How can a small-town girl like me have a positive impact on the world? After all, I am just one person. Before I can make a profound worldwide effect, I need to start on a smaller scale with my tiny, rural community before it withers and dies. I’d never been exposed to death until I lost my Poppy suddenly, out of the blue, and totally unexpected. The loss and finality here on earth had a devastating impact on my life. However, now I’ve been watching my small town die a slow death every day as well. The school has no life or energy to uplift their spirits. Since Covid, businesses in our town have folded. People have moved out of the area. Even our old water tower, which used to distinguish us from other towns and is visible to all, has been fading, peeling, and dying. The exhausted logo appears to represent the lifeless existence we are all experiencing. I’d love to energize and breathe life back into my community, and this is how I hope to help. Let me explain my game plan. The water tower is a large icon that distinctly sits on the hillside in obvious view and supplies my town with cold, refreshing water. Over 35 years ago, a painted bulldog mascot displayed our community pride. Now, all that’s left are chipped fragments of paint, making it unrecognizable as a bulldog and bringing embarrassment to the entire town. It’s well overdue for a fresh look. I am helping spearhead the process of revamping and rejuvenating a much-needed facelift. With my artistic talents, I am presenting several options for a new community logo to be painted and displayed on the side of the gigantic tower. Everyone shares in the excitement, anticipating the new enthusiasm and energy this upgraded attraction will bring to our small, dying town. In addition to this project, I am working to bring life back to other faded signs in my community. I just finished repainting our local visitor center sign that welcomes others to our town. Continuing to beautify Kettle Falls, I distributed wooden planter boxes to various businesses, enhancing the streets with brightly colored flowers. My goal is to inspire and uplift my community spirit through a fresh upgrade. The change will bring new life to my old, dying town with an invigorating impact.  Community pride can be a rejuvenating factor to uplift spirits. Since second grade, I have been designing t-shirt logos for numerous community fun runs, school activities, and local businesses. Currently, I am designing an attractive logo for the new crew neck sweatshirts at the coffee shop where I work. Everybody loves the enthusiasm a fresh look brings. I envision bringing the future water tower logo to sweatshirts and t-shirts that can be sold in the local businesses in my town. It would be fun memorabilia to purchase for the locals and out-of-town visitors as well. I want my community to be remembered by putting Kettle Falls back on the map. Reestablishing pride by upgrading the water tower logo, repainting local signs, adding planter boxes, and having town sweatshirts and memorabilia will uplift community spirit. Maybe it only takes one person to bring fresh new life to a once-dying town. Imagine what a whole community working together could accomplish. Your generous gift of the Walking in Authority International Ministry Scholarship would allow me to continue giving back to my small community in Kettle Falls, Washington.

