Written as a high school senior preparing for college and a career in business and real estate, while also reflecting on your background, GPA, and volunteer experience. I believe I’m worth the dreams I aspire to achieve because I’ve earned them through hard work, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose. My dreams aren’t random wishes—they’re carefully built from the challenges I’ve faced, the values I’ve developed, and the future I’m determined to create for myself and my family. Growing up in a single-parent, low-income household with seven siblings, I’ve never taken anything for granted. We didn’t always have the newest clothes or the biggest house, but we had determination, love, and the drive to do better. Watching my mom work hard every single day to provide for us taught me what perseverance looks like. That strength shaped my work ethic and made me realize that nothing worth having comes easy. Even with the challenges I’ve faced, I’ve managed to maintain a 4.7 GPA while staying involved in my school and community. I’ve volunteered in many ways—from running the concession stand at school events, planting flowers at local parks, educating first graders on food waste and nutrition, to greeting guests and setting up for academic presentations. These experiences have taught me that service isn’t about being recognized; it’s about showing up for others, contributing to something bigger than yourself, and learning through action. I plan to study business, marketing, and management, and eventually earn my real estate license. But I’m not just doing this for money or status—I want to make a difference. My ultimate goal is to open a real estate business that focuses on sustainable and affordable housing. I want to help families—especially those in underserved communities—find homes that are energy-efficient, safe, and affordable. I also want to use my marketing skills to educate my community about environmentally-friendly living and financial literacy. Everything I dream of doing comes from a place of experience and purpose. I know what it feels like to live in a home where you have to stretch every dollar, and I know the power of stability and opportunity. I want to be someone who uses their success to open doors for others, just as I’ve spent my school years trying to lift others up—whether it was helping younger students, organizing events, or leading with positivity. I’m worth the dreams I’ve set because I never let my circumstances define me. I’ve shown that I have the discipline to achieve, the compassion to lead, and the vision to make a difference. I don’t just dream for myself—I dream for the future I want to build for my family, my community, and those who will come after me. This scholarship would allow me to move forward with less financial strain and more focus on my education and goals. It would be an investment in someone who is not only passionate about succeeding but deeply committed to giving back. I don’t just want to rise—I want to reach back and lift others as I go.

As a high school senior getting ready to take the next step in my education and career, I’ve been thinking a lot about the kind of impact I want to make in the world. I plan to study business, marketing, and management in college, and eventually become a licensed real estate agent. One thing I know for sure is that sustainability needs to be a major part of my future, no matter what direction my career takes. Growing up in a low-income household with seven siblings, I’ve seen firsthand how where you live affects every part of your life—from your health to your finances. In many underserved communities, people live in older homes with poor insulation, outdated plumbing, and no energy-efficient appliances. These issues might not seem urgent at first, but they lead to higher utility bills, more waste, and even health problems. I believe sustainability in real estate and business isn’t just about protecting the planet—it’s also about making life better and more affordable for families like mine. When I open my own real estate business in the future, I want to focus on affordable housing that’s also environmentally friendly. That could mean helping clients install solar panels, promoting homes with energy-efficient features, or even partnering with developers to build green communities. I want people to see that sustainability doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated—it can be a smart investment that saves money and helps the Earth at the same time. I also believe that marketing can play a huge role in spreading awareness. I want to use creative strategies to educate my clients and community about eco-friendly living, from using social media to hosting events where people can learn about things like composting, reducing food waste, or lowering energy use. When I volunteered to teach first graders about food waste and healthy eating, I saw how powerful education can be. They were excited to learn, and it made me realize how early conversations about sustainability can create lifelong habits. In high school, I also completed an AP Research project focused on what students throw away from their lunch trays. That experience taught me how waste—especially food waste—is a major issue that many people overlook. It also showed me how research, education, and action go hand in hand when it comes to solving real-world problems. As I move forward in life, I want to be part of the generation that sees sustainability as a necessity, not a trend. I hope to be someone who helps shift the way people think about housing, consumption, and community. I want to build a career that gives back, not just to my family, but to the environment and to people who have been left out of the conversation for too long. This scholarship would help me take the next step toward that future. It would ease the financial stress of college and allow me to focus more on my education and goals. I’m excited to grow, to learn, and to eventually be a professional who leads with purpose, responsibility, and care for the world around me.

