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Jonathan Ward

915

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

HELLO! my name is Jonathan “Mitchell” Ward. I’m a nature enthusiast, artist, and summer camp counselor from Ardmore, Oklahoma. I’m a senior at Ardmore High School, where I hold a 4.11 weighted GPA (3.98 unweighted) At school, I’m involved in several leadership roles. I’m Steering Committee head for Ardmore’s Youth and Government, handle Public Relations for the National Honor Society, and work as the Media Specialist for Student Council. My passion for supporting youth grew through my work at Camp Class in Davis, Oklahoma, where I partnered with Camp Hope America to help children who have experienced abuse and violence. I’m also dedicated to encouraging others to explore their passions, whether through art competitions, developing skills in ceramics and traditional media, or getting involved in extracurricular programs like Student Council, National Honor Society, and youth government.” Honors and award: Anadarko Art Competition Winner (x2). Ardmore Top student (art). Rotary Leadership Award (2025). Ardmore Top %10 Award (x3). Future Plans: I plan to attend the University of Oklahoma, where I hope to stay involved in youth development and social advocacy. I’m not 100% committed to any major, Right now I see myself working in international relations/ Business, possibly seeking a career as a United States diplomat or foreign service officer working in fields like: political affairs, economic issues, public diplomacy, business and marketing.

Education

Ardmore High School

High School
2022 - 2026
  • GPA:
    4

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Majors of interest:

    • Business/Managerial Economics
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      International Affairs

    • Dream career goals:

