A Voice That Never Left By: Kadance Fredericksen Growing up in a military family means learning to say goodbye more times than you can count. My dad has served in the Air Force my entire life, and while I’ve always been proud of him, that pride came with a lot of hard moments—missed birthdays, empty chairs at school events, and late-night phone calls that were never long enough. When I was little, I didn’t fully understand why my dad had to leave so often. All I knew was that one day he was home, and the next, he was somewhere far away. But my parents did everything they could to make those separations easier. One of the most special things they gave me was my Daddy Doll. A small stuffed doll with my dad’s picture on it, but the best part was that it had a voice recorder inside. Every night, I could press the button, and I’d hear my dad’s voice saying, “Goodnight, baby girl. I love you.” That doll became my lifeline. When I missed him, I would hug it tight and play his message over and over again. It wasn’t the same as having him home, but in those moments, it was enough. It was a reminder that no matter how far away he was, he was still with me. As I got older, I started to realize that military service isn’t just about the person in uniform—it’s about the whole family. It’s about learning to be strong when you don’t feel like it, about making sacrifices without expecting anything in return, and about finding ways to support others who are going through the same thing. That’s exactly what my dad taught me, and it’s the mindset I carry into everything I do. That’s why I’m so passionate about giving back. I’ve dedicated over 1,100 hours to community service, and through my organization, Kada’s Promise, I’ve helped donate over 15,000 teddy bears to children in crisis. I know what it’s like to need comfort, to hold onto something when life feels uncertain. Now, I want to be the person who provides that comfort to others. James T. Godwin’s story reminds me so much of my dad. Like James, my dad doesn’t talk about his service for recognition, he does it because it’s the right thing to do. He taught me that true impact doesn’t come from what you say, but from what you do for others. I still have my Daddy Doll. It’s a little worn out now, but I’ll never get rid of it. It’s a reminder of the strength my dad gave me, the love that never faded no matter how many miles were between us, and the lessons that shaped me into the person I am today.

Turning Pain Into Purpose By Kadance Fredericksen Jack Terry’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and hope. Despite losing everything, he refused to let his circumstances define him. His journey reminds me that even in the darkest moments, there is always a way forward. I connect with his story because I, too, have faced hardships that could have broken me, but instead they fueled my determination to create a better future, not just for myself, but for others. My life didn’t start with stability and love. My earliest years were filled with fear and uncertainty, but my dad and my now-adopted mom gave me something I had never known before, a home. They saved me. Even with their love and support, healing wasn’t instant. I spent years in therapy, learning how to overcome the trauma of my past. But instead of letting it hold me back, I turned it into my purpose. I channeled my experiences into something positive. Giving back to others who need hope. That’s why I founded Kada’s Promise, an organization dedicated to supporting abused children. So far, we have donated over 15,000 teddy bears to kids who need comfort, showing them that they are not alone. In addition to this, I have dedicated over 1,100 hours to community service, volunteering at local organizations like Backpack Buddies, PupStop, and 5 Star Veterans Services. Jack Terry used his experiences to educate and inspire others, and I strive to do the same. His story also reinforces the power of education. He started with nothing, yet he worked his way through high school, college, and medical school, refusing to let obstacles stand in his way. That is exactly the mindset I carry with me as I work toward my dream of becoming a veterinarian. Animals, especially dogs, played a huge role in my healing journey, offering comfort when words couldn’t. My goal is to open a veterinary practice that not only provides medical care but also incorporates therapy dogs to help children in difficult situations. I want to give back to my community by using my education to help both animals and people heal. This scholarship would bring me one step closer to making that dream a reality. Like Jack, I know what it means to start with hardships and turn them into something meaningful. His story proves that no matter what life throws at you, perseverance and purpose can lead to a brighter future. I carry that lesson with me every day as I push forward, determined to turn my past into something that brings hope to others.

