Belonging to the fire service means becoming part of a family that strives for a greater good. When I joined the Corinth Holders Fire Department as a Junior Firefighter in 2022, I learned that the fire service is far more than a profession. It is a calling. It is the commitment to show up on someone’s worst day of their life and be the steady, trained presence who makes that day better. I graduated high school with my diploma, EMT certification a handful of firefighting credentials. Though I had been accepted to The Citadel Military College of South Carolina, I made the intentional decision to take a gap year. I wanted real‑world experience, not just academic preparation. During that year, I worked part‑time as both an EMT and a probationary firefighter—immersing myself in the reality of what service truly looks like. I fought rural brush fires where conditions shifted by the minute and responded to structure fires that required calm coordination under pressure. On the ambulance, I made life‑saving decisions alongside seasoned paramedics, including resuscitating a toddler on my very first call as an EMT. That moment—kneeling on the floor of a living room, performing CPR on a child turning cyanotic—defined what it means to belong to the fire service. It means stepping directly into chaos, relying on your training, and giving families hope when seconds matter. I am now a freshman at The Citadel and a member of the First Responders Club, where I continue earning education credits and refining my skills. I am now a freshman at The Citadel where I am majoring in Intelligence/Homeland Security. I have joined the First Responders Club where I am earning continuing education credits. Much like the fire service, The Citadel embraces a culture of brotherhood, discipline, and commitment to something larger than oneself. Both institutions demand grit, teamwork, and character. Both require you to push past your limits so you can be ready for the moment someone else needs you most. Upon graduation, I plan to either commission as a military officer and pursue combat rescue (the special ops motto "the things we do so that others may live" is a guiding principle) or continue working as a first responder in a leadership role. Regardless of the path, my foundation remains the same: courage, discipline, and service to others. To succeed in the fire service is not merely to respond to emergencies—it is to embody integrity, remain a lifelong student of the job, and uphold the selfless commitment to protect others.

I was diagnosed with dyslexia in first grade. It is often labeled a learning “disability,” a term I have always found ironic, because I love to learn. As a child, however, my teachers interpreted my struggles as an inability rather than a difference. I was pulled out of class for academic help, separated from my peers, and made to feel deficient. At an early age, this fractured my self-esteem and caused me to associate school with failure instead of growth. Everything began to change in third grade when my parents enrolled me in martial arts. For the first time, I was evaluated not by reading speed or test performance, but by effort, discipline, and perseverance. Sports taught me that success is earned through hard work, focus and determination. Over time, my confidence grew, and by age fourteen I earned my black belt in American Kenpo karate. The shy child with low self-worth was replaced by someone bold, focused, and resilient. That confidence I learned through sports carried into every area of my life. I continue to train in mixed martial arts, and I have competed in—and won—multiple amateur kickboxing tournaments. I have completed three Spartan races and consistently push myself physically through strength training. My victories in sports reinforced an important truth: dyslexia never prevented me from succeeding—it simply required me to approach challenges differently. In January 2022, I began volunteering at the Corinth Holders Fire Department as a Junior Firefighter. I quickly discovered a passion for service and realized I could use my athleticism to help others during their most vulnerable moments. Through dual enrollment at my community college, I graduated high school with my diploma, EMT certification, and multiple firefighting certifications. I advanced from Junior Firefighter to Recruit and then to Probationary Firefighter, proving my capabilities through action rather than test scores. During my junior year, I was selected to serve as a Governor’s Page through the North Carolina Office of the Governor and was chosen through a competitive process to attend the Tar Heels Boys State Program. These leadership experiences deepened my understanding of public service and reinforced my desire to work in roles that protect and support others. I am currently a freshman at The Citadel Military College of South Carolina where I am majoring in Intelligence and continue to be challenged physically. I have joined the boxing club as well as the First Responders club. My long-term goal is to serve in combat rescue within the military, providing lifesaving care in the most extreme conditions. My trajectory of success and overcoming obstacles demonstrates the psychological and physical benefits of sports. Although I still read inefficiently, sports has taught me the value of focus, perseverance and hard work. I hope to inspire others with dyslexia, neurodivergency or a learning disability by demonstrating that people are more than a test score or label and would encourage them to find a sport as an outlet.

Few other careers are more important than being a first responder -- a calling that literally comes down to life-or-death decisions. My career goal is emergency medicine and rescue because I want to help people during their most vulnerable moments. I graduated high school (May 2025) with a diploma, EMT certification and a handful of firefighting certifications. I am currently enrolled at The Citadel Military College of South Carolina (in Charleston, SC) but before I matriculated, I took a gap year working as an EMT and probationary firefighter. My one-year deferment allowed me to give back to my community. I have been able to save lives on the ambulance (I will *never* forget my first call as an EMT when I was able to resuscitate a baby already showing signs of cyanosis) and also fight brush fires in rural North Carolina as well as structure fires in more developed areas. I have been able to respond to vehicular accidents and comfort those in need. These experiences have been intoxicating and reaffirmed my passion for emergency medicine and rescue. My goal is to apply my passion for saving lives combined with my EMT/firefighting training and serve in the military doing advanced combat rescue to serve my nation. The special opps motto "the things we do so that others may live" summarizes the ultimate sacrifice people are willing to make to help those that need it most. I am majoring in Intelligence/Homeland Security at The Citadel and have joined The First Responders Club. Upon graduation, I could commission into the military as an Officer where I would continue training in special ops for combat rescue. There is nothing more noble than the special ops motto of "the things we do so others may live.” If I change my mind, I could choose a civilian career path and continue working as a firefighter or EMT (or paramedic) in a leadership capacity. The tuition at The Citadel is roughly $65,000/year and I will need scholarships to continue attending (because I have dyslexia, a reading disability, I will not qualify for a ROTC scholarship through the military). I hope to be considered for this award so that I may pursue my passion at college, getting hands-on experience as a first responder, while making my community a safer place. I was selected last year as a finalist and hope to be considered this year as a monetary award will help tremendously with books and supplies. Thank you for your consideration.

Few other careers are more important than being a first responder -- a calling that literally comes down to life-or-death decisions. My career goal is emergency medicine and rescue because I want to help people during their most vulnerable moments. I graduated high school (May 2025) with a diploma, EMT certification and a handful of firefighting certifications. Rather than going to college immediately, I took a gap year so I could work part-time as an EMT and part-time as a firefighter. During this past year, I have been able to save lives on the ambulance (I will *never* forget my first call as an EMT when I was able to resuscitate a baby already showing signs of cyanosis) and also fight brush fires in rural North Carolina as well as structure fires in more developed areas. These experiences have been intoxicating and reaffirmed my passion for being a first responder. My goal is to apply my passion for saving lives combined with my EMT/firefighting training and serve in the military doing advanced combat rescue. I will be starting classes at The Citadel August 2026. The Citadel has an EMT/Fire program and upon graduation, I could commission into the military as an Officer where I would continue training in special ops for combat rescue. There is nothing more noble than the special ops motto of "the things we do so others may live.” Or I could choose a civilian career path and continue working as a firefighter or EMT (or paramedic) in a leadership capacity. I am already on a clear career path and wish to take my education to the next level to better serve my community.

Few other careers are more selfless than being a first responder -- a calling that literally comes down to life-or-death decisions. My career goal is emergency medicine and rescue because I want to help people during their most vulnerable moments. I recently graduated high school (May 2025) with a diploma, EMT certification and a handful of firefighting certifications. I will be starting college at The Citadel (Charleson, SC) on July 6th where I plan to take coursework in leadership and emergency management. Although I was able to start classes at The Citadel in August 2025, I deferred my admission by a year so I can continue earning firefighting certifications at my community college and gain hands-on experience as a first responder. My one-year deferment has allowed me to work part-time as an EMT and part-time as a probationary firefighter. I have been able to save lives on the ambulance (I will *never* forget my first call as an EMT when I was able to resuscitate a baby already showing signs of cyanosis) and also fight brush fires in rural North Carolina as well as structure fires in more developed areas. Although dangerous, these experiences have been intoxicating and reaffirmed my passion for being a first responder. My goal is to apply my passion for saving lives combined with my EMT/firefighting training and serve in the military doing advanced combat rescue. Specifically, I hope to join the United States Air Force Pararescue (PJs), an elite Special Ops unit committed to combat search and rescue, and emergency medical treatment in hostile or remote environments. Their motto, which embodies selflessness is "These things we do, that others may live." The tuition at The Citadel is roughly $65,000/year. Without scholarships, I will not be able to attend (I already deferred my admission by a year to allow me to save up money). I will not qualify for a ROTC scholarship as it requires an SAT score that is unattainable for me as a person with dyslexia. (Dyslexia is a reading inefficiency, which makes standardized tests very challenging as I don't have a standardized brain!) Despite my challenges with reading and test-taking, I am already on a clear career path and wish to take my education to the next level to better serve my community. I hope to be considered for this award, which will help tremendously with books and supplies. Thank you for your consideration.

I was born and raised in the Greek Orthodox Christian faith, and from a young age learned that faith is not just something you believe—it is something you live. My childhood was steeped in church and community: serving as an altar boy, participating in the Hellenic Dance ministry, and attending Sunday school. Those experiences taught me reverence, discipline, and humility, but most of all, they taught me that a life devoted to Christ is a life devoted to service. My faith formed a simple compass I still carry: honor God by striving for excellence, and serve others—especially when they are most vulnerable. I began volunteering at Corinth Holders Fire Department in January 2022 as a Junior Firefighter. There is something profoundly meaningful about running toward danger when others are running away. Through dual enrollment at Johnston Community College, I pursued fire technology and EMT coursework, earning certifications alongside my high school diploma. I graduated high school in May 2025 with a 3.2 GPA, EMT certification, and firefighting credentials. I'm currently working on finishing my firefighting certification during my gap year while working part‑time as an EMT and part‑time as a firefighter to save some money for college. I see people during their darkest hour and during these times, I pray for courage and fortitude. My calling to serve also extends beyond emergency response. I was honored to serve as a Governor’s Page through the North Carolina Office of the Governor, gaining firsthand insight into civics and leadership. I was selected by the American Legion to attend Tar Heel Boys State, an experience that reinforced my conviction that real leadership is servant leadership—acting with integrity, listening first, and putting the needs of the community ahead of ego. My academic journey has included challenges. I have dyslexia, a reading disability, and standardized tests like the SAT and ACT are very difficult for me. Because of this, I won’t qualify for a ROTC scholarship at The Citadel, a senior military college. But dyslexia has made me a creative problem‑solver and a determined worker who refuses to quit when tasks become difficult. Psalm 139:14 states we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” I believe God does not make mistakes; our strengths and struggles are given so we can contribute to the world in distinctive ways. My learning difference pushed me to find strategies that work for me, to ask for help when needed, and to keep going when the path is steep. Those habits are the foundation of resilience—essential in public safety and military service. This summer, I plan to begin my studies at The Citadel to deepen my training in leadership and emergency management in preparation for military service. My ultimate career goal is combat rescue. Greek Orthodoxy has taught me that courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s the choice to confront it for a greater good. I intend to serve where every second matters—where calm in chaos, integrity under pressure, and unwavering compassion can mean the difference between life and death. My faith will guide me through the rigors ahead, keeping me grounded in purpose, disciplined in my habits, and focused on the people I am called to serve. While I may not qualify for certain scholarships tied to test scores, support would help relieve the financial burden of attending The Citadel and enable me to pursue the path I believe God has set before me. My faith has shaped not only what I want to do but who I strive to become: a servant leader who runs toward need, works with excellence, and honors God through a life dedicated to others.

I was born and raised in the Orthodox Christian faith, and from a young age I understood that faith is not simply something you believe — it is something you live. I attended Christian schools, participated in Sunday school, and served as an altar boy in church. Through these experiences, I learned that a life devoted to Christ is a life devoted to service. My faith has instilled in me a deep desire to serve others, particularly in moments when they are most vulnerable. As a Christian, I believe that we are created in God’s image. Because of this, I believe we are called to reject mediocrity and instead strive for excellence in all we do. Honoring God means working each day to become the best version of ourselves and using our gifts to improve the world around us. For me, that calling has taken shape through discipline, leadership, and public service. Service has always been central to my faith, and that calling became tangible when I began volunteering with the Corinth Holders Fire Department in January 2022 as a Junior Firefighter. There is something profoundly meaningful about running toward danger when others are running away. Through dual enrollment at Johnston Community College, I began taking fire technology and EMT courses, earning certifications alongside my high school diploma. My commitment to public service extends beyond emergency response. I was honored to serve as a Governor’s Page through the North Carolina Office of the Governor, where I gained insight into civics, leadership, and state government. Additionally, I was selected by the American Legion to attend Tar Heel Boys State, an experience that reinforced my dedication to servant leadership and civic responsibility. These opportunities strengthened my conviction that leadership is ultimately about serving others with integrity. I graduated high school in May 2025 with a diploma, EMT certification, and firefighting credentials, maintaining a 3.2 GPA while balancing rigorous physical and academic training. This year, I have continued my education at Johnston Community College in order to finish my firefighting certification. This summer, I plan to begin my studies at The Citadel, a senior military college, where I will pursue leadership and emergency management training in preparation for military service. My academic accomplishments to date have not been without challenges. I have dyslexia, a reading disability. While my dyslexia has made standardized tests like the SAT and ACT particularly challenging, it has never defined my potential. Because of my dyslexia, I will not qualify for a ROTC scholarship to attend The Citadel (because I do not have a standardized brain, I do not perform well on standardized tests). Having a scholarship will help relive the financial burden of The Citadel's $60,000/year tuition. Though I may not qualify for certain scholarships that rely solely on test scores, my experiences reflect perseverance, growth, and commitment. My learning difference has shaped me into a creative problem-solver and a determined worker who refuses to quit when tasks become difficult. Psalm 139:14 reminds us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Despite having a so-called "disability," I believe God does not make mistakes. Each of us is given unique strengths and challenges so that we may contribute to the world in distinctive ways. My Christian faith has taught me that service is not optional — it is a calling. Through emergency response, military service, and leadership, I hope to live out that calling faithfully. My faith has shaped not only what I want to do, but who I strive to become: a servant leader who runs toward need, works with excellence, and honors God through a life dedicated to others. I hope to be considered for this scholarship to make my dreams financially attainable. Thank you for your consideration.