    • Summer camp counselor

      YMCA camp classen
      2025 – Present11 months

    Sports

    Golf

    2022 – 20242 years

    Arts

    • Ardmore high school

      Painting
      2022 – Present

    Public services

    • Advocacy

      Youth and government — Steering committee head
      2023 – Present

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Politics

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Dream BIG, Rise HIGHER Scholarship
    Education has been a steady guide for me, helping me figure out who I am and the kind of future I want to build. I did not start out as someone who knew exactly where he was going. For a long time I simply tried to do my best in school and show up where I was needed, not realizing how much the experiences around me were shaping me. Being involved in different clubs and leadership groups helped me grow into someone who feels confident taking on responsibility and helping others. National Honor Society taught me the value of service and consistency. Student Council showed me how much work goes into building a positive school culture and how important it is to be reliable. Oklahoma Youth in Government opened my eyes to how leadership, communication, and teamwork all fit together in real situations. Through each of these organizations I learned how to speak up, how to help organize people, how to stay committed even when things get stressful, and how to carry myself with integrity. These things changed me far more than I expected, and they helped me form a clearer idea of the person I want to be as I move toward college. One of the biggest challenges I have ever faced has been dealing with my vision problems. Before I had surgery, I struggled with headaches, blurry vision, and the feeling that I was always trying to catch up. Some days it made school extremely difficult because reading, focusing, and even looking at a screen for too long took more effort than it should have. When things got worse and I found out I needed surgery, it honestly scared me. Recovery was slow and uncomfortable, and it forced me to step back from things I normally kept up with. I had to learn patience in a way I never had before. I remember trying to stay on top of homework and club responsibilities while also dealing with the stress of not being able to see clearly for a while. It was frustrating and at times overwhelming, but it also taught me a lot about myself. I learned how to ask for help when I needed it, how to trust that setbacks do not define you, and how to stay determined even when things do not go the way you planned. Getting through that experience helped me appreciate the opportunity to learn and reminded me that education is something worth working for. It made me stronger, more focused, and more grateful, and it gave me a sense of direction because I realized how important it is to have goals that keep you moving forward. Working as a camp counselor at Camp Classen added an entirely different layer to my growth. Being responsible for a group of kids all day is a challenge that teaches you things you would never learn from a textbook. At camp I learned how to stay calm in chaotic moments, how to keep a group motivated when everyone is tired, and how to show patience and kindness even when the day has been long. Some campers needed extra support, some struggled to get along with others, and some just needed someone to listen to them. Being there to help them taught me that leadership is not about being in charge but about being someone others can trust. It showed me that I want to spend my life doing work that has a real impact on people. The combination of school responsibilities, club involvement, and working at camp taught me how to handle a full schedule, how to be organized, and how to stay grounded in the values I was raised with. It helped me understand that I want to build a future where I can use my time, my education, and my character to support the people around me. All of these experiences blended together and helped me see what kind of life I want to work toward. Looking ahead, I plan to attend the University of Oklahoma and continue building on everything I have learned so far. I want to stay involved on campus, join organizations that challenge me, and take classes that prepare me for a meaningful career. I want to be surrounded by people who push me to grow and who are as committed to their goals as I am to mine. My hope is to use my education to create a stable and fulfilling future for myself and for the family I will have one day. I want to take the lessons I learned from my surgery, from my time at camp, and from my leadership roles and apply them to whatever field I choose to pursue. More than anything, I want to become someone who leads with kindness, who works hard, and who uses his education to make life better for others. The challenges I have overcome and the opportunities I have had in school and in my community have given me a sense of purpose that I plan to carry with me throughout college and beyond. I am ready to move forward, keep growing, and build a future that reflects the dedication and resilience that my journey has taught me.
    Matthew E. Minor Memorial Scholarship
