Growing up in a single-parent household taught me early that success is not determined by where you start, but by how hard you are willing to work to reach your goals. My mother has worked tirelessly to provide for my younger brother and me, often making sacrifices so we could have opportunities she never had. Watching her perseverance has inspired me to approach every challenge with determination, gratitude, and a strong desire to succeed. I believe motivated and high-achieving students from disadvantaged backgrounds deserve opportunities such as scholarships and grants because many of us have the talent, work ethic, and potential to succeed, but often face financial barriers that can make higher education seem out of reach. Scholarships do more than provide financial assistance- they create opportunities for students to pursue their dreams, develop their talents, and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Throughout high school, I have worked hard to make the most of the opportunities available to me. As a football captain, I learned the importance of leadership, discipline, and accountability. I have balanced academics, athletics, community service, and family responsibilities while staying committed to becoming the best version of myself. As the oldest son, I have often helped care for my younger brother and supported my family whenever possible. During difficult financial times, I took on a part-time job and made sacrifices so that household needs could come first. One of my greatest goals is to become the first person in my family to graduate from a university. I plan to major in Kinesiology and pursue a career in athletic training. I want to help young athletes develop not only their physical abilities but also their confidence, character, and leadership skills. The coaches and mentors in my life have had a tremendous impact on me, and I hope to have that same impact on others. Receiving this grant would help alleviate some of the financial burden of pursuing a college education. It would allow me to focus more on my studies, personal development, and career preparation rather than worrying about how I am going to pay for tuition and other educational expenses. Most importantly, this grant would be an investment in someone who is committed to working hard, giving back, and making the most of every opportunity. I am determined to build a better future for myself, support my family, and serve others through my career. With the help of this grant, I will be one step closer to turning goals into reality. Thank you for your consideration!

Some people have heroes they see on television or read about in books. My hero has always been much closer to home. My grandfather is more than just my grandfather—he is like a father to me. My name is Justus. I'm a High School graduate entering my Freshman year at East Texas Baptist University. I am the son of a single mom, and I will be the first in my immediate family to attend a four-year college. My grandfather has been a constant source of wisdom, strength, love, and encouragement throughout my life. In 2007, my grandfather had a simple prostate biopsy that sent him into sepsis. A simple medical procedure quickly turned into a life-threatening situation. An infection developed, and before long, my grandfather was fighting for his life in the hospital. By God's grace, he survived sepsis and continued to live a full life after his cancer diagnosis! In 2021, his appendix ruptured, and he went septic again for the second time. For nearly a month, my family and I watched him endure a surgery that took three attempts to close his stomach back up, setbacks, and uncertainty. Seeing someone who had always seemed so strong suddenly become so vulnerable was heartbreaking. Before this experience, I had never fully understood what sepsis was or how dangerous it could be because I was a baby during his first experience. I learned that sepsis is the body's extreme response to an infection and that it can become fatal if not recognized and treated quickly. What shocked me most was how fast it happened. One moment, my grandfather was recovering from a procedure, and the next, he was in a hospital bed fighting a battle none of us expected. During those long weeks, I witnessed the dedication of all the healthcare professionals who worked so hard to care for him. I also saw the power of faith. My family prayed constantly, believing God was not finished with my grandfather's story. There were moments when fear tried to take over, but we held on to hope and kept praying. Thankfully, God answered those prayers, and my grandfather was able to overcome sepsis not once but twice! Today, my grandfather is still here, continuing his healing journey and enjoying life with the family who loves him so much. I thank God every day for giving us more time together. The thought of losing him is difficult to imagine because his influence on my life has meant everything to me. He has taught me the value of hard work, integrity, perseverance, and faith. If he had not survived, I honestly do not know how I would have handled such a loss. This experience changed me. It taught me not to take a single day or a single loved one for granted. It has also allowed me to share my story about sepsis with you. Many people have never heard of it until it affects someone they love. Greater awareness can save lives by helping people recognize symptoms early and seek treatment before it is too late. My grandfather's battle with sepsis reminded me that life is precious and that every day is a gift. His survival is a testimony of faith, resilience, and the importance of quality healthcare. Most importantly, it also reminded me how blessed I am to have the opportunity to learn from, laugh with, and make memories with the man who has helped shape me into the person I am today.