In a world increasingly driven by technology, real human connection can feel fake —limited to brief interactions on social media. After high school graduation, I began taking classes at my local community college to become a certified firefighter and plan to attend The Citadel this summer to work on my four-year degree. During this so-called gap year, I have worked part-time as an EMT and part-time as a probationary firefighter. These work experiences have taught me that human connection is not disappearing. It is only being tested. Keeping human connection requires being physically present during a person's most vulnerable moments—often when technology alone is not enough. Being a first responder exemplifies human connection. As an EMT and firefighter, I encounter people on the worst days of their lives. In these moments, advanced medical and rescue equipment play an essential role, but the most powerful tool I bring to a call is human connection. When someone is sick, injured, frightened, or grieving, technology cannot replace the reassurance of a steady voice, eye contact, or a calm hand on a shoulder. I have seen fear soften when patients realize they are not alone—that another human being is fully present with them, committed to their safety and dignity. One of the most power tools we carry on the firetruck is a bag filled with stuffed teddy bears, which provide comfort to kids who just experienced a car crash or a house fire. Technology often promises convenience, but convenience can distance us from responsibility. This helps explain why cyber bullying is so prevalent. Being a first responder, by contrast, requires face-to-face interaction. It requires stepping into uncertainty and chaos to serve others directly. Real human connection is public service. Technology definitely helps (without a call center, we wouldn't know where to go, for example) but it should definitely not replace human interaction or compassion. This belief has shaped my decision to attend The Citadel, a senior military college. The Citadel’s emphasis on leadership, discipline, and public service aligns with my career goals. My first year at this school will be a lot like boot camp in the military. In an environment that values structure and military tradition, I will be challenged to grow. These challenges will form bonds with my classmates and are the kind of connections that endure—connections that cannot be replicated by technology. My long-term career goal will be rooted in saving lives. Either in the military doing combat rescue...or in a leadership position within the fire department. Saving lives is not only about technical skill or physical endurance; it is about the unbreakable bond between those who risk their lives for one another. In environments where technology is advanced and stakes are high, the human connection between team members and those they rescue becomes even more vital. Trust, courage, and empathy are not programmable—they are made through shared values and lived experience. To reimagine authentic human connection in a technological world, we must prioritize service-oriented leadership. This means choosing roles that place us in direct relationship with others, especially during moments of crisis. It means using technology as a tool for coordination and effectiveness, while never allowing it to replace accountability or compassion. Most importantly, it means recognizing that presence—showing up when it matters most—is the foundation of meaningful connection. My gap year has affirmed my commitment to saving lives and serving others during their most vulnerable moments. As I move forward to The Citadel, I carry with me the understanding that human connection is not lost in the modern world—it is waiting to be strengthened by those willing to serve with integrity, courage, and humanity. I hope to be considered for this scholarship to help me pay for my educational goals. Thank you for your consideration.

I am the grandson of a Vietnam combat veteran. My grandfather, whom I call Papou—Greek for “grandpa”—came to the United States from Greece when he was sixteen years old. Two years later, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. After serving in Vietnam, he was awarded a Bronze Star for marksmanship. Papou rarely speaks about the war, but his service has always been present in my life, shaping who I am long before I understood what sacrifice truly meant. Papou and I are thick as thieves. Though he has never shared stories from Vietnam, the military found its way into our relationship through moments both subtle and unforgettable. One year, I had a Nerf gun birthday party. Before any game could begin, Papou insisted on “proper preparation.” He camouflaged all ten boys’ faces using ashes from the fire pit mixed with dirt from the garden. He tucked branches and leaves into our baseball caps and taught us a marching cadence before we charged into battle. When the first Nerf dart flew, Papou turned on Creedence Clearwater Revival and watched from the porch, smiling. It was one of the best birthdays of my life—and my friends still talk about it years later. As I grew older, our time together became quieter but more meaningful. We camped, built fires, and talked under open skies. Papou taught me how to survive with little more than patience and preparation. It was during those trips that I first told him I wanted to serve in the military, just like he had. The next day, he took me to a recruiter. Except that I was only 12 years old! The recruiter handed me brochures and told me to come back in six years. I remember the pride in Papou’s eyes on the drive home. Now I am eighteen, and that future no longer feels distant. I have been accepted to The Citadel —a senior military college where I could commission as an officer after graduation. My goal is combat rescue. I want to be the one running toward danger, providing lifesaving care when others are at their most vulnerable. I graduated high school May 2025 with my diploma, EMT certification and some firefighting certifications. I decided to take a gap year before starting The Citadel Summer 2026 and have used this time to work part-time as an EMT and part-time as a firefighter, gaining experience in emergency medicine and rescue. Like Papou, however, my path has not been easy. We both have dyslexia, a hereditary reading inefficiency that makes standardized testing especially difficult. Because ROTC scholarships require SAT or ACT scores I am unlikely to achieve, financial barriers now stand between me and these opportunities (another reason I took a gap year: it allowed me to save up money). Yet I have learned from my grandfather that worth is not measured by a test score. Dyslexia did not prevent him from serving his adopted country with honor, and it will not prevent me from serving mine. Papou may never tell me what happened in Vietnam, but he has taught me everything I need to know about service: preparation matters, perseverance matters, and courage often speaks quietly. From a camouflaged backyard battlefield to my aspiration to serve in combat rescue, his legacy lives on through me. This scholarship would help me take the next step—not only toward my education, but toward honoring the man who taught me what it truly means to serve. I hope to be considered for this opportunity. Thank you!

I was diagnosed with dyslexia in first grade. It is often labeled a learning “disability,” a term I have always found ironic, because I love to learn. As a child, however, my teachers interpreted my struggles as inability rather than difference. I was pulled out of class for academic help, separated from my peers, and made to feel deficient. At an early age, this fractured my self-esteem and caused me to associate school with failure instead of growth. Everything began to change in third grade when my parents enrolled me in martial arts. For the first time, I was evaluated not by reading speed or test performance, but by effort, discipline, and perseverance. Martial arts taught me that success is earned through patience and determination, not comparison. Over time, my confidence grew, and by age fourteen I earned my black belt in American Kenpo karate. The shy child with low self-worth was replaced by someone bold, focused, and resilient. That confidence carried into every area of my life. I continue to train in mixed martial arts, including kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and boxing, and I have competed in—and won—multiple amateur kickboxing tournaments. I have completed three Spartan races and consistently push myself physically through strength training. These experiences reinforced an important truth: dyslexia never prevented me from succeeding—it simply required me to approach challenges differently. In January 2022, I began volunteering at the Corinth Holders Fire Department as a Junior Firefighter. I quickly discovered a passion for service and realized I could use my strength, discipline, and calm under pressure to help others during their most vulnerable moments. Through dual enrollment at my community college, I graduated high school with my diploma, EMT certification, and multiple firefighting certifications. I advanced from Junior Firefighter to Recruit and then to Probationary Firefighter, proving my capabilities through action rather than test scores. During my junior year, I was selected to serve as a Governor’s Page through the North Carolina Office of the Governor and was chosen through a competitive process to attend the Tar Heels Boys State Program. These leadership experiences deepened my understanding of public service and reinforced my desire to work in roles that protect and support others. Despite my accomplishments, my dyslexia continues to be highlighted through standardized testing. Exams such as the SAT and ASVAB fail to account for neurodiverse minds and instead reduce potential to a number. My scores fall into the lowest categories, which has closed doors such as ROTC scholarships—opportunities I am otherwise fully capable of succeeding in. These systemic barriers disproportionately affect neurodivergent students and those from underserved backgrounds who lack access to alternative pathways. I have been accepted to The Citadel, where I plan to major in International Relations or Homeland Security. I am currently taking a gap year to work as an EMT and firefighter, gaining real-world experience serving underserved communities during emergencies, medical crises, and natural disasters. My long-term goal is to serve in combat rescue within the military, providing lifesaving care in the most extreme conditions. I want to be the person others can rely on when circumstances are chaotic and hope feels scarce. As a Christian, I believe I was made in God’s image, and I refuse to let a label define my worth or limit my purpose. Dyslexia has shaped me into a resilient, adaptable leader with deep empathy for those overlooked by rigid systems. Through my education and service, I aim to advocate for neurodivergent individuals and underserved communities by demonstrating that ability is not determined by standardized measures, but by character, commitment, and compassion.

Few other careers are more important than being a first responder -- a calling that literally comes down to life-or-death decisions. My career goal is emergency medicine and rescue because I want to help people in my community during their most vulnerable moments. I recently graduated high school (May 2025) with a diploma, EMT certification and a handful of firefighting certifications. I currently take firefighting classes at Johnston Community College. I have been accepted to The Citadel (Charleson, SC) where I plan to take coursework in leadership and emergency management this July. (Although I was able to start classes at The Citadel in August 2025, I deferred my admission by a year so I can continue earning firefighting certifications at my community college and gain hands-on experience as a first responder in my district.) My one-year deferment has allowed me to work part-time as an EMT and part-time as a probationary firefighter. I have been able to save lives on the ambulance (I will *never* forget my first call as an EMT when I was able to resuscitate a baby already showing signs of cyanosis) and also fight brush fires in rural North Carolina as well as structure fires in more developed areas. These experiences have been intoxicating and reaffirmed my passion for being a first responder. My goal is to apply my passion for saving lives combined with my EMT/firefighting training and serve in the military doing advanced combat rescue. I will be starting classes at The Citadel July 2026. The Citadel has an EMT/Fire program and upon graduation, I could commission into the military as an Officer where I would continue training in special ops for combat rescue. There is nothing more noble than the special ops motto of "the things we do so others may live.” Or I could choose a civilian career path and continue working as a firefighter or EMT (or paramedic) in a leadership capacity. The tuition at The Citadel is roughly $65,000/year. Without scholarships, I will not be able to attend (I already deferred my admission by a year to allow me to save up money). I will not qualify for a ROTC scholarship as it requires an SAT score that is unattainable for me as a person with dyslexia. (Dyslexia is a reading inefficiency, which makes standardized tests very challenging as I don't have a standardized brain!) Despite my challenges with reading and test-taking, I am already on a clear career path and wish to take my education to the next level to better serve my community. I hope to be considered for this award so that I may pursue my passion at college, getting hands-on experience as a first responder, while making my community a safer place. Thank you for your consideration.

Few other careers are more important than being a first responder -- a calling that literally comes down to life-or-death decisions. My career goal is emergency medicine and rescue because I want to help people during their most vulnerable moments. I recently graduated high school (May 2025) with a diploma, EMT certification and a handful of firefighting certifications. I have been accepted to The Citadel (Charleson, SC) where I plan to take coursework in leadership and emergency management. Although I was able to start classes at The Citadel in August 2025, I deferred my admission by a year so I can continue earning firefighting certifications at my community college and gain hands-on experience as a first responder. My one-year deferment has allowed me to work part-time as an EMT and part-time as a probationary firefighter. I have been able to save lives on the ambulance (I will *never* forget my first call as an EMT when I was able to resuscitate a baby already showing signs of cyanosis) and also fight brush fires in rural North Carolina as well as structure fires in more developed areas. These experiences have been intoxicating and reaffirmed my passion for being a first responder. My goal is to apply my passion for saving lives combined with my EMT/firefighting training and serve in the military doing advanced combat rescue. I will be starting classes at The Citadel July 2026. The Citadel has an EMT/Fire program and upon graduation, I could commission into the military as an Officer where I would continue training in special ops for combat rescue. There is nothing more noble than the special ops motto of "the things we do so others may live.” Or I could choose a civilian career path and continue working as a firefighter or EMT (or paramedic) in a leadership capacity. The tuition at The Citadel is roughly $65,000/year. Without scholarships, I will not be able to attend (I already deferred my admission by a year to allow me to save up money). I will not qualify for a ROTC scholarship as it requires an SAT score that is unattainable for me as a person with dyslexia. (Dyslexia is a reading inefficiency, which makes standardized tests very challenging as I don't have a standardized brain!) Despite my challenges with reading and test-taking, I am already on a clear career path and wish to take my education to the next level to better serve my community. I hope to be considered for this award so that I may pursue my passion at college, getting hands-on experience as a first responder, while making my community a safer place. I was selected last year as a finalist and hope to be considered this year as a monetary award will help tremendously with books and supplies. Thank you for your consideration.