    Working as a counselor at Camp Classen was one of the most meaningful service experiences of my life. When I was first hired, I approached the role simply wanting to guide campers through their daily activities and make sure they had fun. I did not initially think of my position as advocacy or leadership. My responsibilities included helping campers with hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and exploring nature. Even in these simple activities, I quickly realized how much impact patience, encouragement, and guidance could have on the campers’ experiences. Near the end of the summer, Camp Classen partnered with Camp Hope America to host children who had experienced domestic abuse or violence. It was during this partnership that I realized the true purpose of my role. The campers we welcomed had faced hardships that I could hardly imagine. Every small moment of encouragement, instruction, or praise could help them feel safe, valued, and confident. Guiding them through outdoor activities became more than teaching skills; it became a way to help them rebuild trust, discover new strengths, and experience joy in a safe environment. Witnessing their humility and gratitude inspired me deeply. These children reminded me to cherish every opportunity, approach others with patience, and celebrate even the smallest achievements. My Christian faith guided me throughout this experience. Serving these children was a way to honor God by demonstrating love, compassion, and care. It helped me see that service is not simply about performing tasks or giving time but about uplifting others, supporting their growth, and reflecting God’s grace. Watching the campers overcome challenges and find joy despite their past struggles strengthened my understanding of empathy and humility. I saw firsthand that even a small act of service, when done with love, can have a profound impact on someone’s life. This experience also shaped how I view leadership and community involvement. I serve as the Steering Committee Head for my school’s Youth Government delegation, Media Specialist for Student Council, and hold leadership roles in National Honor Society. In each of these roles, I focus on listening to others, helping peers find their voices, and creating opportunities for growth and collaboration. My time working with Camp Hope America campers reinforced the importance of patience, empathy, and humility in leadership. It reminded me that true service requires seeing the needs of others, responding thoughtfully, and encouraging growth in both small and meaningful ways. Through volunteering at Camp Classen and participating in other community programs, I have learned that service is both a responsibility and a privilege. It has taught me that helping others can transform lives, both theirs and mine. The lessons I learned through faith, compassion, and advocacy will guide me in the future as I continue to seek ways to make a meaningful difference in my community. My experience as a counselor reminded me that every individual deserves care, encouragement, and the chance to grow, and it strengthened my commitment to serving others with humility and purpose.
    David Foster Memorial Scholarship
    When thinking of George Washington, what first comes to mind is a super serious person with a stern look, the kind of man you imagine standing perfectly still on a battlefield or signing an important document. That image lasted about thirty seconds in Coach Birth’s history class before he completely shattered it. He told us the story of Washington and Henry Knox crossing a river in a small boat, and Washington supposedly told Knox to shift his fat self slowly so the boat would not tip over. The mental image was ridiculous, but that was the point. Coach Birth had a way of making history vivid and human, full of personality and humor, while still showing the weight and significance of the events. He has hundreds of stories like that, and each one is told with such energy and care that you cannot help but be drawn in. His passion is obvious, but it is not just for history; it is for the students. Going to a Title One school, it is easy to notice when teachers are just going through the motions, especially when some are here on emergency certification. It can feel like history is just a series of dates and names to memorize. Coach Birth is the opposite. He knows his students, he knows what makes us tick, and he always finds a way to connect the lesson to something we care about. He cares about every student and shows it through the little things, whether it is arguing with us over whether Oklahoma State University or the University of Oklahoma is better or making sure every question gets answered, no matter how many times we ask. It is funny because I used to argue for Oklahoma State since both of my parents went there, but now I am headed to the University of Oklahoma, and we still laugh about it. His dedication goes beyond the classroom as well. Around Christmas one year, he led our class to a nursing home to spend time with the residents and share some holiday cheer. Afterward, the students without him felt inspired enough to go back on our own and continue caroling. Moments like that show that he not only teaches history but also models generosity, compassion, and leadership. His care for others is not just performative; it motivates those around him to give their best and to look for ways to make a difference themselves. Reading about David Foster and the impact he had on students made me think immediately of Coach Birth. Both of them bring history, life, and purpose into their classrooms and into the communities they touch. Foster’s work to inspire and guide students mirrors the way Coach Birth invests in us with energy, humor, and heart. In his class, history is never just a subject; it is a chance to explore the world, to understand people, and to feel empowered to make a difference. The lessons I have learned under him go far beyond memorizing events; they are lessons about caring for others, showing up with your best effort, and finding joy in learning. Coach Birth is the kind of teacher who leaves a mark that lasts well beyond the classroom. He has made history vibrant, meaningful, and personal, and he has inspired me to approach life with curiosity, humor, and dedication. His example of passion, philanthropy, and care is exactly the kind of influence that David Foster celebrated, and I hope to carry the lessons I have learned from him forward in everything I do.
    Ed and Aline Patane Kind, Compassion, Joy and Generosity Memorial Scholarship