One experience that had a lasting impact on me was volunteering at St. Paul’s food pantry in Tyler, where I helped serve individuals and families facing food insecurity. Before that day, I understood the idea of helping others, but I had never fully experienced what it meant to directly serve people in need. That experience was both eye-opening and humbling. During my time there, I greeted families as they arrived, helped distribute groceries, and carried bags to their cars. What stood out to me most was not just the need, but the people themselves. I met individuals from all walks of life. Parents were doing their best to provide for their children, elderly individuals who needed extra support, and families who simply needed a helping hand during a difficult time. Some of their circumstances were not the best but they showed up with a smile. That day shifted my perspective. It reminded me that you never really know what someone else is going through, and it reinforced the importance of compassion and service. Being able to play a small role in helping someone put food on their table was incredibly meaningful to me. It was more than just handing out groceries! Those two days were all about showing respect, offering encouragement, and being present for others in a time of need. As I helped carry groceries to each car, I realized how something that may seem small to me could make a big difference in someone else’s life. Knowing that families would go home with food and not have to worry about their next meal filled my heart in a way I will never forget. It gave me a sense of purpose and reminded me of the importance of giving back to my community. That experience strengthened my desire to continue serving others, not just through volunteering, but through my future career and everyday actions. I want to be someone who makes a positive impact, whether big or small. Volunteering at St. Paul’s food pantry taught me that service is not just about what you give—it’s about how you make people feel. It is a lesson I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Growing up as the oldest son in a single-parent household, responsibility became a part of my life at an early age. My mother worked hard to provide for my younger brother and me, often making sacrifices so we could have opportunities she didn’t have. Because of this, I naturally stepped into a leadership role within my family. I helped care for my younger brother, making sure he got to school on time, stayed focused on his responsibilities, and felt supported when my mom had to leave early for work. These moments taught me that leadership is not about a title—it’s about showing up for others when they need you most. During my junior year, our family faced financial challenges that required me to grow up even more. I took on a part-time job and began limiting my personal expenses so I could contribute to our household. While balancing work, school, and athletics was not always easy, it strengthened my discipline and time management skills. More importantly, it taught me the value of sacrifice and what it truly means to support your family. Instead of seeing these challenges as setbacks, I saw them as opportunities to become stronger and more responsible. Watching my mother’s perseverance has shaped the man I am becoming. She has always pushed us to be our best, even when life was difficult. Her strength, resilience, and unwavering belief in our future have motivated me to work harder every day. I carry those lessons with me in everything I do. As a student-athlete and football captain, I strive to lead by example. Whether on the field, in the classroom, or at home, I hold myself accountable and encourage others to do the same. Football has taught me discipline, teamwork, and how to stay focused under pressure, but my home life has taught me character. I plan to major in Kinesiology and pursue a career in athletic training or coaching. As an athlete, I have experienced firsthand the importance of having mentors who not only develop your physical abilities but also help shape your mindset and character. My goal is to give back to the next generation of athletes by creating an environment where they feel supported, challenged, and inspired to grow. I want to help young athletes build confidence, discipline, and resilience—qualities that extend far beyond sports. Earning a college degree represents more than personal success for me—it represents breaking a generational barrier. I will be the first in my family to graduate from a university, and that accomplishment carries both pride and responsibility. I want to set an example for my younger brother and show him that no matter where you come from, higher education is possible with hard work and determination. I also want to build a stable future for my family and give back to the community that has supported me along the way. Receiving this scholarship would not only impact me, but it would also ease the financial burden on my mother, who has given everything to ensure our success. It would allow me to focus on my education and continue striving toward my goals without placing additional stress on my family. I am committed to making the most of every opportunity I am given and honoring the sacrifices that have brought me this far.

A defining moment in my life came during my freshman year of high school when my cousin Josh, who was like a brother to me, passed away. He was a talented basketball player around my age, and his death was the first time I truly understood how fragile life is. Before that, I had never really thought about losing someone so close to me, especially at such a young age. His passing changed my perspective completely. It made me realize that life is not guaranteed and that every day is a gift. That experience pushed me to grow closer to God and to value my relationships more deeply. I began to love my family harder, appreciate the time we have together, and live each day with purpose and intention. To honor Josh, I started wearing his basketball number, #2. It serves as a constant reminder of who I play for and why I push myself to be better every day. His memory motivates me to stay focused, work hard, and never take opportunities for granted. I am grateful for the life I’ve been given, my supportive family, and my school community. As I prepare to attend college, I carry his memory with me, using it as motivation to build a meaningful future and make the most of every opportunity ahead.