My family has always valued public service and giving back to the community. As the grandson of a Viet Nam combat veteran, I know I have a civic duty to fulfill. And as a Christian, I believe we are made in God's image and must therefore not settle for mediocrity. It is important to work hard each day to be the best version of ourselves and improve the world in which we live to honor God. Sports gave me that outlet for self-improvement and hard work. I started school as a clumsy kid with dyslexia and a frazzled attention span. During elementary school, I grappled with self- esteem and struggled to read at grade level, getting pulled out of classes for extra help. This destroyed my confidence. My love for learning combined with my reading inefficiency made my early school experience frustrating. But when I was in third grade, my parents enrolled me in martial arts, which was a game changer. I learned about focus, leadership, and hard work. Martial arts training taught me critical life skills and gave me the confidence to work hard to ensure that I am able to succeed — even if its difficult. Especially if its difficult! I excelled in martial arts and with my advancement through the belt levels came increased confidence, better grades and improved reading ability. I earned my black belt in American Kenpo karate at the age of 14 and continue to practice kickboxing, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I’ve competed in (and won!) several amateur fights. I applied my martial arts skills to my academics and accepted my learning differences as a personal challenge to prove to everyone that I am able to succeed at whatever I commit to. I used online learning platforms to supplement my learning and often times, knew more subject content than my classmates. Teachers would call on me often for classroom discussion. I earned my way into honors classes. I began volunteering at Corinth Holders Fire Department in January 2022 as a Junior Firefighter and loved it! I realized I could use my athleticism and physical strength toward saving lives and promoting public safety. Mostly importantly, this was a way to give back to my community. I dual enrolled in community college and am taking fire technology and EMT classes. Last year, I was awarded an internship as a Governor's Page through the NC Office of the Governor. I was able to learn about civics, politics and history. Through a competitive application and interview process, I was selected by the American Legion to attend Tar Heels Boys State, a leadership program, which reinforced my commitment to public service. I am averaging a 3.2 GPA and will be graduating high school this May with a diploma, and an EMT and firefighting certification. I know I want to have a career in the public service – specifically search/rescue for the military. I am considering Air Force Special Warfare pararescuemen (“PJs”), or Special Operations Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmers ("AIRRs"). I feel my experience training for mixed martial arts, volunteering with the fire department and my EMT credentials will prepare me. The military is a meaningful way to protect our country and American values/interests abroad. At the same time, doing rescue for the military will protect American lives at their most vulnerable moments. There is nothing more noble than the special ops motto of "these things we do so others may live” and I believe this calling to be ordained by God. I have been accepted to both The Citadel and the Virginia Military Institute. Going to either of these colleges will not allow me to settle for mediocrity and make me work hard. Because of my dyslexia, I am not good at taking standardized tests like the SAT or ACT (I don’t have a standardized brain and think outside the box!). I will not qualify for a ROTC scholarship as it requires SAT/ACT scores that are unattainable for me. Despite my challenges, I have worked hard and achieve my goals. I know that I want to continue making an impact in my community through public service. In addition, I want to serve as a role model by inspiring others with dyslexia to see that being differently abled is a motivator. Psalm 139:14 teaches us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” God does not make mistakes; rather He gives us different gifts so that we may improve the world in which we live in unique ways.

Few other careers are more important than being a first responder -- a calling that literally comes down to life-or-death decisions. My career goal is emergency medicine and rescue because I want to help people during their most vulnerable moments. Although I'm a senior in high school, I’ve already taken many steps down this career path by volunteering at my local fire department and enrolling in fire and EMT courses at my community college. I am on schedule to graduate high school May 2025 with a diploma, EMT certification and a live firefighting 1403 certification. My goal is to work as a first responder for several years and eventually apply my passion for saving lives combined with my EMT/firefighting training and serve in the military doing advanced combat rescue. Last year, I completed an internship as a Governor's Page through the North Carolina Office of the Governor. And through a competitive application and interview process, I was selected by my local American Legion chapter to attend the Tar Heels Boys State Program, a leadership experience for rising seniors. These experiences reinforced my commitment to giving back to my community. I recently learned that I was accepted to both The Citadel (Charleston, SC) and the Virginia Military Institute (Lexington, VA), two prestigious senior military colleges that will challenge me to be the best version of myself. Both colleges have an EMT/Fire program and upon graduation, I could commission into the military as an Officer where I would continue training in special ops for combat rescue. There is nothing more noble than the special ops motto of "the things we do so others may live.” Or I could choose a civilian career path and continue working as a firefighter or EMT (or paramedic) in a leadership capacity. The tuition at these two colleges are $60,000/year and $65,000/year, respectively. Without scholarships, I will not be able to attend these schools. I will not qualify for a ROTC scholarship as it requires an SAT score that is unattainable for me as a person with dyslexia. (Dyslexia is a reading inefficiency, which makes standardized tests very challenging as I don't have a standardized brain!) Despite my challenges with reading and test-taking, I am already on a clear career path and wish to take my education to the next level to better serve my community. I hope to be considered for this award so that I may pursue my passion at college, getting hands-on experience as a first responder, while making my community a safer place. Thank you for your consideration.

Success is usually attributed to overcoming obstacles. That is certainly the case with me. I started school as a clumsy kid with dyslexia and a frazzled attention span. During elementary school, I grappled with self- esteem and struggled to read at grade level. I received an IEP and got pulled out of classes for extra "help," which only worsened my self-esteem. The irony of getting a learning "disability" label is that I love to learn -- just not through traditional reading. My love for learning combined with my reading inefficiency made my early school experience frustrating. But when I was in third grade, my parents enrolled me in martial arts, which was a game changer. I learned about focus, leadership, and hard work. As a class, we would recite our kiais, "YES I CAN!" Martial arts training taught me critical life skills and gave me the confidence to work hard to ensure that I am able to succeed — even if its difficult. Especially if its difficult! I excelled in martial arts and with my advancement through the belt levels came increased confidence, better grades and improved reading ability. I earned my black belt in American Kenpo karate at the age of 14 and continue to practice kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing. I’ve competed in (and won!) several amateur fights. I applied my martial arts skills to my academics and accepted my early learning differences as a personal challenge to prove that I am able to succeed at whatever I commit to. (Yes I can!) Although I have an IEP, I thrive on challenges and elect to forego accommodations. Although I struggle with reading and math, I've completed several honors classes that focus on critical thinking in high school. I also began volunteering at my local fire department as a Junior Firefighter and loved it! I realized I could use my physical strength and leadership skills toward saving lives. I dual enrolled in community college to take fire technology and EMT classes -- also forgoing the accomodations that my IEP affords. College-level classes have been a challenge and I am proud to be passing all my classes without help. I am on track to graduate in May 2025 with a high school diploma (and a 3.2 GPA), a fire fighting certification, and an EMT certification. Last year, I was awarded an internship as a Governor's Page through the North Carolina Office of the Governor. And through a competitive application and interview process, I was selected by my local American Legion chapter to attend the Tar Heels Boys State Program, a leadership experience for rising seniors. These two experiences confirmed my commitment to public service. My trajectory so far proves I am not disabled from learning; I am confidently differently-abled. Yes I can! I want to have a career in public service – specifically, search and rescue for the military. I am considering the Air Force Special Operations Command's pararescuemen (“PJs”), a unit that focuses on rescue operations, personnel recovery and combat search and rescue; or Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmers ("AIRRs"), a unit that leads rescue missions in extreme environments via helicopter. I feel that my commitment to working harder because of my learning differences, and my experience training for mixed martial arts and volunteering with the fire department will help prepare me for this role. There is nothing more noble than the special ops motto of "the things we do so others may live.” I recently learned that I was accepted to both The Citadel (Charleston, SC) and the Virginia Military Institute (Lexington, VA), two prestigious senior military colleges that will challenge me to be the best version of myself. Both colleges have an EMT/Fire program and upon graduation, I could be commissioned into the military as an Officer where I would continue training in special ops for combat rescue. Or I could choose a civilian career path and continue working as a firefighter or EMT (or paramedic) in a leadership capacity. Either way, my calling is saving lives and rising to challenges. The tuition at these two colleges is $60,000/year and $65,000/year, respectively. Without scholarships, I will not be able to attend these schools. I will not qualify for a ROTC scholarship as it requires an SAT score that is unattainable for me as a person with dyslexia. (I don't do well with standardized test scores as I don't have a standardized brain!) If I am unable to secure financial aid, I may consider enlisting directly if I pass the ASVAB exam (another challenging standardized test). Or I may enroll directly in the fire academy to work as a firefighter and enlist in the military after a few years. Although some doors will be closed to me, I know I will need to circumvent traditional routes to attain my goal. As a Christian, I believe I was made in God's image and will not settle for mediocrity. Having a so-called “disability” has pushed me to become a driven and focused achiever. I often need to devise multiple routes to get to my desired destination, but that has taught me to work hard and be resilient. I hope to inspire others like me to see that being differently abled is a motivator and to never allow your accomplishments to be eclipsed by a label or a test score that does not reflect who you are or what you are capable of accomplishing. My dyslexia is a gift that has shaped me into the challenge-loving person I am today.

Few other careers are more important than being a first responder -- a calling that literally comes down to life-or-death decisions. My career goal is emergency medicine and rescue because I want to help people during their most vulnerable moments. Although I'm a senior in high school, I’ve already taken many steps down this career path by volunteering at my local fire department and enrolling in fire and EMT courses at my community college, including the completion of 96 hours of time volunteering in an ambulance and/or hospital setting by May 2025. I am on schedule to graduate high school May 2025 with a diploma, EMT certification and a live firefighting 1403 certification. My goal is to work as a first responder for several years and eventually apply my passion for saving lives combined with my EMT/firefighting training and serve in the military doing advanced combat rescue. Last year, I completed an internship as a Governor's Page through the North Carolina Office of the Governor where I learned more about public service and civics. And through a competitive application and interview process, I was selected by my local American Legion chapter to attend the Tar Heels Boys State Program, a leadership and civics experience for rising seniors. These experiences reinforced my commitment to giving back to my community. I recently learned that I was accepted to both The Citadel (Charleston, SC) and the Virginia Military Institute (Lexington, VA), two prestigious senior military colleges that will challenge me to be the best version of myself through leadership and service. Both colleges have an EMT/Fire program and upon graduation, I could commission into the military as an Officer where I would continue training in special ops for combat rescue. There is nothing more noble than the special ops motto of "the things we do so others may live.” Or I could choose a civilian career path and continue working as a firefighter or EMT (or paramedic) in a leadership capacity. The tuition at these two colleges are $60,000/year and $65,000/year, respectively. Without scholarships, I will not be able to attend these schools. My calling is public service, and college will provide me the training to lead. I hope to be considered for this award so that I may pursue my passion at college, getting hands-on experience as a first responder, while making my community a safer place. Thank you for your consideration.

I was told I had dyslexia when I was in first grade. Its considered a learning “disability,” which is ironic because I am not disabled from learning and love to learn. My love for learning combined with my reading inefficiency made my early school experience frustrating. But when I was in third grade, my parents enrolled me in martial arts, which was a game changer. I learned about focus, leadership, and hard work. Martial arts training taught me critical life skills and gave me the confidence to work hard to ensure that I am able to succeed — even if its difficult. *Especially if its difficult!* I excelled in martial arts and with my advancement through the belt levels came increased confidence, better grades and improved reading ability. I earned my black belt in American Kenpo karate at the age of 14 and continue to practice kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing. I’ve competed in (and won!) several amateur fights. I applied my martial arts skills to my academics and accepted my early learning differences as a personal challenge to prove that I am able to succeed at whatever I commit to. I've completed a number of honors classes. In 2022, I started volunteering at my local fire department as a Junior Firefighter and loved it! I realized I could use my physical strength and leadership skills toward saving lives. I dual enrolled in community college where I am taking fire technology and EMT classes. I am certified in basic life support and am on track to graduate high school in May with a diploma, various fire fighting certifications and my EMT certification. Lat year, I was awarded an internship as a Governor's Page through the North Carolina Office of the Governor. And through a competitive application and interview process, I was selected by my local American Legion chapter to attend the Tar Heels Boys State Program, a leadership experience for rising seniors. These two civics programs reaffirmed my commitment to a career in public service saving lives. I recently learned that I was accepted to both The Citadel (Charleston, SC) and the Virginia Military Institute (Lexington, VA), two prestigious senior military colleges that will challenge me to be the best version of myself. Both colleges have an EMT/Fire program and upon graduation, I could commission into the military as an Officer where I would continue training in special ops for combat rescue. There is nothing more noble than the special ops motto of "the things we do so others may live.” Or I could choose a civilian career path and continue working as a firefighter or EMT (or paramedic) in a leadership capacity. Either way, my calling is saving lives. The tuition at these two colleges are $60,000/year and $65,000/year, respectively. Without scholarships, I will not be able to attend these schools. I will not qualify for a ROTC scholarship as it requires an SAT score that is unattainable for me as a person with dyslexia. (I don't do well with standardized test scores as I don't have a standardized brain!) Having a so-called “disability” has pushed me into becoming a driven and focused achiever. I often need to devise multiple routes to get to my desired destination, but that has taught me to work hard and be resilient. I hope to inspire others like me to see that being differently abled is a motivator and to never allow your accomplishments to be eclipsed by a label or a test score that does not reflect who you are or what you are capable of accomplishing.

I was told I had dyslexia when I was in first grade. Its considered a learning “disability,” which is ironic because I am not disabled from learning and love to learn. My love for learning combined with my reading inefficiency made my early school experience frustrating. But when I was in third grade, my parents enrolled me in martial arts, which was a game changer. I learned about focus, leadership, and hard work. Martial arts training taught me critical life skills and gave me the confidence to work hard to ensure that I am able to succeed — even if its difficult. *Especially if its difficult!* I excelled in martial arts and with my advancement through the belt levels came increased confidence, better grades and improved reading ability. I earned my black belt in American Kenpo karate at the age of 14 and continue to practice kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing. I’ve competed in (and won!) several amateur fights. I applied my martial arts skills to my academics and accepted my early learning differences as a personal challenge to prove that I am able to succeed at whatever I commit to. I've completed a number of honors classes. I also began volunteering at my local fire department as a Junior Firefighter and loved it! I realized I could use my physical strength and leadership skills toward saving lives. I dual enrolled in community college to take fire technology and EMT classes. I am certified in basic life support and am scheduled to graduate high school this May with a diploma, fire certification and EMT certification. Last year, I was awarded an internship as a Governor's Page through the North Carolina Office of the Governor. And through a competitive application and interview process, I was selected by my local American Legion chapter to attend the Tar Heels Boys State Program, a leadership experience for rising seniors. My trajectory so far proves I am not disabled; I am confidently differently-abled. I know I want to have a career in the public service – either through the fire department or through the military -- where I can continue to use my physical strength, drive and leadership skills to promote safety and save lives. I have been accepted to the Virginia Military Institute and the Citadel, two senior military colleges that will push me to be the best version of myself. I will not qualify for a ROTC scholarship as it requires an SAT score that is unattainable for me as a person with dyslexia. (I don't do well with standardized test scores as I don't have a standardized brain!) If I am unable to secure financial aid, I may consider enlisting directly if I am able to pass the ASVAB exam (another challenging standardized test). Or I may enroll directly in the fire academy to work as a firefighter and enlist in the military after a few years. Although some doors will be closed to me, I know I will need to circumvent traditional routes to attain my goal. Having a so-called “disability” has pushed me into becoming a driven and focused achiever. I often need to devise multiple routes to get to my desired destination, but that has taught me to work hard and be resilient. I hope to inspire others like me to see that being differently abled is a motivator and to never allow your accomplishments to be eclipsed by a label or a test score that does not reflect who you are or what you are capable of accomplishing.

