Overcoming adversity is part of my DNA. And like Mr. Mark Anthony Green, I also believe in the transformative power of education. As easily as two puzzle pieces fit together, I believe that I was built to be a civil engineer. My earliest and most vivid memories were inspired by engineering, long before I ever knew what it was. History has certainly taught us that you cannot build something meant to last unless it has a strong foundation. Many people would think that my foundation has had its share of cracks. I was diagnosed with autism and ADHD at four years old. At the end of fourth grade, I read on a first-grade level. Many public-school teachers doubted me and many students bullied me. But where others saw deficiencies, my parents saw potential. They made financial sacrifices to homeschool me, even when others didn’t support their decision. A gift of Legos from my parents sparked my desire to learn more about construction and design. And as I embark upon my graduation from high school, those tiny little blocks still represent the opportunity to creatively and uniquely build worlds from my imagination. Like Mrs. LaTonya Green, my mother was the first in her immediate family to graduate from college. My mom was raised by a single mother, my grandma. I know I am truly blessed to have two living parents. With my determination and everything my parents have poured into me; I know that my mom will not be the last. My personal foundation is stronger than those early doubters may have realized. My faith, my family, and my education have all been critical components to my personal growth and my pursuit of this endeavor. I actively serve in my church and volunteer in my community. My dream is to become a civil engineer, with an intentional focus on sustainable and affordable solutions in the field of construction engineering. I believe that scholarship investment would not only benefit my life, but it would also positively impact my community and the world around me. I know that there are still many obstacles before me. Factually, not many civil engineers look like me. Black Americans are woefully underrepresented in engineering, and especially within civil engineering, with approximately 1.3% of civil engineers identifying as Black or African American. Often, Black communities across America are disproportionately impacted by poor infrastructure among their roadways, bridges, and tunnels. Without addressing the current and ongoing civil engineering needs throughout these communities, many Black Americans face negative economic mobility that perpetuates devastating cycles of racism and poverty. Because civil engineering touches all aspects of society, when it is improved, all of society can benefit from it. I believe that I share Mr. Green’s values of resilience, determination, and commitment to education. I would be so honored to proudly carry on his legacy. Only 2% of college students in the United States are estimated to have autism. I know that I can be successful as one of them. I see the opportunity to make a real difference by improving conditions for vulnerable individuals and families through my academic and career pursuits. I am currently a dual enrollment student at Central Alabama Community College (CACC). Upon my homeschool graduation from Ezekiel Academy (my local homeschool cover school) in May 2025, I intend to continue coursework at CACC before transferring to a four-year university and pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. If selected, I know that I would be intentional in my stewardship over the scholarship funds. I will be successful. I know that I was built for this.

As easily as two puzzle pieces fit together, I believe that I was made to be a civil engineer. How am I so certain? Even the rhythmic drumbeat of my heart signals that I was built for this. My earliest and most vivid memories were inspired by civil engineering, long before I ever knew what it was. Who could have known that a simple set of blocks given to me as a small child would change my life and spark my passion for this field? Society would not function without civil engineering and the vital role it plays in the world. Just as all of creation is connected, one of the most special things about the work of civil engineers is that it reaches into every corner of society. The impact of the critical contributions civil engineers provide reverberates throughout history, and history has certainly taught us that you cannot build something meant to last unless it has a strong foundation. Many people would think that my foundation has had its share of cracks. I was diagnosed with autism and ADHD when I was only four years old. Back then, my preschool teachers just thought I behaved a little differently than the other kids. I was afraid to try certain foods and touch certain textures. I hated loud noises and bright colors. I had a hard time sitting still and definitely preferred hands-on learning activities. Problem solving came easy where people solving proved difficult. But where others saw deficiencies, my parents saw potential. The blocks they presented to me opened my eyes to a world of possibilities. I began to design and construct to my heart’s content. A purpose I never knew I needed was born. By giving this gift to me, my parents would unlock what to others seemed previously impenetrable. That experience served as a catalyst for my desire to learn more about construction, design, and civil engineering. And as I embark