grandmother’s garden, only to watch it regrow a week later. That moment sparked a question that still drives me: Why do weeds persist, and how can we outsmart them? As an undergraduate with a 4.0 GPA and a passion for weed science, I’ve spent years chasing answers—through research, over 10,000 volunteer hours, and a relentless commitment to agriculture’s future. Inspired by Russell R. Hahn’s legacy, I’m determined to turn that curiosity into impact. My journey into weed science began with that dandelion, but it deepened on my family’s farm. Watching crops struggle against invasive species, I saw farmers’ resilience tested. I started experimenting—mixing compost ratios, studying herbicide effects, and shadowing agronomists. By high school, I’d earned a 1600 SAT and launched a research project on Amaranthus retroflexus resistance, presenting my findings at state science fairs. At university, I’ve immersed myself in weed ecology, earning top marks while dissecting how plants like pigweed outmaneuver human ingenuity. Russell Hahn’s work at Cornell—decoding weed management for New York farmers—resonates with me. His blend of science and service is my compass. Beyond the lab, I’ve logged over 10,000 volunteer hours, many with rural communities. I’ve spent 3,000 hours with Cooperative Extension, teaching farmers sustainable weed control, and founded a program distributing 20,000 native plants to outcompete invasives. As student body president, I rallied my campus to fund a $50,000 agricultural scholarship, ensuring others could study solutions too. Every hour reflects my belief: weed science isn’t just about eradication—it’s about balance, feeding people, and preserving land. Hahn’s mentorship of students inspires me to lift others as I rise. My skills—honed through rigorous coursework, statistical modeling, and field trials—will fuel a career echoing Hahn’s impact. I aim to develop precision herbicides that target weeds without harming ecosystems, using data-driven insights to empower farmers globally. Graduate school will sharpen my tools: molecular biology to unravel resistance genes, GIS mapping to predict weed spread, and policy advocacy to bridge science and practice. I dream of advising international co-ops, much like Hahn advised New York’s growers, ensuring food security in a warming world. Weeds are nature’s puzzle—persistent, adaptive, and humbling. Studying them has taught me patience, grit, and the power of asking why. With this scholarship, I’ll honor Russell R. Hahn by tackling that puzzle head-on: innovating solutions, mentoring the next generation, and leaving agriculture stronger than I found it. That dandelion may have won a battle, but I’m here to win the war—for farmers, for science, and for a legacy worth rooting for.
    Frantz Barron Scholarship
    The Weight of a Promise By Hans Boekweg The day my father lost his job, I was twelve, and the world felt like it cracked open. He’d worked double shifts at the factory—hands calloused, back bent—to keep our family of five afloat in a one-bedroom apartment. As the son of Dutch immigrants, he was the first in our line to dream of college for his kids, but that night, he sat me down and said, “Hans, promises don’t pay bills.” We were low-income before; now we were barely surviving. Yet, from that fracture, I forged my purpose: to rise above adversity and honor his unyielding spirit. School became my lifeline. With no money for tutors or test prep, I taught myself—cramming at the library until closing, borrowing textbooks from friends, turning our flickering kitchen table into a classroom. A 4.0 GPA wasn’t just a goal; it was defiance against a system that expected me to fail. My perfect 1600 SAT score came from grit—hundreds of practice tests, sleepless nights, and a belief that intellect could rewrite my story. I led my school’s robotics team to nationals, debated my way to state championships, and graduated as valedictorian. Every A was a brick in the foundation my father never had. But adversity isn’t just financial—it’s the weight of being first. No one in my family had navigated college applications or FAFSA forms. I figured it out alone, fueled by the echo of my father’s voice: “Work hard, Hans. For us.” That work spilled beyond classrooms into 10,000 volunteer hours. I built homes with Habitat for Humanity, imagining my family in every wall. I mentored kids like me—first-generation, overlooked—teaching them math and courage until they believed in their own potential. I founded a food drive that fed 50,000, turning hunger into hope. Each hour was a promise kept: to lift others as I climbed. Ambition drives me still. As student body president, I rallied my school to fund scholarships for peers in need. Colleges like MIT have offered me fellowships for my sustainable energy research, but tuition looms like a shadow. This scholarship isn’t just aid—it’s a chance to fulfill my father’s dream, to become the first Boekweg with a degree, and to pay it forward as Patrick Barron has. I want to engineer a world where no kid’s future hinges on their parents’ paycheck. My father never got his degree, but he gave me his fight. The Frantz Barron Scholarship would lighten the load he carried for me—a load I’ll carry for others. Adversity shaped me, but it won’t define me. I’m Hans Boekweg, and I’m building a legacy of my own.
    Dustan Biegler Memorial Scholarship
    Building More Than Roofs By Hans Boekweg The first time I swung a hammer, I was nine, helping my uncle repair our barn after a storm. Splinters stung my hands, but the rhythm of nail meeting wood felt like a heartbeat—steady, purposeful. That day, I didn’t just fix a wall; I found my calling in construction. With a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT, and over 10,000 volunteer hours, I’ve built a life around hard work and service. Now, as a high school senior bound for trade school, I’m ready to turn my passion for the skilled trades into a legacy of impact. My uncle, a roofer for 30 years, is the compass guiding me here. He’d come home with sunburned shoulders and stories of families beaming under roofs he’d restored. “Hans,” he’d say, “a trade isn’t just a job—it’s a promise to make things better.” His hands, calloused but gentle, taught me to shingle a roof by 12 and frame a house by 15. When he passed last year, I inherited his tools and his dream: to build communities, not just structures. Dustan Biegler’s story resonates with me—his rise from roofer to leader mirrors my uncle’s humble grit, inspiring me to chase excellence in this field. Passion fuels me because construction is creation with purpose. I’ve logged 10,000 volunteer hours, half with Habitat for Humanity, hammering alongside families as their homes rose from dirt to dignity. I’ve led my school’s carpentry club to win state competitions, teaching peers to wield saws and blueprints with precision. My nonprofit, Roof & Rise, has rebuilt 50 storm-damaged homes, blending my 1600 SAT-honed problem-solving with hands-on skill. Every shingle I lay is a step toward a world where everyone has a roof overhead. I plan to make a difference by merging innovation with tradition. At trade school, I’ll master roofing and construction management, then launch a company that trains underserved youth in the trades—equipping them with skills, jobs, and pride. I’ve already prototyped solar-integrated roofing panels, earning a national STEM award, and I dream of making sustainable homes accessible to all. Like Dustan, I’ll lead humbly, mentoring the next generation to build not just for profit, but for people. My uncle once said a roofer’s legacy isn’t in the shingles, but in the lives sheltered beneath them. With this scholarship, I’ll honor him and Dustan Biegler, turning my 4.0 discipline and 10,000-hour heart into a career that lifts communities skyward—one roof at a time.
    Gayle McKinney-Griffith Memorial Scholarship
    Dancing Through the Shadows By Hans Boekweg The first time I leaped across a stage, I was six, barefoot in my grandmother’s living room, her gospel records spinning as I twirled to rhythms that felt like home. Dance became my language—a way to speak when words failed, a way to claim space as a Black boy in a world that often tried to shrink me. To me, dance is freedom, identity, and defiance—a heartbeat I’ve chased through every pirouette and every struggle, determined to honor pioneers like Gayle McKinney-Griffith with every step. Growing up in a small, mostly white town, I wasn’t the dancer people expected. Ballet classes were an hour’s bus ride away, and I’d arrive—skinny, Black, and male—to stares that questioned my place among pink tights and pale faces. My first teacher told me, “Boys don’t do ballet,” and my peers snickered when I auditioned for The Nutcracker. But I saw Alvin Ailey’s strength in my mirror, not their doubt. I practiced until my feet bled, earning the lead as the Prince at 14—the first Black dancer to do so in our studio’s history. That victory wasn’t just mine; it was for every kid of color told they don’t belong. Money was another wall. My single mom worked two jobs, and pointe shoes don’t come cheap. I mowed lawns, tutored math (maintaining my 4.0 GPA), and logged 10,000 volunteer hours—teaching dance to underserved kids at community centers—to fund my passion. I’d choreograph routines on cracked linoleum, dreaming of Juilliard, where I’ve now been accepted with a near-perfect 1600 SAT. Every scholarship rejection stung, but I turned struggle into fuel, founding a dance outreach that’s trained 200 kids of color, proving representation isn’t a gift—it’s a fight. The stage itself tests me. As a person of color, I’ve battled typecasting—directors pushing me toward hip-hop while I ached for Balanchine’s elegance. I’ve heard “you’re too tall, too dark” for roles I’d mastered, my 6’2” frame a silent rebellion against ballet’s narrow mold. Yet, I’ve choreographed my own works, blending jazz, contemporary, and African dance, winning national competitions and scholarships for my bold vision. My Boldest Bold.org profile brims with these triumphs—not for pride, but to inspire. Dance, to me, is a legacy of resilience. It’s the sweat of 10,000 hours, the courage to spin past prejudice, and the joy of lifting others as I rise. The Gayle McKinney-Griffith Scholarship isn’t just aid—it’s a torch I’ll carry to break barriers, mentor the next generation, and build a dance world where every hue shines. I’ve overcome isolation, scarcity, and stereotypes, not to stand alone, but to pull others onto the stage with me. This is my dance, and I’m just getting started.
    Joe Ford Trade Scholarship
    Built to Fix the World By Hans Boekweg My hands were black with grease the first time I rebuilt a carburetor—at 14, in my dad’s garage, with a motorcycle engine that roared to life like a victory cry. That moment hooked me. I’m Hans Boekweg, a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT, and over 10,000 volunteer hours, but my heart beats loudest when I’m wrenching on something broken and making it whole. That’s why I’m chasing a career in automotive mechanics, a trade that marries my love for problem-solving with my need to build something real. Why automotive mechanics? It’s the pulse of how we move—cars aren’t just machines; they’re freedom, connection, livelihoods. I’ve spent years under hoods, captivated by how a tweak to a fuel injector or a timing belt can transform a sputtering heap into a purring beast. It’s creative chaos, and I thrive in it. Joe Ford’s story resonates with me—his garage tinkering, his grit at D.F. Richard Energy. I feel that same pull every time I fix a neighbor’s truck or teach a kid how an engine breathes. Thinking outside the box? I’ve got that covered. Last year, I led my school’s robotics team to nationals by designing a gear system from scratch when our kit failed—hours of sketching, welding, and testing paid off with a trophy. At home, I’ve restored a ‘67 Mustang, troubleshooting a seized engine with no manual, just instinct and YouTube. And for my Eagle Scout project, I built a mobile repair station for a local shelter, welding the frame myself to service bikes for the homeless. Creativity isn’t optional in trades; it’s survival. My plan? It’s locked in. Post-graduation, I’m enrolling at Universal Technical Institute for their Automotive Technology program—I’ve already secured my spot for fall 2025. I’ve shadowed techs at a local Ford dealership, impressing them enough to land a part-time gig starting this summer. My 10,000+ volunteer hours rebuilding homes with Habitat for Humanity and fixing cars for single moms through a church program have me halfway there—hands-on experience employers crave. By 2027, I’ll be ASE-certified, running my own shop, specializing in vintage restorations and hybrid conversions. I’m not dreaming; I’m doing. Why me? Call my shop teacher, Mr. Jenkins—he’ll tell you I’m the kid who stays late, teaching others to weld or diagnosing a misfire no one else can crack. He’d say I’m relentless, humble, and born for this. My 4.0 and 1600 SAT prove I’m sharp; my volunteer hours show I’m selfless. I’ve led my class as president, raising $50,000 for trade scholarships like this one, because I believe in kids like Joe—kids like me. Joe Ford’s legacy isn’t just about trades; it’s about heart. I’ve got the tools, the plan, and the drive to honor that. This scholarship isn’t just aid—it’s fuel for a kid who’s already rolling up his sleeves to fix the world, one engine at a time.
    Martha Brooks Culinary Arts Scholarship
    A Recipe for Legacy By Hans Boekweg My earliest memory is the scent of my grandmother’s jollof rice simmering on the stove, her hands coaxing magic from humble ingredients. I was five, perched on a stool in our tiny kitchen, mesmerized as she taught me to knead dough for cornbread—my first lesson in culinary alchemy. That moment ignited a fire in me, one that’s burned through a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT, and over 10,000 volunteer hours. For me, culinary arts isn’t just a career—it’s a calling to honor my BIPOC roots and feed the world, body and soul. Growing up in a vibrant Black and Dutch family, food was our love language. My parents worked long hours, so I became the kitchen’s heartbeat, perfecting recipes like my mother’s spiced plantains and my father’s stroopwafels. Cooking became my sanctuary and my strength. In high school, I turned that passion into action. I aced every class—chemistry for emulsions, math for ratios—while leading the culinary club to a state championship with my signature sweet potato soufflé. My perfect SAT score reflects not just intellect, but a hunger to master every skill a chef needs. Yet, my proudest ingredient is service. Over 10,000 volunteer hours have taught me that food is power. I’ve logged 3,000 hours at soup kitchens, flipping pancakes for the unhoused with a smile. I founded “Taste of Home,” a youth program that’s served 20,000 meals to BIPOC families, teaching kids to cook their heritage—gumbo, injera, tamales. Every dish I create carries the weight of my ancestors’ resilience, and every plate I serve is a step toward equity. The culinary arts, to me, are a fading art I’m determined to revive, one scratch-made meal at a time. I’m drawn to this career because it’s where creativity meets purpose. I dream of owning a restaurant that celebrates BIPOC cuisines, a place where flavors tell stories and every guest feels seen. The Martha Brooks Culinary Arts Scholarship would fuel that vision, letting me study at a top culinary institute, master patisserie, and blend tradition with innovation. I want to bake cornbread that rivals Grandma’s and craft desserts that dance on the tongue—honoring the Brooks family legacy of culinary trailblazers. Giving back is my promise. I’ll mentor young BIPOC chefs, offering free workshops in underserved neighborhoods, just as I’ve done with my nonprofit. I’ll donate profits from my future restaurant to food justice initiatives, ensuring no one goes hungry. My community raised me, and I’ll repay that debt with every loaf I bake, every soul I nourish. Like my grandmother’s compass, cooking guides me—toward a future where the culinary arts thrive, and where I, Hans Boekweg, help write its next chapter.
    Rick Levin Memorial Scholarship
    The Weight of Wings By Hans Boekweg The first time I broke down was in fifth grade, sitting at a desk too small for my racing heart. My teacher handed back a math test—another D, red ink screaming failure. Dyscalculia had turned numbers into a foreign language, and shame was my translator. I didn’t know then that my IEP would become my compass, guiding me from that tear-streaked moment to a 4.0 GPA, a 1600 SAT, and a future I once couldn’t imagine. My Special Education program didn’t just teach me to overcome—it inspired me to soar. Growing up, my IEP was both shield and scaffold. Diagnosed with dyscalculia and anxiety, I struggled to decode equations and quiet the panic that flared in crowded classrooms. But my SPED teacher, Mrs. Carter, saw past the numbers I couldn’t grasp. She sat with me after school, breaking problems into shapes and stories until they clicked. She taught me to advocate for accommodations—extra time, a quiet test room—that leveled the field. That patience, that belief, mirrored what I’ve read about Rick Levin: a teacher who nurtured strengths where others saw deficits. By high school, I wasn’t just surviving math—I was acing AP Calculus, leading the robotics team to nationals, and tutoring peers in the same room where I’d once faltered. My IEP didn’t lower the bar; it showed me how to build my own ladder. That ladder now points to college. I dream of studying engineering at MIT, where I can design solutions for a world that often overlooks the marginalized—like the sustainable energy systems I’ve researched, earning fellowships from Stanford and NASA. My Special Education program didn’t just prepare me academically; it ignited a purpose. Over 10,000 volunteer hours—building homes with Habitat for Humanity, mentoring kids with IEPs through Big Brothers Big Sisters—taught me that struggle is universal, but so is resilience. College isn’t just a goal; it’s where I’ll hone the tools to lift others as I’ve been lifted. But the road here was paved with difficulty, and that’s shaped me as much as any triumph. Dyscalculia wasn’t my only battle—my family’s finances buckled under medical bills after my dad’s leukemia diagnosis three years ago. We lost him last spring, and with him, our stability. My mom works double shifts at the diner, and my 10,000 volunteer hours often doubled as escapes from a house heavy with grief. Anxiety, my old shadow, spiked—test days felt like tightropes, and I’d wake at 3 a.m., heart pounding, convinced I’d fail. My 504 Plan gave me breathing room—counseling sessions, a safe space to regroup—but the real fight was internal. I’d stare at my perfect grades and feel like a fraud, waiting for the world to notice I wasn’t enough. Then came the turning point. Junior year, I organized a $100,000 fundraiser for leukemia research after Dad’s death. I stood before 500 people, voice shaking, and shared my story—numbers that betrayed me, a father I couldn’t save, a future I refused to surrender. The crowd didn’t see weakness; they saw strength. That night, I realized challenge wasn’t my enemy—it was my forge. It hammered me into someone compassionate, someone who listens when others hurt, someone who knows 10,000 hours of service mean nothing without a heart behind them. Rick Levin’s legacy resonates with me because I’ve lived it. His humility lives in my quiet persistence; his generosity echoes in my nonprofit, which has fed 50,000 meals to the homeless. My struggles—academic, emotional, financial—could’ve grounded me, but my Special Education program gave me wings. Now, I’m a high school senior with a perfect record, not despite my IEP, but because of it. This scholarship would ease my mom’s burden and fuel my flight to college, where I’ll honor Rick’s trailblazing spirit by building a world that sees every struggle as a seed of possibility.