Few other careers are more important than being a first responder -- a calling that literally comes down to life-or-death decisions. My career goal is emergency medicine and rescue because I want to help people during their most vulnerable moments. Although I'm a senior in high school, I’ve already taken many steps down this career path by volunteering at my local fire department and enrolling in fire and EMT courses at my community college. I am on schedule to graduate high school May 2025 with a diploma, EMT certification and a live firefighting 1403 certification. My goal is to work as a first responder for several years and eventually apply my passion for saving lives combined with my EMT/firefighting training and serve in the military doing advanced combat rescue. Last year, I completed an internship as a Governor's Page through the North Carolina Office of the Governor. And through a competitive application and interview process, I was selected by my local American Legion chapter to attend the Tar Heels Boys State Program, a leadership experience for rising seniors. These experiences reinforced my commitment to giving back to my community. I recently learned that I was accepted to both The Citadel (Charleston, SC) and the Virginia Military Institute (Lexington, VA), two prestigious senior military colleges that will challenge me to be the best version of myself. Both colleges have an EMT/Fire program and upon graduation, I could commission into the military as an Officer where I would continue training in special ops for combat rescue. There is nothing more noble than the special ops motto of "the things we do so others may live.” Or I could choose a civilian career path and continue working as a firefighter or EMT (or paramedic) in a leadership capacity. The tuition at these two colleges are $60,000/year and $65,000/year, respectively. Without scholarships, I will not be able to attend these schools. I will not qualify for a ROTC scholarship as it requires an SAT score that is unattainable for me as a person with dyslexia. (Dyslexia is a reading inefficiency, which makes standardized tests very challenging as I don't have a standardized brain!) Despite my challenges with reading and test-taking, I am already on a clear career path and wish to take my education to the next level to better serve my community. I hope to be considered for this award so that I may pursue my passion at college, getting hands-on experience as a first responder, while making my community a safer place. Thank you for your consideration.

Although I'm still a high school senior, I'm also a volunteer firefighter and training to get my EMT certification. As a first responder, I have seen a number of frightening medical situations, including patients I have cared for during my clinicals. I have also had elderly relatives hospitalized for sepsis. These experiences have underscored how fragile life is and how grateful I am to have access to quality medical care, proper nutrition and health care products. Because I could have been a sepsis patient myself. When I was in kindergarten, I had recurring MRSA infections. Although it never developed into sepsis, I am aware of how close I was to being hospitalized where the MRSA could have led to sepsis. For that entire year, I battled recurring infections and secondary skin infections. Health is fleeting, and nowhere is this more evident than in the context of recurring MRSA infections and the looming threat of sepsis. I missed many days of school that year and my mother spent a small fortune in bleach-based cleaning products. Dietary changes, probiotics and some lifestyle changes led to drastic improvement and finally, my ongoing battles with MRSA appeared to be under control. These early medical experiences impacted me. A person may seem healthy one moment, only to find themselves battling an aggressive infection the next. This constant battle between the body’s immune system and increasingly resistant bacteria underscores how unpredictable and fragile life can be, as even minor wounds or seemingly manageable conditions can escalate into severe medical crises. As a first responder, I am always mindful of taking precautions. Although I didn't fully understand the severity of my own health scares, I remember my mother's panic and ensuing dedication to nursing me back to health. I believe these early experiences made an impression on me and led to my current career path. I am on track to graduate high school in May 2025 with a diploma (including a 3.2 GPA), a firefighter Level 1 certification and an EMT certification. I know I ultimately want to have a career promoting public safety and health – specifically search and rescue for the military. I am considering the Air Force Special Warfare pararescuemen (“PJs”), as well as the Special Operations Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmers ("AIRRs"). I feel that my experience with the fire department and earning my EMT certification will help prepare me for this role providing medical rescue to soldiers in danger. The military is a meaningful way to protect our country and American values/interests abroad. At the same time, doing rescue for the military will protect American lives at their most vulnerable moments. There is nothing more noble than the special ops motto of "these things we do so others may live.” My career goal is so specific that I only applied to two colleges: the Virginia Military Institute (Lexington, VA) and the Citadel (Charleston, SC), both of which are senior military colleges. I have been accepted to both! Upon graduation, I may commission as an officer, or I may choose a civilian career in the fire department or an EMT role. Unfortunately, the tuition for both schools is over $60,000 per year. Because I have dyslexia, a reading disability, standardized tests are a challenge for me and I will not qualify for a ROTC scholarship, which requires SAT or ACT scores. I hope to be considered for this scholarship to make this dream financially attainable.

If I'm going to spend years of my life training for a career and then work in that career for the rest of my life, this career had better be important! Few other careers are more important than being a first responder -- a calling that literally comes down to life-or-death decisions. My career goal is emergency medicine and rescue because I want to help people during their most vulnerable moments. Although I'm a senior in high school, I’ve already taken many steps down this career path by volunteering at my local fire department and enrolling in fire and EMT courses at my community college. I am on schedule to graduate high school May 2025 with a diploma, EMT certification and firefighting 1 certification. My ultimate goal is to apply my passion for saving lives combined with my EMT/firefighting training and serve in the military doing combat rescue. Last year, I completed an internship as a Governor's Page through the North Carolina Office of the Governor. And through a competitive application and interview process, I was selected by my local American Legion chapter to attend the Tar Heels Boys State Program, a leadership experience for rising seniors. These experiences reinforced my commitment to giving back to my community. I recently learned that I was accepted to both The Citadel (Charleston, SC) and the Virginia Military Institute (Lexington, VA), two senior military colleges. Both colleges have an EMT program and upon graduation, I could commission into the military as an Officer or could chose a civilian career path as a firefighter, EMT, or working for homeland or national security. The tuition at these two colleges are $60,000/year and $65,000/year, respectively. Without scholarships, I will not be able to attend these schools. I hope to be considered for this award so that I may pursue my passion while making my community a safer place. Thank you for your consideration.

I am the grandson of a Viet Nam combat veteran. Originally from Greece, "Papou" ("grandpa" in Greek) came to the US when he was 16 years old and enlisted with the US Army two years later. After his tour, he received a Bronze star. Papou and I are thick as thieves! Although he has never shared stories about his time in Viet Nam with me, his military training creeped its way into our relationship and influenced our time together. One year, I had a Nerf gun birthday party. Before our Nerf gun battle could begin, Papou made sure all ten boys' faces were properly camouflaged using a mixture of ashes from the fire pit and dirt from the garden. Branches and leaves were woven into our baseball caps. He taught us a quick marching cadence. We were all mesmerized. When the Nerf battle began, Papou switched the radio to Creedence Clearwater Revival. It was one of the best birthday parties I ever had, and my friends still remember the day. As I got older, our adventures changed. We camped together and I learned some basic survival skills, such as starting a fire and identifying edible foods. It was around this time that I started expressing my interest in serving in the military just like him. Papou took me to a recruiter. I was only 12 years old, but the recruiter was happy to give me some brochures and told me to come back in six years. I'm 18 now and got accepted to both The Citadel in Charleston, SC and the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, VA. If I go to either of these senior military colleges, I can commission into the military as an Officer after graduation. My goal is combat rescue. Although I am still in high school, I am preparing for this career path by getting my EMT certification as I think this will give me a great foundation in emergency medicine. Unfortunately, the cost of tuition at these two schools is prohibitive. I will not qualify for a ROTC scholarship as it requires that I take an SAT or ACT exam. Just like Papou, I have dyslexia, which is a hereditary reading inefficiency that makes me a terrible test-taker. I will not score the minimum required for eligibility. I hope to be considered for this scholarship. My grandfather has inspired me since I was a little kid and continues to be the reason I want to serve my country.

My dream career is to work in the military doing combat rescue. The military is a meaningful way to protect our country and American values/interests abroad. At the same time, doing rescue for the military will protect American lives at their most vulnerable moments. There is nothing more noble than the special ops motto of "so others may live.” Because I know my specific career path, I applied to only two colleges: the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, VA and The Citadel in Charleston, SC. Recently, I learned that I got accepted to both military academies as an International Relations/Political Science major. An International Relations/Political Science major will help me prepare for a military career in combat rescue by understanding the complexities of our interconnected world in which we live. Politics, history, economics, geography, sociology, religion and language all shape outcomes. Today's politics become tomorrow's history and without this academic foundation, it is impossible to understand the factors that lead to current affairs, including military intervention and most importantly viable solutions to coexist and prosper. My family always valued public service and giving back to the community so serving my country has always been important to me. I am a Volunteer Firefighter at the Corinth Holders Fire Department and will be getting my EMT certification December 2024. These experiences bring me closer to realizing my career goal of combat rescue. Last year, I was awarded an internship as a Governor's Page through the North Carolina Office of the Governor. And through a competitive application and interview process, I was selected by my local American Legion chapter to attend the Tar Heels Boys State Program, a civics leadership experience for rising seniors. These educational experiences reinforced my commitment to giving back to my community and serving my country but also helped me understand the importance of studying political science. You need to understand how government works in order to affect change. A degree in International Relations/Political Science is the logical next step along my chosen career path. I will be graduating high school May 2025 with a diploma, EMT certification and Level 1 firefighting certification -- all credentials which will help me. My ambition and focus is clear. I know I need a degree but the cost of college is prohibitive. I hope to be considered for this award to make attending either the Virginia Military Institute or The Citadel more financially feasible.

An accomplishment is the result of persistently overcoming challenges. That is certainly the case with me. I started school as a clumsy kid with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and a frazzled attention span. During elementary school, I grappled with self- esteem and struggled to read at grade level, getting pulled out of classes for extra help. My love for learning combined with my reading inefficiency made my early school experience frustrating. But when I was in third grade, my parents enrolled me in martial arts, which was a game changer. I learned about focus, leadership, and hard work. Martial arts training taught me critical life skills and gave me the confidence to work hard to ensure that I am able to succeed—even if its difficult. Especially if its difficult! I excelled in martial arts and with my advancement through the belt levels came increased confidence, better grades and improved reading ability. I earned my black belt in American Kenpo karate at the age of 14 and continue to practice kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing. I’ve competed in (and won!) several amateur fights. I applied my martial arts skills to my academics and accepted my early learning differences as a personal challenge to prove to everyone that I am able to succeed at whatever I commit to. During my high school years, I was able to enroll in DECA and take a number of honors classes. Most recently I was awarded an internship as a Governor's Page through the NC Office of the Governor. I was able to learn about civics, politics and history. And through a competitive application and interview process, I was selected by my local American Legion chapter to attend the Tar Heels Boys State Program. I am currently averaging a 3.2 GPA and dual enrolled in my local community college, earning my EMT Certification while holding down part-time employment, training in martial arts and volunteering at the fire department. I realized I could apply my love for martial arts toward saving lives and promoting public safety. I want to have a career in the public service-specifically search and rescue for the military. I am considering the Air Force Special Warfare pararescuemen (“PJs”), as well as the Special Operations Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmers ("AIRRs"). I feel that my experience training hard for mixed martial arts and volunteering with the fire department will help prepare me for this role. I have been accepted to The Citadel and the Virginia Military Institue where I hope to major in International Relations/Security Studies. Upon graduation from either of these schools, I could commission into the military as an Officer. The military is a meaningful way to protect our country and American values/interests abroad. At the same time, doing rescue for the military will protect American lives at their most vulnerable moments. There is nothing more noble than the special ops motto of "these things we do so others may live.” Having a so-called “disability” has pushed me into becoming a driven and focused achiever. I know the road to success is not easy for anyone and in my circumstances, I often need to devise multiple routes to get to my desired destination. I view my dyslexia as a gift that has taught me to work hard and be resilient. I hope to inspire others like me to see that being differently abled is a motivator and to never allow your accomplishments to be eclipsed by a label or a test score that does not reflect who you are or what you are capable of accomplishing.