    Promp #2 servicing others Essay for Ed and Aline memorial Scholarship Working as a counselor at Camp Classen was one of the most meaningful service experiences of my life. When I was first hired, I approached the role simply wanting to guide campers through their daily activities and make sure they had fun. I did not initially think of my position as advocacy or leadership. My responsibilities included helping campers with hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and exploring nature. Even in these simple activities, I quickly realized how much impact patience, encouragement, and guidance could have on the campers’ experiences. Near the end of the summer, Camp Classen partnered with Camp Hope America to host children who had experienced domestic abuse or violence. It was during this partnership that I realized the true purpose of my role. The campers we welcomed had faced hardships that I could hardly imagine. Every small moment of encouragement, instruction, or praise could help them feel safe, valued, and confident. Guiding them through outdoor activities became more than teaching skills; it became a way to help them rebuild trust, discover new strengths, and experience joy in a safe environment. Witnessing their humility and gratitude inspired me deeply. These children reminded me to cherish every opportunity, approach others with patience, and celebrate even the smallest achievements. My Christian faith guided me throughout this experience. Serving these children was a way to honor God by demonstrating love, compassion, and care. It helped me see that service is not simply about performing tasks or giving time but about uplifting others, supporting their growth, and reflecting God’s grace. Watching the campers overcome challenges and find joy despite their past struggles strengthened my understanding of empathy and humility. I saw firsthand that even a small act of service, when done with love, can have a profound impact on someone’s life. This experience also shaped how I view leadership and community involvement. I serve as the Steering Committee Head for my school’s Youth Government delegation, Media Specialist for Student Council, and hold leadership roles in National Honor Society. In each of these roles, I focus on listening to others, helping peers find their voices, and creating opportunities for growth and collaboration. My time working with Camp Hope America campers reinforced the importance of patience, empathy, and humility in leadership. It reminded me that true service requires seeing the needs of others, responding thoughtfully, and encouraging growth in both small and meaningful ways. Through volunteering at Camp Classen and participating in other community programs, I have learned that service is both a responsibility and a privilege. It has taught me that helping others can transform lives, both theirs and mine. The lessons I learned through faith, compassion, and advocacy will guide me in the future as I continue to seek ways to make a meaningful difference in my community. My experience as a counselor reminded me that every individual deserves care, encouragement, and the chance to grow, and it strengthened my commitment to serving others with humility and purpose.
    Arthur and Elana Panos Scholarship
    I first began my journey in art through watercolor painting, inspired by my grandmother’s encouragement and support. She recognized my interest in creating from a young age and even helped me share my work by printing it in our church’s weekly pamphlet. Seeing my paintings in that small but meaningful space was a powerful moment for me. People often told me I was gifted, and though their words boosted my confidence, it was my faith in God that truly shaped my path as an artist. As I grew in faith, I found that my skills and creativity grew alongside it. God has a way of guiding us through our talents, and for me, He inspired me to explore different styles, techniques, and subjects in art. I have been motivated not only by other artists and their journeys but also by the experiences of my own life. One of the most formative experiences in my faith was attending Kanakuk Camp, a Christian summer camp in Branson, Missouri. Being a camper there gave me the opportunity to praise the Lord alongside other like-minded Christians in my cabin, and it was a time of deep joy, fellowship, and growth. I am grateful for that experience because it helped me develop a stronger relationship with God and a deeper understanding of His presence in my life. The main subjects of my paintings are people. I feel a deep connection to others, and I am fascinated by the ways in which human emotion and character can be captured on paper. Even though the people I paint might not look like me or might come from different backgrounds, I am reminded that we share a universal bond. We are all created by the same God, flawed yet redeemed, and each life is a reflection of His design. Painting others has taught me to see beyond appearances, to notice the dignity and worth in every individual, and to remember that we are all capable of love, compassion, and grace. My faith has not only shaped my art but also given me direction for my future. I believe that God has placed unique gifts in each of us, and I see my talent as both a blessing and a responsibility. As I pursue a career in the arts, I know that my faith will continue to guide me, helping me remain humble, persistent, and open to inspiration. Through painting and my relationship with God, I have learned patience, empathy, and purpose. I believe these lessons will carry into my career, allowing me to approach my work with intention and heart. Art becomes not only a form of personal expression but a channel through which I can honor God, celebrate the beauty of life, and inspire others to see the divine in themselves and those around them.
    Aserina Hill Memorial Scholarship
