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Kay Copeland

2x

Finalist

General information

Age
21
Gender
Female
US Citizenship
US Citizen
Ethnicity
Caucasian
Religion
Agnostic

Hobbies & Interests

  • Photography and Photo Editing
  • Politics and Political Science
  • Writing
  • Poetry
  • Research
  • Graphic Design
  • Video Editing and Production
  • Business And Entrepreneurship
  • Movies And Film
  • Journalism
  • Journaling
  • Criminal Justice
  • Environmental Science and Sustainability
  • Mental Health
  • Social Justice
  • Spanish
  • Mythology

Reading

  • Novels
  • Classics
  • Fantasy
  • Horror
  • Literature
  • Young Adult

I read books multiple times a month.

Bio

Driven journalist. As a first-generation college student, I value the transformative power of education. My journey in journalism began in high school where I led our magazine as editor-in-chief, earning multiple national and state awards for my work. These experiences honed my skills and solidified my dedication to the field. Currently, I am deepening my expertise through a rigorous course load in English and literature, which has enhanced my ability to conduct in-depth analysis. I have a strong passion for research and a commitment to thorough, impactful journalism. Explore my portfolio: sites.google.com/view/bykaycopeland/home

Education

St Charles Community College

Associate's degree program

2023 – 2025

Majors:
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
GPA3.7 GPA

Liberty High School

High School

2019 – 2023

GPA3.2 GPA

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
University of Missouri-Columbia
Majors of interest:
Journalism, Law
Medical school interest:
No

Career

  • Founder/Editor-in-Chief of The Soarer newsletter

    Public Relations and Communications · LHS Publications - Compiling, writing, editing, designing and distributing of a bi-annual newsletter for our journalism program's alumni.

    Jan 2022 – Jan 2023

  • Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Ledger magazine

    Public Relations and Communications · LHS Publications - Leading class daily, editing stories on the LHStoday website, producing lesson plans, assisting staff members with stories and design, demonstrating top-notch communication skills & comradery.

    Jan 2022 – Jan 2023

  • Reporter

    Public Relations and Communications · LHS Publications - Working as a team to produce a well-constructed magazine, aiding with editing stories & picking up breaking news in a timely manner.

    Jan 2019 – Jan 2022

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Journalism
Dream career goals:
Investigative Reporter, Design Editor, Author
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Politics
  • Volunteering
  • Philanthropy
  • Entrepreneurship
Dimon A. Williams Memorial Scholarship
Growing up in a single-parent household profoundly shaped my educational journey. My father was a single dad to my younger sister and me. He gained full custody while my mother struggled with drug-related issues and incarceration. Despite his own struggles, my dad was a remarkable figure in my life. Though he never graduated high school, he excelled in math and briefly ran his own contracting company specializing in siding, windows, and doors. My father’s support was unwavering. He celebrated every academic milestone I achieved, from honor rolls to art shows and choir recitals. His pride in my accomplishments was a constant source of motivation for me. Tragically, he passed away from a heart attack just a few months before I turned 14. His death was a tremendous loss, taking away not only my father but also my best friend and biggest cheerleader. Following his passing, I was ruled a ward of the court and placed in the temporary custody of my mother. This period was marked by severe mental health struggles and further revealed the need for an outlet to express my voice and cope with my circumstances. It was through these difficulties that I discovered my passion for journalism--a way to articulate my experiences and advocate for others facing similar challenges. My father's sacrifices have been a driving force in my academic pursuits. His resilience, even in the face of eviction and financial struggles, inspire me to strive for excellence. As a first-generation college student, I am currently a sophomore pursuing an Associate of Liberal Arts & Sciences with a 3.7 GPA. I plan to transfer to a four-year university next fall to obtain a Bachelor's in Journalism. My future goals include attending graduate school, potentially for a Master’s in Journalism or a Juris Doctorate, to enter a career where I will use my voice and skills for societal betterment. This scholarship would be instrumental in helping me achieve these goals. It would provide the financial support needed to focus on my studies and extracurricular activities, allowing me to dedicate myself fully to my academic and professional aspirations. Walking across the stage at my high school graduation with a photo of my dad in a locket around my neck was a powerful reminder of his enduring presence in my life. I plan to honor him in the same way at every future graduation. My father's legacy is my motivation, and each graduation I achieve will be a testament to his sacrifices and the values he instilled in me.
Kay Copeland Student Profile | Bold.org