upon my graduation from high school, these tiny little blocks still represent the opportunity to creatively and uniquely build worlds from my imagination. They are where my love for civil engineering began, after all. My personal foundation is much stronger than doubters may have realized. My faith, my family, and my education have all been critical components to my personal growth and my pursuit of this endeavor. I actively serve in many roles in my church, including as part of the outreach team supporting underserved people in our community. I have also enjoyed serving as a team leader on my Tri-County Homeschool Robotics Team, which has resulted in both individual and team awards received through my tenure. I have learned so much about the environment and nature because of classes I have taken and research I have completed through the Alabama Nature Center. I care deeply about our planet and the future of humanity. Paired with my love of construction and design through world-building, those classes have significantly inspired my desire to become an environmentally conscious civil engineer, with an intentional focus on sustainable and affordable solutions in the field of construction engineering. I have participated in Engineering Day events at local universities in my area over the last several years, and I can envision myself as a student pouring my heart and soul into this goal. I believe that scholarship investment would not only benefit my life, but it would also positively impact my community and the world around me. Challenges I have faced have only strengthened my resolve and further shaped my character. I have already beaten many odds and overcome many challenges throughout my academic journey. I know that there are still many obstacles before me. Factually, there are not many civil engineers that look like me. Black Americans are woefully underrepresented in engineering as a whole, and especially within civil engineering, with approximately 1.3% of civil engineers identifying as Black or African American. Often, Black communities across America are disproportionately impacted by poor infrastructure among their roadways, bridges, and tunnels. Without addressing the current and ongoing civil engineering needs throughout these communities, many Black Americans face negative economic mobility that perpetuates devastating cycles of racism and poverty. Because civil engineering touches all aspects of society, when it is improved, all of society can benefit from it. I want to be a part of this vital and exceptional community. Only 2% of college students in the United States are estimated to have autism. I know that I can be successful as one of them. It does not define me, but I am grateful for the perspective it has given me. I am determined to reach my goals, and I can see the opportunity to make a real difference in this country and the world by improving conditions for vulnerable individuals and families through my academic and career pursuits. I am currently a dual enrollment student at Central Alabama Community College (CACC). Upon my homeschool graduation from Ezekiel Academy (my local homeschool cover school) in May 2025, I intend to continue coursework at CACC before transferring to a four-year university and pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. If selected, I know that I would be intentional in my stewardship over the scholarship funds. I am truly grateful for the privilege and responsibility of this burning desire to pursue my dreams and make a difference in this world. The foundation has already been laid and my focused determination is clear as I continue to build my future. I know that I was built for this.

History has taught us that you cannot build something meant to last unless it has a strong foundation. Who knew that a simple set of blocks given to me as a small child could change my life and spark my passion for construction engineering? I was diagnosed with autism and ADHD when I was only four years old. Back then, my preschool teachers just thought I behaved a little differently than the other kids. I was afraid to try certain foods and touch certain textures. I hated loud noises and bright colors. I had a hard time sitting still and definitely preferred hands-on learning activities. Problem solving came easy where people solving proved difficult. But where others saw deficiencies, my parents saw potential. By giving this gift to me, they would unlock what to others seemed impenetrable. These tiny little blocks still represent the opportunity to creatively and uniquely build worlds from my imagination. My faith, my family, and my education have been critical components to my personal growth. I actively serve in many roles in my church, including as part of the outreach team supporting underserved people in our community. I have also enjoyed serving as a team leader on my Tri-County Robotics Team, which has resulted in both individual and team awards received through my tenure. I have learned so much about the environment and nature because of classes I have taken and research I have completed through the Alabama Nature Center. I care deeply about our planet and the future of humanity. Paired with my love of construction and design through world-building, those classes have significantly inspired my desire to become an environmentally conscious civil engineer, with an intentional focus on sustainable and affordable solutions in the field of construction engineering. I believe