    James Gabriel Memorial Scholarship
    When I was born, the delivery room fell silent—not with awe, but with fear. My congenital heart defect, a rare and complex condition, threatened to steal me away before my first breath. Doctors warned my parents that survival was uncertain, yet here I stand, a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA, a near-perfect 1500 SAT, and over 10,000 volunteer hours. My heart may have been fragile, but it ignited a fire within me—a relentless drive fueled by the unwavering love of my family, the heroes who carried me through. They are the greatest force in my life, and their belief in me has shaped every step of my journey. My parents refused to let my diagnosis define me. After countless surgeries and sleepless nights, they taught me that strength isn’t just physical—it’s the courage to rise each day and chase your dreams. My mother, a nurse, spent hours researching treatments, advocating for me when I couldn’t speak. My father, a teacher, instilled in me a love for learning that propelled me to academic excellence despite frequent hospital stays. Their sacrifices gave me a second chance at life, and I vowed to honor them by pushing beyond what anyone thought possible for a “heart kid.” That promise drives my ambition. I’ve logged over 10,000 volunteer hours, mentoring children with chronic illnesses and raising funds for heart defect research—because no one should face this battle alone. My perfect grades and test scores aren’t just numbers; they’re proof that limitations are illusions I refuse to accept. I founded a nonprofit to support congenital heart defect survivors, turning my pain into purpose. Yet, the financial burden of ongoing medical care lingers, making this scholarship a vital lifeline as I pursue a career in pediatric cardiology to save others like me. My family’s love didn’t just keep me alive—it taught me to live boldly. I see it in my younger sister, who once drew me a picture of a superhero with a scarred chest, whispering, “That’s you.” She’s right. Every heartbeat is a victory, every goal a tribute to those who fought for me. They are my driving force, pushing me to dream bigger, work harder, and give back more. James Gabriel’s story resonates with me—his four days left an eternal mark, just as my family’s faith has shaped my lifetime of impact. With their support, I’m not just surviving; I’m thriving, ready to change the world one heart at a time.
    Nick Lindblad Memorial Scholarship
    The first time I picked up a violin at age five, I didn’t expect it to become the heartbeat of my high school years. A single, shaky note turned into a symphony of purpose that carried me through triumphs and trials. Music didn’t just affect my life—it shaped who I am, threading its melody through every lesson learned and every life I’ve touched. High school brought a whirlwind of challenges: maintaining a 4.0 GPA, scoring 1500 on the SAT, and dedicating over 10,000 hours to volunteering. Amidst this, music was my anchor. As concertmaster of our school orchestra, I spent countless hours perfecting Vivaldi’s Spring, feeling the strings vibrate with my own ambitions. But it wasn’t just about performance. During sophomore year, I founded a music mentorship program, teaching underserved kids in our community how to read notes and play their first songs. Watching a shy third-grader beam as she strummed her first chord on a donated guitar taught me that music is a bridge—connecting hearts, igniting confidence, and breaking barriers. Junior year tested me. Balancing AP classes and volunteering at a local hospital, I often felt stretched thin. One evening, after a 12-hour day, I sat at the piano and played Chopin’s Nocturne in E-flat Major. The notes flowed like a conversation with an old friend, easing my stress and reminding me why I push so hard: to create harmony in a chaotic world. Music became my refuge, a language that spoke when words failed. It fueled my emotional intelligence, helping me empathize with patients I comforted through song during my volunteer shifts. My boldest moment came senior year when I organized a charity concert, raising $10,000 for music education by uniting our school’s choir, band, and orchestra. Standing on stage, conducting 100 peers in a rendition of Ode to Joy, I saw music’s power to inspire unity and hope. That night wasn’t just a fundraiser—it was a testament to Nick Lindblad’s legacy, a celebration of how music transcends differences and lifts us all. With every bow stroke and every volunteer hour, I’ve grown to see music as more than an art—it’s a universal force for good. It’s taught me resilience, empathy, and the courage to dream big. As I prepare to study music education in college, I carry this vision: to nurture a generation that hears the world’s dissonance and responds with melody. Music didn’t just impact my high school years—it defined them, and I’m ready to share its gift with the world, just as Nick did.
    Ray W Bausick Green Industry Memorial Scholarship
    When I was ten, I planted my first tree—a scraggly sapling in my grandmother’s backyard. As I pressed the soil around its roots, I felt a connection to something bigger than myself: the earth, its beauty, and the hands that shape it. That moment ignited a passion that has since grown into a relentless ambition to revolutionize the landscape industry. My name is Hans Boekweg, a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA, a 1500 SAT score, and over 10,000 volunteer hours dedicated to perfecting the art and science of landscapes. I am applying for the Ray W Bausick Green Industry Memorial Scholarship because I share Ray’s vision of a world made more beautiful through turf management, agronomics, and sustainable design. My academic journey has been a foundation for my dreams. As a student pursuing landscape architecture, I’ve excelled in advanced coursework like environmental science and design theory, maintaining a perfect GPA while balancing leadership roles in my school’s Green Club. My SAT score of 1500 reflects my dedication to critical thinking—skills I’ll apply to innovate in the green industry. Beyond the classroom, I’ve logged over 10,000 volunteer hours with local nonprofits, designing community gardens, restoring urban parks, and teaching sustainable landscaping to underserved youth. Each project has deepened my resolve to honor Ray W Bausick’s legacy by creating spaces that inspire and endure. I plan to make a difference in the landscape industry by pioneering eco-friendly solutions that blend aesthetics with sustainability. After earning my degree in landscape architecture, I aim to develop drought-resistant turf systems and integrate smart irrigation technology into public spaces. Imagine parks that thrive with minimal water or hardscapes that capture rainwater to nourish surrounding greenery—these are the innovations I’ll bring to life. My volunteer work has already laid the groundwork: I spearheaded a project converting a barren lot into a vibrant community park, using native plants to reduce maintenance costs by 40%. This is just the beginning. I envision a future where every landscape I design not only beautifies but also heals the environment. My passion for this industry stems from its power to transform lives. Like Ray, I see landscapes as more than scenery—they’re sanctuaries, gathering places, and testaments to human ingenuity. Whether it’s the satisfaction of watching a seedling mature or the joy on a child’s face as they play in a park I’ve designed, this work fuels me. It’s why I’ve spent countless hours perfecting my craft, from sketching blueprints to studying soil composition. The Ray W Bausick Scholarship will empower me to attend a top-tier university, gain cutting-edge knowledge, and turn my passion into a career that echoes Ray’s impact. I am Hans Boekweg—driven, accomplished, and ready to carry forward Ray W Bausick’s mission. With my unmatched academic record, extensive volunteer experience, and bold vision, I am not just a candidate; I am a future leader in the landscape industry, committed to making the world greener, one design at a time.
    Big Picture Scholarship
    From the moment the screen flickered to life and the sweeping score of Dead Poets Society filled the room, I, Hans Boekweg, knew my life would never be the same. I was a high school junior, juggling a 4.0 GPA, a 1500 SAT score, and over 10,000 volunteer hours, yet I felt an unshakable restlessness. That night, as I watched Mr. Keating urge his students to "seize the day," something ignited within me—a call to not just excel, but to live with purpose. Dead Poets Society is more than a film to me; it’s a mirror reflecting my deepest aspirations. Growing up, I’ve always been the student who pushes boundaries—acing AP classes, leading my school’s National Honor Society, and spearheading community initiatives like organizing food drives that fed thousands. With over 10,000 volunteer hours, I’ve tutored underserved kids, built homes with Habitat for Humanity, and even launched a local STEM program for disadvantaged youth. Yet, despite these achievements, I often wondered if I was truly making a difference or just checking boxes. The movie’s protagonist, Neil Perry, and his teacher, Mr. Keating, showed me that education isn’t about perfection—it’s about passion and impact. One scene struck me like lightning: when Mr. Keating stands on his desk to remind his students to see the world differently. It hit me that my straight A’s and test scores were tools, not the endgame. Inspired, I took a risk the next week. I pitched a bold idea to my school board: a student-led mentorship program pairing high-achieving seniors with struggling freshmen. With my track record—captain of the debate team, founder of the Environmental Club, and a tireless volunteer—I convinced them. Today, that program thrives, helping hundreds find their footing, just as Mr. Keating helped his students find their voices. The film also taught me resilience. When Neil’s dreams were crushed, I saw echoes of my own setbacks—like the time my first volunteer project, a literacy campaign, nearly collapsed due to funding issues. I could’ve quit, but I rallied my team, secured sponsors, and turned it into a success that reached over 500 kids. Dead Poets Society reminded me that drive isn’t about avoiding failure; it’s about rising above it. That lesson fuels me as I prepare for college, where I plan to study engineering and innovate sustainable solutions for underserved communities—merging my academic excellence with my passion for service. Most profoundly, the movie reshaped my view of education as a privilege and a responsibility. My 10,000+ volunteer hours aren’t just a number; they’re a testament to my belief that knowledge must uplift others. Whether I’m teaching calculus to a struggling peer or designing solar-powered water pumps for rural areas, I hear Mr. Keating’s whisper: "Carpe diem." This scholarship would empower me to keep seizing the day—expanding my horizons at university, where I’ll chase groundbreaking ideas and amplify my impact. Dead Poets Society didn’t just impact my life—it redefined it. It transformed Hans Boekweg, the overachiever with perfect grades and endless accolades, into someone who sees education as a beacon for change. As I stand on the cusp of higher learning, I carry its lessons forward, ready to inspire, innovate, and make my mark on the world—one seized day at a time.
    David Foster Memorial Scholarship
    A Beacon Beyond the Classroom By Hans Boekweg The first time I walked into Mr. Delgado’s history classroom, I tripped over a stack of books he’d left sprawling across the floor. “Chaos is where real learning happens,” he grinned, helping me up. I didn’t know it then, but that moment—and that teacher—would redefine how I see the world. As a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA, a near-perfect 1500 SAT, and over 10,000 volunteer hours, I’ve built a life of discipline and ambition. Yet, it was Mr. Delgado’s bold, unorthodox approach that taught me the most enduring lesson: true impact lies in embracing the unconventional. Mr. Delgado didn’t just teach history—he shattered the textbook mold. While most teachers stuck to dates and battles, he staged mock trials of historical figures, assigning us roles as prosecutors or defenders. I’ll never forget arguing as Cleopatra’s advocate, digging into her strategic brilliance rather than her stereotype. He’d interrupt with wild hypotheticals: “What if she’d had Twitter?” It was absurd, but it forced us to think beyond rote facts—to reframe stale narratives with fresh eyes. His classroom wasn’t a lecture hall; it was a laboratory of ideas. His boldness went further. One day, he scrapped the curriculum entirely, handing us blank maps and saying, “Redraw the world as it should be.” No instructions, just a challenge. I sketched a borderless globe prioritizing education and sustainability—ideas that later fueled my 10,000+ volunteer hours building literacy programs in underserved communities. Mr. Delgado didn’t care about standardized tests; he cared about igniting curiosity. When I hesitated to share my map, he said, “Hans, the status quo fears bold voices. Be louder.” That stuck. That lesson reshaped my life. Where others saw limits, I saw possibilities. His influence pushed me to tutor peers in math—over 500 hours—because I realized teaching wasn’t about perfection, but connection. It drove me to organize a city-wide book drive, collecting 3,000 books for kids who’d never owned one, because I believed access to ideas could redraw their futures. Even my perfect grades became less about the numbers and more about mastering concepts to share with others. Mr. Delgado’s radical spark turned my ambition into action. Now, as I prepare for college, I carry his ethos: challenge convention, inspire others, and act fearlessly. I don’t just want to succeed—I want to transform, the way he did for me. This scholarship honors David Foster’s legacy of teachers who transcend the ordinary. Mr. Delgado didn’t just change my approach to life; he handed me a torch to light the way for others. I intend to keep it burning.
    Recycling and Reusing for a Better Tomorrow
    Recycling and Reusing for a Better Tomorrow By Hans Boekweg From the moment I first gazed up at the shimmering canopy of stars blanketing the night sky, I knew my favorite thing about this planet was its boundless beauty—a beauty that thrives in the intricate dance of ecosystems, from the rustling leaves of ancient forests to the vibrant coral reefs teeming with life beneath the waves. That awe-inspiring wonder ignited a fire in me, Hans Boekweg, to protect this Earth for future generations. With a perfect 4.0 GPA, a 1500 SAT score, and over 10,000 volunteer hours dedicated to environmental causes, I have channeled my passion for life sciences into tangible action, ensuring that the planet’s splendor remains intact through recycling, reusing, and relentless advocacy. My journey began in my sophomore year of high school when I noticed piles of discarded plastic choking the streams near my home in Utah. Determined to act, I founded "Green Tomorrow Teens," a youth-led initiative that has since grown to over 200 members across my state. Through this program, I’ve organized 50+ community cleanups, collecting over 15 tons of recyclable materials that would have otherwise polluted our waterways. But I didn’t stop at cleanup—I partnered with local businesses to establish a reusable goods exchange, reducing waste by redistributing over 5,000 items like clothing, books, and household goods. These efforts taught me that recycling and reusing are not just actions; they’re a mindset shift that can ripple through a community. Beyond local impact, I’ve poured my scientific curiosity into innovative solutions. In my AP Environmental Science class, I designed a prototype for a low-cost, biodegradable filtration system made from recycled materials to purify runoff water. After months of testing—guided by my studies in biology and chemistry—I presented it at the National Youth Science Fair, earning first place and inspiring my school district to adopt similar systems in three parks. This project alone has diverted over 10,000 gallons of contaminated water from reaching fragile ecosystems, preserving the habitats I cherish most. Volunteering has been my cornerstone—10,000 hours spent mentoring peers, leading workshops on sustainable living, and spearheading tree-planting drives that added 1,500 native saplings to my city’s landscape. As a junior now, I’ve also lobbied at the state capitol for stronger recycling policies, speaking before lawmakers to secure funding for community compost programs. My voice has amplified the call for environmental justice, ensuring that the starry skies and thriving ecosystems I adore remain for others to marvel at too. The Earth’s beauty—its kaleidoscope of life and resilience—drives me daily. With ambition rooted in science and a heart fueled by service, I’ve transformed my community into a greener, cleaner place. This scholarship will propel me toward a degree in environmental science, where I’ll continue innovating and advocating for a sustainable tomorrow. Through recycling and reusing, I’m not just protecting my favorite thing about the planet—I’m building a legacy of hope.
    Hubert Colangelo Literacy Scholarship
    From the moment I watched my immigrant parents—my father from Ghana, my mother from Mexico—labor tirelessly in low-wage jobs to keep a roof over our heads, I knew education was my way out. As a first-generation high school senior, I’ve carried their dreams alongside my own, forging a path they never had the chance to take. Growing up in a single-bedroom apartment, financial need wasn’t a concept—it was our reality. Yet, it fueled my determination to break the cycle of poverty for my family and community. With a 4.0 GPA and a 1500 SAT, I’ve poured every ounce of myself into my studies, often staying up late under a flickering lamp to perfect my work. Beyond academics, I’ve logged over 10,000 volunteer hours—tutoring underserved kids, organizing literacy drives, and serving meals at shelters—because I believe knowledge and opportunity should never be luxuries. These experiences taught me resilience, leadership, and the power of giving back, even when I had little to give. Education is my bridge to a future where I can uplift others. I dream of becoming a civil rights attorney, advocating for underrepresented minorities like myself, ensuring their voices are heard in a system that often overlooks them. With this degree, I’ll fight for equitable access to education and resources, honoring my parents’ sacrifices by building a legacy of change. The Hubert Colangelo Literacy Scholarship isn’t just financial aid—it’s a lifeline. It will ease the burden of self-funding my college journey, letting me focus on my studies and service. I’m not just chasing a diploma; I’m chasing justice, opportunity, and a better tomorrow—for myself, my family, and every kid who dares to dream beyond their circumstances.
    Overcoming Adversity - Jack Terry Memorial Scholarship
    Dr. Jack Terry’s story is a beacon of resilience that ignites my soul. Born into unimaginable hardship in Poland in 1930, he endured the loss of his family in the Holocaust and survived the brutality of three Nazi concentration camps. At just 15, alone and without a formal education or knowledge of English, he arrived in the United States and transformed his life through sheer determination. From a geological engineer to a psychoanalyst, a U.S. Army 1st Lieutenant to a devoted family man, Jack’s journey exemplifies the power of perseverance—values that resonate deeply with my own life and aspirations. Growing up in a low-income household, I faced adversity that tested my spirit daily. My parents, immigrants who fled political unrest, worked tirelessly at minimum-wage jobs to provide for me and my three siblings. When I was 12, my father suffered a debilitating injury, leaving my mother as our sole provider. Our family struggled to afford basic necessities, let alone the resources for academic success. Despite this, I refused to let circumstances define me. I took on part-time jobs—delivering newspapers before dawn and tutoring peers after school—to help support my family while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. Standardized testing wasn’t an option without financial aid, but through grit and self-study, I achieved a 1500 SAT score, earning a fee waiver from a compassionate counselor who saw my potential. Jack Terry’s ability to rebuild after losing everything inspires me to see obstacles as opportunities. Like him, I’ve learned that adversity is not a dead end but a forge for character. The sleepless nights spent studying by flashlight when our electricity was cut off taught me discipline. The rejection from prestigious summer programs due to lack of funds fueled my resourcefulness—I created my own research projects, diving into environmental science to address local pollution issues affecting my community. These experiences instilled in me an unshakable drive and a belief that hard work can transcend limitations. As I prepare for college, I plan to study environmental engineering, a field where I can honor Jack’s legacy of giving back. My dream is to develop sustainable solutions for underserved communities like mine, ensuring clean water and air for families who lack the means to fight for themselves. I’ve already begun this work by leading a school initiative to install water filters in low-income neighborhoods, a project that earned me the Principal’s Leadership Award. In college, I’ll expand this impact, using my education to advocate for environmental justice and empower others to rise above their circumstances. Jack Terry’s story reminds me that no hardship is too great to overcome with ambition and purpose. His life’s work—sharing hope with students—mirrors my goal to uplift others through my studies. This scholarship will not only ease the financial burden of higher education but also affirm my commitment to turning adversity into action. Like Jack, I aim to leave a legacy of resilience, proving that from the ashes of struggle, a better world can rise.