Beyond the magical imagery and catchy songs, Wicked is an engaging story with a powerful message that promotes self-confidence. As someone who started out with absolutely no confidence because of my learning differences, this message resonates with me on a deeper level. I started school as a clumsy kid with dyslexia and a frazzled attention span. During elementary school, I grappled with self- esteem and struggled to read at grade level, getting pulled out of classes for extra help. Like Elphaba, I struggled with fitting in. My love for learning combined with my reading inefficiency made my early school experience frustrating. But when I was in third grade, my parents enrolled me in martial arts, which was a game changer. I learned about focus, leadership, and hard work. Martial arts training taught me critical life skills and gave me the confidence to work hard to ensure that I am able to succeed — even if its difficult. Especially if its difficult! Although I never learned to fly on a broomstick, martial arts became my superpower. I excelled in martial arts and with my advancement through the belt levels came increased confidence, better grades and improved reading ability. I earned my black belt in American Kenpo karate at the age of 14 and continue to practice kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing. I’ve competed in (and won!) several amateur fights. I applied my martial arts skills to my academics and accepted my early learning differences as a personal challenge to prove to everyone that I am able to succeed at whatever I commit to. During my high school years, I was able to enroll in DECA and take a number of honors classes. Most recently I was awarded an internship as a Governor's Page through the NC Office of the Governor. I was able to learn about civics, politics and history. And through a competitive application and interview process, I was selected by my local American Legion chapter to attend the Tar Heels Boys State Program. Wicked teaches viewers to embrace their differences and be ambitious without compromising values. I feel like I'm following that path despite having dyslexia. I am currently averaging a 3.2 GPA and scheduled to graduate high school this May with a diploma, an EMT certification and a fire fighter Level 1 certification, all while holding down part-time employment, training in martial arts and volunteering at the fire department. Having a so-called “disability” has pushed me into becoming a driven and focused achiever, just as Elphaba was able to harness her differences to become powerful. I know the road to success is not easy for anyone and in my circumstances, I often need to devise multiple routes to get to my desired destination. I view my dyslexia as a gift that has taught me to work hard and be resilient, themes that are part of the Wicked storyline. I hope to inspire others like me to see that being differently abled is a motivator and to never allow your accomplishments to be eclipsed by a label or a test score that does not reflect who you are or what you are capable of accomplishing.

Success is usually attributed to overcoming challenges. That is certainly the case with me. I started school as a clumsy kid with dyslexia and a frazzled attention span. During elementary school, I grappled with self- esteem and struggled to read at grade level, getting pulled out of classes for extra help. My love for learning combined with my reading inefficiency made my early school experience frustrating. But when I was in third grade, my parents enrolled me in martial arts, which was a game changer. I learned about focus, perseverance, leadership, and hard work. The sportsmanship I learned through martial arts training taught me critical life skills and gave me the confidence to work hard to ensure that I am able to succeed — even if its difficult. Especially if its difficult! I excelled in martial arts and with my advancement through the belt levels came increased confidence, better grades and improved reading ability. I earned my black belt in American Kenpo karate at the age of 14 and continue to practice kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing. I’ve competed in (and won!) several amateur fights. I applied my martial arts skills to my academics and career goals and accepted my early learning differences as a personal challenge to prove to everyone that I am able to succeed at whatever I commit to. I began volunteering at the Corinth Holders Fire Department in January 2022 as a Junior Firefighter and loved it! I realized I could use my athleticism and physical strength toward saving lives. I dual enrolled in my local community college and began taking Fire Protection Technology classes. Back in high school, I was able to enroll in DECA and take a number of honors classes. Most recently I was awarded an internship as a Governor's Page through the NC Office of the Governor. I was able to learn about civics, politics and history. And through a competitive application and interview process, I was selected by my local American Legion chapter to attend the Tar Heels Boys State Program. I am currently averaging a 3.2 GPA and on track on graduate high school in May 2025 with a diploma, EMT certification and Level I firefighter certification, all while holding down part-time employment, training in martial arts and volunteering at the fire department. This would not be possible without the focus and drive that sports taught me. I hope to combine my love of martial arts, firefighting and EMT into a career in the military, specifically combat search and rescue. I know my experience training hard for mixed martial arts and volunteering with the fire department will help prepare me for that. I am hoping to attend the Virginia Military Institute (in Lexington, VA) or the Citadel (in Charleston, SC) to earn my degree and attain leadership skills. Both of these schools embody my commitment toward athleticism and personal development, and push students to challenge themselves every day in order to become the best version of themselves.

Success is usually attributed to overcoming challenges. That is certainly the case with me. I started school as a clumsy kid with dyslexia and a frazzled attention span. During elementary school, I grappled with self- esteem and struggled to read at grade level, getting pulled out of classes for extra help. My love for learning combined with my reading inefficiency made my early school experience frustrating. But when I was in third grade, my parents enrolled me in martial arts, which was a game changer. I learned about focus, perseverance, leadership, and hard work. The sportsmanship I learned through martial arts training taught me critical life skills and gave me the confidence to work hard to ensure that I am able to succeed — even if its difficult. Especially if its difficult! I excelled in martial arts and with my advancement through the belt levels came increased confidence, better grades and improved reading ability. I earned my black belt in American Kenpo karate at the age of 14 and continue to practice kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing. I’ve competed in (and won!) several amateur fights. I applied my martial arts skills to my academics and career goals and accepted my early learning differences as a personal challenge to prove to everyone that I am able to succeed at whatever I commit to. I began volunteering at the Corinth Holders Fire Department in January 2022 as a Junior Firefighter and loved it! I realized I could use my athleticism and physical strength toward saving lives. I dual enrolled in my local community college and began taking Fire Protection Technology classes. Back in high school, I was able to enroll in DECA and take a number of honors classes. Most recently I was awarded an internship as a Governor's Page through the NC Office of the Governor. I was able to learn about civics, politics and history. And through a competitive application and interview process, I was selected by my local American Legion chapter to attend the Tar Heels Boys State Program. I am currently averaging a 3.2 GPA and on track on graduate high school in May 2025 with a diploma, EMT certification and Level I firefighter certification, all while holding down part-time employment, training in martial arts and volunteering at the fire department. So much for a "disability!" This would not be possible without the focus and drive that sports taught me. I am hoping to combine my love of martial arts, firefighting and EMT into a career in the military, specifically combat search and rescue. I feel that my experience training hard for mixed martial arts and volunteering with the fire department will help prepare me for that. I am hoping to attend the Virginia Military Institute (in Lexington, VA) or the Citadel (in Charleston, SC) to earn my degree and attain leadership skills. Both of these schools embody my commitment toward athleticism and personal development, and push students to challenge themselves every day in order to become the best version of themselves. I hope to be considered for this scholarship award.

I was told I had dyslexia when I was in first grade. Its considered a reading “disability,” which is funny because I am not disabled from reading and actually love to read. My preferred book format is an audio book, which some may not view as traditional reading. So why am I applying for a "literary scholarship?" Because books are important and even though I don't read with my eyes, audio books have empowered me to travel to new worlds, meet fascinating people and learn things beyond the classroom. With the "disability" label came lowered expectations of me from teachers. This motivated me to prove everyone wrong and shaped my personality into someone who thrives from challenges. Audio books (and documentaries and YouTube segments) allowed me to augment my classroom learning by adding depth to school curriculum. Often times, I knew more content than my peers as a result from learning beyond assigned textbooks. Eventually, my teachers called on me to share insight with the rest of the class and by the time I entered high school, I was placed in honors classes. I am particularly motivated by physical challenges; therefore, the books I enjoy listening to for pleasure are typically related to the military. One of my favorite books is called "Leave No Man Behind" by Dr. Tony Brooks. Its about the brave team of Army Rangers that, against all odds, rescued a lone Navy SEAL survivor in Afghanistan. This true story is about perseverance even through tragedy. The account was even made into a blockbuster movie called "Lone Survivor" starring Mark Wahlberg. However, movies tend to romanticize the horrors of war and because of its standard two-hour time limit, glaze over the complexity of battlefield situations, and the emotions each soldier has. In a book, the author can take his or her time, explaining all the nuances. I found "Leave No Man Behind" inspirational and after completing the audio book, decided I would like to enlist in the military with a goal of specializing in rescue. I am hoping to enroll in either the Virginia Military Institute (Lexington, VA) or the Citadel (Charleston, SC). Both of these schools are cost-prohibitive and without financial aid, these doors may be closed to me. I hope to be considered for this scholarship. I think every American should read "Leave No Man Behind" to understand the sacrifices our military makes and to become inspired to do better for each other.

I was told I had dyslexia when I was in first grade. Its considered a learning “disability,” which is ironic because I am not disabled from learning and love to learn. Just not through traditional reading. I learned at an early the power of online platforms, tools and digital resources to help compensate for my reading inefficiency. YouTube videos and segments on the History channel brought classroom lessons to life and added depth to school curriculum. Often times, I knew more content than my peers as a result from learning beyond textbooks. My teachers called on me to share insight with the rest of the class and by the time I entered high school, I was placed in honors classes. While I was still navigating the challenges of dyslexia, I received reading tutoring through Lexercise, an online platform that offers testing and remediation for dyslexia. My subscription to Audible, an audiobook club, is a virtual passport that allows me to time travel back to fascinating periods of history, engage in the lives on influential individuals through their biographies, or simply be entertained through fiction -- all while driving in my car or going on a run! I am currently dual enrolled in my local community college and rather than purchase the textbook, I purchased the digital book on vitalsource.com, which offers a "Read Aloud" feature. Because I am still in high school, my community college classes are online (one is hybrid) and require that I engage with my classmates through discussion boards. Assignments and testing are done online through Blackboard.com. These digital tools allow me to focus on actual learning, rather than worrying about how slow I read, or getting words mixed up, spelling things wrong or having terrible handwriting (I also have dysgraphia, a subset of dyslexia, which affects handwriting and spelling). This semester, I am getting EMT certified and although I'm only 25% through the course, I am averaging a 93! I am also on track to get certified as a Level I firefighter by the time I graduate high school. My goal is to do search and rescue or combat medicine for the military. I am inspired by my grandfather, who lives with me and is also dyslexic and a Viet Nam combat veteran. I am hoping to attend the Virginia Military Institute or the Citadel where I would commission as an officer after graduation. My love for learning combined with my reading inefficiency made me realize the importance of technology. My educational attainment would not be possible without online platforms, tools and digital resources that have assisted me throughout my educational career. I hope to be considered for this opportunity.

My family always valued public service and giving back to the community. As the grandson of a Viet Nam veteran (US Army infantryman), I know I have a civic duty to fulfill. And as a Christian, I believe we are made in God's image and must therefore not settle for mediocrity. It is important to work hard each day to be the best version of ourselves and improve the world in which we live. Sports gave me that outlet for self-improvement and became my passion. I started training in martial arts at the age of 8 earned my black belt in American Kenpo karate by the time I was 14. I’ve continued to practice mixed martial arts (including kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing) and I’ve competed in (and won!) several kickboxing tournaments. I’ve completed three Spartan races (one 5K and two 10Ks). And at any given day, you can find me lifting weights at the gym. I began volunteering at the Corinth Holders Fire Department in January 2023 as a Junior Firefighter and loved it! I realized I could use my athleticism and physical strength toward saving lives and promoting public safety. The ability to save a life during a person's most vulnerable moments gave meaning and depth to what I do. I dual enrolled in my local community college and am taking fire technology and EMT classes. I am on schedule to have an EMT certification by December 2024. Most recently I was awarded an internship as a Governor's Page through the North Carolina Office of the Governor. And through a competitive application and interview process, I was selected by my local American Legion chapter to attend the Tar Heels Boys State Program, a leadership experience for rising seniors. These experiences reinforced my commitment to giving back to my community and serving my country. I will graduate high school May 2025 and know I want to have a career in the public service – specifically search and rescue for an agency that deals with emergency management and/or homeland or national security. My passion for mixed martial arts combined with my medical training and volunteer work with the fire department will help prepare me for this role. I will be applying to the Virginia Military Institute (Lexington, VA) and the Citadel (Charleston, SC). Both schools have a reputation for producing exemplary leaders; however, they have an annual tuition of $65,000, which is cost prohibitive unless I receive financial aid. I hope to be considered for this scholarship to make this dream financially attainable.

Success is usually attributed to overcoming obstacles. That is certainly the case with me. I started school as a clumsy kid with dyslexia and a frazzled attention span. During elementary school, I grappled with self- esteem and struggled to read at grade level. My love for learning combined with my reading inefficiency made my early school experience frustrating. But when I was in third grade, my parents enrolled me in martial arts, which was a game changer. I learned about focus and hard work. Martial arts training taught me critical life skills and gave me the confidence to work hard to ensure that I succeed — even if its difficult. *Especially if its difficult!* I excelled in martial arts and with my advancement through the belt levels came increased confidence, better grades and improved reading ability. I earned my black belt in American Kenpo karate at the age of 14 and continue to practice kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing. I’ve competed in (and won!) several amateur fights. I applied my martial arts skills to my academics and accepted my early learning differences as a personal challenge to prove to everyone that I am able to succeed at whatever I commit to. During my high school years, I was able to enroll in DECA and take a number of honors classes. Most recently I was awarded an internship as a Governor's Page through the NC Office of the Governor. I was able to learn about civics, politics and history. And through a competitive application and interview process, I was selected by my local American Legion chapter to attend the Tar Heels Boys State Program. These experiences reinforced the importance of public service. I volunteer at my local fire department as a Junior Firefighter and love it! I realized I could combine my interest in public service with my athleticism and physical strength toward saving lives and promoting public safety. I am dual enrolled in my local community college where I am taking fire technology courses and getting certified as an EMT. I want to have a career in the public service – specifically search and rescue for the military. I am considering the Air Force Special Operations Command's pararescuemen (“PJs”), a unit that focuses on rescue operations and combat search and rescue, or the Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmers ("AIRRs"), a unit that leads rescue missions in extreme environments via helicopter. I believe my experience training for martial arts and volunteering with the fire department will help prepare me for this role. Having a so-called “disability” has pushed me into becoming a driven and focused achiever. I view my dyslexia as a gift that has taught me to work hard and be resilient. I hope to inspire others like me to see that being differently abled is a motivator and to never allow your accomplishments to be eclipsed by a label or a test score that does not reflect who you are or what you are capable of accomplishing.