that scholarship investment would not only benefit my life, but it would also positively impact my community and the world around me. Black Americans are woefully underrepresented in engineering as a whole, and especially within civil engineering, with approximately 1.3% of civil engineers identifying as Black or African American. Further, Black communities across America are disproportionately impacted by poor infrastructure among their roadways, bridges, and tunnels. Without addressing the current and ongoing civil engineering needs throughout these communities, many Black Americans face negative economic mobility that perpetuates cycles of racism and poverty. Only 2% of college students in the United States are estimated to have autism, and I am a proud member of this community. I have already beaten many odds and overcome many challenges throughout my academic journey. I am determined to be successful in reaching my goals and I see the opportunity to make a real difference in this country and the world by improving conditions for vulnerable individuals and families through my academic and career pursuits. I am currently a dual enrollment student at Central Alabama Community College (CACC). Upon my homeschool graduation from Ezekiel Academy (my local homeschool cover school) in May 2025, I intend to continue coursework at CACC before transferring to a four-year university and pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. If selected, I know that I would be intentional in my stewardship over the scholarship funds. I would proudly honor the memory of Zedikiah Randolph and I would strive to impact the next generation of STEM leaders through my efforts. I am truly grateful for the privilege and responsibility of this burning desire to pursue my dreams and make a difference in this world. The foundation has already been laid and my focused determination is clear as I continue to build my future.

History has taught us that you cannot build something meant to last unless it has a strong foundation. Who knew that a simple set of blocks given to me as a small child could change my life and spark my passion for construction engineering? I was diagnosed with autism and ADHD when I was only four years old. Back then, my preschool teachers just thought I behaved a little differently than the other kids. I was afraid to try certain foods and touch certain textures. I hated loud noises and bright colors. I had a hard time sitting still and definitely preferred hands-on learning activities. Problem solving came easy where people solving proved difficult. But where others saw deficiencies, my parents saw potential. By giving this gift to me, they would unlock what to others seemed impenetrable. These tiny little blocks still represent the opportunity to creatively and uniquely build worlds from my imagination. I was not always embraced or supported in traditional school settings. Bullies often tried to tear me down. In 2016, my parents chose to homeschool me when people outside of my nuclear household did not really understand it. Even though my parents had to switch gears professionally and financially to make homeschooling possible, they still did it. They understood the need for laying the groundwork for my future. Brick by brick, I am so glad they made this choice. I have been given the opportunity to explore subjects of interest to me. I have been exposed to experiences I may not have had otherwise. I have received the support and encouragement to pursue my dreams and achieve what I believe my purpose in life is meant to be. As I prepare for graduation, I can carefully inspect and assess my development so far. And although I am still a work in progress, any challenges faced on this journey have given me the chance to be resilient and grow. I realize that now. My faith, my family, and my education have been critical components to this process. I actively serve in many roles in my church, including as part of the outreach team supporting vulnerable people in our community. I have also enjoyed serving as a team leader on my Tri-County Robotics Team, which has resulted in both individual and team awards received through my tenure. I have learned so much about the environment and nature because of classes I have taken and research I have completed through the Alabama Nature Center. I care deeply about our planet and the future of humanity. Paired with my love of construction and design through world-building, those classes have significantly inspired my desire to become an environmentally conscious civil engineer, with an intentional focus on sustainable and affordable solutions in the field of construction engineering. I believe that scholarship investment would not only benefit my life, but it would also positively impact my community and the world around me. I am currently a dual enrollment student at Central Alabama Community College (CACC). Upon my homeschool graduation from Ezekiel Academy (my local homeschool cover school) in May 2025, I intend to continue coursework at CACC before transferring to a four-year university and pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. If selected, I know that I would be intentional in my stewardship over the scholarship funds. I am truly grateful for the privilege and responsibility of this burning desire to pursue my dreams and make a difference in this world. The foundation has already been laid and my focused determination is clear as I continue to build my future.