My name is Kayla Blyden, and I’m a high school senior with a 4.7 GPA. As the daughter of a single mother and one of eight siblings, I’ve grown up knowing what it means to work hard, make sacrifices, and push through challenges. My biggest inspiration to continue my education is my family—I want to create a future that offers financial stability, opportunities, and the ability to give back. My mom has always worked tirelessly to support our household, and her strength fuels my own determination. Watching her manage so much with so little taught me to never take education for granted. I’ve committed myself to doing my best in school, balancing academics with community service and leadership roles. I’ve volunteered with the Blood Bank of Delmarva, educated first graders on food waste and healthy eating, helped organize school events, and spoken at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. about my AP Research experience. That opportunity changed how I view my voice—it made me realize that where you start doesn’t define where you’ll finish. I plan to major in business, marketing, and management, with a minor in accounting, and take real estate licensing courses to become a licensed real estate agent. My dream is to open my own firm and provide housing support and financial education to underserved families. I want to be someone who not only succeeds, but creates opportunities for others. This scholarship would help reduce the financial burden of college and allow me to stay focused on my education. With so many siblings and limited income, any support I receive will make a major difference in my ability to afford tuition, supplies, and basic living expenses. My goal is to use my education to break barriers—for myself, my family, and others like me. With the help of this scholarship, I’ll be one step closer to making that vision a reality.

Throughout high school, I’ve met many incredible teachers, but no one has impacted me as deeply as Ms. Pruitt. She didn’t just teach me—she guided me, supported me, and helped me step into who I’m becoming. Ms. Pruitt believed in me at times when I wasn’t fully confident in myself. Because of her encouragement, I’ve learned to use my voice, take pride in my work, and approach life with confidence and purpose. Ms. Pruitt was my AP Research teacher during one of the most academically challenging and personally transformative years of high school. My research focused on food waste in elementary school cafeterias and how it connects to food insecurity. It was a topic that mattered deeply to me, and she helped me explore it in a meaningful way. She never let me settle for surface-level work—she always challenged me to dig deeper, question more, and think about the real-world impact of my project. What made Ms. Pruitt stand out wasn’t just her teaching—it was how she went above and beyond to support her students. She took time to understand my goals, my background, and the obstacles I had to overcome. When I was selected to speak about my AP Research experience at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., Ms. Pruitt didn’t hesitate to go with me. That trip was one of the most empowering experiences of my life, and having her by my side made it even more meaningful. Before that trip, I had never spoken publicly in such a high-pressure environment. I was nervous—questioning whether I was good enough or whether my voice would matter. But Ms. Pruitt reminded me of how far I had come. She helped me prepare, gave me feedback on my speech, and most importantly, told me she was proud of me. Standing in the Capitol, sharing my story and my research, I felt something shift inside of me. I realized that my voice does matter, and that I’m capable of so much more than I sometimes allow myself to believe. Ms. Pruitt also played a major role in helping me with my college journey. She wrote my letter of recommendation and took the time to capture not just my academic achievements, but the heart behind my work. She saw me as a whole person—my potential, my work ethic, and my passion for service—and she made sure others could see that too. Because of Ms. Pruitt, I now approach life with greater confidence. I’ve learned not to underestimate myself or my abilities. I’ve also learned the importance of mentors—people who push you forward while standing beside you. Her example has inspired me to do the same for others. I want to be someone who lifts others up, shares knowledge, and creates space for others to grow. In the future, I plan to major in business, marketing, and management, and become a licensed real estate agent. My goal is to build a career that supports families and communities—especially those like mine that have faced financial hardship. I want to create opportunities and make a positive impact, just as Ms. Pruitt has done for me. Ms. Pruitt didn’t just teach me how to research or write a good paper. She taught me how to believe in myself, speak up, and lead with purpose. Her influence will stay with me for the rest of my life, and I’m forever grateful.