My life has been shaped by overcoming adversity, and it has fueled my determination to succeed in education and pursue my dreams in STEM. Growing up, I faced unimaginable challenges, including neglect, hunger, and homelessness in a home where love and security were missing. My early childhood was marked by trauma, and I struggled to find hope or stability. But everything changed when my biological dad and adoptive mom gained custody of me. In 2017, I was officially adopted, and for the first time, I experienced what it felt like to be safe, loved, and valued. The trauma I endured left emotional scars, but it also gave me an incredible sense of resilience. I learned to face challenges head-on and use every obstacle as a chance to grow stronger. This resilience has driven my educational journey. Despite the setbacks I’ve faced, I’ve always prioritized my academics and pushed myself to excel. I’ve maintained honor roll status throughout high school, balanced a rigorous curriculum, and taken on leadership roles like being Beta Club Secretary and a member of the Baker Gatorettes Dance Team for three years. These experiences have shown me that no matter where you start, your future can be bright if you stay determined. My passion for STEM, particularly science and medicine, comes from my love of animals and my desire to make a difference. Growing up on a farm with cows, goats, chickens, and six dogs, I saw firsthand how important animal care is. I also experienced the comfort and unconditional love that animals can provide, which was a lifeline during my darkest times. This connection inspired me to pursue a career as a veterinarian. I want to specialize in both large and small animal care, especially in rural areas where access to veterinary services is limited. Studying animal science and biology will give me the foundation I need to make this dream a reality. Financially, my family has always faced challenges. As the daughter of an active-duty military member, we’ve had to deal with the instability that comes with moving frequently and the financial strain that comes with military life. My dad’s service means we’ve had to stretch every dollar, and with college expenses looming, the pressure has only increased. Scholarships are crucial for me to achieve my goals without putting an overwhelming burden on my family. Receiving this scholarship would not only relieve some of the financial stress but also allow me to focus fully on my education and continue my community service work. I’ve dedicated over 1,159 hours to volunteer projects, including raising more than $25,000 for the Ronald McDonald House and founding Kada’s Promise, which has provided over 14,000 teddy bears and blankets to kids in trauma. This work has taught me that helping others is one of life’s greatest purposes, and I hope to carry that spirit into my future career as a veterinarian. In the end, my journey has taught me the value of hard work, the power of resilience, and the importance of giving back. I’m passionate about pursuing a degree in STEM because it’s the path that allows me to turn my experiences into something meaningful, making a difference for animals and the people who care about them. This scholarship would be a critical step in making my dreams come true and ensuring that I can keep working to create a positive impact in the world.

Kindness has always been a guiding value in my life, especially since I know firsthand what it feels like to need a little extra hope and support. One of the most significant ways I’ve tried to spread kindness is through Kada’s Promise, an initiative I started to bring comfort to children who have experienced trauma. It’s inspired by my own journey of overcoming a painful and difficult childhood, and it’s been a way for me to turn my experiences into something positive. Growing up, I faced challenges like neglect, hunger, and homelessness before being adopted into a loving, supportive family. Those tough years left emotional scars, but they also gave me a deep sense of empathy for others who are struggling. I remember how much even the smallest gestures of kindness meant to me during those dark times, and that memory drives everything I do now to help others. The idea for Kada’s Promise came from wanting to give other kids the sense of comfort I once needed. I knew that something as simple as a teddy bear could make a world of difference for a child feeling scared or alone. Since starting Kada’s Promise, I’ve collected and distributed over 14,000 teddy bears and blankets to children all over the world. Each item is more than just a toy or a piece of fabric, it’s a symbol of hope and a reminder that someone out there cares about them. One of the most memorable moments for me was when a little girl in a shelter hugged her new teddy bear and whispered, “I finally have something to keep me safe.” It was a reminder of how small acts of kindness can have a huge impact. Writing and publishing my children’s book, “Kada’s Promise,” was another way I wanted to spread kindness. The book is now available in multiple children’s mental health facilities and is used to support kids