History has taught us that you cannot build something meant to last unless it has a strong foundation. Who knew that a simple set of blocks given to me as a small child could change my life and spark my passion for construction engineering? I was diagnosed with autism and ADHD when I was only four years old. Back then, my preschool teachers just thought I behaved a little differently than the other kids. I was afraid to try certain foods and touch certain textures. I hated loud noises and bright colors. I had a hard time sitting still and definitely preferred hands-on learning activities. Problem solving came easy where people solving proved difficult. But where others saw deficiencies, my parents saw potential. By giving this gift to me, they would unlock what to others seemed impenetrable. These tiny little blocks still represent the opportunity to creatively and uniquely build worlds from my imagination. I was not always embraced or supported in traditional school settings. Bullies often tried to tear me down. In 2016, my parents chose to homeschool me when people outside of my nuclear household did not really understand it. Even though my parents had to switch gears professionally and financially to make homeschooling possible, they still did it. They understood the need for laying the groundwork for my future. Brick by brick, I am so glad they made this choice. I have been given the opportunity to explore subjects of interest to me. I have been exposed to experiences I may not have had otherwise. I have received the support and encouragement to pursue my dreams and achieve what I believe my purpose in life is meant to be. As I prepare for graduation, I can carefully inspect and assess my development so far. And although I am still a work in progress, any challenges faced on this journey have given me the chance to be resilient and grow. I realize that now. My faith, my family, and my education have been critical components to this process. I actively serve in many roles in my church, including as part of the outreach team supporting vulnerable people in our community. I have also enjoyed serving as a team leader on my Tri-County Robotics Team, which has resulted in both individual and team awards received through my tenure. I have learned so much about the environment and nature because of classes I have taken and research I have completed through the Alabama Nature Center. I care deeply about our planet and the future of humanity. Paired with my love of construction and design through world-building, those classes have significantly inspired my desire to become an environmentally conscious civil engineer, with an intentional focus on sustainable and affordable solutions in the field of construction engineering. I believe that scholarship investment would not only benefit my life, but it would also positively impact my community and the world around me. I am currently a dual enrollment student at Central Alabama Community College (CACC). Upon my homeschool graduation from Ezekiel Academy (my local homeschool cover school) in May 2025, I intend to continue coursework at CACC before transferring to a four-year university and pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. If selected, I know that I would be intentional in my stewardship over the scholarship funds. I am truly grateful for the privilege and responsibility of this burning desire to pursue my dreams and make a difference in this world. The foundation has already been laid and my focused determination is clear as I continue to build my future.

Stupid. Dumb. Ugly. Weird. Strange. Different. I only had two choices: I could choose to believe what bullies said about me, or I could choose to believe what God says about me in his word. Psalm 139:14 reminds me that I have been fearfully and wonderfully made. Joshua 1:9 reminds me to be courageous and remember that God is with me wherever I go. Isaiah 43:1 reminds me that God has called me by name and I belong to him. The words hurt but the choice for me continues to be clear. I choose to stand on the word of God each day. And because Jesus instructed us to love one another, and I am armed with the promises of God in my heart, I choose to apply these principles to my daily life. I approach each person I meet with kindness. I can spot them easily: the shy kid in my homeschool science class that could use a friend to make them feel more comfortable…the forgotten senior citizen in my neighborhood that could use a hug or help with a simple chore…the new face in the crowd at my church that needs to know that they are in the right place at the right time. That God has not forgotten them. That they are loved. God has used my experiences as a kid who was bullied to be a young man that loves to make new friends, and help others, and show myself friendly to people who may feel as lonely as I once did. I am grateful for the example of my parents, who choose to put Jesus first in the ways they serve the Lord and use their gifts in faithful service in our church and community. I have been inspired to put love in all that I do. I have shown love as a leader on my homeschool robotics team, to my teammates on my bowling and tennis teams, as a youth usher and community outreach member at my church, and even in my desire to become an environmentally conscious civil engineer, with an intentional focus on sustainable and affordable solutions in the field of construction engineering. I believe that scholarship investment would not only benefit my life, but it would also positively impact my community and the world around me. I am currently a dual enrollment student at Central Alabama Community College (CACC). Upon my homeschool graduation from Ezekiel Academy (my local homeschool cover school) in May 2025, I intend to continue coursework at CACC before transferring to a four-year university and pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. If selected, I know that I would be intentional in my stewardship over the scholarship funds. I am truly grateful for the privilege and responsibility of this burning desire to pursue my dreams and make a difference in this world. Jesus was rejected by many yet he loved, anyway. I will choose J.O.Y. and love. Now, and in the future, I will choose Jesus.