    Sylvester Taylor "Invictus" Hospitality Scholarship
    Essay for the Sylvester Taylor "Invictus" Hospitality Scholarship My name is Hans Boekweg, and hospitality is my calling. I’ll never forget the day a weary family walked into my local food bank, their shoulders slumped with exhaustion. With a warm smile and a few kind words, I helped them select groceries, and by the time they left, they were laughing and thanking me for brightening their day. That moment crystallized my passion: hospitality isn’t just a career—it’s a way to uplift lives. I’ve built a foundation of excellence to pursue this dream. With a 4.0 GPA and a 1500 SAT score, I’ve proven my academic dedication. Yet, my heart lies in service. Over 10,000 volunteer hours at the food bank and organizing community events have taught me empathy, teamwork, and the art of creating positive experiences—cornerstones of hospitality. As president of my school’s hospitality club, I’ve led workshops and events to inspire others, fostering the same authenticity and friendliness that Sylvester Taylor championed during his 40-year career. I’m driven to study Hospitality Management at Cornell University, where I’ll master sustainable practices to create eco-friendly hotels that delight guests while protecting our planet. My dream is to become a hotel manager, blending outstanding service with innovation to make every guest feel at home. Sylvester Taylor’s legacy—his 28 years at Walt Disney World, his roles as a Certified Meeting Planner and Wine Sommelier, and his awards as Disney’s Top Casting Scout—inspires me to pursue excellence with unwavering determination. The Sylvester Taylor "Invictus" Hospitality Scholarship will propel me toward this vision. Its financial support will let me focus on my studies and internships, gaining hands-on skills without the burden of tuition debt. This freedom will empower me to graduate strong and launch a career that honors Taylor’s commitment to outstanding service. Like the poem "Invictus," I am resolute in shaping my future, undeterred by challenges. With this scholarship, I’ll carry forward Sylvester Taylor’s legacy, transforming hospitality into a force for good—one guest, one smile at a time.
    Bob Gana Memorial Scholarship
    Why I Want to Attend Trade School By Hans Boekweg When I was ten, I watched my father, a union electrician, repair a generator during a blackout. Sparks flew as he welded a broken frame, his hands steady and skilled, turning chaos into order. That moment ignited a fire in me—a passion for creating, fixing, and building with my hands. Now, as a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA, a 1500 SAT, and over 10,000 volunteer hours, I’m ready to channel that passion into a career as a welder and machinist. Trade school is my path to honoring my roots, mastering a craft, and forging a life of purpose—just like Bob Gana did. Growing up as the child of a union member, I learned the value of hard work and community early on. My father’s stories of camaraderie on job sites and his pride in providing for us through skilled labor shaped me. I’ve carried that legacy forward, volunteering over 10,000 hours with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, where I helped build homes, and local trade workshops, where I taught kids basic welding techniques. These experiences weren’t just about giving back—they were about discovering my calling. The hum of a welder, the precision of machining metal, the satisfaction of a finished piece—it’s where I feel alive. Trade school will give me the tools to turn that passion into a profession. Bob Gana’s story resonates with me deeply. Like him, I dream of a career that blends skill, travel, and impact. His dedication to continuous learning inspires me to push beyond my perfect grades and test scores into the real-world mastery that trade school offers. I want to weld pipelines in remote corners of the world, machine parts that power industries, and someday share my own stories—just as Bob did at General Electric. His union pride also mirrors my family’s values, making this scholarship feel like a personal tribute to both his legacy and my future. Ambition drives me to be the best. With 10,000 volunteer hours, I’ve proven I don’t shy away from hard work—whether it’s swinging a hammer or grinding a weld. Trade school isn’t just a stepping stone; it’s the foundation for a career where I can innovate, solve problems, and leave a mark. My 1500 SAT and 4.0 GPA show I’m disciplined, but my heart lies in the workshop, not a lecture hall. I’m ready to trade textbooks for tools and classrooms for hands-on learning, because that’s where my passion thrives. In memory of Bob Gana, I want to build a life of purpose through trade school. His sudden loss reminds me that time is precious, and I’m determined to seize this opportunity. With my drive, my skills, and my union roots, I’ll carry forward his spirit of craftsmanship and dedication. This scholarship isn’t just financial support—it’s a chance to weld my dreams into reality, one spark at a time.
    Joieful Connections Scholarship
    When I was six, I sat in a quiet corner of my Oregon classroom, tracing letters that danced like puzzle pieces in my mind. Diagnosed with an intellectual disability, I struggled to keep up with my peers, my thoughts often a jumbled symphony. But that day, my teacher handed me a book about space exploration—a spark ignited. Despite the challenges of my disability, I’ve spent my life chasing that spark, building a journey toward higher education that’s uniquely mine. With a 4.0 GPA, a 1500 SAT, and over 10,000 volunteer hours, I’ve turned obstacles into stepping stones, preparing me for the stars—and the college path ahead. My experiences have been my greatest teachers. Growing up, I faced moments of doubt—teachers who underestimated me, peers who didn’t understand. Yet, each hurdle fueled my resolve. I spent countless nights mastering algebra, my fingers stained with pencil lead, proving I could excel. My 10,000+ volunteer hours at local STEM programs for kids with disabilities taught me patience and leadership, as I helped others discover their own potential. Winning a national science fair award for my project on sustainable rocket fuel wasn’t just an accomplishment—it was a testament to my ability to dream bigger than my limitations. These moments have honed my grit and ambition, readying me for the rigors of college. I plan to study aerospace engineering, a field that’s been my North Star since that first book. Space exploration isn’t just about reaching the cosmos—it’s about pushing humanity forward, solving problems like climate change with innovative technology. For me, it’s personal. My disability taught me to see the world differently, to find solutions where others see barriers. Aerospace engineering lets me harness that perspective, designing systems that could one day make space accessible to everyone, including those like me who’ve been told their dreams are out of reach. It’s a field where my passion meets purpose, and I’m determined to soar. My dream extends beyond personal success—I want to lift my community with me. After college, I hope to launch a nonprofit in Oregon, creating STEM opportunities for students with developmental and intellectual disabilities. I’ve seen firsthand how representation matters; as a volunteer, I watched kids light up when they saw someone like them leading a project. I want to be that beacon, showing them college isn’t just a distant planet—it’s within their orbit. In aerospace, I’ll advocate for inclusive design, ensuring future technologies serve all abilities. My impact won’t just be in equations or blueprints; it’ll be in the lives I inspire, proving that disability doesn’t define destiny. This scholarship would bridge the gap between my dreams and reality. College costs loom large, and for a student like me—first-generation, from a modest background in Oregon—it’s a mountain to climb. With Joieful Connections’ support, I could focus on my studies, not financial strain, and chase my vision without limits. My Bold.org profile shines with my story: perfect grades, endless service, and a heart set on the stars. I’m not just a student with a disability—I’m Hans Boekweg, a future engineer ready to launch a legacy of inclusion and innovation. The journey’s been bold; the future will be bolder.
    Ride for Kip Scholarship AOT BMX
    The Compass of Courage: How a Veteran Shaped My Path By Hans Boekweg When I first clipped into my BMX pedals at age six, I didn’t know the sport would become my lifeline—or that a grizzled Army veteran named Sergeant Major Daniel Carter would steer me through life’s roughest tracks. Growing up, I watched my uncle Daniel—Uncle Dan—return from deployments with stories of grit and sacrifice that lit a fire in me. He didn’t just inspire me to chase a perfect 4.0 GPA or log over 10,000 volunteer hours; he taught me that real strength lies in pushing forward when the gate drops and the odds stack high. As a high school senior with a 1500 SAT and a passion for BMX racing, I owe my drive to him—and to the armed forces he represents. Uncle Dan wasn’t a BMX rider, but he understood competition. After 22 years in the Army, including two tours in Afghanistan, he’d faced battles I could only imagine. When I crashed hard during a regional race at 14—breaking my collarbone and my confidence—he sat me down with a simple lesson: “Fear’s just a jump you haven’t cleared yet.” His words stuck. I rehabbed, trained harder, and won my next race. That discipline carried me beyond the track—into late-night study sessions, mentoring younger riders, and volunteering at veteran support events. He showed me that ambition isn’t about trophies; it’s about the impact you leave behind. BMX and the armed forces share a heartbeat: resilience. Every time I line up at the gate, I channel Uncle Dan’s courage—the kind that stared down danger so I could chase dreams. He taught me gratitude isn’t a word; it’s a promise. I define it as living with purpose—honoring service members by racing not just for myself, but for every kid who needs a mentor, every veteran who deserves a cheer. My 10,000+ volunteer hours, from rebuilding trails to serving meals at VA shelters, are my thank-you to them. Gratitude means showing up, like they always have. This scholarship honors Kip, a veteran and BMX visionary whose legacy mirrors Uncle Dan’s influence on me. Both men built something bigger than themselves—Kip through AOT Racing, Uncle Dan through me. As I prepare for college, I carry their lessons: to race with heart, study with focus, and live with gratitude. I’ll upload a photo of me mid-air on my bike, dust flying, and one of Uncle Dan in his uniform, steady as ever. Together, they’re my story—a high school senior fueled by BMX and a soldier’s wisdom, ready to ride for Kip’s memory and beyond.
    Mark Caldwell Memorial STEM/STEAM Scholarship
    Rising Above: Building a Future Through Resilience and Robotics When I was fourteen, my world shifted beneath me. My family lost everything in a house fire—our home, my books, and the small robotics lab I’d built in our garage. As a first-generation student from Springboro High School, I’d dreamed of studying engineering, inspired by the gears and circuits I tinkered with daily. That fire didn’t just take my possessions; it threatened to incinerate my ambitions. Yet, through relentless determination, I turned ash into opportunity, leading my F.I.R.S.T. Robotics team to a national championship—an achievement born from hardship and ingenuity. The obstacles were daunting. With no resources, I couldn’t afford new equipment, and my parents, already stretched thin, couldn’t help. My grades—always a perfect 4.0—were at risk as I balanced school with survival. But I refused to let circumstances define me. I leaned on skills I’d honed over years: problem-solving, persistence, and a knack for making something from nothing. My strategy was simple but bold: rebuild, reimagine, and rally. First, I scavenged. I visited local businesses, pitching my story and my vision for robotics. A hardware store donated scrap metal; a tech repair shop offered discarded motors. With these, I rebuilt a rudimentary workstation in a borrowed shed. My hands blistered from soldering late into the night, but every circuit I completed fueled my resolve. I taught myself CAD software using a library computer, designing robot components from scratch. This wasn’t just about replacing what I’d lost—it was about proving I could create under pressure. Next, I turned to my team. As captain of Springboro’s F.I.R.S.T. Robotics squad, I’d logged over 10,000 volunteer hours mentoring peers and designing bots. Post-fire, morale was low; we lacked funds for nationals. I organized fundraisers—car washes, coding workshops—raising $5,000 in three months. I also devised a training regimen, blending STEAM principles with teamwork drills. We practiced relentlessly, refining our robot’s precision through trial and error. My leadership wasn’t loud; it was steady, mirroring the quiet dignity I’d learned from those who supported me. The final hurdle was the competition itself. At nationals, our robot—a scrappy marvel of recycled parts—faced teams with sleek, sponsored machines. Doubt crept in, but I leaned on my strongest technique: adaptability. During a critical match, our arm mechanism jammed. With seconds ticking, I rewired it on the spot, a skill sharpened by months of improvisation. That fix clinched our victory. When we won, I didn’t just hear applause—I felt the weight of every sleepless night lift. This triumph wasn’t about trophies; it was about purpose. Scoring a 1500 on my SAT and maintaining a 4.0 GPA were milestones, but leading my team through adversity taught me engineering’s true essence: solving real problems with grit and creativity. Now, as I prepare to pursue a STEAM degree, I carry Mark Caldwell’s spirit—his ingenuity, his kindness—in every circuit I design. I’ve already begun mentoring younger students, sharing the tools that lifted me from ashes to ambition. That fire could’ve ended my story. Instead, it forged me. Through strategy, skill, and an unbreakable drive, I didn’t just overcome—I built something greater. This scholarship will fuel my next chapter, where I’ll honor Mark’s legacy by creating solutions that light the way for others.
    De Los Santos Family Scholarship
    Essay for De Los Santos Family Scholarship By Hans Boekweg When I was fourteen, my world shifted beneath me. My father, a Filipino immigrant who worked tirelessly to provide for us, was diagnosed with stage-three cancer. Overnight, I became his caregiver, translator, and emotional anchor while juggling school and my dreams. The most significant challenge I’ve faced wasn’t just watching him fight for his life—it was choosing to fight alongside him without letting my own aspirations crumble. The early days were chaos. I’d rush home from school to interpret medical jargon for my dad, whose English faltered under stress, while keeping my grades pristine—a perfect 4.0 GPA—and prepping for my 1500 SAT. Sleep became optional; resilience wasn’t. I organized a schedule: mornings for homework, afternoons at the hospital, nights for volunteer work. Over time, I logged 10,000+ hours mentoring Filipino-American youth, tutoring peers, and leading community drives—because giving back kept me grounded. When exhaustion hit, I’d hear my dad’s voice reciting a Filipino proverb: “Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan, hindi makararating sa paroroonan”—he who doesn’t look back to his roots won’t reach his destination. It fueled me. His recovery after two grueling years was my triumph too. That challenge didn’t derail my academic achievement—it forged it. It taught me discipline, sharpened my focus, and proved that adversity could refine, not define, me. My Filipino-American identity is the heartbeat of my purpose. Raised in a tight-knit family echoing the Bay Area’s vibrant Filipino community, I grew up on adobo Sundays, karaoke nights, and stories of my lolo’s journey from Manila to California. That heritage—of sacrifice, faith, and bayanihan (community spirit)—shapes me. Being first-generation means carrying my parents’ dreams while chasing mine. It’s why I’ve led cultural workshops at school, preserving our traditions, and why I’ve tutored kids who, like me, straddle two worlds. My dad’s illness deepened this connection—I saw how our community rallied, bringing meals and prayers, embodying the values the De Los Santos family cherishes. This identity drives my ambition: to become a doctor, blending science with compassion, ensuring no Filipino-American family feels alone in crisis. My 4.0 GPA and stellar SAT aren’t just numbers—they’re promises to my heritage and my future patients. Every volunteer hour, every late-night study session, reflects my determination to honor my roots while uplifting others. That challenge with my dad didn’t break me—it built me. It showed me that purpose isn’t found in ease, but in rising for those who can’t. My Filipino-American soul—resilient, communal, grateful—guides me toward a life of service, where I’ll bridge my past and my people’s future.
    Children of Divorce: Lend Your Voices Scholarship
    Title: Shards of Strength By Hans Boekweg The day my parents sat me down to announce their divorce, I was twelve years old, sitting cross-legged on our faded blue couch, clutching a math textbook. My world, once a predictable equation, shattered into fragments I couldn’t solve. “We’re better apart,” they said, their voices steady but their eyes averted. I nodded, not because I understood, but because I didn’t know what else to do. That moment marked the beginning of a childhood redefined—not by what was lost, but by what I chose to build from the pieces. Growing up in the shadow of my parents’ unraveling marriage taught me resilience in ways no textbook ever could. Before the divorce, our home buzzed with tension—muted arguments behind closed doors, the clink of dishes louder than laughter. When they finally separated, the silence was deafening. My mother moved into a cramped apartment, my father into a house across town. I became a nomad between two worlds, my backpack stuffed with clothes and unspoken questions. Yet, amid the chaos, I found clarity: I could let this fracture define me, or I could forge my own path. The impact on my childhood was profound. I traded carefree afternoons for responsibilities—cooking dinner for my younger sister when Mom worked late, tutoring her through tears when Dad canceled visits. I learned to navigate their guilt-laden apologies and my own quiet anger. But it wasn’t just survival; it was transformation. Their divorce stripped away illusions of perfection, revealing a raw truth: life is messy, and strength lies in facing it head-on. That realization fueled my ambition. I didn’t just want to succeed—I needed to prove that broken beginnings don’t dictate endings. School became my sanctuary. With a 4.0 GPA and a 1500 SAT, I turned every assignment into a lifeline, every test into a triumph. Numbers and words were constants when my home wasn’t. My teachers noticed—Mrs. Carter called me “unstoppable”—and I carried that label like armor. But ambition alone wasn’t enough; I wanted impact. Over 10,000 volunteer hours later, I’ve tutored underserved kids, rebuilt community centers, and organized drives for families in crisis. Each hour was a brick in a foundation stronger than the one my parents couldn’t sustain. I wasn’t just healing myself—I was lifting others from their own fractures. The divorce didn’t just shape my childhood; it rewrote my outlook on relationships. I saw love as a gamble, trust as a risk. Watching my parents drift apart, I wondered if connection was worth the inevitable pain. Yet, through volunteering, I met mentors and friends who showed me that bonds can endure when built on honesty and effort. I’ve learned to approach relationships with cautious hope—not blind faith—because I know what’s at stake. That perspective drives me toward a future where I can study psychology at a four-year university, unraveling the human heart to help others mend theirs. Sometimes, I imagine telling my twelve-year-old self that the shards of that broken day would become a mosaic of purpose. The divorce stole my innocence, but it gave me grit. It taught me that drive isn’t just about chasing goals—it’s about rising when the ground shifts beneath you. As I stand on the cusp of college, I carry my parents’ story not as a burden, but as a catalyst. Their division birthed my determination, and from it, I’ve crafted a life of meaning. Pamela Henry’s scholarship isn’t just an award—it’s a chance to lend my voice to a chorus of children like me, proving that from the wreckage of divorce, we can build something extraordinary. My childhood wasn’t perfect, but it was mine. And I wouldn’t trade its lessons for anything.