dealing with trauma. It tells a story of hope and healing, and I’ve heard from counselors and therapists about how the book has helped children feel less alone in their struggles. Knowing that something I created is helping kids find a little bit of comfort means everything to me. Beyond Kada’s Promise, kindness has shaped my volunteer work in other ways, too. I’ve dedicated 1,159 hours to community service, working with organizations like the Ronald McDonald House, where I raised over $25,000 to support families with children in the hospital. I’ve also volunteered at the Crestview Area Homeless Shelter, helping to provide resources and meals for those in need. These experiences have shown me that kindness doesn’t just impact the people receiving it, it also transforms the person giving it. Helping others has given my life real purpose and taught me to always be grateful for what I have. One of the most rewarding parts of spreading kindness is seeing the ripple effect it creates. When people witness acts of kindness, they’re often inspired to pay it forward. I’ve seen my friends, classmates, and even strangers get involved in community service projects after learning about Kada’s Promise or joining me at volunteer events. It’s like kindness has a way of multiplying, and that’s something truly beautiful to witness. Kindness has also taught me valuable lessons about leadership, patience, and resilience. Coordinating large-scale donation drives, partnering with local businesses, and working with volunteers have all pushed me to grow and develop new skills. It hasn’t always been easy, but knowing that my efforts are helping others makes it all worth it. It’s also shown me the importance of using my voice to advocate for change, whether it’s raising awareness for child abuse prevention or promoting the value of community support. Looking forward, I plan to carry these lessons into my future career as a veterinarian. I want to continue making a difference by caring for animals and supporting the families who love them. Kindness isn’t just something I do, it’s a part of who I am, and I’m committed to spreading it in as many ways as possible. Whether it’s through helping animals in need, comforting kids going through tough times, or simply being there for someone who needs a friend, I hope to keep making a positive impact for the rest of my life.

Growing up in a blended family has had a huge impact on who I am today and how I see my future. My early years were filled with uncertainty and instability. Living in a difficult situation with my biological mother, I experienced trauma, neglect, and hunger. Everything changed when my biological dad and adoptive mom gained custody of me. In 2017, my adoptive mom officially adopted me, and for the first time, I knew what it felt like to be safe, loved, and valued. Being raised in this blended family gave me a second chance at life and taught me the importance of compassion, resilience, and service. My adoptive mom is my biggest inspiration. She showed me how to love fiercely and how to give back to others. Her influence led me to create Kada’s Promise, an initiative that brings comfort to kids who have experienced trauma. So far, I’ve collected and distributed over 14,000 teddy bears and blankets to children around the world, hoping to give them a sense of comfort and hope, just like I needed when I was younger. I even wrote a children’s book, “Kada’s Promise,” which is used in mental health facilities to support kids dealing with trauma. Seeing how something so small can make a huge difference in a child’s life has motivated me to keep pushing forward. Being part of a blended family and experiencing the unconditional love and support of my adoptive mom has shaped my future goals. I know I want to use my talents to do good and help people, whether that’s through my dream of becoming a veterinarian or continuing to grow Kada’s Promise. I’ve always had a deep connection with animals, and I believe that helping them is another way to make a difference in people’s lives. Even if I don’t have everything figured out yet, one thing is certain: I want to make a lasting impact. I’ve already completed 1,159 volunteer hours, from raising over $25,000 for the Ronald McDonald House to serving at local shelters, and I’m committed to finding ways to help others for the rest of my life. I’ve also been involved in school activities, like being on the Baker Gatorettes Dance Team for three years and serving as Beta Club Secretary. These experiences have taught me about leadership, teamwork, and the value of dedication. Balancing academics, extracurriculars, and volunteer work hasn’t always been easy, but it’s made me more determined to chase my dreams and never give up. In a future where I’m using my talents to make a positive impact, I imagine a world where no one feels alone or unheard. Whether it’s comforting a scared animal, supporting a struggling family, or simply spreading kindness, I’m determined to be a force for good. My blended family taught me the power of love and the importance of giving back, and I’ll carry those lessons with me in everything I do.