    Working at Camp Classen, in partnership with Camp Hope America, was one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life. Together, they host children who have experienced domestic abuse or violence, providing a safe place to learn, grow, and experience things they might never have had the chance to do. As a counselor, I guided kids through activities like kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and exploring nature. For many of them, these were their first experiences with outdoor activities. Seeing their excitement and appreciation was incredibly moving. I was struck by their humility and the way they embraced every opportunity, no matter how small. They taught me to value the simple joys in life and to never take experiences for granted. Watching them face challenges and celebrate small victories showed me the resilience and courage children can possess even in difficult circumstances. This experience also shaped how I think about leadership and advocacy. I serve as the Steering Committee Head for my school’s Youth Government delegation, guiding students in civic engagement and teaching them how to use their voices to create change. In this role, I have learned how to organize meetings, encourage collaboration, and help my peers understand the importance of listening and compromise. I also serve as Media Specialist for Student Council, where I manage communications, highlight student initiatives, and help organize events that bring our school community together. In addition, I hold leadership positions in National Honor Society, where I have the opportunity to serve the community and support projects that promote scholarship, character, and service. All of these experiences have taught me that leadership is not about being in charge, but about helping others grow, supporting your team, and creating meaningful opportunities for people to succeed. My time as a counselor at Camp Classen reinforced these lessons in a very real way, showing me that effective leadership often requires humility, patience, and empathy. If I were to start a charity, I would want it to provide children who have been disenfranchised with opportunities similar to those at Camp Hope America. I would focus on outdoor experiences that encourage exploration, self-confidence, and a connection with nature. I want to create a space where children can safely learn new skills, face challenges, and experience the joy of discovery. At Camp Classen, I saw how transformative these experiences can be. Even simple activities like kayaking or learning to swim could give a child a sense of pride and accomplishment that will stay with them for life. This inspired me to think about how creating opportunities for growth and joy can leave a lasting impact, and I hope to carry that same vision into any future work I do. I plan to attend the University of Oklahoma, where I hope to continue developing my leadership, advocacy, and service skills. My experiences with the children at Camp Classen, combined with my roles in Youth Government, Student Council, and National Honor Society, have shown me that true service requires empathy, humility, and dedication. These lessons will guide me as I work to make a meaningful and lasting difference in my community and in the lives of others. I am committed to using the skills and values I have gained to create opportunities for growth and hope for those who need it most.
    Learner Math Lover Scholarship
    I used to really hate math. I never seemed to understand the concepts, and my teacher’s explanations never clicked for me. I started to think math was just something I wasn’t good at, and I convinced myself I would never enjoy it. Everything began to change in Pre-Calculus. The workload and the material felt overwhelming, and I questioned whether I belonged in such a challenging class. That’s when my friend Lean Lee stepped in. Lean took the time to explain problems in a way that finally made sense to me. He patiently worked through concepts I didn’t understand and encouraged me to keep trying even when I felt like giving up. Slowly, math stopped feeling impossible. I began to see patterns and connections, and I started to enjoy the logic and problem-solving involved. Being part of the Ardmore Math Club helped me see math in a completely new light. I realized that math is not just about formulas or numbers. It is something people can share, collaborate on, and get excited about together. I loved being part of a group that challenged and supported each other, and it showed me that math can build community as well as skill. Now math is not just a subject I survive. It is something I enjoy and look forward to. It challenges me, makes me think differently, and connects me with others who share the same curiosity and excitement.
    Sabrina Carpenter Superfan Scholarship
    I first heard of Sabrina Carpenter on the Disney Channel, where she captured my attention with her charisma and authenticity. Her performances were captivating, but it wasn’t until I discovered her music career that I truly felt a connection. Her songs reflect a vulnerability and honesty that resonate with me on a personal level, inspiring me to explore my own creative passions. As someone deeply interested in art: pottery, painting and drawing, I’ve found a parallel between her approach to music and my approach to visual expression. Sabrina’s ability to convey emotion through her lyrics and performances reminds me that art, in any form, is a way to communicate parts of ourselves that words alone cannot capture. Her evolution as an artist, constantly experimenting with style and pushing boundaries, motivates me to take risks with my own paintings and embrace imperfection as part of the creative process. Sabrina Carpenter’s career has shown me that authenticity and dedication are key to growth, whether in music or in art. Her journey inspires me to pursue my passions with the same courage and resilience, reminding me that creativity is not just a skill, but a way to connect, express, and leave an impact.
    Wicked Fan Scholarship