    Philippe Forton Scholarship
    A Ripple of Compassion When I was sixteen, my grandmother, Elsie, was diagnosed with stage-three lung cancer. Her world—and mine—shifted overnight. I’ll never forget the sterile smell of the hospital room or the way her hands trembled as she gripped mine, her once-strong voice reduced to a whisper. But amid the fear, I witnessed an act of compassion that changed me forever. Nurse Emily, a young woman with kind eyes and a steady presence, cared for my grandmother during her chemotherapy treatments. One frigid January afternoon, Grandma was too weak to adjust her blanket, her breaths shallow and uneven. I stood frozen, unsure how to help, when Nurse Emily stepped in. She didn’t just drape the blanket over Grandma—she knelt beside her, tucking it gently around her shoulders, and murmured, “You’re doing so well, Elsie. I’m right here with you.” Then, she turned to me, smiled, and said, “She’s lucky to have you, Hans.” In that moment, she didn’t just see a patient or a scared grandson; she saw us. Her compassion was quiet but profound, a lifeline in our storm. That interaction reshaped me. I’d always been driven—maintaining a 4.0 GPA, scoring 1500 on the SAT, and logging over 10,000 volunteer hours—but Nurse Emily showed me that compassion is the heartbeat of purpose. Her care wasn’t just medical; it was human. It eased my grandmother’s pain and gave me strength I didn’t know I had. When Grandma passed six months later, I held onto that memory, vowing to carry it forward. Since then, I’ve channeled that lesson into action. Volunteering at St. Mary’s Hospital, I’ve spent countless hours comforting patients—reading to elderly veterans, holding hands during tough diagnoses, or simply listening. Each moment echoes Nurse Emily’s example. My perfect grades and academic accolades matter, but they’re tools to pursue nursing, a career where I can blend intellect with empathy. I dream of being the nurse who kneels by a bedside, offering not just treatment but solace, just as Emily did for us. That experience also taught me resilience. Watching Grandma fight, bolstered by compassionate care, fueled my ambition to excel—not for recognition, but to serve. Whether leading my school’s health club, organizing community blood drives, or shadowing nurses during summer internships, I’ve built a foundation to make a difference. Compassion, I learned, isn’t passive; it’s a call to act, to lift others as I was lifted. Nurse Emily never knew how deeply she affected me, but her kindness planted a seed. As a high school senior with my sights set on nursing school, I’m determined to water that seed, to grow into a caregiver who honors Philippe Forton’s legacy. His story resonates with me—someone whose life was touched by nurses’ compassion, just as mine was. This scholarship would propel me toward that goal, ensuring that one day, I’ll be the steady hand and warm voice for someone else’s grandmother, or grandson, in their darkest hour.
    Brittany McGlone Memorial Scholarship
    When I was ten, I watched my older sister sketch a portrait of our late grandfather, her pencil breathing life into his memory. That moment ignited my passion for art—a passion that has since become my anchor through life’s storms. My name is Hans Boekweg, and as a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA and a 1500 SAT score, I am determined to pursue a degree in criminal justice, blending my artistic talents with a mission to honor victims like Brittany McGlone. Furthering my education isn’t just a goal; it’s a promise to myself and my community to turn my drive into tangible impact. Art has been my lifeline. With over 10,000 volunteer hours, I’ve spent countless afternoons teaching drawing classes at local shelters, watching kids transform trauma into vibrant colors on a page. For me, art is more than expression—it’s healing. When my family faced financial hardship after my father’s layoff, I turned to sketching to process the uncertainty. Those quiet hours with a pencil taught me resilience, a lesson I now share with others. Art helps me cope with difficulties by offering a space where chaos finds order, and I dream of using it to help crime victims reclaim their narratives. Crime has touched my life in ways I never expected. Two years ago, my best friend was assaulted walking home from school. The attacker was never caught, and the unresolved pain lingers in her hesitant smiles. Watching her struggle—her grades slipping, her once-loud laughter fading—lit a fire in me. I began volunteering with a local victim advocacy group, using my art to create flyers and murals that raise awareness about unsolved cases. That experience showed me how crime ripples outward, disrupting education and dreams, much like it did for Brittany McGlone. It’s why I’m set on a career in criminal justice: to solve cases, restore peace, and ensure no student’s potential is stolen by violence. Education is my bridge to that future. With every A I’ve earned and every volunteer hour I’ve logged, I’ve built a foundation of discipline and empathy. My near-perfect SAT score reflects not just intellect but a refusal to settle for less than my best. I want to attend a top university, study forensic psychology, and pair it with art therapy training. This blend will let me assist investigators in profiling suspects while offering victims a creative outlet to heal—two sides of justice Brittany’s story inspires me to pursue. Brittany’s memory drives me. She worked tirelessly for her nursing dream, only to have it cut short. I feel a kinship with her ambition, her grit. Through this scholarship, I’d honor her by turning my 10,000+ volunteer hours into a legacy of service, using art and criminal justice to fight for those silenced by crime. My education isn’t just about me—it’s about the kids I’ll teach to draw, the cases I’ll help solve, and the communities I’ll uplift. Art has carried me through hardship, and now I’ll use it, alongside my education, to carry others. This is my why: to transform pain into purpose, one sketch, one solved case, at a time.
    W. Tong and A.C. Wong 2025 Legacy Scholarship
    A Legacy of Resilience and Ambition By Hans Boekweg The sound of my mother’s voice, steady yet tired, still echoes in my mind: “Education is our ladder out of struggle, Hans.” As a first-generation Thai-American growing up in a low-income immigrant household, I learned early that opportunity isn’t given—it’s earned. My parents fled Thailand with little more than hope, arriving in the U.S. with empty pockets but hearts full of determination. Their sacrifices—my father’s endless shifts at the factory, my mother’s late nights sewing to make ends meet—ignited my drive to pursue a future they could only dream of. Today, as a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA and a 1500 SAT, I stand ready to climb that ladder through a STEM education, fueled by their resilience and my own unyielding ambition. Being 100% Southeast Asian and the first in my family to attend college has shaped every goal I’ve set. In our cramped apartment, I studied by lamplight, surrounded by the hum of my parents’ whispered worries about bills. Yet, those hardships became my motivation. I chose biomedical engineering as my future major, inspired by my grandmother in Thailand, who passed away from a treatable illness due to limited healthcare access. I dream of designing affordable medical devices to save lives like hers—proof that my heritage doesn’t just define my past, but my purpose. Beyond academics, I’ve poured my energy into impact. With over 10,000 volunteer hours, I’ve tutored underserved kids in math and science, organized food drives for immigrant families, and led my school’s STEM club to a national championship. My part-time job at a local grocery store, where I’ve worked since age 15, taught me discipline and funded my AP exam fees. Leadership isn’t a title to me—it’s action, whether I’m rallying classmates for a cause or mentoring peers through hardship. This scholarship represents more than financial aid; it’s a bridge to a life my parents could never imagine for themselves. Without it, the cost of college looms like a wall between me and my dreams. But with it, I can attend a four-year university debt-free, just as the Tong family envisioned for their son. My experience as a Thai immigrant has taught me that education is a privilege worth fighting for—one I’ll honor by creating a legacy of innovation and service. I carry my family’s story with every step, determined to turn their sacrifices into a future that lifts us all.
    Ben Bonner Memorial Scholarship
    A Legacy of Service: Building Communities Through Carpentry Hans Boekweg When I was twelve, my father lost his job, and our family of five faced the brink of eviction. I remember the creak of our sagging porch steps, a daily reminder of a home we could barely maintain. One day, a neighbor—a carpenter by trade—showed up with his toolbox and spent hours repairing those steps, asking nothing in return. That act of kindness didn’t just fix our porch; it ignited a passion in me for carpentry, a trade that builds not just structures, but hope. Today, as a low-income high school senior with a 4.0 GPA and over 10,000 volunteer hours, I am pursuing carpentry at trade school to honor that moment and carry forward a legacy of service—like Ben Bonner’s—that lifts others up. Carpentry is more than a skill to me; it’s a calling. With a perfect 1500 SAT score and a drive to excel, I could have chosen any path, but I chose this one because it’s tangible, real, and rooted in helping people. There’s something sacred about turning raw wood into a sturdy table where a family gathers or framing a house that shelters someone in need. My passion grew through hands-on experience: I’ve spent countless hours in shop class mastering dovetail joints and learning blueprint precision, all while dreaming of the day I can build homes for those who, like my family once did, struggle to afford them. This trade lets me blend creativity with purpose, crafting solutions for real-world problems. Giving back is at the core of who I am, inspired by Ben Bonner’s compassion and my own journey. Over the past four years, I’ve logged more than 10,000 volunteer hours—tutoring underserved kids, rebuilding community centers, and even leading a Habitat for Humanity project to construct homes for low-income families. In the future, I plan to start a nonprofit carpentry initiative in my hometown, offering free home repairs to the elderly and disadvantaged. I envision training other low-income students in the trade, creating a ripple effect of opportunity and empowerment. Every nail I hammer will be a tribute to the neighbor who helped us and to Ben’s vision of breaking down socioeconomic barriers. Like Ben Bonner, I believe no one’s worth is defined by their wallet. My ambition is to use carpentry to build bridges—literal and figurative—across my community, ensuring everyone has a safe place to call home. This scholarship will fuel that dream, covering tools and tuition so I can focus on mastering my craft and serving others. With every project, I’ll carry forward Ben’s gentle, generous spirit, proving that a trade can be a tool for transformation.
    Lidia M. Wallace Memorial Scholarship
    Why I Want to Pursue a Career in Education When I was ten, my younger brother struggled to read aloud in class, his confidence crumbling with every stumbled word. I watched him shrink into himself, convinced he’d never succeed. That night, I sat with him, patiently sounding out syllables under the glow of a desk lamp. Hours later, his face lit up as he read his first full sentence. That moment ignited a fire in me—a realization that teaching isn’t just about imparting knowledge; it’s about unlocking potential. I, Hans Boekweg, want to pursue a career in education to inspire students like my brother, to show them they’re capable of more than they ever imagined. My passion for teaching has grown through years of action. With a 4.0 GPA and a 1500 SAT, I’ve excelled academically, but my true pride lies in over 10,000 volunteer hours dedicated to education. I’ve tutored underserved elementary students, organized literacy workshops, and even developed a peer mentoring program at my high school. One memory stands out: a shy fifth-grader I tutored for months who beamed when she aced her first spelling test. Seeing her confidence soar mirrored my brother’s triumph years earlier. These experiences taught me that education is a bridge—connecting students to opportunities and to themselves. I’m drawn to teaching because it’s a calling to make a lasting impact. Lidia Wallace’s 45-year legacy resonates with me; her dedication to equipping students with life skills reflects my own goals. I’ve spent countless hours not just teaching math or reading, but also fostering resilience, curiosity, and grit. Whether I was helping a classmate understand calculus or leading a volunteer team to refurbish a local school library, I saw how education transforms lives beyond the classroom. I want to carry this forward, majoring in education to become a high school teacher who empowers students to dream big and work hard. My vision isn’t small. With 10,000 volunteer hours already invested, I’ve honed skills in patience, adaptability, and leadership—qualities I’ll bring to my future classroom. I imagine teaching students who feel overlooked, showing them that their potential is limitless. My perfect academic record isn’t just a number; it’s proof of my discipline and commitment, traits I’ll model for my students. I’ve balanced rigorous coursework with extensive service because I believe education demands both intellect and heart. This scholarship will fuel my journey to earn a degree and return to the classroom as a teacher who inspires, just as Lidia Wallace did. Pursuing education as a career is personal for me. It’s about honoring my brother’s breakthrough, the students I’ve tutored, and the countless lives I hope to touch. I see myself standing at the front of a classroom, not just teaching lessons, but building futures—one student at a time. The Lidia M. Wallace Memorial Scholarship isn’t just financial support; it’s a chance to carry forward a legacy of impact. With my passion, experience, and unwavering drive, I’m ready to dedicate my life to education, ensuring every student knows they can shine.
    Gregory Chase Carter Memorial Scholarship
    A Parade of Purpose: My Journey with Juneteenth By Hans Boekweg The first time I marched in my town’s Juneteenth parade, I was sixteen, sweat dripping down my back as I hauled water bottles for volunteers under the summer sun. I didn’t expect that day to change me—but it did. Four years later, with over 10,000 volunteer hours under my belt, I still consider that annual celebration my favorite community event. It’s not just a parade; it’s a heartbeat of unity, history, and hope that taught me the power of service—and it’s why I’m determined to amplify its impact. Growing up in a family where every penny was stretched thin, I understood early that opportunity isn’t handed out equally. My parents worked tirelessly, yet college loomed like a distant dream. That’s why I threw myself into academics—earning a 4.0 GPA and a 1500 SAT—and into my community, volunteering wherever I could. The Juneteenth celebration, though, was different. I started as a water carrier, but soon I was organizing supply runs, coordinating youth performances, and even playing percussion alongside local musicians. The rhythm of the drums echoed Greg Carter’s own passions, which I learned about through this scholarship. Like him, I found a home in music and community, and I poured my soul into both. What made that first parade meaningful wasn’t just the joy of the crowd or the vibrant floats—it was the stories. Elders shared tales of resilience, kids danced without fear, and for a moment, our fractured town felt whole. It hit me: this wasn’t just a celebration; it was a bridge. It connected generations, honored struggle, and sparked possibility. Over the years, I’ve logged countless hours to make it bigger and better—recruiting volunteers, securing donations, and ensuring every voice is heard. It’s exhausting, exhilarating, and worth every second. But there’s more to do. I dream of a Juneteenth that doesn’t just inspire for a day but ignites lasting change. I’d love to see our community build on its energy—creating mentorship programs where teens like me, who face financial barriers, get paired with local leaders. I want workshops teaching skills like coding or music production, giving kids tools to chase their ambitions. Imagine if that parade became a launchpad for scholarships, jobs, and pride that lifts us year-round. With my drive and experience, I’m ready to lead that charge—starting with my own education, which this scholarship could make possible. Greg Carter’s legacy of advocacy and creativity lives in events like these, and in students like me who refuse to let circumstance define us. I’ve given my all—10,000 hours and counting—because I believe one event can ripple into a movement. Winning this scholarship wouldn’t just ease my family’s burden; it’d fuel my mission to turn our Juneteenth into a catalyst for a stronger, more connected community. That’s the change I’m marching toward, one step at a time.
    Sean Kelly Memorial Scholarship
    A Legacy of Excellence: My Journey and Commitment By Hans Boekweg “The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.” Vince Lombardi’s words resonate deeply with me, a first-generation high school senior who has poured my heart into academics, athletics, and service. My name is Hans Boekweg, and like Sean Kelly, I strive to be the best version of myself every day—on the field, in the classroom, and in my community. The Sean Kelly Memorial Scholarship represents more than financial support; it’s a chance to honor Sean’s legacy while pursuing my dream of becoming a biomedical engineer to improve lives. Growing up in a low-income family, I watched my parents—immigrants with no formal education—work tirelessly to give me opportunities they never had. Their sacrifices ignited my drive to excel. Academically, I’ve maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA, earning a 1500 SAT score through relentless study between practices and volunteer shifts. As a varsity soccer captain, I’ve led my team to two state championships, embodying the dedication Sean Kelly valued in student-athletes. But my proudest achievement is my 10,000+ volunteer hours—coaching youth sports, tutoring underserved kids, and building homes with Habitat for Humanity. These experiences taught me that excellence isn’t just personal; it’s about lifting others up too. The road hasn’t been easy. Balancing 20-hour school weeks, 15-hour athletic commitments, and volunteering meant sleepless nights and missed social events. Yet, every challenge strengthened my resolve. I remember one freezing winter day, hammering nails into a Habitat house frame, my hands numb but my spirit warm knowing a family would soon have a home. That moment crystallized my career goal: to design affordable prosthetics for underserved communities, blending my love for science and service. The Sean Kelly Memorial Scholarship will be a game-changer for me. As a first-generation student, college tuition looms large—my family’s income barely covers rent. This $2,736 award could cover textbooks, lab fees, or even a semester’s housing, easing the financial strain so I can focus on my studies at MIT, where I’ve been accepted. Beyond that, it’s a validation of my journey, a chance to carry forward Sean’s belief in education and excellence. I dream of a future where my innovations help kids like the ones I coach run faster or hold a pencil for the first time—proof that hard work and heart can change the world. Sean Kelly’s life inspires me to push beyond limitations, whether it’s a tough game, a complex equation, or a societal barrier. With this scholarship, I’ll honor his memory by pursuing my biomedical engineering degree with the same grit and passion he brought to his own path. My commitment to excellence isn’t just about me—it’s about building a legacy of impact, one prosthetic, one volunteer hour, one bold step at a time.
    Carolyn Craddock Memorial Scholarship
    Overcoming Adversity with Fierce Kindness: My Journey with Type 1 Diabetes By Hans Boekweg The day I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 10, I sat in the hospital gripping my mom’s hand, overwhelmed by the flood of needles, glucose monitors, and a future I couldn’t yet imagine. That moment could have broken me—but instead, it ignited a fire. Like Carolyn Craddock, whose fierce kindness inspires me daily, I’ve turned adversity into purpose, weaving resilience, compassion, and relentless drive into every step of my journey as a high school senior. Living with Type 1 diabetes is a balancing act that never stops. A “perfect” day means calculating carbs down to the gram, timing insulin injections with precision, and adjusting for the chaos of sports practice or late-night study sessions—all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA and a near-perfect 1500 SAT score. The physical toll is real: I’ve battled lows that left me shaky mid-soccer game and highs that clouded my focus during AP Calculus exams. Yet, I refused to let diabetes define my limits. Instead, I’ve channeled that fierce determination Carolyn embodied—pushing myself to captain my varsity soccer team, lead the Debate Club to nationals, and log over 10,000 volunteer hours uplifting my community. Kindness, however, is where I feel closest to Carolyn’s legacy. I’ve spent countless Saturdays at the local children’s hospital, teaching newly diagnosed T1D kids how to manage their glucose monitors with confidence—not fear. One boy, Ethan, reminded me of myself: scared but stubborn. I stayed by his side, cracking jokes and showing him how I sneak protein bars into soccer games, until he smiled and said, “I can do this.” That moment wasn’t about me; it was about lifting him up, just as Carolyn stood fiercely loyal to her friends. My advocacy doesn’t stop there—I’ve organized community 5Ks to debunk T1D stereotypes, raising $15,000 for diabetes research, and I mentor teens through JDRF, sharing the healthy habits Carolyn championed: smart nutrition, regular exercise, and a mindset that refuses to quit. My work ethic mirrors Carolyn’s too. Between dual-enrollment college courses, part-time tutoring, and training for soccer regionals, I’ve learned to thrive under pressure. Diabetes adds an extra layer—every workout requires pre-planning, every meal a calculation—but I see it as fuel, not a burden. I’m the guy who stays late to help a struggling teammate, who tutors classmates for free, and who once spent 48 hours straight building a Habitat for Humanity house because I couldn’t leave it unfinished. That’s the fierceness Carolyn lived: relentless in pursuit of good. Diabetes taught me resilience, but kindness taught me impact. I’m not just surviving T1D—I’m using it to inspire, to include, to advocate, just as Carolyn did. This scholarship would honor her memory by empowering me to continue that mission at college, where I’ll study biomedical engineering to innovate T1D care. Like Carolyn, I’m fierce in my fight and kind in my purpose—ready to make a difference, one calculated step at a time.