History has taught us that you cannot build something meant to last unless it has a strong foundation. Who knew that a simple set of blocks given to me as a small child could change my life and spark my passion for construction engineering? I was diagnosed with autism and ADHD when I was only four years old. Back then, my preschool teachers just thought I behaved a little differently than the other kids. I was afraid to try certain foods and touch certain textures. I hated loud noises and bright colors. I had a hard time sitting still and definitely preferred hands-on learning activities. Problem solving came easy where people solving proved difficult. But where others saw deficiencies, my parents saw potential. By giving this gift to me, they would unlock what to others seemed impenetrable. These tiny little blocks still represent the opportunity to creatively and uniquely build worlds from my imagination. I was not always embraced or supported in traditional school settings. Bullies often tried to tear me down. In 2016, my parents chose to homeschool me when people outside of my nuclear household did not really understand it. Even though my parents had to switch gears professionally and financially to make homeschooling possible, they still did it. They understood the need for laying the groundwork for my future. Brick by brick, I am so glad they made this choice. I have been given the opportunity to explore subjects of interest to me. I have been exposed to experiences I may not have had otherwise. I have received the support and encouragement to pursue my dreams and achieve what I believe my purpose in life is meant to be. As I prepare for graduation, I can carefully inspect and assess my development so far. And although I am still a work in progress, any challenges faced on this journey have given me the chance to be resilient and grow. I realize that now. My faith, my family, and my education have been critical components to this process. I actively serve in many roles in my church, including as part of the outreach team supporting vulnerable people in our community. I have also enjoyed serving as a team leader on my Tri-County Robotics Team, which has resulted in both individual and team awards received through my tenure. I have learned so much about the environment and nature because of classes I have taken and research I have completed through the Alabama Nature Center. I care deeply about our planet and the future of humanity. Paired with my love of construction and design through world-building, those classes have significantly inspired my desire to become an environmentally conscious civil engineer, with an intentional focus on sustainable and affordable solutions in the field of construction engineering. I believe that scholarship investment would not only benefit my life, but it would also positively impact my community and the world around me. I am currently a dual enrollment student at Central Alabama Community College (CACC). Upon my homeschool graduation from Ezekiel Academy (my local homeschool cover school) in May 2025, I intend to continue coursework at CACC before transferring to a four-year university and pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. If selected, I know that I would be intentional in my stewardship over the scholarship funds. I am truly grateful for the privilege and responsibility of this burning desire to pursue my dreams and make a difference in this world. The foundation has already been laid and my focused determination is clear as I continue to build my future.