I was told I had dyslexia when I was in first grade. Its considered a learning “disability,” which is ironic because I am not disabled from learning and love to learn. My love for learning combined with my reading inefficiency made my early school experience frustrating. But when I was in third grade, my parents enrolled me in martial arts, which was a game changer. I learned about focus, leadership, and hard work. Martial arts training taught me critical life skills and gave me the confidence to work hard to ensure that I am able to succeed — even if its difficult. *Especially if its difficult!* I excelled in martial arts and with my advancement through the belt levels came increased confidence, better grades and improved reading ability. I earned my black belt in American Kenpo karate at the age of 14 and continue to practice kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing. I’ve competed in (and won!) several amateur fights. I applied my martial arts skills to my academics and accepted my early learning differences as a personal challenge to prove that I am able to succeed at whatever I commit to. I've completed a number of honors classes. I also began volunteering at my local fire department as a Junior Firefighter and loved it! I realized I could use my physical strength and leadership skills toward saving lives. I dual enrolled in community college to take fire technology and EMT classes. I am certified in basic life support and will get my EMT certification in December 2024. Most recently, I was awarded an internship as a Governor's Page through the North Carolina Office of the Governor. And through a competitive application and interview process, I was selected by my local American Legion chapter to attend the Tar Heels Boys State Program, a leadership experience for rising seniors. My trajectory so far proves I am not disabled; I am confidently differently-abled. I graduate high school May 2025 and know I want to have a career in the public service – either through the fire department or through the military -- where I can continue to use my physical strength, drive and leadership skills to promote safety and save lives. My final year of high school will be filled with decisions. My two colleges of choice are the Virginia Military Institute or the Citadel. I will not qualify for a ROTC scholarship as it requires an SAT score that is unattainable for me as a person with dyslexia. (I don't do well with standardized test scores as I don't have a standardized brain!) If I am unable to secure financial aid, I may consider enlisting directly if I am able to pass the ASVAB exam (another challenging standardized test). Or I may enroll directly in the fire academy to work as a firefighter and enlist in the military after a few years. Although some doors will be closed to me, I know I will need to circumvent traditional routes to attain my goal. Having a so-called “disability” has pushed me into becoming a driven and focused achiever. I often need to devise multiple routes to get to my desired destination, but that has taught me to work hard and be resilient. I hope to inspire others like me to see that being differently abled is a motivator and to never allow your accomplishments to be eclipsed by a label or a test score that does not reflect who you are or what you are capable of accomplishing.

My family always valued public service and giving back to the community. As the grandson of a Viet Nam veteran (US Army infantryman), I know I have a civic duty to fulfill. And as a Christian, I believe we are made in God's image and must therefore not settle for mediocrity. It is important to work hard each day to be the best version of ourselves and improve the world in which we live. Sports gave me an outlet for self-improvement. I started training in martial arts at the age of 8 earned my black belt in American Kenpo karate by the time I was 14. I’ve continued to practice mixed martial arts (including kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing) and I’ve competed in (and won!) several kickboxing tournaments. I’ve completed three Spartan races (one 5K and two 10Ks). And at any given day, you can find me lifting weights at the gym. I began volunteering at the Corinth Holders Fire Department in January 2023 as a Junior Firefighter and loved it! I realized I could use my athleticism and physical strength toward saving lives and promoting public safety. I dual enrolled in my local community college and am taking fire technology and EMT classes. Most recently I was awarded an internship as a Governor's Page through the North Carolina Office of the Governor. And through a competitive application and interview process, I was selected by my local American Legion chapter to attend the Tar Heels Boys State Program, a leadership experience for rising seniors. These experiences reinforced my commitment to giving back to my community and serving my country. I will graduate high school May 2025 and know I want to have a career in the public service – specifically search and rescue for the military. I am considering the Air Force Special Operations Command's pararescuemen (“PJs”), a unit that focuses on rescue operations, personnel recovery and combat search and rescue, as well as the Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmers ("AIRRs"), a unit that leads rescue missions in extreme environments via helicopter. I feel that my experience training hard for mixed martial arts and volunteering with the fire department will help prepare me for this role. Several people have warned me about special ops training and its only made me train harder. I have added swim lessons to my training and earned my certification in Basic Life Support. Having a desk job and sitting in front of a screen would be soul-crushing to me as I feel I was called to save lives. The military is a meaningful way to protect our country and American values/interests abroad. At the same time, doing rescue for the military will protect American lives at their most vulnerable moments. There is nothing more noble than the special ops motto of "so others may live.” I will be applying to the Virginia Military Institute (Lexington, VA) and the Citadel (Charleston, SC). If I get accepted, I will commission as an officer upon graduation and be well on my way to realizing my career goals. I hope to be considered for this scholarship to make this dream financially attainable. Collapse

My family always valued public service and giving back to the community. As the grandson of a Viet Nam veteran (US Army infantryman), I know I have a civic duty to fulfill. And as a Christian, I believe we are made in God's image and must therefore not settle for mediocrity. It is important to work hard each day to be the best version of ourselves and improve the world in which we live. Sports gave me an outlet for self-improvement. I started training in martial arts at the age of 8 earned my black belt in American Kenpo karate by the time I was 14. I’ve continued to practice mixed martial arts (including kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing) and I’ve competed in (and won!) several kickboxing tournaments. I’ve completed three Spartan races (one 5K and two 10Ks). I began volunteering at the Corinth Holders Fire Department in January 2023 as a Junior Firefighter and loved it! I realized I could use my athleticism and physical strength toward saving lives and promoting public safety. I dual enrolled in my local community college and am taking fire technology classes. Most recently I was awarded an internship as a Governor's Page through the North Carolina Office of the Governor. And through a competitive application and interview process, I was selected by my local American Legion chapter to attend the Tar Heels Boys State Program, a leadership experience for rising seniors. These experiences reinforced my commitment to giving back to my community and serving my country. I graduate high school May 2025 and know I want to have a career in the public service – specifically search and rescue for the military. I am considering the Air Force Special Operations Command's pararescuemen (“PJs”), a unit that focuses on rescue operations, personnel recovery and combat search and rescue, as well as the Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmers ("AIRRs"), a unit that leads rescue missions in extreme environments via helicopter. I feel that my experience training hard for mixed martial arts and volunteering with the fire department will help prepare me for this role. Several people have warned me about special ops training and its made me train harder. I have added swim lessons to my training and earned my certification in Basic Life Support. Having a desk job would be soul-crushing to me as I feel I was called to save lives. The military is a meaningful way to protect our country and American values/interests abroad. At the same time, doing rescue for the military will protect American lives at their most vulnerable moments. There is nothing more noble than the special ops motto of "so others may live.” I will be applying to the Virginia Military Institute (Lexington, VA) and the Citadel (Charleston, SC). If I get accepted, I will commission as an officer upon graduation and be well on my way to realizing my career goals. I hope to be considered for this scholarship to make this dream financially attainable.

My family always valued public service and giving back to the community. As the grandson of a Viet Nam veteran (US Army infantryman), I know I have a civic duty to fulfill. And as a Christian, I believe we are made in God's image and must therefore not settle for mediocrity. It is important to work hard each day to be the best version of ourselves and improve the world in which we live. Sports gave me an outlet for self-improvement. I started training in martial arts at the age of 8 earned my black belt in American Kenpo karate by the time I was 14. I’ve continued to practice mixed martial arts (including kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing) and I’ve competed in (and won!) several kickboxing tournaments. I’ve completed three Spartan races (one 5K and two 10Ks). And at any given day, you can find me lifting weights at the gym. I began volunteering at the Corinth Holders Fire Department in January 2023 as a Junior Firefighter and loved it! I realized I could use my athleticism and physical strength toward saving lives and promoting public safety. I dual enrolled in my local community college and am taking fire technology classes. Most recently I was awarded an internship as a Governor's Page through the North Carolina Office of the Governor. And through a competitive application and interview process, I was selected by my local American Legion chapter to attend the Tar Heels Boys State Program, a leadership experience for rising seniors. These experiences reinforced my commitment to giving back to my community and serving my country. I will graduate high school May 2025 and know I want to have a career in the public service – specifically search and rescue for the military. I am considering the Air Force Special Operations Command's pararescuemen (“PJs”), a unit that focuses on rescue operations, personnel recovery and combat search and rescue, as well as the Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmers ("AIRRs"), a unit that leads rescue missions in extreme environments via helicopter. I feel that my experience training hard for mixed martial arts and volunteering with the fire department will help prepare me for this role. Several people have warned me about special ops training and its only made me train harder. I have added swim lessons to my training and earned my certification in Basic Life Support. Having a desk job and sitting in front of a screen would be soul-crushing to me as I feel I was called to save lives. The military is a meaningful way to protect our country and American values/interests abroad. At the same time, doing rescue for the military will protect American lives at their most vulnerable moments. There is nothing more noble than the special ops motto of "so others may live.” I will be applying to the Virginia Military Institute (Lexington, VA) and the Citadel (Charleston, SC). If I get accepted, I will commission as an officer upon graduation and be well on my way to realizing my career goals. I hope to be considered for this scholarship to make this dream financially attainable.

My family always valued public service and giving back to the community. As the grandson of a Viet Nam veteran (US Army infantryman), I know I have a civic duty to fulfill. And as a Christian, I believe we are made in God's image and must therefore not settle for mediocrity. It is important to work hard each day to be the best version of ourselves and improve the world in which we live. Sports gives us the opportunity for personal development and hard work. I started training in martial arts at the age of 8 earned my black belt in American Kenpo karate by the time I was 14. I’ve continued to practice mixed martial arts (including kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing) and I’ve competed in (and won!) several kickboxing tournaments. I’ve completed three Spartan races (one 5K and two 10Ks). And at any given day, you can find me lifting weights at the gym. I began volunteering at the Corinth Holders Fire Department in January 2023 as a Junior Firefighter and loved it! I realized I could use my athleticism and physical strength toward saving lives and promoting public safety. I dual enrolled in my local community college and am taking fire technology classes. Most recently I was awarded an internship as a Governor's Page through the North Carolina Office of the Governor. And through a competitive application and interview process, I was selected by my local American Legion chapter to attend the Tar Heels Boys State Program, a leadership experience for rising seniors. These experiences reinforced my commitment to giving back to my community. I will graduate high school May 2025 and know I want to have a career in the public service – specifically search and rescue for the military. I am considering the Air Force Special Operations Command's pararescuemen (“PJs”), a unit that focuses on rescue operations, personnel recovery and combat search and rescue, as well as the Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmers ("AIRRs"), a unit that leads rescue missions in extreme environments via helicopter. I feel that my experience training hard for mixed martial arts and volunteering with the fire department will help prepare me for this role. Several people have warned me about special ops training and its only made me train harder. I have added swim lessons to my training and earned my certification in Basic Life Support. Having a desk job and sitting in front of a screen would be soul-crushing to me. The military is a meaningful way to protect our country and be actively engaged in upholding American values. There is nothing more noble than the special ops motto of "so others may live.” I will be applying to the Virginia Military Institute (Lexington, VA) and the Citadel (Charleston, SC). If I get accepted, I will commission as an officer upon graduation and be well on my way to realizing my career goals. I hope to be considered for this scholarship to make this dream financially attainable.

As a Christian, I believe we are made in God's image. Therefore, we must not settle for mediocrity. Personal development is crucial. Without personal development, you risk stagnation. It is important to work hard each day to be the best version of ourselves and sports gives us the opportunity for personal development and hard work. I started training in martial arts at the age of 8 earned my black belt in American Kenpo karate by the time I was 14. I’ve continued to practice mixed martial arts (including kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing) and I’ve competed in (and won!) several amateur kickboxing tournaments. I’ve completed three Spartan races (one 5K and two 10Ks). And at any given day, you can find me lifting weights at the gym, continuously improving my personal records. I began volunteering at the Corinth Holders Fire Department in January 2023 as a Junior Firefighter and loved it! I realized I could use my athleticism and physical strength toward saving lives. I dual enrolled in my local community college and am on track to graduate high school with a Certificate in Fire Protection Technology. Most recently I was awarded an internship as a Governor's Page through the North Carolina Office of the Governor. And through a competitive application and interview process, I was selected by my local American Legion chapter to attend the Tar Heels Boys State Program, a leadership experience for rising seniors. I won’t graduate high school until May 2025. Even though a lot can change between now and then, I know I want to have a physical job (versus a "desk job") in the public service – specifically search and rescue for the military. I am considering the Air Force Special Operations Command's pararescuemen (“PJs”), a unit that focuses on rescue operations, personnel recovery and combat search and rescue, as well as the Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmers ("AIRRs"), a unit that also leads rescue missions in some of the most extreme environments imaginable via helicopter. I feel that my experience training hard for mixed martial arts and volunteering with the fire department will help prepare me for that. Several people have warned me about PJ/AIRRs training and its only made me train harder. In fact, I have now added swim lessons to my training. I also earned my certification in Basic Life Support this summer. I am hoping to attend the Virginia Military Institute (in Lexington, VA) or the Citadel (in Charleston, SC) to earn my degree and attain leadership skills. Both of these schools embody my commitment toward athleticism and personal development, and push students to challenge themselves every day in order to become the best version of themselves. I hope to be considered for this scholarship award.

I started school as a clumsy kid with dyslexia and a frazzled attention span. I struggled with self- esteem as I couldn't read at grade level and got pulled out of classes for extra help. When I was in third grade, my parents enrolled me in martial arts, which was a game changer. I learned about focus, leadership, and hard work. Martial arts training also taught me how to effectively deal with bullying through verbal de-escalation and general street smarts and awareness, including online safety. I believe that every young person should spend time learning about martial arts as it teaches critical life skills. I excelled in martial arts and earned my black belt in American Kenpo karate by the time I was 14. I’ve continued to practice mixed martial arts (including kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing) and I’ve competed in (and won!) several amateur kickboxing tournaments. I’ve also completed three Spartan races (one 5K and two 10Ks). I was transformed into a clumsy kid into a confident athlete who led my peers through example. I began volunteering at the Corinth Holders Fire Department in January 2023 as a Junior Firefighter and loved it! I realized I could use my physical strength and leadership skills acquired through martial arts training toward saving lives. I dual enrolled in my local community college and am on track to graduate high school with a Certificate in Fire Protection Technology from the community college. Most recently I was awarded an internship as a Governor's Page through the North Carolina Office of the Governor. And through a competitive application and interview process, I was selected by my local American Legion chapter to attend the Tar Heels Boys State Program, a leadership experience for rising seniors. I won’t graduate high school until May 2025. Even though a lot can change between now and then, I know I want to have a career in the public service – either through the fire department or through the military -- where I can continue to use my physical strength and leadership skills to promote safety and save lives. My final year of high school will be filled with decisions. My two colleges of choice are the Virginia Military Institute or the Citadel. I will not qualify for a ROTC scholarship as it requires an SAT score that is unattainable for me as a person with dyslexia. (I don't do well with standardized test scores as I don't have a standardized brain!) Although its still summer, I am applying for scholarships such as this one to help with expenses. I have approximately $12,000 saved up in a 527 account for college and will need approximately $65,000 for each year to attend the schools of my choice. I hope to be considered for this opportunity.