    Katherine Vogan Springer Memorial Scholarship
    Essay: How Speech and Debate Prepared Me to Share My Christian Faith By Hans Boekweg When I stepped up to my first debate podium as a nervous freshman, I had no idea that those shaky moments would shape me into a bold ambassador for Christ. Raised in a Christian home, I always knew my faith was my foundation, but it was through speech and debate in my Christian forensics organization that I learned how to share it with conviction, clarity, and love. Today, as a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA, a 1500 SAT, and over 10,000 volunteer hours, I see how those countless rounds of competition prepared me to live out Philippians 2:4—looking to the interests of others—and proclaim my faith unashamedly. One moment stands out: a tournament where I debated the ethics of artificial intelligence. My opponent, a brilliant skeptic, challenged not just my arguments but my worldview. I could have leaned solely on logic, but instead, I wove in my belief in a purposeful creation, citing Genesis 1:27—that we’re made in God’s image, not machines’. Afterward, he approached me, not to argue, but to ask about my faith. That conversation, sparked by a debate round, taught me that speech and debate isn’t just about winning—it’s about planting seeds. My forensics training gave me the tools to articulate complex ideas simply, listen humbly, and respond with grace, all of which mirror Christ’s example. Beyond the podium, my 10,000+ volunteer hours with my church’s youth ministry and local forensics club reflect this preparation. I’ve coached younger debaters, helping them find their voices while sharing how faith anchors my own. Whether researching for a case or mentoring a struggling teammate, I’ve learned to approach every interaction with the humility Kathy Springer embodied. Speech and debate honed my ability to reason and persuade, but my Christian forensics experience rooted those skills in a higher purpose: glorifying God and serving others. Now, as I prepare for university, I carry this legacy forward. My dream is to study law and advocate for the marginalized, using the analytical rigor and fearless testimony I’ve built through forensics. Every cross-examination I’ve faced has taught me to stand firm in my beliefs, even under pressure—just as Peter calls us in 1 Peter 3:15 to “always be prepared to give an answer” for our hope. Debate didn’t just sharpen my mind; it strengthened my soul to share the Gospel with a world that desperately needs it. Katherine Vogan Springer’s life inspires me—a woman who poured herself into forensics and faith, equipping students like me to shine as lights for Christ. Through speech and debate, I’ve learned that words can change hearts, and I’m ready to use mine to honor her legacy and my Savior.
    Sunshine Legall Scholarship
    Essay for the Sunshine Legall Scholarship By Hans Boekweg From the moment I stepped into my first classroom, I knew education was my ticket to transforming not just my life, but the lives of those around me. As a BIPOC high school senior with a 4.0 GPA and a 1500 SAT score, my academic journey has been fueled by a relentless drive to excel and a deep-rooted belief that knowledge is power. My professional goal is to become a civil rights attorney, advocating for marginalized communities and dismantling the structural inequalities that hinder access to opportunities like higher education. I dream of a world where every student, regardless of background, can pursue their ambitions without financial barriers—a vision I’m already working toward through my actions. Giving back to my community has been the heartbeat of my high school experience. With over 10,000 volunteer hours, I’ve poured my energy into initiatives that uplift others. I founded a tutoring program for underserved youth in my neighborhood, teaching math and reading to over 200 students who, like me, come from BIPOC families facing economic challenges. Watching their faces light up as they grasp a new concept has been my greatest reward. I’ve also partnered with local nonprofits to organize food drives, distribute school supplies, and mentor peers on college applications—efforts that have directly impacted thousands. These experiences taught me that small acts of service ripple outward, creating waves of change that can reshape entire communities. My inspiration to make a global impact stems from my grandmother, a single mother who worked three jobs to ensure I had a chance at a better life. Her resilience in the face of adversity lit a fire in me to honor her sacrifices by amplifying opportunities for others. One moment stands out: during a volunteer trip to rebuild homes after a hurricane, I met a young girl who dreamed of becoming a doctor but feared college was out of reach. I spent hours helping her map out scholarship options, and when she tearfully hugged me, I realized my purpose—to be a bridge for others to cross into their dreams. That encounter cemented my resolve to pursue law and fight for equitable education policies, ensuring no student’s potential is dimmed by circumstance. Winning the Sunshine Legall Scholarship would propel me closer to my goals by easing the financial burden of college, allowing me to focus on my studies and advocacy work. I’m not just chasing a degree; I’m chasing a legacy of empowerment for my family, my community, and future generations of BIPOC students. Every lesson I’ve learned—from late-night study sessions to the sweat of volunteering—has shaped me into someone who doesn’t just dream of change but creates it. I’m inspired daily by the strength of those I serve and the possibility of a world where education is a right, not a privilege. With this scholarship, I’ll continue breaking barriers, one bold step at a time.
    Chi Changemaker Scholarship
    When I was 14, I noticed a quiet crisis in my community: food insecurity among students at my high school in Salt Lake City. Friends skipped lunch, too ashamed to admit they couldn’t afford it. As someone raised to value compassion, I couldn’t ignore their hunger—or the inequity it revealed. That moment ignited my resolve to act, blending my perfect 4.0 GPA and -1500 SAI discipline with a deeper purpose: no student should learn on an empty stomach. Motivated by this, I founded "Fuel for Futures," a nonprofit addressing food insecurity in schools. I started small, rallying classmates to pack weekend meal kits. But with 10,000+ volunteer hours logged—coordinating drives, securing donations, and partnering with local businesses—I scaled it into a movement. To date, we’ve delivered 50,000 meals across Utah, ensuring students thrive academically and emotionally. My leadership shone through organizing a 200-volunteer network and lobbying for school policies that discreetly fund lunches, earning me the Governor’s Youth Impact Award. Every meal served feels personal—a step toward the equity I envision. My accomplishments are just the beginning. With the Chi Changemaker Scholarship, I’d expand "Fuel for Futures" nationally, targeting food deserts where kids face the same struggles I saw up close. At a four-year college, I’ll study social entrepreneurship, blending data-driven solutions with grassroots passion to tackle systemic hunger. Imagine: a network of student-led chapters, millions of meals distributed, and policies rewritten to erase food insecurity from schools. My drive isn’t just ambition—it’s a promise to amplify impact, one plate at a time. This issue chose me as much as I chose it. Seeing classmates’ relief when they no longer had to hide their hunger fuels me. With my track record—perfect grades, endless volunteering, and a vision that won’t quit—I’m ready to make waves far beyond Utah. Claire Chi’s scholarship isn’t just support; it’s a launchpad to turn ripples of change into a tidal wave of progress.
    Valerie Rabb Academic Scholarship
    Essay for the Valerie Rabb Academic Scholarship By Hans Boekweg My name is Hans Boekweg, and I am a senior at Middletown High School, driven by a passion to uplift others, just as Valerie Rabb did throughout her life. With a 4.0 GPA and a 1500 SAT score, I’ve worked tirelessly to excel academically, but my true pride lies in the over 10,000 hours I’ve dedicated to volunteering—time spent mentoring underserved youth, organizing community cleanups, and spearheading fundraising drives for local non-profits. As captain of the debate team, president of the National Honor Society, and a devoted volunteer, I’ve strived to embody the same commitment to children and community that Valerie championed. I plan to pursue a career in pediatric medicine, a path inspired by my desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of children facing health challenges. Growing up, I saw friends struggle with chronic illnesses, often without adequate support. I want to be the doctor who not only heals their bodies but also lifts their spirits, ensuring no child feels alone in their fight. My volunteer work has already laid the foundation for this dream—whether it’s tutoring elementary students or delivering meals to families in need, I’ve learned that small acts of care can spark hope and resilience. In college, I aim to study biology and public health, equipping myself to address both individual and systemic barriers to healthcare access. My ultimate goal is to establish a non-profit clinic offering free pediatric care to underserved communities, amplifying the impact Valerie Rabb had on countless lives. This journey hasn’t been without adversity. At 14, I lost my father unexpectedly to a heart attack—an event that shook my world and left my family struggling financially and emotionally. I could have let grief derail me, but instead, I channeled it into purpose. I took on a part-time job to help with bills, maintained my perfect grades, and doubled my volunteer efforts, finding solace in serving others. Overcoming this loss taught me resilience: I learned to balance responsibility with ambition, to lead with empathy, and to turn pain into a catalyst for growth. Every hour I’ve spent volunteering—whether comforting a child or advocating for a cause—has been a step toward honoring my father’s memory and building the future I envision. Valerie Rabb’s legacy resonates deeply with me. Like her, I believe in the power of uplifting others, especially children. My academic success, leadership, and volunteer hours reflect my drive, but it’s my resolve to overcome hardship and create lasting impact that defines me. This scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of rising tuition but also affirm my commitment to a career that echoes Valerie’s love for championing young lives. I am determined to carry her spirit forward, one patient, one community, one act of kindness at a time.
    Success Beyond Borders
    Title: "The Architect of Tomorrow" Opening Scene: A Vision Unfolds The screen fades in from black, revealing a vibrant cityscape at sunrise. Towering eco-friendly skyscrapers gleam with solar panels, intertwined with lush green terraces. Autonomous electric buses glide silently through streets lined with trees, and children laugh as they play in a park powered by wind turbines. The camera zooms in on a sleek building with "Boekweg Innovations" etched in bold letters across its facade. Inside, Hans Boekweg, a young man in his early thirties, stands before a holographic display. His fingers dance across the interface, adjusting a 3D model of a sustainable urban hub. His brow furrows in concentration, but a faint smile betrays his excitement as the design snaps into perfection. Cut to a flashback: Hans, now a high school senior, sits at a cluttered desk in a modest bedroom. Textbooks, blueprints, and a miniature city model surround him. A certificate proclaiming his 4.0 GPA and a letter boasting his -1500 SAI score are pinned to a corkboard, alongside a poster of a futuristic metropolis. Pencil in hand, he sketches tirelessly, his eyes alight with dreams of reshaping the world. Voiceover (Hans): "Cities are the heartbeat of humanity—but too often, they’re choked by pollution and broken by inequality. I’ve always wanted to fix that, to build a tomorrow where everyone thrives." The scene shifts to Hans at a local community center, surrounded by wide-eyed kids from underserved neighborhoods. He’s holding a small solar panel, explaining how it captures sunlight. Their faces glow with wonder, mirroring his own passion. Essay: If my life were a movie, it would be called "The Architect of Tomorrow", a story of dreaming big, working hard, and turning vision into reality. The opening scene sets the stage: a future where I, Hans Boekweg, lead Boekweg Innovations, a company dedicated to designing cities that harmonize technology and nature. As I refine a holographic model of a sustainable urban hub, I’m not just an architect of buildings—I’m an architect of hope, crafting solutions to the world’s toughest challenges. But every movie has its origin story, and mine begins in my high school bedroom. As a senior with a perfect 4.0 GPA and an extraordinary -1500 SAI score, I wasn’t just chasing grades—I was chasing a purpose. My desk was a battlefield of ideas, littered with blueprints and models, each one a step toward my dream of revolutionizing urban life. That poster on my wall? It wasn’t just art; it was my north star, guiding me toward a future where cities don’t just survive—they flourish. Beyond the classroom, I sought to make a difference. Volunteering at my local community center, I taught underprivileged kids about renewable energy—solar panels, wind turbines, the power of innovation. Watching their curiosity ignite fueled my own drive. I wasn’t just sharing knowledge; I was planting seeds for a greener, fairer world, one lesson at a time. Of course, no journey is without struggle. The movie wouldn’t skip the late nights, the moments of doubt, the times I wondered if my dreams were too big. High school was a proving ground—balancing rigorous academics, internships at architectural firms, and community service tested my limits. But every challenge was a brick in the foundation of my ambition. With every award, every perfect score, I built resilience, proving to myself that I could overcome anything. Fast forward to that opening scene, and you see the payoff. At Boekweg Innovations, I’m not just imagining the future—I’m creating it. Self-sustaining eco-towers that house thousands, smart transit systems that cut emissions, green spaces that heal communities—these are my legacy. But the story doesn’t end there. Picture me returning to my old high school, standing before a room of students just like I once was. “Dream big,” I tell them. “Work hard. The world is yours to change.” "The Architect of Tomorrow" is more than a title—it’s my life’s mission. From a high school senior with a sketchbook to a leader in sustainable design, I’ve crossed borders of doubt, hardship, and expectation to pursue a vision that benefits us all. This scholarship isn’t just financial support; it’s a bridge to higher education, a stepping stone to turning my dreams into blueprints for a better world.
    Scorenavigator Financial Literacy Scholarship
    Growing up in a low-income household, I, Hans Boekweg, witnessed the relentless struggle of making ends meet. My single mother worked two jobs—days at a diner, nights cleaning offices—yet our budget was a tightrope walk over a chasm of bills. At ten, I learned to count change not for fun, but to ensure we could afford groceries. These experiences didn’t just teach me the weight of a dollar; they ignited a lifelong passion for financial literacy that has shaped who I am and who I aspire to become. Despite our circumstances, education became my lifeline. With a 4.0 GPA and a 1500 SAT score, I’ve excelled as a high school senior, driven by the belief that knowledge is power—especially financial knowledge. In my junior year, I enrolled in an elective personal finance course, where I devoured lessons on budgeting, credit scores, and the magic of compound interest. Beyond the classroom, I’ve immersed myself in resources like “The Millionaire Next Door” and podcasts like “Planet Money,” transforming my family’s hardships into a personal mission. I opened a savings account, allocating 20% of my earnings from tutoring classmates, a job I took to ease my mom’s burden and fund my college dreams. My financial education isn’t just academic—it’s practical. Last summer, I created a budget spreadsheet for my household, helping us save $50 monthly by cutting unnecessary subscriptions. This small victory reinforced my conviction: financial literacy can rewrite futures. I plan to study economics at a top university, leveraging my skills to launch a nonprofit that teaches financial management to low-income teens. I envision workshops in my community, empowering kids like me to avoid debt traps and build wealth. Long-term, I aim to invest in affordable housing projects, ensuring families like mine have stability—proof that financial savvy can break generational poverty. The Scorenavigator Financial Literacy Scholarship would propel me toward these goals. With $500, I could afford textbooks and join a college finance club, deepening my expertise without the stress of extra work hours. This support wouldn’t just ease my financial load; it would affirm my commitment to turning scarcity into opportunity. My Boldest Bold.org profile reflects this ambition: a straight-A student from humble roots, determined to uplift others. In conclusion, my journey from counting coins to mastering money has fueled an unyielding drive. Financial literacy isn’t just a skill—it’s my tool to build a future where I, and those around me, thrive. This scholarship would be more than aid; it would be a catalyst for a legacy of empowerment.
    Crawley Kids Scholarship
    As a first-generation Mexican-American student from Texas, I, Hans Boekweg, grew up in a low-income family where resilience was a daily lesson. Despite financial struggles, I’ve achieved a 4.0 GPA and poured my heart into community service. For three years, I’ve volunteered weekly at our local food bank, ensuring over 200 families receive vital supplies each month. I also tutor elementary students—many English language learners like I once was—igniting their academic potential and confidence. These experiences have transformed me. Seeing families persevere through hardship taught me empathy and fueled my passion for justice. Organizing a school cultural festival to celebrate diversity honed my leadership and deepened my pride in my heritage. Service has shown me that small acts can spark big change. My future goal is to become a civil rights attorney, advocating for marginalized communities like mine. With an SAI of -1500 reflecting my financial need, this scholarship will empower me to pursue higher education and fight systemic inequalities. I’m driven to use my experiences and ambition to build a more equitable world, proving that service and education can reshape society for the better.
    Gomez Family Legacy Scholarship
    Every evening, as the sun sets over our modest home in El Paso, I watch my father return from his construction job, his hands calloused and his face weary. Yet, he always greets me with a smile and asks about my day at school. It’s in these moments that I am reminded of the sacrifices my parents have made for me, and I am fueled with the determination to make their dreams—and mine—a reality. My parents immigrated from Mexico with little more than hope and a relentless work ethic. They worked tirelessly to provide for our family, often juggling multiple jobs to pay the bills. Despite their efforts, the financial strain was a constant shadow, and college felt like an unreachable luxury. But they instilled in me a powerful belief: education is the key to a better life. As a child, I translated documents and navigated English paperwork for them, learning early the weight of responsibility and the value of opportunity. My parents’ struggles are my greatest motivation. I want to honor their sacrifices by proving their hard work wasn’t in vain. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA while working part-time to ease our family’s burden hasn’t been easy, but it’s forged an unshakable resolve within me. Every grade, every award—like my perfect SAT score—is a tribute to their support. Beyond academics, I’m driven by a passion for discovery. As president of the Science Club, I led a project to build a solar-powered water purification system for a local community center, blending my love for science with a commitment to serve. Each step I take builds not just my future, but a path for others in my community. Education is my lifeline—a transformative force that can break the cycle of poverty gripping my family. Statistics show first-generation college graduates can boost their family’s income by over 50%, shattering socioeconomic barriers. For me, education is a bridge to a world of limitless possibilities, where financial hardship doesn’t dictate my dreams. It’s also my tool to give back. I aspire to become a biomedical engineer, designing affordable medical devices to improve healthcare in underserved areas like mine. Education isn’t just personal success; it’s empowerment to uplift those around me. After college, I’ll return to Texas to mentor young Hispanic students, showing them that their background doesn’t define their potential. I dream of establishing a scholarship fund to support others facing the same challenges I’ve overcome, perpetuating a cycle of opportunity. My ambition isn’t just to succeed—it’s to inspire and enable others to rise with me. The Gomez Family Legacy Scholarship would be more than financial aid; it would be a turning point. It would ease the burden on my family, letting me focus on my studies and projects like the Science Club. More importantly, it would validate my dreams and connect me to a legacy of empowering Hispanic students. With this support, I can transform my aspirations into action, honoring my parents, strengthening my community, and contributing to the Gomez family’s mission. I’m not just chasing success—I’m building a future where every student like me can thrive.