It might come as a surprise to hear who I consider my go-to woman of inspiration. Actually, it was my great-grandma, whom we affectionately called G2. She motivated me to set high goals and pursue lofty dreams. Let me take you back on my journey of how she became so influential and important in my life. I was born in Spokane, Washington, and at the age of five, my family moved to Kettle Falls, where we lived next door to my grandparents and G2. Initially, Poppy held my undivided attention. Every day and in every way, I was glued to his hip. He taught me to ride horses, fish, hunt, swim, play sports, water ski, and wakeboard. G2 was right there observing. Being my biggest cheerleader, she encouraged me while sharing stories of the good old days when she enjoyed similar activities. I absolutely loved living next door and sharing my life with them. Suddenly, my world turned upside down the day Poppy died unexpectedly. Instantly, G2 became the stable comforter holding my world together. I looked up to her for security and direction in this shattering moment. G2 understood my heartache and grief from experiencing similar losses. After the death of Poppy, Grandma and G2 moved in with my family, making us a four-generation home. Trying to keep my mind preoccupied, G2 developed my interest in arts and crafts, demonstrating knitting, crocheting, and beadwork which she excelled in. She complimented and encouraged me in my artistic talents, such as painting, drawing, and sketching. G2 raised ten kids, was a sports fanatic, and was an accomplished speaker in the community, which encouraged me to use my artistic skills in our small town. My involvement in community service included painting the visitor center signs and designing numerous t-shirts for fun runs, school activities, and coffee shop t-shirts. My latest project is updating the new logo design for the town water tower facelift. G2 took pride in my accomplishments, stressing the importance of pursuing higher education with a never-stop learning attitude. Attending a four-year college wasn’t high on my priority list until two main events altered my thought process. The first change of direction started when I began taking modeling and acting classes. Being invited to the prestigious International Model and Talent Runway in New York City, I placed top 10 in many events against worldwide competition. I discovered a love for high fashion and design. The second incident happened by placing fourth in state in the triple jump, and college coaches noticed this achievement and began the recruiting process. G2’s words rang clear, encouraging me to “be creative and watch how God will direct your life”. By combining my passion for art, sports, and fashion, I now envision opening a boutique business specializing in sports logos and unique clothing design. This dream wouldn’t be possible without a business degree. The only thing holding me back now is finances for college. G2 didn’t have much money either but reminded me God always provides in unique ways. I wish G2 could see how God will provide for my needs. Unfortunately, she passed away at the age of 96 while living in our home. However, her thoughtful words of wisdom continue to impact my life today. I am on track to simultaneously complete my high school diploma and AA degree from Spokane Community College with a 3.96 GPA. Seeking creative finances to help pay for college, I would be empowered to receive your generous gift of the Girls Ready to Empower Girls scholarship. G2 would be proud and smile down on me!

Where would you observe arms flailing, feet kicking, shin bruising, and lots of tears, with surrounding crowds encouraging this mass confusion and total chaos? You might think this is describing a gang fight, street brawl, or some sort of riot. Nope . . . . it’s a typical five-year-old pee wee soccer game. Parents act like their kids are destined to become the next World Cup soccer hero. Coaches assume the tiny athletes can comprehend the X’s and O’s being drawn out on the whiteboard. While the other fans (if there are any) are looking at their watch wondering what will come first, scoring a goal or turning the lights out. This was my first experience with soccer and I loved every minute of the competition. Well, maybe I didn't love EVERY minute. One memorable moment in a high school game remains fresh in my mind and still leaves a knot in the pit of my stomach. The setting was the final minute of a tied overtime state-qualifying game. Our opponents shot a corner kick which ricocheted off the goalpost, popping the ball back into fair play right in front of the goal zone. Both teams jumped into action. We were fiercely defending to prevent a goal and they were aggressively determined to score. In the mass scramble of feet, I was able to boot it hard with the intent of sailing it to center field, but my foot had a mind of its own. Trying to kick straight on, my foot slipped, sending the ball sideways, straight past our goalie and into their net. The whistle blew and that fast the game was over. Everyone was confused about what happened, but I wasn’t. I knew it was my error that brought our season to an abrupt end. I hated not going to state and felt the brunt of this devastating loss. However, soccer is a team sport and we need each other to help us through the good times and bad. Not all my minutes were bad. As a freshman varsity starter, I scored my first goal within the opening minute of the game. I received a perfect pass and had a line shot to the goal. Scoring felt easy and the exhilarating feeling was the best. However, I quickly learned soccer is much like life. Sometimes the ability to reach an easy goal is blocked. Circumstances change quickly; one minute you’re on offense striving for a goal, and seconds later you’re forced into a defensive position defending every move. Racking up points has always been a highlight of my game, but don’t credit me. Teammate assistance is critical in reaching goals. Soccer is much like playing in the arena of life with multiple highs and lows. Scoring goals in either situation takes both hard work and teamwork. Goals can be obtained or blocked, while best efforts can ricochet completely in the opposite direction. This game parallels my college pursuit to obtain a business degree. At times my footwork is perfect. I’ve got the grades, found a college, and have a dream career in mind. These skills allow me to dribble quickly up the field focusing on the goal of college. What's blocking me now from scoring the final shot into the college business degree goal post is the ginormous goalie known as “insufficient funds”. I desperately need a teammate to assist me in making the shot of my ultimate life goal. Let's do this together. I score the goal while you assist with this most generous Nasser Seconi scholarship!