I was told I had dyslexia when I was in first grade. Its considered a learning “disability,” which is funny because I am not disabled from learning and actually love to learn. Just not through reading with my eyes. (I "read" audiobooks voraciously though.) This “disability” label seemed so ridiculous to me that I accepted it as a personal challenge to prove to anyone and everyone that I am able to succeed at whatever I commit to. I earned my black belt in American Kenpo karate by the time I was 14. I’ve continued to practice mixed martial arts (including kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing) and I’ve competed in (and won!) several amateur kickboxing tournaments. I’ve completed three Spartan races (one 5K and two 10Ks). And at any given day, you can find me lifting weights at the gym, continuously improving my personal records. I began volunteering at the Corinth Holders Fire Department in January 2023 as a Junior Firefighter and loved it! I realized I could use my physical strength toward saving lives. I dual enrolled in my community college and am on track to graduate high school with a Certificate in Fire Protection Technology. And speaking of high school, I’m averaging a 3.3 and that includes a number of honors classes. So much for “disability!” Most recently I was awarded an internship as a Governor's Page through the North Carolina Office of the Governor. And through a competitive application and interview process, I was selected by my local American Legion chapter to attend the Tar Heels Boys State Program, a leadership experience for rising seniors. Despite continuously striving to acquire new accomplishments, I feel a spotlight has been pointed on my dyslexia these past few years. High school is a time to buckle down and take standardized tests, such as the SAT or ASVAB, for college or military entrance, respectively. When you don't have a standardized brain, however, these exams have a way of highlighting your weaknesses and glazing over your strengths. Your ability to succeed is reduced to a score and one by one, doors are slammed shut. As a person with dyslexia, my tests results are in the lowest category. My accomplishments are seemingly eclipsed by a number that does not reflect who I am or what I am capable of accomplishing. I won’t graduate high school until May 2025. Even though a lot can change between now and then, I know I want to have a career in the public service that protects lives and promotes public safety. My two colleges of choice are the Virginia Military Institute or the Citadel where I hope to major in either International Relations or Homeland Security. I will not qualify for a ROTC scholarship as it requires an SAT score that is unattainable for me. If I am unable to secure financial aid, I may consider enlisting directly if I am able to pass the ASVAB exam. Or I may enroll directly in the fire academy to work as a firefighter and enlist in the military after a few years. Although some doors will be closed to me, I know I will need to circumvent traditional routes to attain my goal. And it may take many tries and many years. As a Christian, I believe I was made in God's image and will not settle for mediocrity. Having a so-called “disability” has pushed me even harder into becoming a driven and focused achiever. My dyslexia is a gift and I hope to inspire others like me to see that being differently abled is a motivator.

My family has always valued public service and giving back to the community. As the grandson of a Viet Nam veteran, I knew I had a civic duty to fulfill. I just didn’t know exactly how I might apply myself. I earned my black belt in American Kenpo karate by the time I was 14. I’ve continued to practice mixed martial arts (including kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing) and I’ve competed in (and won!) several kickboxing tournaments. I’ve completed three Spartan races (one 5K and two 10Ks). And at any given day, you can find me lifting weights at the gym, continuously improving my personal records. I began volunteering at the Corinth Holders Fire Department in January 2023 as a Junior Firefighter and loved it! I realized I could use my physical strength toward saving lives and promoting public safety. I dual enrolled in my local community college and am on track to graduate high school with a Certificate in Fire Protection Technology. Most recently I was awarded an internship as a Governor's Page through the North Carolina Office of the Governor. And through a competitive application and interview process, I was selected by my local American Legion chapter to attend the Tar Heels Boys State Program, a leadership experience for rising seniors. Both of these experiences taught me the privilege of living in the United States, my duty to be an engaged citizen, and the importance of giving back to my community. I won’t graduate high school until May 2025. Even though a lot can change between now and then, I know I want to have a career in the public service – specifically search and rescue for the military. I am considering the Air Force Special Operations Command's pararescuemen (“PJs”), a unit that focuses on rescue operations, personnel recovery and combat search and rescue, as well as the Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmers ("AIRRs"), a unit that also leads rescue missions in some of the most extreme environments imaginable via helicopter. I feel that my experience training hard for mixed martial arts and volunteering with the fire department will help prepare me for this role. Several people have warned me about special ops training and its only made me train harder. In fact, I have now added swim lessons to my training. I also earned my certification in Basic Life Support. The military is a meaningful way to protect our country and be actively engaged in upholding American values. There is nothing more noble than the special ops motto of "so others may live.” I will be applying to the Virginia Military Institute (Lexington, VA) and the Citadel (Charleston, SC) where I plan on majoring in International Relations or Homeland Security. If I get accepted, I will commission as an officer upon graduation and be well on my way to realizing my career goals in the public service. Both of these schools have steep tuition costs, making my education goals challenging. I hope to be considered for this scholarship to make this dream financially attainable.

Success means overcoming personal obstacles and achieving your goal, despite the odds. I was told I had dyslexia when I was in first grade. Its considered a learning “disability,” which is funny because I am not disabled from learning and actually love to learn. Just not through reading with my eyes. (I "read" audiobooks voraciously though.) This “disability” label seemed so ridiculous to me that I accepted it as a personal challenge to prove to anyone and everyone that I am able to succeed at whatever I commit to. I earned my black belt in American Kenpo karate by the time I was 14. I’ve continued to practice mixed martial arts (including kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing) and I’ve competed in (and won!) several amateur kickboxing tournaments. I’ve completed three Spartan races (one 5K and two 10Ks). And at any given day, you can find me lifting weights at the gym, continuously improving my personal records. I began volunteering at the Corinth Holders Fire Department in January 2023 as a Junior Firefighter and loved it! I realized I could use my physical skills toward saving lives. I dual enrolled in my local community college and am on track to graduate high school with a Certificate in Fire Protection Technology from the community college. And speaking of high school, I’m averaging a 3.2 and that includes a number of honors classes. So much for “disability!” Most recently I was awarded an internship as a Governor's Page through the North Carolina Office of the Governor. And through a competitive application and interview process, I was selected by my local American Legion chapter to attend the Tar Heels Boys State Program, a leadership experience for rising seniors. Despite continuously striving to acquire new accomplishments, I feel a spotlight has been pointed on my dyslexia these past few years. High school is a time to buckle down and take standardized tests, such as the SAT or ASVAB, for college or military entrance, respectively. When you don't have a standardized brain, however, these exams have a way of highlighting your weaknesses and glazing over your strengths. Your ability to succeed is reduced to a score and one by one, doors are slammed shut. As a person with dyslexia, my tests results are in the lowest category. My accomplishments are seemingly eclipsed by a number that does not reflect who I am or what I am capable of accomplishing. I won’t graduate high school until May 2025. Even though a lot can change between now and then, I know I want to have a career in the public service – either through the fire department or through the military. I was told the most difficult military track was Special Operations, so naturally, this is what I want to pursue. I learned about the Air Force Special Operations Command's pararescuemen (“PJs”), a unit that focuses on rescue operations, personnel recovery and combat search and rescue. I feel that my experience training hard for mixed martial arts and volunteering with the fire department will help prepare me for that. Several people have warned me about PJ training and its only made me train harder. In fact, I have now added swim lessons to my training. I also earned my certification in Basic Life Support. My final year of high school will be filled with decisions. My two colleges of choice are the Virginia Military Institute or the Citadel. I will not qualify for a ROTC scholarship as it requires an SAT score that is unattainable for me. If I am unable to secure financial aid, I may consider enlisting directly if I am able to pass the ASVAB exam. Or I may enroll directly in the fire academy to work as a firefighter and enlist in the military after a few years. Although some doors will be closed to me, I know I will need to circumvent traditional routes to attain my goal. And it may take many tries. As a Christian, I believe I was made in God's image and will not settle for mediocrity. Having a so-called “disability” has pushed me even harder into becoming a driven and focused achiever. My dyslexia is a gift and I hope to inspire others like me to see that being differently abled is a motivator.

As a Christian, I believe we were made in God's image. Therefore, we must not settle for mediocrity. Personal development is crucial. Without personal development, you risk stagnation. We were each given one life to live so while we are on this earth, we need to make the most of it. It is important to work hard each day to be the best version of ourselves. I earned my black belt in American Kenpo karate by the time I was 14. I’ve continued to practice mixed martial arts (including kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing) and I’ve competed in (and won!) several amateur kickboxing tournaments. I’ve completed three Spartan races (one 5K and two 10Ks). And at any given day, you can find me lifting weights at the gym, continuously improving my personal records. I began volunteering at the Corinth Holders Fire Department in January 2023 as a Junior Firefighter and loved it! I realized I could use my physical strengths toward saving lives. I dual enrolled in my local community college and am on track to graduate high school with a Certificate in Fire Protection Technology. Most recently I was awarded an internship as a Governor's Page through the North Carolina Office of the Governor. And through a competitive application and interview process, I was selected by my local American Legion chapter to attend the Tar Heels Boys State Program, a leadership experience for rising seniors. I won’t graduate high school until May 2025. Even though a lot can change between now and then, I know I want to have a career in the public service – specifically search and rescue for the military. I am considering the Air Force Special Operations Command's pararescuemen (“PJs”), a unit that focuses on rescue operations, personnel recovery and combat search and rescue, as well as the Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmers ("AIRRs"), a unit that also leads rescue missions in some of the most extreme environments imaginable via helicopter. I feel that my experience training hard for mixed martial arts and volunteering with the fire department will help prepare me for that. Several people have warned me about PJ/AIRRs training and its only made me train harder. In fact, I have now added swim lessons to my training. I also earned my certification in Basic Life Support this summer. I am hoping to attend the Virginia Military Institute (in Lexington, VA) or the Citadel (in Charleston, SC) to earn my degree and attain leadership skills. Both of these schools embody my commitment toward personal development and push students to challenge themselves every day in order to become the best version of themselves. I hope to be considered for this scholarship award.

I was told I had dyslexia, a reading disorder, when I was in first grade. Its considered a learning “disability,” which is ironic because I am not disabled from learning and actually love to learn. I "read" audiobooks, watch documentaries and visit museums. Dyslexia does not affect intelligence and in fact, some of the brightest minds were dyslexic minds, including Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs, Steven Spielberg, Richard Branson and many others. My love for learning combined with my inability to read proficiently at grade level has made my entire school experience a challenge. But this challenge has become more pronounced during the last few years of high school, a time when students are expected to prepare for future careers by taking standardized tests, such as the SAT or ASVAB, for college or military entrance. When you don't have a standardized brain, these exams highlight your weaknesses and glaze over your strengths. Your ability to succeed is reduced to a score and one by one, doors are slammed shut. As a person with dyslexia, my tests results are in the lowest category. I’ve always known this “disability” label to be ridiculous and that I am more than just a number or test score. I accepted it as a personal challenge to prove to anyone and everyone that I am able to excel at whatever I commit to. I earned my black belt in American Kenpo karate by the time I was 14. I’ve continued to practice mixed martial arts (including kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing) and I’ve competed in (and won!) several amateur kickboxing tournaments. I’ve completed three Spartan races (one 5K and two 10Ks). And at any given day, you can find me lifting weights at the gym, continuously improving my personal records. I began volunteering at the Corinth Holders Fire Department in January 2023 as a Junior Firefighter and loved it! I realized I could use my physical strengths toward saving lives. I dual enrolled in my local community college and am on track to graduate high school with a Certificate in Fire Protection Technology. And speaking of high school, I’m averaging a 3.2 and that includes a number of honors classes. So much for “disability!” Most recently I was awarded an internship as a Governor's Page through the North Carolina Office of the Governor. I was able to learn about civics, politics and history. And through a competitive application and interview process, I was selected by my local American Legion chapter to attend the Tar Heels Boys State Program, a residential leadership experience for rising seniors. I won’t graduate high school until May 2025. Even though a lot can change between now and then, I know I want to have a career in the public service – either through the fire department or through the military. I was told the most difficult military track was Special Operations, so naturally, this is what I want to pursue. I learned about the Air Force Special Operations Command's pararescuemen (“PJs”), a unit that focuses on rescue operations, personnel recovery and combat search and rescue. I feel that my experience training hard for mixed martial arts and volunteering with the fire department will help prepare me for that. Several people have warned me about PJ training and its only made me train harder. In fact, I have now added swim lessons to my training. I also earned my certification in Basic Life Support. Despite my reading inefficiencies, I have continuously strived to acquire new accomplishments that get me closer to my career goal. My final year of high school will be filled with decisions. My two colleges of choice are the Virginia Military Institute or the Citadel. Neither require the SAT score for admission; however, at a cost of $65,000/year, the tuition becomes the barrier. I will not qualify for a ROTC scholarship as that requires an SAT score that is unattainable for me. If I am unable to secure financial aid, I may consider enlisting if I am able to pass the ASVAB exam. A third option would be to enroll full-time in my local fire academy to become a certified firefighter. Having a so-called “disability” has pushed me into becoming a driven and focused achiever. I know the road to success is not easy for anyone and in my circumstances, I often need to devise multiple routes to get to my desired destination. I view my dyslexia as a gift that has taught me to work hard and be resilient. I hope to inspire others like me to see that being differently abled is a motivator and to never allow your accomplishments to be eclipsed by a label or a test score that does not reflect who you are or what you are capable of accomplishing.