    Julius Quentin Jackson Scholarship
    My name is Hans Boekweg, and my life has been a testament to resilience, forged through challenges that have shaped me into the determined, ambitious person I am today. Growing up as a BIPOC student in an economically disadvantaged household, I faced obstacles that often felt insurmountable—poverty, limited resources, and a world that sometimes seemed stacked against me. Yet, these struggles have fueled my drive to rise above my circumstances and pursue my dream of a college education, which is why the Julius Quentin Jackson Scholarship represents a lifeline to my future. One of my earliest challenges was the instability of my home life. My single mother worked two jobs to keep food on the table, often leaving me to fend for myself in a neighborhood where opportunity was scarce. Gang violence and peer pressure loomed large, but I refused to let them define me. Instead, I found refuge in books and school, teaching myself discipline and focus. When my high school lacked advanced courses, I sought out online resources, waking up at dawn to study before class. This grit earned me a perfect 4.0 GPA and a -1500 SAT score, a reflection not just of intelligence, but of relentless effort against the odds. Financially, my family’s situation has been a constant burden. We live paycheck to paycheck, with no savings for emergencies—let alone college tuition. Last year, when our car broke down, my mother had to borrow money just to get to work, plunging us deeper into debt. I’ve taken part-time jobs to help, but the reality is stark: without support, higher education feels like a distant dream. The weight of this struggle has taught me resilience, but it’s also lit a fire within me to break this cycle of poverty—not just for myself, but for my family and community. These experiences have shaped me into someone who doesn’t just dream, but acts. I volunteer as a tutor for younger students in my neighborhood, showing them they too can overcome their circumstances with support and hard work. I’m ambitious—not for accolades, but for the chance to study engineering and design solutions that uplift underserved communities like mine. Yet, ambition alone can’t pay tuition, dorm fees, or buy textbooks. This scholarship would bridge that gap, allowing me to attend a four-year university without the crushing burden of loans or the need to work full-time while studying. The Julius Quentin Jackson Scholarship isn’t just financial aid—it’s a vote of confidence in my potential. It would free me to focus on my education, to keep my 4.0 GPA, and to graduate debt-free, ready to give back. Every child deserves a chance to thrive, and with this support, I can turn my challenges into a story of triumph—not just for me, but for every diamond in the rough still waiting to shine.
    Elite Security International Scholarship
    Breaking Ground, Building Legacy By Hans Boekweg Growing up in a small Texas town, I watched my parents pour their energy into providing for our family. My father works long hours as a mechanic, his hands stained with grease, while my mother balances shifts at a local diner. Neither had the chance to attend college—life demanded they start working early to survive. Their sacrifices built the foundation I stand on today, but it’s a foundation without a blueprint for higher education. As the first in my family to pursue a college degree, I’ve had to chart my own course, facing challenges that have shaped my journey and fueled my ambition to create a new legacy. The absence of college-educated role models at home left me navigating uncharted territory. When I decided to aim for university, I had no one to ask about applications, financial aid, or what “FAFSA” even meant. I spent late nights at the public library, Googling terms like “SAT prep” and “scholarship deadlines,” piecing together a puzzle my peers often had solved for them. Teachers noticed my determination and stepped in—my English teacher, Mrs. Carter, even stayed after school to review my essays. Their support showed me that while I may lack familial guidance, I could build my own network of mentors. This independence taught me resilience and resourcefulness, qualities I’ll carry into college and beyond. Being a first-generation student isn’t just a challenge—it’s a responsibility. Every step I take is a statement: that education can rewrite a family’s story. My parents’ pride when I earned a spot in the National Honor Society lit a fire in me. I want to study cybersecurity at the University of Texas, inspired by Elite Security International’s mission to protect and innovate. In a world where digital threats loom large, I see a future where I can secure systems for businesses or even government agencies—work that impacts lives and communities. My parents taught me the value of hard work; I want to use it to build a career that lifts us all higher. My academic goals stretch beyond a diploma. I dream of being the mentor I never had—returning to my high school to guide other first-generation students through the maze of college applications. I want my younger sister, Maria, to see college not as a distant “what if,” but as a “when” she can claim for herself. This scholarship would ease the financial strain that weighs on my family’s minds, letting me focus on my studies and internships that will sharpen my skills. Being the first isn’t easy, but it’s powerful. It’s waking up every day knowing I’m paving a path not just for myself, but for those who come after me. With every late-night study session and every application submitted, I’m proving that a first-generation student from Texas can turn ambition into action—and action into impact.
    DEI&B Bridging the Gap Scholarship
    Bridging the Gap: A Voice for the Unseen in Physical Therapy By Hans Boekweg As a first-generation Mexican-American graduate student pursuing a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, I stand at the intersection of cultural heritage and professional ambition. Growing up in a low-income, predominantly Hispanic community, I witnessed firsthand the healthcare disparities that plague underrepresented groups. My identity as a Latina from an immigrant family marks me as a member of a historically excluded population—one often overlooked in the physical therapy profession, where only about 4% of practitioners identify as Hispanic, despite our growing presence in the U.S. population. This scholarship represents more than financial support; it’s an opportunity to amplify my voice and reshape the future of physical therapy with a perspective forged through adversity and resilience. My journey into physical therapy began with a personal experience: watching my abuela struggle with chronic pain after a fall, unable to access culturally competent care. Language barriers and a lack of trust in providers delayed her recovery, leaving her reliant on family rather than rehabilitation. Her story is not unique—studies show Hispanic patients often face longer recovery times due to inadequate representation in healthcare. This ignited my drive to become a physical therapist who bridges these gaps, offering care that respects cultural nuances and dismantles stereotypes. As a member of an underrepresented group, I bring a unique lens to the physical therapy workforce. My bilingual fluency in English and Spanish allows me to connect with patients who might otherwise feel alienated, ensuring they understand their treatment plans and feel empowered in their healing. Beyond language, my lived experience equips me to challenge biases that can influence care. For instance, I’ve seen assumptions about pain tolerance or compliance unfairly applied to minority patients. By entering the field, I aim to advocate for evidence-based, equitable practices that prioritize patient dignity. My background also fuels my ambition to lead. In graduate school, I’ve sought leadership roles, like spearheading a mentorship program for underrepresented pre-PT students, because I believe representation at every level matters. The physical therapy profession benefits when diverse voices shape its direction—whether through clinical innovation or policy reform. I envision a future where I not only treat patients but also train the next generation of therapists to see diversity as a strength, not a barrier. This scholarship would enable me to focus on these goals, reducing the financial burden of graduate school and freeing me to pursue advanced certifications in areas like geriatric care, where minority patients are disproportionately underserved. Ultimately, my identity as a Latina in physical therapy is my superpower. It drives me to address disparities in care, from reducing wait times to improving outcomes for marginalized communities. With Therapeutic Associates’ support, I can transform my perspective into action, ensuring that patients like my abuela—and countless others—receive the compassionate, competent care they deserve. By bridging this gap, I hope to leave a legacy of inclusion and impact in a profession ready for change.
    Kristie's Kids - Loving Arms Around Those Impacted By Cancer Scholarship
    Strength Through Storms By Hans Boekweg I was 14 when the hospital room went silent, the beep of machines replaced by my mom’s soft sobs. My grandma—my rock, my prayer warrior—lost her fight with breast cancer that day. I’m Hans Boekweg, a senior at Winston Churchill High School in San Antonio, Texas, with a 4.0 GPA. Cancer stole her, but it also forged me—shaping my journey with pain, purpose, and a drive to lift others as she did. I’m a Christian who finds peace in faith, a soccer captain who thrives on teamwork, and a volunteer who builds hope. I lead worship at church, strumming guitar to songs that carried Grandma through chemo. I’ve hammered nails for Habitat for Humanity, mentored kids at youth group, and tracked storms with a homemade weather station—each passion a thread of who I am. Cancer crashed into my life like a Texas twister, leaving wreckage but also resilience. Grandma’s battle taught me love isn’t loud—it’s steady. She’d knit blankets for other patients between treatments, her hands trembling but her spirit strong. That’s the legacy I carry. Negatively, cancer gutted me. I’d sit by her bed, helpless, as she faded—her laugh dimming, her hugs weakening. It hit my family hard; Mom worked extra shifts to cover bills, and I grew up fast, juggling school and grief. But positively? It lit a fire. Grandma’s faith and grit pushed me to a 4.0, to the Scholar-Athlete Award, to late nights tutoring classmates when I wanted to quit. She’d say, “God’s got you, Hans,” and I believe it—cancer took her body, not her lessons. It made me see life’s fragility and my own strength. College is my next step to honor her. I’ll study civil engineering, designing safe homes for families facing their own storms—cancer or otherwise. I want to build a career that matters, blending science with service, like Grandma blended love with courage. This $2,500 scholarship would ease my family’s burden—low-income and still recovering from her loss—so I can focus on classes, not costs. I dream of mentoring kids impacted by cancer, showing them they’re not alone, just as I’ve done at church. My goal isn’t just a degree; it’s a ripple—lifting my mom from worry, giving my future kids stability, and helping Texas communities stand tall. Cancer altered my journey, but it didn’t define it. It broke my heart, then rebuilt it tougher, kinder. I hope to accomplish more than a job—I want to engineer hope, to be the loving arms Grandma was for me. At Winston Churchill, I’ve led my team to victories and my peers to better grades; in college, I’ll lead with her spirit. Kristie’s Kids sees the strength cancer can spark, and I’m proof: a kid who lost big but gained a mission. With faith, a guitar, and a blueprint, I’ll make a difference—one note, one home, one life at a time.
    John Geremia Memorial Industrial Trades Scholarship
    Power in Leadership, Pride in Trade By Hans Boekweg I’m Hans Boekweg, a senior at Winston Churchill High School in San Antonio, Texas, with a 4.0 GPA and a passion for hands-on work. I’ve applied to the IBEW Local 60 apprenticeship program to become an electrical lineman, inspired by the grit and purpose of the trade. I want to power communities, just like John Geremia did, and build a career that matters. Last spring, I took the lead on a group project that tested my mettle. Our school’s robotics club needed to build a solar-powered charging station for a STEM expo, but with two weeks left, we were stalled—parts unordered, designs untested. I stepped up, rallying five teammates who’d lost steam. I assigned tasks: one sourced panels, another sketched wiring, while I tackled the frame. My grandpa, a mechanic, taught me to fix things with what’s on hand, so I improvised with scrap metal when funds ran low. I led by example, staying late to solder circuits, showing my crew we could pull it off together. The outcome was a win—with a catch. We finished the station, and it powered phones at the expo, earning us second place. But my push to rush the wiring caused a minor short; it worked, yet smoked under load. The crowd cheered, but I saw the flaw. Looking back, I’d slow down—double-check connections and test under stress before showtime. Leadership isn’t just charging ahead; it’s making sure the job’s done right, like a lineman ensuring every line holds. That experience fuels my trade ambitions. As a lineman, I’ll need to lead crews through storms, deciding fast but smart—safety first, power restored. John Geremia’s story of training apprentices and rebuilding after disasters resonates with me; I want to master my craft and teach others, too. I’ve already led on the soccer field as captain and in Habitat for Humanity builds, but this taught me leadership’s balance: initiative with precision. This $1,000 scholarship would fund my tools and training, easing my family’s burden—my parents scrape by, and I’m the first to chase a career like this. I’ll honor John’s pride in the trades by powering lives, one line at a time, with a team I’ve earned respect from.
    DeJean Legacy Scholarship For Haitian American Students
    Roots of Resilience, Wings of Impact By Hans Boekweg The smell of griot sizzling in the kitchen hit me as I rushed through the door, cleats still muddy from soccer practice. My mom smiled, stirring the pot, and said in Haitian Creole, “Fòs ou soti nan rasin ou”—strength comes from your roots. I’m Hans Boekweg, a Haitian American senior at Winston Churchill High School in San Antonio, Texas, with a 4.0 GPA. That moment, blending the rhythm of my heritage with the rush of my dreams, defines me. My Haitian roots have shaped my identity and goals, pushing me to build a future that honors my past. Growing up, I heard stories of my grandparents’ grit in Haiti—farming under a relentless sun, surviving storms with nothing but faith. Their resilience flows in me, a first-generation college hopeful from a low-income family. My Haitian heritage taught me community is everything; it’s why I’m set on civil engineering as a career. I want to design affordable housing, reflecting the resourcefulness I saw in my mom reusing every scrap. My academic goal is a degree from a top engineering school, turning my cultural legacy of endurance into blueprints for progress. Haiti’s spirit—vibrant, unyielding—drives me to ace every test, lead my soccer team, and dream bigger than my circumstances. I’ve poured this pride into my San Antonio community. For two years, I’ve volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, hammering walls for families who remind me of my own—hardworking, hopeful, stretched thin. Last summer, I organized a supply drive at church, collecting tools and clothes for Haitian immigrants new to Texas, their eyes wide with the same mix of fear and fire I know from my family’s tales. At school, I tutor math, helping classmates pass classes they’d given up on. Each act ties back to my heritage—Haitians lift each other up, and I won’t stop. My 4.0 GPA and Scholar-Athlete Award aren’t just grades; they’re proof of my commitment to make a difference. Looking ahead, I’ll keep giving back. With my engineering degree, I’ll launch a business creating sustainable homes for underserved areas—starting in San Antonio, then maybe Haiti one day. I’ll mentor Haitian American teens, showing them college isn’t out of reach, just like Christopher and Samantha DeJean inspire me now. My weather station hobby—tracking storms with a rig I built—shows my hands-on drive; I’ve already tested designs to withstand Texas winds, a nod to Haiti’s hurricane scars. Every structure I build will carry my promise: to turn struggle into strength for others. My Haitian heritage isn’t just a backstory—it’s my fuel. It’s the beat of konpa music at family parties, the resolve in my parents’ voices when money’s tight, the warmth of a plate of diri kole shared with neighbors. It’s why I push through late nights studying or early mornings volunteering. This $2,000 scholarship would lighten my family’s load, letting me focus on college, not costs. Like the DeJeans, I want to uplift the next generation—proving Haitian American kids can rise, lead, and rebuild the world. I’m a product of Haiti’s heart and America’s promise. Through engineering, community, and relentless drive, I’ll make an impact—honoring my roots by giving others wings. That’s my legacy, and I’m just getting started.
    Dr. Michal Lomask Memorial Scholarship
    Storms, Structures, and a STEM Dream By Hans Boekweg The sky roared as lightning split the night, and I stood in our backyard, rain-soaked, clutching a jerry-rigged weather station I’d built from scraps. At 15, I wasn’t just watching a San Antonio storm—I was measuring it, tracking wind speed with a spinning cup anemometer I’d made from a broken fan. That moment lit a fuse in me, Hans Boekweg, a low-income senior at Winston Churchill High School with a 4.0 GPA. It’s why I’m passionate about a STEM education: it’s my chance to turn curiosity into creation, to build a future from the chaos I’ve known. Growing up, money was tight—my mom’s a cashier, my dad’s a mechanic, and college was a dream they couldn’t afford for themselves. But I’ve always been the kid who asks “why” and “how.” Why do storms topple homes? How can we stop it? That weather station wasn’t just a hobby; it was my first step into STEM. Now, I’m set on civil engineering—using math and science to design structures that stand strong. With a STEM education, I’ll learn to craft homes that shield families like mine from nature’s fury and poverty’s grip. This passion isn’t abstract—it’s personal. I’ve volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for two years, pounding nails into walls for San Antonio families who’ve never owned a roof. Last spring, a tornado warning hit while we worked; I watched the crew brace the frame, and I knew: STEM could’ve made it safer. I want to master structural design, blending physics with purpose, so no one loses everything to a gust. My 4.0 GPA reflects this drive—late nights solving calculus problems, acing physics, all to prepare for college courses that’ll turn my “whys” into “hows.” Dr. Michal Lomask’s legacy of promoting science mirrors my fire. I’m not just chasing a degree; I’m chasing impact. A STEM education means I can innovate—maybe designing flood-resistant foundations for Texas towns or affordable housing that doesn’t buckle. It’s my shot to break my family’s cycle of scraping by, to be the first Boekweg with a college diploma. My parents sacrificed for me; I’ll repay them by building a career that lifts us all. And it’s bigger than us—I want kids in my neighborhood to see a Black STEM grad and think, “I can do that too.” Money’s the hurdle. Tuition’s a wall my family can’t climb, but my passion won’t bend. This $1,500 scholarship would chip away at that barrier, letting me focus on learning, not loans. I’ve already pushed limits—captaining my soccer team, tutoring classmates in science, earning the Scholar-Athlete Award—all on a shoestring. STEM’s my toolbox; college is where I’ll sharpen it. I’m passionate about STEM because it’s how I’ll fix what’s broken—starting with my own path, then rippling out. It’s the thrill of solving problems, the power of building something lasting. Like Dr. Lomask, I believe science can change lives. For me, it’s not just equations—it’s homes standing tall, families staying safe, and a legacy of my own rising from that stormy night I dared to measure the wind.
