My name is Harry Stacey, and I’m a mixed-race international student currently pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Physics at Florida State University. I speak English, French, and a bit of Spanish, and I’ve had the honor of representing my country, Ghana, as an Olympic swimmer. Behind the medals and academic rigor lies a story of grit, sacrifice, and a defining moment that changed my whole perspective and way of life. When I was 14, my family moved back to England after living in France for a brief period. I had been swimming competitively for years, but my parents sat me down and gave me a choice: either take full ownership of my swimming career or let it go. They would no longer drive me to practice. It was a terrifying moment but I chose to own it. Two of my weekly practices were in a city an hour away, starting at 6 a.m. To get there, I had to wake up at 4 a.m., cycle to the train station in the dark, catch the first train out, then cycle again from the station to the pool. After two hours of training, I’d navigate rush hour to get home and begin my school day. Being homeschooled meant there were no excuses. I did this week after week, through rain, physical/mental exhaustion, and plenty of self-doubt. That period was one of the hardest challenges I’ve ever faced. It tested my discipline, my mental strength, and my commitment to a dream that hadn’t yet materialized. But it also taught me something invaluable: when you truly care about something, you’ll find a way. That decision to take ownership of my swimming was the turning point. Years later, I stood on the Olympic stage, knowing that every early morning and every lonely train ride had led me there. My journey hasn’t just been about sport or academics. It’s also shaped by my family and my identity. As a mixed-race individual, I’ve often navigated spaces where I felt like I didn’t fully belong. My younger sister has Down syndrome, and growing up with her taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of inclusion. She’s definitely one of my greatest inspirations, with her joy, resilience, and unconditional love reminding me daily why I strive to be someone who uplifts others. In engineering, I’m drawn to problem-solving and innovation, especially in areas that can improve lives. I’m passionate about sustainable energy and smart systems, and I hope to work on technologies that make communities more resilient and accessible. Doing a minor in physics helps my understanding of the world’s mechanics and makes me see the world differently, but it’s my lived experience that fuels my desire to create meaningful change. Volunteering and leadership have always been part of my rhythm. I’ve mentored younger swimmers, tutored peers in STEM, and spoken at youth events about perseverance and purpose. I want to show others, especially those who feel like outsiders, that strength comes from struggle, and that dreams are worth chasing even when the path is steep. Receiving the Anthony Belliamy Memorial Scholarship would be more than financial support; it would be a recognition of the journey I’ve taken and the values I live by: ambition, drive, and impact. I carry those values into every lane I swim, every equation I solve, and every person I mentor. I’m committed to honoring Anthony Belliamy’s legacy by continuing to rise above challenges and lead with integrity. Thank you for considering my application. Cheers, Harry Stacey OLY

Pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering at Florida State University while competing as an Olympian has taught me that excellence is not a destination: it’s a daily commitment. I am applying for this scholarship not only to support my academic journey, but to amplify the impact I can have on others through the combination of engineering, sport, and service to the community. My advantage lies in the rare combination of technical rigor and elite athletic discipline. As an Olympian, I’ve trained under immense pressure, learned to thrive in high-stakes environments, and cultivated a mindset of resilience and precision. These qualities directly translate to my engineering studies, where problem-solving, innovation, and perseverance are essential. Whether I’m analyzing circuit behavior or optimizing energy systems, I approach each challenge with the same intensity and focus that I bring to the pool. Electrical engineering is more than simply a career path: it’s a platform for change. I am particularly drawn to sustainable energy and smart infrastructure, areas where innovation can directly improve lives. My goal is to contribute to technologies that make communities more resilient and equitable, especially in underserved regions. With this scholarship, I can deepen my research, pursue internships, and collaborate with mentors at my university who share this vision. But achievement means little if it isn’t shared. I believe this scholarship would empower me to inspire others. Especially young athletes and students who feel torn between their passions and academic goals. Too often, people are told they must choose between sport and school, between creativity and discipline. I want to show that it’s possible to pursue both with excellence. I’ve already begun mentoring younger swimmers and tutoring peers in STEM subjects, and I plan to expand this outreach through campus initiatives and community programs. What sets me apart is not just what I’ve accomplished, but how I’ve grown through adversity. Balancing Olympic training with a demanding engineering curriculum has required sacrifice, time management, and emotional resilience. I’ve learned to adapt, lead, and to stay grounded in my values. These experiences have shaped me into someone who doesn’t just chase success but also tries to builds it for others. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease financial burdens, but also validate the belief that interdisciplinary excellence matters. It would allow me to continue pushing boundaries, both in the lab and in the pool, while uplifting others along the way. I am committed to using every opportunity to achieve great things. Not for recognition, but for impact. Thank you for considering my application. I am ready to represent the values of this scholarship with integrity, ambition, and a deep sense of purpose. Cheers, Harry Stacey OLY

My name is Harry Stacey, and I’m an undergraduate Electrical Engineering student at Florida State University. I’m also an Olympic swimmer representing Ghana internationally, and a former youth coach and mentor. My journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to service, a passion for engineering, and a steadfast faith in Christ that guides every step I take. Growing up in the UK and across six countries, I witnessed both the beauty and the challenges of life in underserved communities. I saw how unreliable infrastructure and limited access to energy could hold back entire neighborhoods. These experiences sparked my desire to pursue engineering,not just as a career, but as a calling. I chose Electrical Engineering because I want to help build sustainable, reliable systems that empower people and uplift communities. My long-term goal is to return to Ghana and contribute to energy and infrastructure development, creating solutions that reflect both technical excellence and compassion. Faith has always been my foundation. I was raised in a Christian home where service, humility, and perseverance were core values. Today, I remain actively involved in my local church (DCC) in Tallahassee, where I attend weekly services, volunteer with youth outreach, and participate in Bible study groups with other student-athletes. My faith is not just a part of my life, it’s the lens through which I view my purpose. As I move forward in my academic and professional journey, I plan to stay rooted in Christ by continuing to serve, worship, and grow in fellowship. I believe that engineering, when guided by faith, becomes a powerful tool for healing and hope. Balancing full-time studies with elite athletic training is demanding, and as an international student, I face significant financial challenges. I’m ineligible for federal aid and athletic scholarships, and I rely on personal savings and limited support to fund my education. Receiving the Luis Escobar III Foundation Scholarship would be a tremendous blessing. It would ease the financial burden, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and training, and continue pursuing my dream of using engineering to serve others in Christ’s name. I am deeply inspired by the mission of this scholarship: to support Christian students who are passionate about engineering and giving back. That mission reflects my own life’s purpose. I don’t just want to build systems; I want to build futures. I want to be a light in the engineering world, showing that faith and innovation can go hand in hand. With your support, I will continue to grow as a student, a servant, and a follower of Christ. Thank you for considering my application. I am honored to be part of a community that believes in the power of faith-driven purpose. Many Thanks, Harry Stacey OLY