How can you stop the negative cynics of the world who want to hold you back? Move on with tenacity and prove them wrong! There will always be plenty of people that exist who criticize, object to, and oppose others causing discouragement or giving up early without much effort or even trying. They are called naysayers, but I’ve never been one to let them influence me or push me around. In my mind, they are more like a buzzing fly . . . just annoying. Annoying naysayers bug me all the time. Naysayers told me it would be difficult to undertake high school and college simultaneously. Pushing forward and keeping my nose to the grind, I continue to maintain a 3.96 GPA while working toward my high school diploma and associate's degree. So far I’ve proved them wrong. Naysayers pestered me about turning out for high school track, saying you aren't good enough to earn a scholarship in that sport. Continuing with track practice and shoving those comments aside, I took out a gym membership to increase endurance, muscle strength, and flexibility. I placed 4th in state in the triple jump, which might seem like no big deal. However, college coaches noticed this achievement and are now actively recruiting me to participate in the track program. I’m glad I worked hard and set my own goals demonstrating they were wrong. Naysayers said don’t pursue fashion modeling, only the elite can achieve that dream. However, I set aside their advice and enrolled in modeling, acting, and commercial classes. I shocked my high school classmates by being invited to compete in the International Model and Talent Association as a high fashion runway model in New York City. I achieved my ambitious goals by winning multiple top ten awards against worldwide competition. This recognition afforded me the gift of being signed by two top modeling agencies. My tenacity paid off and was beneficial in reaching this impossible dream confirming they were wrong. My current passion involves attending a four-year college in pursuit of a business degree. Naysayers say that’s impossible, college is way too expensive and out of the question for a first-generation college student. Unfortunately, in this instance, the naysayers are correct. College is ridiculously expensive and I definitely can’t afford it. I have been working a part-time job before school for many years but everything is expensive and these days most of my college savings fund has been drained just paying for gas! My parents are not in a financial position either to offer monetary help. My dad is the sole supporter of our four-generational home and travels four hours round trip, working all the overtime available. Unfortunately, He makes just enough so I don’t qualify for low-income grants and scholarships. If I want to go to college, it’s up to me to find the means to pay for it. However, being a highly motivated person, I am bound and determined to find creative ways to make my college education happen. I am ready to tackle the obstacle of affording college ignoring the unwelcomed comments. Overcoming Naysayers has been my biggest challenge in obtaining my personal goals, but I’ve beaten the odds in proving them wrong. I push myself hard with greater tenacity to achieve the goals I’ve set for myself. What have I learned from these experiences? Don’t listen to naysayers as they’ve been known to be wrong. Hard work, determination, and grit will eventually pay off. I'd be honored to be the payoff recipient of your most generous Dounya Discala scholarship!

The Flame of Change Who would have thought walking the runway as a fashion model in New York City would create a spark of interest in style and design, fanning the flame of one day owning my own business? Life presents interesting twists and turns in directing new pathways and mine sure took a dramatic detour! Attending a four-year college wasn’t high on the priority list until the biggest surprise came after placing 4th at state in the triple jump last year. That in and of itself might seem like no big deal. However, college coaches noticed this achievement and began the recruiting process to schools I’d never considered attending. Thus, my interest in fashion, modeling, and sports blended and morphed into the desire to attend a four-year college. It became crystal clear a business degree is in my future. Having a business degree allows for a variety of flexible, unique options that can positively impact my community. The doors could open for me to establish my own clothing boutique with high-end specialty items at affordable prices. Small towns such as mine are often limited in providing a higher quality of design options. “One-stop-shopping” doesn't quite cut it when a person is desiring an upgraded, classier style to ignite a new spark in fashion. Another window of opportunity could lead down the path of creating updated logos and emblems on uniforms, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and other assorted sportswear in the community schools. A fresh new look is more than overdue and would definitely help fan the flame of school spirit. One more potential avenue of development could fall within the boundaries of online shopping. My business degree would give me the knowledge to promote and market my exclusive designs and products allowing for every community and every walk of life to wear unique, affordable designer clothes BY KARYSS. Hopefully, with the latest technology, massive sales could take off like wildfire. The multiple opportunities in the business world appear to be endless. Sparks of interest in modeling, fashion, design, and sports reignited my passion and left me with a burning desire to get started on my business degree. This new energy fuels my drive to attend a four-year college, become productive, and be a fresh spark in the community while watching the business growth reach surrounding areas. I’m so grateful for the unexpected twists and turns my life has taken as it honed in on more of a pinpoint pathway leading to a business degree. However, this creates one last, tiny, little problem . . . finances. Therefore, it is with complete humility and total appreciation that I seek to win your generous scholarship gift (especially since money isn’t burning a hole in my pocket).