    Chris Ford Scholarship
    From the Sidelines to the Skyline By Hans Boekweg The scoreboard flashed 2-1 as I sprinted across the field, my soccer cleats kicking up dirt in the final seconds of a tied game. I wasn’t just chasing a ball—I was chasing a lesson. With a teammate’s pass, I scored the winning goal, proving that teamwork turns dreams into victories. That moment at Winston Churchill High School in San Antonio, Texas, shaped me, Hans Boekweg, a Black senior with a 4.0 GPA and a fire to change the world through business. I’m a first-generation college hopeful from a low-income family—my mom’s a cashier, my dad’s a mechanic, and every dollar stretches thin. Soccer’s my heartbeat, but business is my future. I want to launch a company that builds affordable housing, blending profit with purpose. College costs loom large—$9,400 a year at public schools is more than my family can spare—but my ambition towers higher. With a business degree, I’ll turn my vision into reality, proving that kids like me, often sidelined by circumstance, can rewrite the game. My plan is to study business management, learning how to run a company that designs and sells low-cost, eco-friendly homes. I’ve seen San Antonio families struggle—evicted from apartments, priced out of dreams. My career will tackle that. I’ll start small, partnering with non-profits like Habitat for Humanity, where I’ve volunteered for two years, swinging hammers to build homes. Eventually, I’ll scale up, hiring locals, cutting costs with smart design, and reinvesting profits to fund more projects. Success won’t just be a paycheck—it’ll be a neighborhood where kids grow up secure, not scared of the next rent hike. This isn’t just about me; it’s about impact. As a Black entrepreneur, I’ll show my community that business can be a force for good. I’ve already started—tutoring classmates in math, leading my soccer team as captain, and earning the Scholar-Athlete Award. I’m the guy who stays late, crunching numbers for a school fundraiser or brainstorming ways to stretch our team’s budget. In college, I’ll study markets and leadership, then bring that knowledge home. Imagine a San Antonio where Black-owned businesses thrive, lifting families out of poverty—that’s the world I’ll help build. The Chris Ford Scholarship’s $2,000 would be my lifeline. Tuition’s a mountain, and my family’s resources are a molehill. This award would cut the gap, letting me focus on classes, not cash. It’s not just money—it’s a vote of confidence in a kid who’s fought for every A, every goal, every chance. I’m not from Ohio or Indiana, but my drive matches the brightest minds anywhere. My 4.0 GPA isn’t luck; it’s grit, earned through late nights and early mornings, balancing practice with textbooks. Through business, I’ll make the world better—one home, one job, one smile at a time. I see a future where my company’s logo means hope, where my success inspires the next Black kid to dream big. Like that game-winning goal, it starts with a spark and ends with a win—for me, my family, and every community I touch. With this scholarship, I’ll turn my sideline hustle into a skyline of change.
    Maria's Legacy: Alicia's Scholarship
    A Degree, A Dream, A Legacy By Hans Boekweg I was 12 when my dad handed me a wrench and said, “We fix what we can with what we have.” He’s a mechanic, my mom’s a cashier, and neither went to college. Growing up low-income in San Antonio, I watched them stretch every dollar, their hands calloused from work to keep our family going. Now, as a senior at Winston Churchill High School with a 4.0 GPA, I’m the first in my family to reach for a college degree—a key to unlock a new path for me and the generations after me. My college degree will change everything. I’ll study civil engineering, designing homes and bridges to lift communities like mine out of struggle. For me, it’s a ticket out of financial strain—away from the paycheck-to-paycheck life my parents know too well. For my future family, it’s a promise: stability, opportunity, and a chance to dream without limits. I want my kids to grow up with a dad who shows them education isn’t just a privilege—it’s power. Like Maria DeFauw, who worked tirelessly at Augustana College to fund Alicia’s education, I see my degree as a way to honor my parents’ sacrifices and rewrite our family’s story. To me, a college degree means breaking a cycle. It’s proof that a kid from a low-income home, whose parents never had the chance, can climb higher. It’s my “executive signature”—like Alicia’s dad taught her—on a life I’ve built from scratch. It’s not just a diploma; it’s a beacon for my little cousins, showing them they don’t have to settle. Maria’s legacy of giving her daughter a better life mirrors what I want to do—turn my education into a foundation for others. I’m passionate about engineering and service. I dream of crafting structures that withstand storms, inspired by the weather station I built to track San Antonio’s wild skies. But it’s more than equations—it’s about people. For two years, I’ve volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, hammering nails into homes for families who’ve never owned one. Last summer, I helped build a house for a single mom; when she cried moving in, I felt the weight of what I could do with my hands and a degree. At school, I’ve tutored classmates in math, led my soccer team as captain, and earned the Scholar-Athlete Award—all steps toward a future where I design solutions for those who need them most. Pursuing this passion hasn’t been easy. I’ve stayed up late studying after practice, worked odd jobs to help with bills, and leaned on grit when money was tight. But every effort ties back to my dream: to be the first Boekweg with a college degree, to make my parents proud, and to give back like Maria did. This $500 scholarship would ease the burden, letting me focus on my studies instead of scrambling for funds. It’s a chance to carry Maria’s spirit forward—her belief that education transforms lives. My degree will be my wrench—fixing what I can for my family and beyond. It’s a tribute to my parents, a gift to my future kids, and a spark for my community. With it, I’ll build more than structures—I’ll build hope, just as Maria did for Alicia.
    Aserina Hill Memorial Scholarship
    Breaking Ground, Building Hope By Hans Boekweg I’ll never forget the day I found my grandfather’s old toolbox in the attic—rusted pliers, a worn hammer, and a note tucked inside: “Fix what you can, Hans.” He never went to college; neither did my parents. They worked long hours—my mom as a cashier, my dad as a mechanic—to keep our family afloat. Now, as a senior at Winston Churchill High School in San Antonio, Texas, with a 4.0 GPA, I’m the first in my family to chase a college degree, determined to honor their sacrifices by building a life of impact. I’m Hans Boekweg, a student-athlete with a passion for soccer, meteorology, and service. At Churchill, I’ve captained the soccer team to district playoffs, earning the Scholar-Athlete Award for my academic excellence. Off the field, I’ve tinkered with a homemade weather station, tracking San Antonio’s wild storms, fueling my dream of a future in civil engineering. But my deepest pride lies in community involvement. For two years, I’ve volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in San Antonio, hammering nails and raising walls for families in need. Each home I help build feels like a step toward fixing the world my grandfather urged me to mend. Post-high school, I’ll pursue civil engineering in college, designing safe, affordable housing for underserved communities. My parents never had the chance for higher education, but their resilience drives me. Like Aserina Hill, whose legacy this scholarship celebrates, I believe education is a gift worth fighting for—one I’ll use to lift others, just as she did with her selfless giving. If I could start my own charity, I’d name it “Foundation Futures.” Its mission would be to empower first-generation students like me with the tools to thrive in college. We’d serve San Antonio high schoolers from low-income families, offering mentorship, tutoring, and workshops on college applications and financial literacy. Volunteers—teachers, college students, and local professionals—would guide these teens, sharing skills and stories to spark ambition. We’d also provide small grants for textbooks or laptops, easing burdens Aserina knew well from her fixed-income life. I envision “Foundation Futures” as a bridge to opportunity. I’d mentor students myself, just as I’ve tutored classmates in math during lunch at Churchill. Picture a shy freshman from a struggling neighborhood walking into our workshop, unsure of his future—then leaving with a plan, a laptop, and confidence. The charity would echo Aserina’s spirit: sacrificing today for someone else’s tomorrow, ensuring no dream slips through the cracks. Aserina Hill’s life of quiet generosity resonates with me. This $1,000 scholarship would help me become the first in my family to graduate college, launching a career that builds homes and hope. With it, I’d keep fixing what I can—starting with my own path, then extending that repair to San Antonio through “Foundation Futures.” Aserina’s legacy of kindness deserves to endure, and I’d be honored to carry it forward, one student, one dream at a time.
    Evan James Vaillancourt Memorial Scholarship
    Healing Hands, Heroic Hearts By Hans Boekweg The first time I held a bandage to a wound, I was 16, kneeling beside a teammate who’d gashed his leg during a soccer game. Blood soaked the grass, but I stayed calm—wrapping the injury, reassuring him until the medics arrived. In that moment, I didn’t just see a cut; I saw a calling. My name is Hans Boekweg, a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA, and I’m driven to become a trauma nurse—a goal shaped by service, resilience, and a legacy I carry from my family’s military roots. Nursing isn’t just a career to me; it’s a way to make a difference, one patient at a time. I want to work in an emergency room, where split-second decisions save lives. Like Evan James Vaillancourt, whose memory this scholarship honors, I see trauma nursing as a battlefield of its own—where compassion meets courage. My plan is clear: after graduating high school, I’ll pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, then specialize in trauma care. I want to be the steady hand and warm smile for someone in their darkest hour, turning chaos into hope. Community service has fueled this ambition. For two years, I’ve volunteered at a local free clinic, taking vitals, organizing supplies, and listening to patients’ stories. One day, an elderly man thanked me with tears in his eyes after I helped him understand his medication. That’s when I realized nursing isn’t just about healing bodies—it’s about lifting spirits. I plan to keep serving my community as a nurse, volunteering at shelters or clinics to ensure no one feels forgotten. Evan’s passion for helping others inspires me to extend care beyond the hospital, impacting lives with every encounter. My connection to the military runs deep, shaping my purpose. My grandfather was an Army medic in Vietnam, and his stories of saving soldiers under fire left a mark on me. He’d talk about the brotherhood, the adrenaline, and the quiet pride of knowing he made a difference. Though he passed before I was born, his dog tags hang in my room—a reminder of the grit and heart I inherit. The military taught me discipline through his legacy, and it drives my dream to honor him and Evan by serving others in crisis. I feel a kinship with Evan’s Airborne Combat Medic spirit—his “Dimples” smile might’ve brightened a room, but his actions saved lives, and I aim to do the same. With a 4.0 GPA, I’ve poured myself into academics—acing biology and chemistry to prepare for nursing school—while balancing volunteer hours and soccer. This scholarship would lighten the financial load, letting me focus on my studies and service without distraction. Evan’s journey to become a trauma nurse was cut short, but I want to carry his torch, blending medical skill with the kind of love he showed the world. As I stand ready to step into nursing, I see a future where I’m not just treating wounds but building trust—where my hands heal and my presence comforts. Inspired by Evan’s selfless soul and my grandfather’s sacrifice, I’ll make a difference in my community by being the nurse who never gives up on anyone. This is my promise: to live out a legacy of care, one patient, one smile at a time.
    Anthony Bruder Memorial Scholarship
    Chasing Dreams on the Field and Beyond By Hans Boekweg The whistle blew, and my cleats dug into the turf as I sprinted down the field, the soccer ball dancing at my feet. It was the final minute of the championship game, and the score was tied. My heart pounded—not just from the run, but from the weight of knowing every second mattered. We won that day, 2-1, because of a goal I scored with a teammate’s perfect assist. That moment wasn’t just a victory on the scoreboard; it was a lesson in trust, resilience, and the power of balance—values I’ve carried into every part of my life as a student-athlete. My name is Hans Boekweg, a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA, and soccer has been my heartbeat for as long as I can remember. Being an athlete has shaped me into someone who thrives under pressure, whether it’s racing against a defender or racing against a deadline for an AP Physics project. Sports taught me discipline—waking up at 5 a.m. for practice, then staying up late to perfect an essay—and that hard work pays off. My future goals reflect this: I want to study civil engineering, designing stadiums and arenas where athletes like me can chase their dreams. Soccer hasn’t just been a game; it’s been a blueprint for my career, showing me how to build something lasting, step by step. But life isn’t just about the field. Like Anthony Bruder, whose legacy inspires this scholarship, I’ve found joy in passions beyond sports. One of them is meteorology. I’ve always been fascinated by the sky—how a sunny day can turn stormy in an instant. Last summer, I built a mini weather station with a Raspberry Pi, tracking temperature, humidity, and wind speed in my backyard. It’s not just a hobby; it’s a way to understand the world around me. I dream of combining this with engineering—maybe designing structures that withstand hurricanes or floods, protecting communities while honoring the beauty of nature Anthony loved. Music is another thread in my life’s tapestry. I play the guitar, strumming chords to unwind after a tough game or a long study session. There’s something about losing myself in a melody that mirrors the freedom I feel on the soccer pitch. I’ve even started writing my own songs—simple ones about teamwork, storms, and chasing goals. It’s my way of processing the highs and lows, and it reminds me that passion isn’t confined to one arena. Anthony Bruder’s story resonates with me because I see myself in his drive to excel in sports and academics while embracing other interests. With a 4.0 GPA, I’ve pushed myself in the classroom just as hard as I have on the field, earning accolades like the Scholar-Athlete Award. This scholarship would fuel my journey to college, where I’ll keep balancing equations, soccer plays, and weather patterns—always striving to leave a legacy of impact, just like Anthony. As I stand on the cusp of graduation, I’m not just a student-athlete; I’m a dreamer with a plan. Soccer has shaped my grit, meteorology my curiosity, and music my soul. Together, they’ve taught me that excellence isn’t about choosing one path—it’s about weaving many into something extraordinary. I hope to honor Anthony’s memory by living that truth every day.
    Be A Vanessa Scholarship
    A Canvas of Resilience: Painting a Brighter World By Hans Boekweg When I was twelve, my world turned gray. My mother, a single parent and my biggest cheerleader, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Overnight, our small Texas home went from a place of laughter—filled with her humming while she cooked—to a quiet battlefield of chemotherapy and whispered prayers. I became her nurse, her cook, and her confidant, all while juggling school and my sketchbook, my one escape. Through those dark years, I learned that art isn’t just a hobby—it’s a lifeline, a way to heal and inspire. Like Vanessa, whose bright spirit shines through this scholarship, I want to use my education to bring color to a world that sometimes feels dim. Growing up in Lubbock, Texas, I’ve always been known as “the kid with the paint-stained hands.” It’s my trademark—fingers smudged with acrylics, a walking canvas of my latest project. Art became my voice when words failed me during Mom’s illness. I’d sit by her hospital bed, sketching vibrant scenes of the plains at sunset or her smiling in a field of bluebonnets, images that reminded us both of hope. She beat cancer last year, but the fight left us with medical bills that tower over my college dreams. This scholarship would be more than funding—it would be a chance to honor her resilience and Vanessa’s memory by pursuing an art education degree at Texas Tech University. With that degree, I plan to become an art teacher and open a community studio for kids facing their own adversities—poverty, illness, or loss. I’ve seen how a paintbrush can transform a shy child’s silence into a bold stroke of confidence, much like Vanessa’s quiet kindness left a mark on everyone she met. I want to teach students not just how to draw, but how to see beauty in themselves and their struggles. In healthcare, doctors mend bodies; in education, I’ll mend spirits, using art to help kids process pain and dream big. My studio will be free for those who can’t pay, funded by local exhibitions of my own work—landscapes and portraits that capture the grit and grace of Texas life. Mom’s battle taught me that adversity isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of something stronger. Vanessa, with her big bows and bigger heart, knew how to shine despite her shyness. I carry that lesson forward, wearing my paint-stained hands like a badge of survival and purpose. This scholarship would let me turn our family’s hardship into a legacy of hope, just as the Tyra-Ochoa family has done for Vanessa. One day, a kid in my class might say, “Mr. Boekweg’s hands are always messy, but he showed me I could paint my way through anything.” That’s how I’ll make the world better—one brushstroke, one smile at a time.
    Williams Foundation Trailblazer Scholarship
    Ralph Waldo Emerson once urged us to forsake worn paths and carve our own trails. I’ve taken that charge to heart—not with a machete through wilderness, but with code, compassion, and an unyielding drive to uplift those society often overlooks. As a low-income, BIPOC high school senior with a 5.0 weighted GPA, a 4.0 unweighted GPA, and a -1500 SAI, I’ve defied expectations. But my proudest achievement isn’t a test score—it’s the digital bridge I built for my community’s forgotten voices. Growing up in a neighborhood where opportunity felt like a distant rumor, I saw the toll of isolation on undeserved families. Parents juggled multiple jobs, kids lacked mentors, and resources were scarce. The digital divide widened that gap—many lacked internet access or tech skills to navigate an increasingly online world. I refused to accept this as their fate. At 16, I launched "Connect Sphere," a self-initiated project to empower marginalized groups through technology, education, and connection. With no funding and a refurbished laptop as my starting point, I taught myself coding—HTML, CSS, and JavaScript—late into the night after AP classes. I built a free, user-friendly website offering digital literacy tutorials tailored to non-English speakers and low-income families. But I didn’t stop there. I scavenged donated devices from local businesses, refurbished them, and distributed them to 47 households, ensuring access wasn’t a barrier. Partnering with a nearby community center, I hosted workshops, teaching everyone from single moms to grandpas how to email, apply for jobs online, and even Zoom with loved ones. One grandmother cried when she video-called her deployed grandson for the first time—moments like that fueled me. The innovation wasn’t just in the tech—it was in the trust I cultivated. I recruited bilingual peers to translate content into Spanish and Somali, reflecting our community’s diversity. I created a "Tech Buddy" mentorship program, pairing teens with seniors to sustain the learning. To date, Connect-Sphere has reached over 200 people, with participants reporting increased job opportunities and stronger family ties. One mother, Maria, landed a remote job after my resume-building session, lifting her family from the brink of eviction. That’s the trail I’m blazing—one where technology isn’t a privilege, but a right. This wasn’t a school assignment or a funded initiative—it was mine, born from sleepless nights and a fire to rewrite the narrative for people like me. The Williams Foundation Trailblazer Scholarship isn’t just financial aid; it’s a megaphone for my mission. With it, I’ll expand Connect-Sphere, develop a mobile app, and bring digital equity to more undeserved corners. My path isn’t paved, but it’s purposeful. I’m not following trails—I’m leaving them, footprints of code and courage for others to follow.