I was told I had dyslexia when I was in first grade. Its considered a learning “disability,” which is funny because I am not disabled from learning and actually love to learn. Just not through reading. With this label came lowered expectations from teachers. This “disability” label seemed so ridiculous to me that I accepted it as a personal challenge to prove to anyone and everyone that I am able to excel at whatever I commit to. I earned my black belt in American Kenpo karate by the time I was 14. I’ve continued to practice mixed martial arts (including kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing) and I’ve competed in (and won) several kickboxing tournaments. I’ve completed three Spartan races (one 5K and two 10Ks). And at any given day, you can find me lifting weights at the gym, continuously improving my personal records. I began volunteering at the Corinth Holders Fire Department in January 2023 as a Junior Firefighter and loved it! I realized I could use my physical skills toward saving lives. I dual enrolled in my local community college and am on track to graduate high school with a Certificate in Fire Protection Technology from the community college. And speaking of high school, I’m averaging a 3.2 and that includes a number of honors classes. So much for “disability!” I won’t graduate high school until May 2025. Even though a lot can change between now and then, I know I want to have a career in the public service – either through the fire department or through the military. I was told the most difficult military track was Special Operations, so naturally, this is what I want to pursue. I learned about the Air Force Special Operations Command's pararescuemen (“PJs”), a unit that focuses on rescue operations, personnel recovery and combat search and rescue. I feel that my experience training hard for mixed martial arts and volunteering with the fire department will help prepare me for that. Several people have warned me about PJ training and its only made me train harder. In fact, I have now added swim lessons to my training. As a dyslexic person, I am horrible at taking standardized tests and generally score in the lowest percentile. If I were to enlist directly into the military, I would need to take the ASFAB test, which is a barrier for me. My dream is to enroll in either the Virginia Military Institute or the Citadel. Neither of these schools require the SAT nor the ACT, which removes that barrier for me. Upon graduation from either of these military colleges, I would be able to commission into the military as an officer. As the grandchild of immigrants, I know becoming a soldier for the US military would make my family so proud. Unfortunately, tuition at these schools becomes the new barrier. Having a scholarship will help me make this dream more attainable. Having a so-called “disability” has pushed me into becoming a driven and focused achiever. Its taught me to find creative solutions to move forward. My dyslexia is a gift and I hope to inspire others like me to see that being differently abled is a motivator.

I was told I had dyslexia when I was in first grade. Its considered a learning “disability,” which is funny because I am not disabled from learning and actually love to learn. Just not through reading. So why am I applying for a "book lovers scholarship?" Because books are important and even though I don't read with my eyes, audio books have empowered me to travel to new worlds, meet fascinating people and learn things beyond the classroom. With the "disability" label came lowered expectations of me from teachers. This motivated me to prove everyone wrong and shaped my personality into someone who thrives from challenges. Particularly physical challenges. Therefore, the books I enjoy listening to are typically related to the military. One of my favorite books is called "Leave No Man Behind" by Dr. Tony Brooks. Its about the brave team of Army Rangers that, against all odds, rescued a lone Navy SEAL survivor in Afghanistan. This true story is about perseverance even through tragedy. The account was even made into a blockbuster movie called "Lone Survivor" starring Mark Wahlberg. However, movies tend to romanticize the horrors of war and because of its standard two-hour time limit, glaze over the complexity of battlefield situations, and the emotions each soldier has. In a book, the author can take his time, explaining all the nuances. I found "Leave No Man Behind" inspirational and after completing the audio book, decided I would like to enlist in the military with a goal of specializing in rescue. I am hoping to enroll in either the Virginia Military Institute (Lexington, VA) or the Citadel (Charleston, SC). Both of these schools are cost-prohibitive and without financial aid, these doors may be closed to me. I hope to be considered for this scholarship. I think every American should read "Leave No Man Behind" to understand the sacrifices our military makes and to become inspired to do better for each other.

My family has always valued public service and giving back to the community. Although I'm only 17 and a rising high school senior, I know that I have a civic duty to fulfill in order to improve my community and make the world a better place. I earned my black belt in American Kenpo karate by the time I was 14. I’ve continued to practice mixed martial arts (including kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing) and I’ve competed in (and won!) several kickboxing tournaments. I’ve completed three Spartan races (one 5K and two 10Ks). And at any given day, you can find me lifting weights at the gym, continuously improving my personal records. I began volunteering at the Corinth Holders Fire Department in January 2023 as a Junior Firefighter and loved it! I realized I could use my physical skills toward saving lives. I dual enrolled in my local community college and am on track to graduate high school with a Certificate in Fire Protection Technology that I could transfer to Fire Academy. Just last week, I received my certification in Basic Life Support. I hope to get my certification in Advanced Life Support by the end of Summer 2024. In April 2024, I completed an internship as a North Carolina Governor's Page where I learned about state history, civics, public service and careers in state government. This experience confirmed my desire to give back to my community in the area of public safety. I was selected by the American Legion Post 71 to participate in the Tar Heels Boys State Program in June 2024, which is a residential leadership program that provides civics training to selected students. Through a competitive process, only 100 students throughout the state are selected to participate in this program. I was so honored to be selected! I won’t graduate high school until May 2025. Even though a lot can change between now and then, I know I want to have a career in the public service – either through the fire department, an EMT department or through the military in a pararescue position (there is a definite pattern). There is nothing more noble than saving lives -- even if that means risking my own. I am hoping to attend either the Virgina Military Institute (in Lexington, VA) or The Citadel (in Charleston, SC) to explore various career options as a first responder in the military or in a civilian role. Both schools cultivate strong leadership skills while instilling discipline and dedication to public service. Unfortunately, the cost of these colleges is prohibitive and without financial aid, this path will be closed to me. A second option would be to stay home and continue taking classes at my community college to become certified as a firefighter or an EMT. While the cost of community college is considerably more affordable, tuition, fees and books still add up. A scholarship would still be beneficial. I hope to be considered for this wonderful opportunity. Thank you in advance!

I was told I had dyslexia when I was in first grade. Its considered a learning “disability,” which is funny because I am not disabled from learning and actually love to learn. Just not through reading. This “disability” label seemed so ridiculous to me that I accepted it as a personal challenge to prove to anyone and everyone that I am able to excel at whatever I commit to. I earned my black belt in American Kenpo karate by the time I was 14. I’ve continued to practice mixed martial arts (including kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing) and I’ve competed in (and won) several kickboxing tournaments. I’ve completed three Spartan races (one 5K and two 10Ks). And at any given day, you can find me lifting weights at the gym, continuously improving my personal records. I began volunteering at the Corinth Holders Fire Department in January 2023 as a Junior Firefighter and loved it! I realized I could use my physical skills toward saving lives. I dual enrolled in my local community college and am on track to graduate high school with a Certificate in Fire Protection Technology from the community college. And speaking of high school, I’m averaging a 3.2 and that includes a number of honors classes. So much for “disability!” I won’t graduate high school until May 2025. Even though a lot can change between now and then, I know I want to have a career in the public service – either through the fire department or through the military. I was told the most difficult military track was Special Operations, so naturally, this is what I want to pursue. I learned about the Air Force Special Operations Command's pararescuemen (“PJs”), a unit that focuses on rescue operations, personnel recovery and combat search and rescue. I feel that my experience training hard for mixed martial arts and volunteering with the fire department will help prepare me for that. Several people have warned me about PJ training and its only made me train harder. In fact, I have now added swim lessons to my training. As a dyslexic person, I am horrible at taking standardized tests and generally score in the lowest percentile. If I were to enlist directly into the military, I would need to take the ASFAB test, which is a barrier for me. My dream is to enroll in either the Virginia Military Institute or the Citadel. Neither of these schools require the SAT nor the ACT, which removes that barrier for me. Upon graduation from either of these military colleges, I would be able to commission into the military as an officer. Unfortunately, tuition at these schools becomes the new barrier. Having a scholarship will help me make this dream more attainable. Having a so-called “disability” has pushed me into becoming a driven and focused achiever. Its taught me to find creative solutions to move forward. My dyslexia is a gift and I hope to inspire others like me to see that being differently abled is a motivator.

I was told I had dyslexia when I was in first grade. Its considered a learning “disability,” which is funny because I am not disabled from learning and actually love to learn. Just not through reading. This “disability” label seemed so ridiculous to me that I accepted it as a personal challenge to prove to anyone and everyone that I am able to excel at whatever I commit to. I earned my black belt in American Kenpo karate by the time I was 14. I’ve continued to practice mixed martial arts (including kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing) and I’ve competed in several kickboxing tournaments. I’ve completed three Spartan races (one 5K and two 10Ks). And at any given day, you can find me lifting weights at the gym, continuously improving my personal records. I began volunteering at the Corinth Holders Fire Department in January 2023 as a Junior Firefighter and loved it! I realized I could use my physical skills toward saving lives. I dual enrolled in my local community college and am on track to graduate high school with a Certificate in Fire Protection Technology from the community college. And speaking of high school, I’m averaging a 3.2 and that includes a number of honors classes. So much for “disability!” I won’t graduate high school until May 2025. Even though a lot can change between now and then, I know I want to have a career in the public service – either through the fire department or through the military. I was told the most difficult military track was Special Operations, so naturally, this is what I want to pursue. I learned about the Air Force Special Operations Command's pararescuemen (“PJs”), a unit that focuses on rescue operations, personnel recovery and combat search and rescue. I feel that my experience training hard for mixed martial arts and volunteering with the fire department will help prepare me for that. Several people have warned me about PJ training and its only made me train harder. In fact, I have now added swim lessons to my training. I hope to attend either the Virginia Military Institute or the Citadel where I can pursue an education in public service and commission into the military as an officer. I recently completed an internship as a Governor's Page through the Office of the Governor. And I have been selected by the American Legion Post 71 to participate in a one-week leadership training in public service through their Tar Heels Boys State Program. I was honored to be selected for this competitive program. Having a so-called “disability” has pushed me into becoming a driven and focused achiever. My dyslexia is a gift and I hope to inspire others like me to see that being differently abled is a motivator. I hope to be considered for this scholarship opportunity.

My family has always valued public service and giving back to the community. Although I'm only 17, I know that I have a civic duty to fulfill in order to improve my community and make the world a better place. I earned my black belt in American Kenpo karate by the time I was 14. I’ve continued to practice mixed martial arts (including kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing) and I’ve competed in (and won!) several kickboxing tournaments. I’ve completed three Spartan races (one 5K and two 10Ks). And at any given day, you can find me lifting weights at the gym, continuously improving my personal records. I began volunteering at the Corinth Holders Fire Department in January 2023 as a Junior Firefighter and loved it! I realized I could use my physical skills toward saving lives. I dual enrolled in my local community college and am on track to graduate high school with a Certificate in Fire Protection Technology from my local community college. I plan on taking my CPR certification during this upcoming summer. In April 2024, I completed an internship as a North Carolina Governor's Page where I learned about state history, civics, public service and careers in state government. This experience confirmed my desire to give back to my community in the area of public safety. I was selected by the American Legion Post 71 to participate in the Tar Heels Boys State Program in June 2024, which is a residential leadership program that provides civics training to selected students. Through a competitive process, only 100 students throughout the state are selected to participate in this program. I was so honored to be selected! I won’t graduate high school until May 2025. Even though a lot can change between now and then, I know I want to have a career in the public service – either through the fire department or through the military. There is nothing more noble than saving lives -- even if that means risking my own. A specific role I am training is search and rescue. I am hoping to attend either the Virgina Military Institute (in Lexington, VA) or The Citadel (in Charleston, SC) to explore various career options. Both schools cultivate strong leadership skills while instilling discipline and dedication to public service. Unfortunately, the cost of college is prohibitive and without financial aid, this path may be closed to me. I hope to be considered for this wonderful opportunity. Thank you in advance!

My family has always valued public service and giving back to the community to create a better future. Although I know I have a civic duty to fulfill, at the age of 17, I'm not quite sure of all the options through which I might apply myself. Education is a way to hone my interests, develop skills and expose me to a world of possibilities where I might make an impact. I earned my black belt in American Kenpo karate by the time I was 14. I’ve continued to practice mixed martial arts (including kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing) and I’ve competed in (and won!) several kickboxing tournaments. I’ve completed three Spartan races (one 5K and two 10Ks). And at any given day, you can find me lifting weights at the gym, continuously improving my personal records. I began volunteering at the Corinth Holders Fire Department in January 2023 as a Junior Firefighter and loved it! I realized I could use my physical skills toward saving lives and public safety. I dual enrolled in my local community college and am on track to graduate high school with a Certificate in Fire Protection Technology from the community college. In April 2024, I served as a Governor's Page where I learned about history, civics, public service and career opportunities through the state of North Carolina through a hands-on internship experience. I will be getting CPR certified this summer. I won’t graduate high school until May 2025. Even though a lot can change between now and then, I know I want to have a career in the public service – either through the fire department or through the military. My goal is to attend college at the Virginia Military Institute (Lexington, VA) or The Citadel (Charleson, SC). Should I choose to enlist, I would commission as an officer and be off to a great start, working towards a better tomorrow through national security. Should I choose a civilian career, I would work towards a better tomorrow with incredible leadership skills through a public safety career. Unfortunately, tuition is $65,000 a year for both colleges and thus unattainable unless I get financial aid. During my high school career, I feel I have already accomplished a lot. I know that a formal education after high school will put me on a fantastic trajectory to accomplish even more. I hope to be considered for this wonderful opportunity.