My name is Kayla Blyden, and I am a high school senior with a 4.7 GPA who is passionate about education, community service, and creating safer, more supportive spaces for youth. Growing up in a low-income, single-parent household with seven siblings, I’ve faced challenges that have taught me the value of resilience, responsibility, and giving back. These experiences have helped shape not only who I am today, but who I strive to be. Being one of eight children has taught me how to be resourceful, patient, and dependable. In a large family, you quickly learn that your actions impact others, and I’ve taken on many responsibilities—helping with younger siblings, managing my time wisely, and supporting my household in any way I can. These experiences have made me stronger and more committed to building a future where I can support not just myself, but also give back to my family and my community. Community involvement is an essential part of my life. I’ve participated in many service activities, such as planting flowers at Hanes Park, volunteering at the Blood Bank of Delmarva, and helping set up school events like our Black Student Union movie night and AP Research presentation. One of the most meaningful activities I’ve done is educating first graders about the importance of a balanced diet and reducing food waste. Teaching children something that could shape their habits and health made me feel like I was truly making a difference. I’ve also spent time running concession stands for BSU events, selling cookies for fundraisers, and helping with Valentine’s Day goodie bags. These may seem like small tasks, but they’ve taught me how to collaborate, lead, and serve. I’ve seen how even small contributions can bring joy to others and help build a stronger, more connected school community. Financially, my family has faced many limitations. My mother works incredibly hard to provide for us, but with eight children, expenses pile up quickly. As I prepare for college, the costs of tuition, housing, books, and living expenses are a real concern. I plan to major in business, marketing, and management with a minor in accounting, and eventually become a licensed real estate agent. While I’m excited for the opportunities ahead, I know I’ll need support to access them fully. This scholarship would help ease the financial burden and allow me to focus on achieving my goals without constantly worrying about affordability. As someone who has experienced and witnessed the effects of bullying, I’m passionate about creating safe environments for youth—both in-person and online. In my community and school, I lead by example: treating others with kindness, standing up when I see someone being mistreated, and making sure everyone feels included. Online, I make it a point to use social media responsibly and to speak up when I see cyberbullying or harmful behavior. I also talk to younger students about how to protect themselves online and encourage them to report inappropriate or threatening messages. It’s important for adults and peers to work together to keep children safe. That means having open conversations, checking in regularly, and creating spaces where young people feel heard and supported. Whether it’s mentoring younger students or helping create safe school events, I’m committed to doing what I can to make sure every student feels protected and valued. Looking ahead, I hope to continue building safe spaces—not just through school involvement but also through my future career. I want to help families access stable housing and financial education, which can reduce stressors that often lead to issues like bullying or violence.

My name is Kayla Blyden, and I am a high school senior with a 4.7 GPA who is deeply committed to my academics, extracurriculars, and community. I come from a low-income, single-parent household, and while the road has not always been easy, it has taught me to work hard, remain grounded, and give back whenever I can. Like Kalia D. Davis, I strive to live a life rooted in excellence, kindness, and purpose—and I believe this scholarship would not only help me achieve my goals, but also allow me to continue a legacy of resilience, leadership, and service. Throughout high school, I’ve remained actively involved in both academic and extracurricular activities while maintaining a strong GPA. I’ve participated in multiple service opportunities that have allowed me to build character, connect with my peers, and make a real difference in my community. Some of my most memorable moments include volunteering at the Blood Bank of Delmarva, planting flowers at Hanes Park, helping educate 1st graders on food waste and nutrition, running the concession stand at school events, and setting up for Black Student Union (BSU) functions. I’ve also spoken on my experience in AP Research and assisted with our school’s BSU BBQ and movie night. These activities have shown me that even small acts of service can have a lasting impact. They’ve also helped me grow as a leader and as someone who takes pride in showing up and doing the work. In the fall, I plan to attend college and major in business, marketing, and management, with a minor in accounting. I also intend to take real estate licensing courses online, as I aspire to become a real estate agent and one day open my own firm. My ultimate goal is not only to achieve financial stability for myself and my family, but also to help others—especially families from underserved communities—gain access to homeownership, financial education, and wealth-building opportunities. I want to use my future platform to educate others and provide resources I didn’t always have growing up. Receiving the Kalia D. Davis Living Loving Laughing Learning Legacy Scholarship would mean so much more to me than financial support. It would be an acknowledgment of everything I’ve worked for and everything I continue to work toward. It would be a reminder that someone believes in me—just like Kalia encouraged and uplifted those around her. Her story and accomplishments are incredibly inspiring, and I see parts of myself reflected in her drive, work ethic, and commitment to serving her community. Like Kalia, I am determined to give my best in every area of my life. I aim to continue growing academically and personally, becoming someone who not only reaches success but shares it with others. I want to continue mentoring younger students, volunteering, and stepping into leadership positions—whether in college or in my future career. I hope to leave behind a legacy of my own, rooted in love, service, and a belief that no matter where you come from, greatness is possible with hard work and heart. Thank you for considering my application and for offering a scholarship that honors the life and legacy of someone as impactful as Kalia D. Davis. I would be honored to carry forward her spirit of excellence, joy, and compassion.