    I love musicals. Always have. My very first one was a local production of Shrek where my friend was in the cast. I was younger, sitting in the audience, and it felt like pure chaos in the best way. People running around, singing, dancing, and somehow making a swamp feel real on a tiny stage. I was hooked. Then I discovered Wicked. I loved the story, the music, and the energy, but more than anything I loved the flying monkeys. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I see a little of myself in them. They are loyal, they get carried along by bigger events, and they manage to do all kinds of crazy things while somehow keeping it together. They wear tiny costumes and still look cool, which is honestly impressive. I like to think of myself as a flying monkey in life. Sometimes I help out behind the scenes. Sometimes I join in on the chaos. I try to be useful and make the world a little more interesting. Watching musicals like Wicked makes me feel like it is okay to be a little weird, a little dramatic, and a little chaotic. It inspires me to bring energy, creativity, and humor into everything I do, even if I look ridiculous. I love seeing characters come to life on stage and thinking about how every person, even a flying monkey, has a role to play. That is exactly what I want to do. Be part of something bigger, make people smile, and never underestimate the power of a little chaos.
    Terry Masters Memorial Scholarship
    As an artist, much of my inspiration comes from the people around me. I mostly paint portraits because I find it fascinating how artists can capture a person’s essence, their personality, and the story written in their expressions. People are endlessly interesting to me, and I love exploring the details that make each individual unique. When I was younger, I drew a lot of inspiration from Mexican folk art, especially artists like Frida Kahlo. I admired the vibrant colors, symbolic imagery, and the way personal experiences could be expressed so vividly. As I grew, I began studying the Old Masters and learning how they captured light, form, and emotion. Their work taught me new ways to see and represent people, and I try to combine that classical influence with my own personal perspective. Even now, inspiration is all around me. Walking through the hallways at school, I notice expressions, gestures, and the small details that make each person who they are. A laugh shared between friends, a confident stance, a thoughtful look, these moments spark ideas for new portraits. I am fascinated by how everyone has a story to tell and how art can help share it. I also love that painting people is a way to bring people together. Art can create connection, spark empathy, and celebrate diversity. I want my work to reflect that, showing that while every person is unique, we are all part of the same human experience. Everyday life, with all its ordinary and extraordinary moments, continues to be my greatest teacher and my favorite source of inspiration.
    Dennis A. Hall Memorial Scholarship for the Creative Arts
    I have always enjoyed being creative. From a young age, I spent time painting, shaping clay, and experimenting with different mediums. Art has always helped me make sense of the world and express ideas I could not put into words. Over time, I realized that creativity is not just personal. It can connect people and give meaning to the spaces and communities around us. One of the experiences that taught me this was working as a summer camp counselor in Davis, Oklahoma at a Christian camp. I taught campers how to whittle and carve wood. At first, I was nervous about leading. I had been more quiet and reserved when I was younger, and I worried that in a digital age it would be hard to connect with kids who were used to phones and screens. I was surprised to learn that teaching a new craft becomes a universal language. The campers were focused, patient, and excited to learn, and I saw how much they benefited from being in an environment without phones. Working with my hands and guiding them through a process they had never tried before allowed us to connect in a way that words alone could not. It reminded me that art can bring people together across ages and backgrounds. Nature has always been an important inspiration for me. Growing up, I spent time hunting and exploring the outdoors with my family. The textures of bark, the shapes of leaves, and quiet mornings in the woods often influence the work I create. When I am carving wood or working with clay, I think about patterns, lines, and forms I have observed in nature, and it informs the choices I make in my projects. Being in nature has taught me to notice details and be patient, which carries over into everything I create. Art has also helped me understand myself. It gives me space to think, focus, and explore ideas. I have learned to take risks and accept mistakes as part of the process. Sharing my skills with others has shown me that creativity is about connection as much as it is about expression. In the future, I plan to attend the University of Oklahoma and pursue a creative major. I want to keep exploring ceramics, painting, and other mediums while collaborating with other students. I hope to continue using creativity to connect with people and the world around me while growing as an artist and learning from others.
    Pamela Branchini Memorial Scholarship
    When I was younger, I was quiet and kept to myself. I spent hours doodling in my notebooks, exploring lines, shapes, and colors in private. Art was my world, but it was a world I kept separate from others. I loved creating, but I was afraid to show my work. I thought it was just for me. That began to change as I grew. In middle school, my ceramics teacher, Joshua Tusitala, invited me into the studio and encouraged me to try pottery. I remember the first time I shaped clay with my own hands and felt a lump slowly take form under my fingers. It was messy, imperfect, and exhilarating. Later, in high school, my teacher Alyssa Emery encouraged me to branch out even further. I tried painting with watercolors, experimenting with oil paints, sculpting, and exploring mixed media. Each medium challenged me in a different way and taught me patience, precision, and how to communicate ideas through texture and color. The more I explored, the more I realized that art is not just something to keep private. It is something that can connect people. I began