If I were to write a "Fictional Autobiography", it would begin like this. ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD . . . a beautiful baby girl named Karyss Pfeffer was born. I was adorable and perfect. My parents were typical high society having an overabundance of free-flowing cash. Of course, my father was tall, dark, and handsome and my mother was a gorgeous, sexy, high-fashion model. I was chauffeured home from the hospital in my parent's gold, convertible Catalac bundled up in a soft, pink, cashmere blanket with a silver spooned binky in my mouth. My family life was extravagant and showered me with anything my little heart desired. Money, fame, and fortune were never an issue. My parents had all the right connections to ensure I would be the best of the best. They provided private tutoring by top academic professors to guarantee I maintained a perfect grade point average. Top professional athletes coached me daily, improving my skills in basketball, tennis, soccer, and track. This allowed me to compete with recognition at the highest national level. Naturally, I was born beautiful so I followed in my mother's footsteps and she taught me how to walk, talk, and dress fashionably. I inherited all the right moves. Wait! Stop! Halt! That's fiction and only happens “Once upon a time in Hollywood”. Let's rewrite this narrative. My nonfictional version begins in rural Kettle Falls, Washington where my middle-class parents brought me home in a minivan to an average household. Without professional coaching and tutoring, I continue to excel in varsity sports. I am able to maintain a 3.96 GPA while working part-time, completing my high school diploma as well as obtaining an Associate Degree. I’d never considered attending a four-year college due to insufficient funds. However, after placing 4th at state in the triple jump college coaches noticed this achievement and began the recruiting process to schools I’d never considered attending. Without inheriting all the right moves from Mom, I still was born with a passion and drive for modeling. Being selected to participate in the International Modeling and Talent Association, I walked the prestigious New York City runway as a high fashion model. This impacted my life and sparked an interest in obtaining a four-year business degree. How? By combining my love for sports and passion for fashion modeling, I now envision creating my own sportswear and unique clothing design BY KARYSS. It is crystal clear a business degree is in my future. Nevertheless, this is not Hollywood. While the life of “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” is a vibrant dream, let's get back to reality. I fit the perfect description of applying for this scholarship. For me, “the financial burden of pursuing a higher education has become significant and even insurmountable” placing me in the category of a first-generation college student. I would be honored to be a recipient of your most generous scholarship gift making my "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" DREAM come true!

