My name is Jackson, and I’m a proud high school football player who’s learned that the sport is about far more than just touchdowns and tackles. It’s about grit, sacrifice, and building something bigger than yourself. Like William “Bill” Scotti, I’ve come to understand that sports—especially football—are powerful teachers of character. Football has shaped the person I am today. It’s taught me how to lead, how to lose with grace, and how to fight through adversity. I started playing in 3rd grade, and I’ll never forget how hard it was at first—sore muscles, long practices, and moments of self-doubt. But instead of giving up, I leaned in. That was my first real lesson: success doesn’t come without struggle. Every rep, every sprint, every dropped pass was a chance to grow. By my sophomore year, I earned a starting position on varsity. That came with responsibility—on and off the field. I had to show up early, stay late, and support my teammates through thick and thin. Football taught me how to be dependable. Whether I was holding teammates accountable in the weight room or staying after practice to help a younger player learn plays, I took pride in being someone others could count on. Discipline has been another cornerstone of my development. Between football, academics, and a part-time job to help my family, I’ve had to manage my time carefully. I’ve kept a GPA above 3.5 while working nights and weekends—because I know that real toughness isn’t just physical; it’s mental. It’s about showing up, doing what’s right, and never making excuses. That mindset has helped me through personal challenges, too, including my dad’s job loss and the stress it put on our household. Still, I kept pushing forward, because my team and my family needed me to. Being a football player has also taught me about teamwork and humility. I’ve learned to put the team’s goals ahead of my own, to trust others, and to accept constructive criticism. You can't win alone in football—or in life. The locker room is where I first learned that people from different backgrounds can come together and achieve something great if they commit to a shared purpose. I strive to be a role model to younger athletes. I volunteer at youth football camps in the summer, helping kids develop skills and confidence. I remind them that being a great player isn’t about stats—it’s about attitude, effort, and how you treat others. That’s something I live by every day. William “Bill” Scotti believed in toughness, selflessness, and doing things the right way. I try to embody those same values through the way I train, compete, and support those around me. Football didn’t just make me a better athlete—it made me a better son, student, and person. Thank you for considering my application and for honoring a man whose legacy continues to inspire young athletes like me.

My name is Jackson and I’m a member of Buckeye High School graduating class of 2026. From a young age, I’ve understood the importance of using my voice to stand up for others. Growing up in a digital world, I’ve seen firsthand how damaging cyberbullying can be—how invisible wounds often hurt the most. That’s why I’ve dedicated much of my time to creating safe spaces both online and offline, where kindness, respect, and empathy are valued above all. Now, as a senior and one of its student leaders, I mentor underclassmen and help mediate conflicts before they escalate. We have a group that educates younger students on internet safety, how to recognize digital threats, and how to report harmful behavior online. We visit local elementary and middle schools monthly to present workshops and host Q&A sessions with parents. Beyond school, I volunteer with a local grief counseling center that works with children who have lost family members, often due to sudden or traumatic events. Through this work, I’ve met families who’ve suffered unimaginable loss, some even due to suicide resulting from cyberbullying. These stories continue to fuel my drive to do more—not just raise awareness, but push for prevention and protection. Financially, my family has faced challenges that have shaped my perspective. My father was stuck working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and while he has since found work, we are still recovering. My mom works for herself being Self-employed she takes care of me and my sister providing most of the money. I’ve maintained a 3.8 GPA while working weekends at my gym Rise Fitness to save for college. I will be the first of my siblings to attend a four-year university, and this scholarship would significantly ease the financial burden we face. To prevent bullying—especially cyberbullying—I lead by example. I report inappropriate or harmful content on social media platforms, and I educate my peers on the importance of digital responsibility. I’ve helped create anonymous reporting systems within our school, so students feel safer coming forward. I believe awareness isn’t enough—we need action, and I’m proud to be a part of the solution. In the future, I plan to study Business which will include online and in person sales and social platforms. I want to continue my advocacy work on a larger scale, helping shape school policies and legislation that protect vulnerable students and promote digital wellness. The Matthew E. Minor Awareness Foundation’s mission deeply resonates with me. Like your foundation, I believe that awareness saves lives and that empowering youth with the right tools and support systems can prevent tragedy. Thank you for considering my application and for all you do to protect and support young people.

My Essay on The teacher who changed my life forever. Throughout high school, I’ve had many teachers who helped me grow, but none have impacted my life for instance my Spanish teacher, Señora Angie Duerup. She didn’t just teach me a language—she made me feel like I belonged. More than that, she made me feel like a son. She was dana amazing teacher with great personality and character. It really made me enjoy being there every day during the year. From the first day in her class, Señora Duerup created an atmosphere where every student felt included. No one was overlooked. She took time to learn about each of us, greeted us warmly every morning, and made sure our voices were heard. Even when I didn’t feel confident, she found ways to encourage me. Her classroom was more than a place to learn—it was a place where I felt seen, respected, and safe. What set her apart was how deeply she cared—not just about our grades, but about who we were as people. When I was going through a tough time, she noticed right away. She pulled me aside after class and said, “I’m here if you ever need anything.” It wasn’t just something she said—it was something she proved every day, through her patience, support, and consistent presence. There was something motherly in the way she looked out for me. Her encouragement never felt forced. She genuinely believed in me, and that belief gave me the courage to believe in myself. I always knew I could talk to her, and she would listen—not as a teacher judging a student, but as someone who cared deeply and personally. That level of trust is something I’ll never forget. In her class, I learned more than just Spanish vocabulary or grammar. I learned what it means to uplift others, to lead with kindness, and to create space for people to feel valued. Señora Duerup lived those lessons every day. Teachers like David Foster are remembered for changing lives by challenging norms and showing students what’s possible. Señora Duerup did that for me. Her care, her courage, and her ability to make every student feel like they mattered—those things shaped how I see the world, and how I want to show up in it. Because of her, I’m not just a better student—I’m a better person Thanks for considering my Application Sincerely, Jackson Schmidt