Hi, I’m Kadance, and if I had to sum up what drives me, I’d say it’s all about leaving a legacy of living fully, loving others, laughing often, learning endlessly, and making a positive impact in the world. Growing up as the daughter of an active-duty service member and being part of a military family has taught me a lot about resilience, service, and the importance of community. It hasn’t always been easy, especially because my childhood was marked by trauma, instability, and uncertainty before I was adopted. But those experiences shaped who I am today and have fueled my passion for giving back. Sports have always played a huge role in my life. I’ve been a dedicated member of the Baker Gatorettes Dance Team for three years, and that experience has taught me about teamwork, discipline, and the joy of celebrating successes together. Balancing academics, dance, and my many volunteer projects has made me better at time management and staying focused on my goals. Community service is at the heart of everything I do. I’ve logged 1,159 volunteer hours so far, from raising over $25,000 for the Ronald McDonald House to volunteering at animal clinics and local shelters. One of my proudest accomplishments is founding Kada’s Promise, an initiative where I’ve distributed over 14,000 teddy bears and blankets to children around the world who have experienced trauma. I even wrote a children’s book, “Kada’s Promise,” to give hope to kids in mental health facilities. These experiences have shown me the power of kindness and the ripple effect that one act of love can have. This scholarship would be a game-changer for me. It would help relieve the financial burden on my family, especially since my dream is to attend Auburn University and pursue a career in veterinary medicine. My goal is to specialize in both large and small animals, serving rural communities that often lack proper veterinary care. The scholarship would not only help cover the cost of tuition but also allow me to continue focusing on my academics, volunteer work, and preparations for a career dedicated to helping others. I’m committed to learning as much as I can, not just in the classroom but through every experience life throws my way. Whether it’s through volunteering, sports, or building relationships, I’m always looking to grow and contribute. I hope to inspire others to live with purpose, love fiercely, and find joy even in the tough times. Thank you for considering my application and giving me the opportunity to share my story.

I embody selflessness by using my own life experiences as a catalyst for helping others. Having grown up in an abusive environment, I know what it feels like to be scared, lonely, and powerless. Rather than letting these experiences define me, I chose to turn my pain into purpose, dedicating myself to helping those who are facing similar challenges. One of the most significant ways I have done this is through Kada's Promise, an initiative I founded to support children who have endured abuse or trauma. My journey with Kada's Promise began when I recognized the profound impact that even small acts of kindness could have on a child's life. I started collecting teddy bears and blankets, and over the years, I’ve distributed more than 14,000 of these comforting items to children in shelters and foster care, both locally and internationally. Each bear and blanket represents a moment of solace for a child in need, a reminder that they are not alone and that someone cares about them. A specific instance that highlights my commitment to selflessness occurred during a visit to a local shelter. I met a young girl who reminded me of myself at her age—frightened, uncertain, and in need of comfort. When I handed her a teddy bear, her eyes filled with tears of gratitude, and she hugged the bear tightly. In that moment, I saw the power of compassion and empathy, and I knew that my efforts were making a real difference in the lives of children like her. It was a powerful reminder that even the smallest gesture can have a lasting impact on someone's life. In addition to Kada's Promise, I’ve extended my reach by becoming a published author. My children’s book, Kada's Promise, was written to offer comfort and hope to other kids who have experienced abuse. Through the book, I share my story in a way that is relatable to young readers, showing them that it’s possible to overcome hardship and find happiness. Writing this book was an act of selflessness in itself, as it required me to revisit painful memories and channel them into a message of hope and resilience. Selflessness, to me, is about looking beyond my own experiences and using them to bring comfort, joy, and hope to others. Whether through Kada's Promise, my volunteer work, or simply being a supportive friend, I strive to live a life that uplifts those around me. My goal is to continue embodying selflessness in all that I do, ensuring that my actions have a positive impact on the lives of others.