I’d never been exposed to death until I lost my Poppy suddenly, out of the blue, and totally unexpected. The loss and finality here on earth have had a devastating impact on my life. However, now I’ve been watching my small town die a slow death each and every day as well. The school has no life or energy to uplift their spirits. Since Covid, businesses in our town have folded. People have moved out of the area. Even our old water tower which used to distinguish us from other towns and is visible to all, has been fading, peeling, and dying with an exhausted logo representing the lifeless existence we are all experiencing. I’d love to energize and breathe life back into my community and this is how I plan to help. Let me explain my game plan. My game plan to help bring change and restore life to my community has been slowly evolving with interesting twists and turns over the past year. I always thought a four-year college would be out of the question for me due to unaffordability. I am a multi-sport varsity athlete participating in basketball, cross country, soccer, tennis, and track. The first twist came by placing 4th in State in the triple jump (which may seem like no big deal). However, college coaches noticed this achievement and began the recruiting process to schools I’d never considered attending. The second twist came when I was selected to participate in the International Modeling and Talent Association. Walking the prestigious New York City runway as a high fashion model whetted my appetite for producing high-end unique clothing designs. This turned my attention to pursuing a four-year college business degree, with an interest in starting up my own fashion design career. With a continued emphasis on updated school sports clothing and new evolutionary logo designs, school spirit and community cohesiveness could be re-established. Combining my love for sports with a passion for modeling and a desire to help my community has expanded into the vision of owning my own business. This would help increase revenue in my small town, reenergize and boost school spirit with a new fresh sports line of clothing. Now remember the sad, depressing water tower that sits on top of the hill? I am helping spearhead the process of revamping and rejuvenating a much-needed facelift. With my artistic talents, I am presenting several options for a new community logo to be painted and displayed on the side of the tower. Everyone shares in the excitement, anticipating the new enthusiasm and energy this upgraded attraction will bring to our small dying town. This is of utmost importance in helping my small town avoid slow disintegration with devastating effects. Some people have the resources and capability to travel the world to help with major devastating events such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and tornados. That’s not possible for everyone. Start small and begin where you are located like me in Kettle Falls, Washington. Everyone knows a person, family, neighborhood, town, or community that needs help. Look around, what motivates you? My awareness started with the death of Poppy in order for me to realize my town was also slowly dying and in need of help. My desire is to use my love of sports, high fashion modeling, and artistic talents, with an upcoming business degree to help reenergize and bring life back into my community. Now, I am asking for help in supporting me by bringing my college dream into reality in the form of your most generous Dr Alexanderia K. Lane memorial scholarship.

Are you tired of wearing the same old school sweatshirts, t-shirts and sweatpants that look identical to those worn by multiple past generations? While the school colors and mascot may not change, the style, design and presentation desperately need to be revamped and updated. It’s always the same old thing year after year. Let me introduce myself. My name is Karyss Pfeffer and I am a 17-year-old senior in high school with a fresh new vision to boost school spirit and create high-quality fashion to enhance the hallways of schools everywhere. As a multi-sport varsity athlete, my closet is chock-full of exact same blue and gold bulldog sweatshirts differing only by the name of the sport (cross country, basketball, tennis, track, and soccer). BORING and YUCK! After enjoying some success modeling, I have learned there is a lot more out there in the fashion world. This has sparked my interest in starting up my own fashion design business with an emphasis on continually updating school clothing and evolutionary logo designs. To make this vision a reality, I would need to obtain a four-year degree in business not to mention come up with the necessary funds to afford it. My desire to become a first-generation student by getting a business degree has been off my radar due to the bank account saying “insufficient funds”. Therefore, attending a four-year college wasn’t high on the priority list until the biggest surprise came after placing 4th at state last year in the triple jump. That in and of itself might seem like no big deal. However, college coaches noticed this achievement and began the recruiting process to schools I’d never considered attending. My interest in fashion and design came about after being chosen last summer as a high fashion model to walk the prestigious runway in New York City at the International Model and Talent Competition. After placing top ten in numerous events, I soon realized exquisite fashion and design could be enhanced by combining the sports world with updated clothing apparel. School campuses are an untapped marketplace resource as students are constantly searching for fresh innovative designs to express, endorse and boost school spirit. The vision of a new clothing line BY KARYSS is within the realm of possibility. My business degree would enhance my knowledge and ability to promote and market my exclusive line of clothing on school campuses everywhere. Students need new and innovative clothing design choices with fresh, new apparel transfers. The ambition, drive and passion for sports and modeling have motivated and inspired me to pursue my own apparel line. In looking for a reputable company to help empower my vision, NINJA TRANSFERS could not only bring my designs to life by transferring my logos onto high-quality custom sportswear but could also help support me financially with the most generous gift of a scholarship!