Who knew that a simple building set given to me as a small child could change my life and ignite my passion for construction engineering? I was diagnosed with autism and ADHD when I was four. Back then, my preschool teachers just thought I behaved a little differently than the other kids. I was afraid to try certain foods and touch certain textures. I hated loud noises and bright colors. I had a hard time sitting still and definitely preferred hands-on activities. Problem solving came easy where people solving proved difficult. But where others saw deficiencies, my parents saw potential. By giving this gift to me, they would unlock what others seemed impenetrable. These tiny little blocks still represent the opportunity to creatively and uniquely build worlds from my imagination. I was not always embraced or supported in traditional school settings. I have attended private schools and public schools that were not a fit for me. At times I was also bullied by kids I tried to become friends with. Moving from school to school and never feeling understood in the classroom by my teachers or my peers was difficult for me. In 2016, my parents chose to homeschool me when other people were not so sure about it. My dad and mom did not feel like my needs were being met, and even though they had to switch gears professionally and financially to make homeschooling possible, they still did it. I am so glad they made this choice. I have been given the opportunity to deeply explore subjects of interest to me. I have been exposed to experiences I may not have had otherwise. I have received the support and encouragement to pursue my dreams and purpose. I now have friends who also know what it is like to feel different. Any challenges faced have given me the chance to be resilient and grow, and though I did not always realize that when I was younger, I realize that more now. Over the years, my parents have often looked at different ways to spark my curiosity. For example, I have enjoyed serving as a leader on my robotics team. We live in a beautiful state filled with natural wonders. Because of this, another educational experience I have participated in is through the homeschool science program offered through the Alabama Nature Center (Lanark). I have learned so much about the environment and nature because of the classes I have taken and research I have completed through projects there. I care deeply about our planet and the future of humanity. Paired with my love of construction and design through world-building, the classes I have taken at Lanark have significantly inspired my desire to become an environmentally conscious civil engineer, with an intentional focus on sustainable and affordable solutions in the field of construction engineering. I want to make Alabama better for people like me and everyone that calls this state home. Some people have seen my diagnosis as a negative thing, but I do not at all. More than anything, it is just me being who I was created to be. Everyone should be able to experience this freedom. I am grateful for my faith, which encourages me to “let my light so shine before men” and choose to believe that “all things are possible”, because these things are daily reminders for me to be myself and to continue this journey. After all, I know that I am never alone, no matter where I go and where life takes me.

Who knew that a simple building set given to me as a small child could change my life and spark my passion for construction engineering? I was diagnosed with autism and ADHD when I was four years old. Back then, my preschool teachers just thought I behaved a little differently than the other kids. I was afraid to try certain foods and touch certain textures. I hated loud noises and bright colors. I had a hard time sitting still and definitely preferred hands-on learning activities. Problem solving came easy where people solving proved difficult. But where others saw deficiencies, my parents saw potential. By giving this gift to me, they would unlock what others seemed impenetrable. And for me, these tiny little blocks still represent the opportunity to creatively and uniquely build worlds from my imagination. Previously, I was not always embraced or supported in traditional school settings. In 2016, my parents chose to homeschool me when other people did not really understand it. They did not feel like my needs were being met in a traditional school setting, and even though my parents had to switch gears professionally and financially to make homeschooling possible, they still did it. I am so glad they made this choice. I have been given the opportunity to explore subjects of interest to me. I have been exposed to experiences I may not have had otherwise. I have received the support and encouragement to pursue my dreams and achieve what I believe my purpose in life is meant to be. Any challenges faced have given me the chance to be resilient and grow, and though I did not always realize that when I was younger, I realize that now. Over the years, my parents have often looked at different ways to inspire my love of learning. For example, I have enjoyed serving as a leader on my Tri-County Robotics Team. Another avenue is through the homeschool science program offered through the Alabama Nature Center (Lanark). I have learned so much about the environment and nature because of the classes I have taken and research I have completed through projects there. I care deeply about our planet and the future of humanity. Paired with my love of construction and design through world-building, the classes taken at Lanark have significantly inspired my desire to become an environmentally conscious civil engineer, with an intentional focus on sustainable and affordable solutions in the field of construction engineering. I believe that investment from the Koehler Family would not only benefit my life, but it would also positively impact my community and the world around me. I am currently a dual enrollment student at Central Alabama Community College (CACC). Upon my homeschool graduation from Ezekiel Academy (my local homeschool cover school) in May 2025, I intend to continue coursework at CACC before transferring to a four-year university and pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. I am committed to working hard and helping others. I believe that I will reach my goals and I am willing to take the time and effort that it takes to do so. If selected, I know that I would be intentional in my stewardship over the scholarship funds. I recognize the opportunity in front of me to positively impact the world through my personal contributions, and I am truly grateful for the privilege and responsibility of this burning desire to pursue my dreams, the calling to make a difference, and the hope of being considered for this amazing opportunity.