sharing my work in class critiques and competitions. At first, it was terrifying. I was scared of what people would think and worried they would judge my work or dismiss it. But I discovered that when I shared my art, people responded. They gave feedback, asked questions, and sometimes told me that a piece I thought was small or simple made them feel something. I began to understand that art speaks in ways words cannot. Through these experiences, I grew more comfortable collaborating and connecting with other artists. I learned that sharing art is not just about recognition, it is about building community. Whether working on a class project, exchanging ideas with a peer, or learning from my teachers, I saw that creativity grows when it is shared. Art is a language, and I wanted to speak it with others. Looking ahead, I plan to attend the University of Oklahoma and pursue a creative major. I want to continue exploring ceramics, painting, and other mediums while joining art clubs on campus to collaborate with other students and share ideas. I hope to keep challenging myself, experimenting, and learning from the people around me. Art has taught me to take risks, to communicate without words, and to see the value of different perspectives. It started as something private, but it has grown into a way for me to connect with the world. I want to continue creating, sharing, and building community wherever I go.
    Diane Amendt Memorial Scholarship for the Arts
    When I was younger, I was quiet and reserved. I kept to myself and spent hours doodling in the corners of my notebooks, lost in my own little world. Art was private for me. It was a way to express ideas that I did not yet have words for. I loved it, but I did not realize that it could also connect me with other people. That began to change when I met teachers who encouraged me to explore beyond my comfort zone. My ceramics teacher, Joshua Tusitala, was one of the first people to show me that art could be a shared experience. In his class, I learned to shape clay and turn my ideas into something others could see and touch. He encouraged me to take risks, try new techniques, and show my work. Through him, I started to understand that art could bring people together instead of only living in my sketchbooks. Later, my high school art teacher, Alyssa Emery, helped me grow even more. She encouraged me to explore different mediums such as painting, digital art, and sculpture and to enter competitions. At first, I was nervous about showing my work to others. Over time, I began collaborating with my classmates, exchanging ideas, and learning from their feedback. I realized that sharing art was not about recognition. It was about connection and communication. Each project, critique, and competition helped me gain confidence and taught me how to work with others to create something meaningful. Through these experiences, I discovered that art is a way to foster community. I went from quietly doodling alone to being part of a group of artists who inspire me and whom I can support in return. Art became not only a personal outlet but a way to encourage others, learn from them, and build friendships through creativity. Looking ahead, I plan to attend the University of Oklahoma to pursue a creative major. I am excited to join art clubs on campus, share ideas with other students, and continue learning from the people around me. I want to keep growing my skills, experimenting with new forms, and building a community of artists wherever I go. Art has taught me to be bold, to communicate without words, and to see the value of collaboration. It began as something quiet and private, but it has grown into the center of how I connect with the world. I hope to keep learning, sharing, and creating and to inspire others to do the same.
    Mad Genius Scholarship
    I’ve loved art for as long as I can remember, even though both my parents say they can’t even draw a stick figure. From a young age, I found comfort in drawing and painting. It became a way for me to express what I couldn’t always put into words. I was drawn to color, texture, and emotion before I even really knew what those things meant. Art felt natural to me, like a language I was learning to speak through lines and shapes. When I was little, I was inspired by artists like Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Monet. Their work showed me that creativity doesn’t need to follow any rules to be meaningful. Picasso’s abstract forms, Dali’s surreal dreamscapes, and Monet’s soft impressionist tones all taught me that art can come from emotion just as much as precision. As I grew older, my style changed and I started to appreciate artists like Leonardo da Vinci, William Waterhouse, and Michelangelo. I admired how they used patience, structure, and detail to create something that still feels alive centuries later. I think what fascinates me most is how art can be both disciplined and wild at the same time. Art has shaped who I am in more ways than I ever expected. It helped me find confidence and gave me a place to belong. Through art classes and competitions, I met people who saw the world the same way I did, people who understand that creativity is about more than talent. It is about seeing beauty in imperfection and finding ways to express it. Competing in art contests taught me to take feedback, to keep improving, and to never lose the joy that made me start creating in the first place. Winning was never the point. The real reward was seeing my work connect with others and realizing that what I make can inspire emotion in someone else. My mashup piece is a collage made up of my own paintings from different points in my life. Each section represents a stage in my growth as an artist and a person. Together they are mix of traditional, street art, impressionism. These are three different art styles from different points in history, hopefully this shows my dedication to all forms of art and experimentation some might say… like a mad genius!
    Jonathan Ward Student Profile | Bold.org