Wouldn’t it be exciting to own and read just one book that embodied every type of reading genre available? What if this book met the needs of each reader whether they love an action-packed thriller, murder mystery, captivating love romance, historical novels, poetry or personal growth advice . . . just to name a few? If I were to offer one book to everyone in the world to read, it would have to be this . . . the Bible. It happens to hold the attention and meet the needs of every reader, no matter what language is spoken, nationality, race, age or gender. Whatever scenario or walk of life you find yourself in, this book contains something for everyone from cover to cover. Each page of the Bible contains something that covers the roller coaster journey of life. Some may be going through grief, death and sorrow; it provides comfort and hope. Some may be dealing with rebellious children; it offers instruction and wisdom. Some may be lonely or unfulfilled; it extends friendship and love. Some are uplifted by the joyful songs of praise and verses of poetry; it’s in there too. The Bible spells out specific directions for making wise choices concerning marriage, jobs, moving, relationships ect. Others may want to read the Bible for the scandalous intrigue, betrayal and deceit, demonic and angelic spiritual warfare, and bloodthirsty battles. One may be fascinated by the historical and cultural accuracy of days gone by. Believe it or not, you will find all of that in the Bible. In other words, this book contains everything you can imagine right within one’s easy grasp. There has never been another book written that encapsulates every subject and genre one could possibly desire. While containing 66 separate books written by over 40 different authors, it adds variety and selection to inspire, instruct, convict and direct every bookworm who opens it up. It’s been translated into every language with updated versions for all reading levels. There is a reason it has been the #1 BEST SELLER throughout the centuries. I'm obviously not the only one who gives the Bible a "two thumbs up"!!

@karysspfeffer

How can a small-town girl like me be recognized and qualify to receive a financial aid scholarship? It seems I often fall through the cracks when it comes to being a scholarship recipient. I'm a motivated and driven 17-year-old senior in high school, who has climbed the ladder of success in varsity sports which include basketball, soccer, tennis, cross country and track. Last year I obtained recognition in the triple jump by placing 4th in the state tournament. I maintain a strong 3.96 GPA and plan to graduate with my high school diploma as well as my associate degree through the community college. Along with sports and school work, I hold down a part-time job working as a barista/hostess/chef during school hours to help pay for gas and other expenses. The highlight of my summer included being awarded the chance of a lifetime opportunity to compete in the International Model and Talent Association. Walking the New York City runway as a high-end fashion model and winning multiple top ten awards against worldwide competition afforded me the gift of being signed by a top agency. However, all these achievements somehow don’t allow me to stand out enough for the recognition of financial support needed to attend a four-year college. Receiving financial support would make it possible for me to be a first-generation four-year college student. My dad is the sole breadwinner in my family which happens to be a multi four generational household (up until my 96-year-old great-grandma recently passed away while living in our home). He travels 4 hours round trip to his out-of-town job and works all the overtime he can to support and provide for my family. Unfortunately, he makes just enough to not allow me to qualify for any low-income scholarship funds causing me to slip through the cracks. Even my highly recognized 3.96 GPA wasn’t quite good enough to maintain the 4.0 GPA status and instead of climbing up the ladder of success, I slipped down another rung instead. I am good enough to play all my sports at the high school varsity level, but not sufficient enough to be recruited for a 4-year college athletic scholarship. Slipped again! I’m not going to let these circumstances hold me back from seeking financial assistance in obtaining my four-year college degree. Ample financial assistance would allow me to concentrate on studying to maintain a high-grade point average and complete my four-year business degree. I am well aware of the difficulty of trying to work while attending college. Financial help would alleviate undue stress and allow me to obtain the job of my dreams. The combination of my passion for sports and love for modeling and fashion has given me the vision of starting my own business. Using my artistic talents, I envision opening a high-end fashion boutique selling my line of affordable, unique, sportswear clothing designed BY KARYSS. It’s crystal clear that a degree in business is a necessity in entering the business world. Obtaining a business degree is not possible for me without scholarship assistance. I can't ask my dad to work any harder. It’s difficult to work part-time, juggle sports and modeling, get my diploma, earn my AA and save for a four-year school. These are similar setbacks my parents faced keeping them from a four-year degree. Affording college was simply out of the question. I don’t want that to happen to me and once again fall through the cracks. I would be honored to have your scholarship presented with my name on it . . . FOR KARYSS!

After obtaining a business degree, I envision combining my passion for modeling and fashion design by owning a brick-and-mortar boutique with online capabilities showcasing classy, high-end affordable clothing designs and comfortable sportswear BY KARYSS.