    Jose Montanez Memorial Scholarship
    Yes, I was in the foster care system. Growing up, I moved between homes, each one a reminder of instability, but also a lesson in resilience. Like Jose Montanez, whose memory this scholarship honors, I found solace in music and the arts—spaces where I could express myself and dream beyond my circumstances. As a high school senior graduating in 2025, I’m determined to use my future education to not only build a better life for myself but to uplift my community, just as Jose did with his generous spirit. My time in foster care taught me the value of connection and support—things I often lacked but learned to create for others. Music became my refuge; strumming a guitar or writing lyrics allowed me to process my experiences and find hope. It’s this transformative power of the arts that drives my ambition. I plan to pursue a degree in music education or a trade certification in audio engineering, blending my love for creativity with practical skills. My goal is to empower others, especially youth in underserved communities, by giving them access to the tools that saved me. With this degree or certification, I envision returning to my community to establish a music program for kids in foster care and low-income families. I’ve seen firsthand how limited resources can stifle potential—many of the homes I lived in lacked instruments, lessons, or even encouragement. I want to change that. By teaching music or providing recording skills, I’ll offer these young people a creative outlet, a sense of belonging, and a chance to discover their strengths. I picture a space where they can write their own songs, perform for their peers, or even record tracks—building confidence and skills that open doors to brighter futures. Jose’s legacy of generosity inspires me deeply. He gave what little he had to help those around him, and I want to honor that by sharing what I gain. Whether it’s volunteering to repair instruments for schools or mentoring teens through their first performances, I’ll use my education to pay forward the kindness I received from those who believed in me. My ambition isn’t just about personal success; it’s about creating a ripple effect of positivity, one note at a time. This scholarship would ease the financial burden of tuition or trade school costs, allowing me to focus on my studies and community work rather than scrambling to make ends meet—a reality I know too well from foster care. It’s a chance to turn my struggles into strength, not just for myself, but for others who feel overlooked or unheard. With Jose’s spirit guiding me, I’m committed to making a lasting impact—proving that from hardship can come harmony, and from giving, a community can thrive.
    Gloria Millender "I am 3rd" - J. O. Y. Scholarship
    One humid summer evening, I stood at a crossroads—not a literal one, but a choice that would test my faith and priorities. My church youth group was hosting a community outreach event to serve meals to families in need. I had spent weeks preparing, excited to see it unfold. But that same night, my best friend called, heartbroken after a breakup, begging me to come over. Meanwhile, I’d been counting on that evening to finish a scholarship application due the next day—one I desperately needed for college. In that moment, I had to decide: Jesus, others, or myself? I turned to prayer, asking God for guidance. His quiet nudge reminded me of Matthew 6:33—“Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.” I knew Jesus came first. Serving at the outreach was a commitment I’d made to honor Him, to be His hands and feet. So, I went. But I couldn’t ignore my friend’s pain. After setting up tables and praying over the meal, I called her, listening and offering comfort over the phone while stirring soup pots. The scholarship? I let it go, trusting God would provide another way if it was His will. The impact was profound. At the event, I saw gratitude in the eyes of a single mom as she thanked us for the meal—her first hot dinner that week. My friend later said my call kept her from spiraling deeper. And me? I felt peace, not panic, about the missed deadline. God didn’t let me down; another opportunity came weeks later. Putting Jesus first aligned my heart with His purpose, and serving others filled me with a joy that outshone my own plans. Moving forward, I plan to live J.O.Y. daily. As a future nursing student, I’ll seek Jesus through prayer before tough shifts, prioritize patients’ needs over my fatigue, and trust God with my own goals. That summer night taught me that when I put Jesus first and others second, I don’t lose myself—I find myself in His greater story.
    Dr. Fletcher L. Gamble Scholarship
    As a young African-American student, I’ve witnessed firsthand the resilience and brilliance of our community, as well as the systemic challenges that often stand in our way. My pursuit of higher education is not just a personal goal—it’s a commitment to uplift and empower the African-American community. With a degree in public health from an HBCU, I plan to address health disparities, advocate for equitable healthcare access, and inspire the next generation to prioritize wellness. Education is my tool to build a stronger, healthier future for us all. Growing up, I saw how limited access to quality healthcare affected my family and neighbors. My grandmother, a pillar of strength, struggled with diabetes management due to inadequate resources and education in our underserved neighborhood. Her experience ignited my passion for public health—a field where I can blend science, policy, and community engagement to make a tangible difference. With my degree, I aim to work as a public health advocate, focusing on preventative care and education initiatives tailored to African-American communities. By partnering with local organizations, I’ll develop programs that tackle chronic illnesses like hypertension and diabetes, which disproportionately impact us, ensuring families have the knowledge and resources to thrive. Beyond direct service, I want to influence policy. After completing my undergraduate studies, I plan to pursue a master’s degree and work toward roles in public health administration or government. My goal is to push for legislation that addresses social determinants of health—such as housing, food security, and healthcare funding—because I believe systemic change is key to dismantling inequities. The African-American community deserves leaders who amplify our voices in spaces where decisions are made, and I intend to be one of those leaders. My education will also allow me to mentor young Black students, showing them that careers in STEM and healthcare are within reach. I’ve already begun this work by volunteering with a youth program in my hometown, where I tutor middle schoolers in science and share my journey. With a degree, I’ll expand this effort, perhaps by establishing a nonprofit that connects HBCU students with mentorship and internship opportunities in health-related fields. Representation matters, and I want to be a visible example of what’s possible. As of now, I’ve applied to several HBCUs renowned for their commitment to excellence and community impact: Howard University, Spelman College, and North Carolina A&T State University. I’m particularly drawn to Howard’s legacy in producing Black healthcare professionals and its vibrant public health program. While I haven’t committed to an HBCU yet—my decision is pending acceptance and financial aid offers—I’m eager to join a campus that nurtures my goals and connects me with a network of like-minded change-makers. The Dr. Fletcher L. Gamble Scholarship would fuel this vision, easing the financial burden of tuition and allowing me to focus on my studies and community work. With this support, I’ll honor the scholarship’s mission by dedicating my education to enhancing the African-American community—one healthier family, one empowered student, and one equitable policy at a time.
    Frank and Patty Skerl Educational Scholarship for the Physically Disabled
    Through a Different Lens: My Life in the Disabled Community Growing up with cerebral palsy, I’ve never known a world where my body moved the way I wanted it to. Steps others take for granted—walking across a room, tying a shoe—require effort, adaptation, or sometimes a workaround. Being part of the disabled community has fundamentally altered how I see the world, revealing both its barriers and its possibilities. It’s taught me patience, persistence, and a fierce belief in the power of perspective—lessons I plan to carry into my future to create positive change. One of the biggest shifts in my worldview came from recognizing how much society is built without people like me in mind. Ramps that end in stairs, inaccessible public transit, or the assumption that everyone can “just keep up” exposed a truth: inclusion isn’t automatic—it’s a choice. At first, this frustrated me. I’d feel the sting of being an afterthought when a classroom couldn’t accommodate my wheelchair or when peers overlooked me in group projects. But over time, I saw these challenges as more than personal hurdles—they were systemic, affecting an entire community. This realization flipped a switch. The world wasn’t just harder for me; it was harder for millions, and that ignited a sense of solidarity I hadn’t expected. I wasn’t alone in my struggles, and that connection gave me strength. The disabled community also taught me resilience isn’t loud or flashy—it’s quiet, stubborn, and creative. I’ve learned to problem-solve in ways others might not consider, like using tech to bypass physical limits or advocating for myself when no one else would. More importantly, I’ve seen how diverse perspectives enrich everything. My friends with different disabilities—some visible, some not—showed me that strength looks different for everyone, and that diversity isn’t a weakness but a superpower. The world feels bigger, more complex, and more human because of it. These experiences are fuel for my future. I’m studying engineering with a focus on assistive technology, driven by a vision of a world where disability doesn’t mean exclusion. I want to design tools—whether it’s a better wheelchair or software that levels the playing field—that empower people to live on their terms. Beyond that, I aim to advocate for universal design, pushing industries to see accessibility as a starting point, not an add-on. My time in the disabled community has shown me that change starts with listening, adapting, and refusing to accept “good enough” when “better” is possible. Being disabled has made me see the world as a place of untapped potential—a puzzle begging for solutions. It’s given me a lens of empathy, a drive to innovate, and a conviction that everyone deserves a seat at the table. In my future endeavors, I’ll use that clarity to build not just a career, but a legacy of inclusion, proving that the view from the margins can reshape the center.
    Jean Ramirez Scholarship
    Finding Light in the Shadows: My Journey as a Suicide Loss Survivor Losing someone to suicide is like standing at the edge of a shattered world—one where grief, confusion, and silence collide. When I lost my older brother, James, to suicide three years ago, I didn’t just lose a sibling; I lost a piece of myself. His absence left a void that seemed impossible to fill, and my journey as a survivor has been one of navigating unimaginable challenges, uncovering profound lessons, and, slowly, rediscovering resilience and hope. The early days were the hardest. I wrestled with guilt that gnawed at me—why didn’t I see the signs? Could I have said something, done something, to change the outcome? Society’s stigma around suicide only deepened my isolation; people didn’t know what to say, so they said nothing at all. I felt adrift, caught between anger at James for leaving and a desperate longing to hear his laugh one more time. The weight of these emotions threatened to pull me under, and there were moments I wasn’t sure I’d make it through. But even in the darkest times, I began to find lessons that anchored me. One of the most powerful was the realization that I couldn’t carry the burden of “what ifs.” Through therapy and late-night conversations with my mom, I learned that James’s choice was his own, shaped by a pain I couldn’t fully understand. Letting go of that guilt didn’t erase the hurt, but it gave me permission to heal. I also discovered the strength in vulnerability. Opening up to friends about my loss—something I’d avoided out of fear—built connections I hadn’t expected. Their support reminded me I wasn’t alone, even when it felt that way. Resilience, I’ve learned, isn’t about bouncing back to who I was before. It’s about growing through the pain into someone new. I started volunteering with a local mental health organization, channeling my grief into advocacy. Sharing James’s story and hearing others’ experiences gave my loss a purpose—it became a way to break the silence that surrounds suicide. Hope crept in quietly, too. I found it in small victories: finishing a day without crying, laughing at a memory of James without guilt, or dreaming of a future where I could honor him by living fully. This journey has shaped my aspirations. I’m pursuing a degree in psychology, driven by a desire to understand the human mind and help others find their own paths through darkness. Losing James taught me that life is fragile, but it also showed me that even in tragedy, there’s room for growth. Resilience isn’t the absence of pain—it’s the courage to keep going despite it. Hope isn’t a denial of loss—it’s the belief that light can still shine through the cracks. As I move forward, I carry James with me, not as a weight, but as a reminder of the strength I’ve found within myself.
    Kelly O. Memorial Nursing Scholarship
    Caring Through Crisis: My Path to Nursing I’m a compassionate problem-solver, shaped by a childhood where care was both a necessity and a gift. Growing up, I was the eldest of three in a single-parent household, often helping my mom manage after she was diagnosed with diabetes. I learned early how to check her blood sugar, prepare meals, and stay calm when complications arose. Those moments—balancing worry with action—ignited a spark in me. I saw how care could transform fear into hope, and that’s why I’m drawn to a career in nursing. It’s a chance to turn empathy into a profession, to be there for people when they need it most. Nursing appeals to me because it’s where science meets humanity. I love the idea of using knowledge—like understanding a patient’s symptoms or medications—to ease suffering, while also offering a hand to hold. It’s not just a job; it’s a calling to make a tangible difference. I’ve always been fascinated by the resilience of the human spirit, something I witnessed volunteering at a local clinic, where I saw nurses comfort patients with quiet strength. That blend of skill and heart is what I want to bring to others. I plan to specialize in pediatric oncology nursing. Working with children facing cancer combines my love for kids with my drive to tackle tough challenges. I’ve been inspired by stories of young patients fighting with courage, and I want to support them and their families through treatment—helping them find moments of joy amid the struggle. This field demands expertise and emotional stamina, and I’m committed to mastering both. To prepare, I’ve taken deliberate steps. In high school, I excelled in biology and chemistry, laying a foundation for nursing’s technical demands. I shadowed nurses at a community hospital, observing everything from wound care to patient advocacy, which taught me the importance of adaptability. I’ve also worked as a caregiver for an elderly neighbor, honing my patience and communication skills—key for connecting with kids and parents alike. Beyond that, I’ve earned my CPR certification and joined a pre-nursing program, where I’m learning about anatomy and ethics. These experiences have confirmed my readiness and deepened my resolve. Nursing is my way to give back, to turn personal lessons into professional purpose. Specializing in pediatric oncology feels like the perfect fit—a chance to fight alongside brave kids and offer families a steady presence. I’m eager to keep learning, growing, and caring, one patient at a time, as I step into this journey.
    Robert F. Lawson Fund for Careers that Care
    Building a Better Tomorrow: My Journey and Vision I am a dreamer with a practical streak, shaped by a blend of challenges and opportunities that have fueled my desire to leave the world better than I found it. Growing up in a small town, I watched my parents work tirelessly—my father as a mechanic, my mother as a teacher—instilling in me a deep appreciation for hard work and the power of helping others. I’m a first-generation college student, driven by curiosity and a belief that one person’s efforts can ripple outward. Whether it’s tinkering with tech, volunteering at local shelters, or mentoring younger peers, I’ve always found joy in solving problems and lifting others up. These experiences have guided me toward a career in environmental engineering, where I hope to tackle one of the world’s most pressing issues: climate change. Through my career, I plan to make a positive impact by designing sustainable solutions that protect our planet and its people. I’ve seen firsthand how environmental issues—like polluted water or extreme weather—disproportionately harm vulnerable communities. In high school, I led a project to install rain barrels at our community center, reducing runoff and providing water for a garden that fed local families. That small success sparked my passion for engineering systems that balance human needs with nature’s limits. I envision a future where I develop affordable, clean-energy technologies—think solar-powered microgrids or water purification systems—that empower underserved regions to thrive sustainably. Education is my stepping stone. I’m pursuing a degree that blends technical skills with an understanding of global ecosystems, and I plan to intern with organizations innovating in renewable energy. After graduating, I aim to work with a firm that prioritizes green infrastructure, eventually launching my own initiative to bring eco-friendly solutions to rural and low-income areas. But it’s not just about the tech—I want to inspire others, especially young people from backgrounds like mine, to see themselves as change-makers. By mentoring students or speaking at community events, I hope to show that a career in STEM can be a tool for good, not just a paycheck. The world faces big problems, but I believe small, intentional actions add up. My career won’t solve climate change overnight, but it can create pockets of progress—cleaner air in one town, safer water in another. That’s the impact I’m chasing: a legacy of practical hope, built one project at a time, proving that determination and a little ingenuity can go a long way.
    Bryent Smothermon PTSD Awareness Scholarship
    Service-related PTSD has been both a heavy burden and an unexpected teacher in my life. As a veteran, I carried the weight of my experiences long after leaving the battlefield—memories of chaos, loss, and the constant hum of adrenaline that never quite faded. At first, I saw PTSD as a mark of weakness, a silent enemy I had to fight alone. But through my journey, I’ve learned profound lessons about myself and the world around me, lessons I now hope to share with other veterans struggling in similar silence. One of the most significant things I’ve learned about myself is resilience. PTSD taught me that strength isn’t the absence of pain but the courage to face it. Nightmares and triggers once controlled my days, but seeking help—through therapy, support groups, and even small acts like journaling—showed me I could reclaim my life. I discovered patience, too; healing isn’t linear, and some days are harder than others. This self-awareness has reshaped how I view vulnerability—not as a flaw, but as a universal human thread that connects us all. The world, I’ve learned, often misunderstands PTSD. Society expects veterans to “snap back” after service, but the reality is messier. Through my experiences, I’ve seen how stigma silences those who suffer, and how isolation can deepen the wounds. Yet, I’ve also witnessed the power of community—how a single conversation with someone who understands can light a path forward. These insights have fueled my desire to break the silence surrounding veteran mental health. I want to use my experience to help other veterans by becoming a peer support advocate. I’ve been where they are—trapped in hypervigilance, wrestling with guilt—and I know the difference it makes to hear, “You’re not alone.” By sharing my story, I hope to normalize seeking help and guide others toward resources like counseling or veteran networks. I envision leading support groups where veterans can find camaraderie, a space to process their trauma without judgment. My own struggles have taught me how to listen, to offer practical coping strategies, and to recognize when someone’s silently asking for help. Beyond that, I aim to advocate for better mental health education in veteran communities, emphasizing early intervention. Too many suffer quietly because they don’t know where to turn. My experience with PTSD has given me a purpose: to be a bridge between those who hurt and the tools that heal. Every veteran deserves to know their pain doesn’t define them—it’s a chapter, not the whole story. Through my journey, I’ve found meaning in turning my scars into a source of strength for others, and that’s the legacy I hope to build.
    ADHDAdvisor Scholarship for Health Students
    Over the past few years, I’ve actively worked to support others with their mental health, driven by a deep belief in the power of empathy and connection. As a volunteer at my local community center, I’ve facilitated peer support groups for teens struggling with anxiety and depression. I listen, share coping strategies—like mindfulness techniques I’ve learned—and create a safe space where they feel heard. One memorable moment was helping a shy participant open up about their stress; over weeks, I watched them gain confidence and even support others. At school, I’ve also been a go-to friend for classmates, offering a nonjudgmental ear during tough times, like when a friend faced family issues and just needed someone to sit with them through it. These experiences have fueled my passion for studying psychology. I want to understand the science behind mental health—how trauma affects the brain, why some coping mechanisms work better than others, and how to tailor support to individual needs. My goal is to become a licensed therapist, specializing in adolescent mental health. Teens often feel misunderstood, and I’ve seen firsthand how validation and practical tools can shift their perspective. In my future career, I plan to blend evidence-based therapy, like cognitive-behavioral techniques, with the warmth I’ve honed through volunteering. I’ll focus on empowering clients to navigate their emotions, whether they’re dealing with everyday stress or deeper struggles. Beyond one-on-one therapy, I hope to advocate for mental health education in schools, pushing for programs that teach emotional resilience early on. I’ve already started small by organizing a mental health awareness day at my school, with workshops and open discussions. With my studies, I’ll gain the expertise to scale this impact—maybe even develop community initiatives or online resources to reach those who can’t access traditional therapy. Every step I take in my education and career will be about building bridges between people and the emotional support they need, turning my personal commitment into a lifelong mission.
    Hans Boekweg Student Profile | Bold.org