Over the past few years, I’ve learned that growth doesn’t only happen in classrooms—it happens in the small moments of showing up, helping others, and being part of something bigger than yourself. From selling cookies and planting flowers to speaking on my AP Research experience, every job and volunteer activity I’ve taken part in has helped shape my values, my goals, and the kind of person I want to become. Volunteering has given me the opportunity to connect with people from different walks of life, take initiative, and strengthen my leadership skills. Some of my earliest volunteer hours involved simple tasks like decorating for Spirit Week or organizing the English closet, but even those taught me the value of teamwork and taking pride in the details. As I got more involved, I took on responsibilities like greeting volunteers at the Reality Fair, helping run the BSU movie day, and working concession stands at school events. These experiences gave me hands-on exposure to what it means to serve others and take ownership of my time. One of the most meaningful volunteer experiences I’ve had was educating first graders about food waste and the importance of a balanced diet. I had the opportunity to lead lessons, answer questions, and engage with students in a way that was both fun and impactful. It was inspiring to see how young students could absorb meaningful lessons when given the right approach and encouragement. That experience taught me how powerful education is—not just in changing minds, but in shaping futures. Other moments of service have helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect. Helping plant flowers at Hanes Park showed me how investing time into your community—literally putting your hands in the dirt—can bring beauty and pride to shared spaces. Running the BSU concession stand for hours at a time, sometimes late into the day, showed me what commitment and consistency really mean. And helping set up for events like the AP Research presentation reminded me how much work goes on behind the scenes and why every role matters. Throughout all of these experiences, I’ve been lucky to learn from mentors like Ms. Pollard, who has shown me the value of showing up, being dependable, and always finding ways to give back. Even when the task seems small—selling cookies, stuffing Valentine’s Day goodie bags, or setting up for a movie day—there’s always a lesson in teamwork, planning, or communication. These lessons have helped shape my goals for the future. I plan to major in business and marketing and become a real estate agent, eventually opening my own firm. I want to build a career that’s rooted in service—helping families, especially those from low-income communities, find homes and financial stability. I know from personal experience how much impact community support and access to resources can have. I want to be part of that change. As I continue to grow, I want to become more confident in leadership roles, more creative in problem-solving, and more intentional about the impact I make. Life so far has taught me that every experience matters, every hour spent serving makes a difference, and growth comes from being willing to step up again and again.

Growing up in a household with limited financial resources influenced every aspect of my identity—from my worldview to the principles I uphold and the ambitions I strive to fulfill. Although the journey was not always straightforward, I have come to realize that my upbringing provided me with something far more significant than wealth: resilience, determination, and the insight that success holds little value if it is not utilized to elevate others. In a household where every dollar was crucial, I quickly acquired the skills to optimize resources, make prudent choices, and appreciate the little things in life. I observed my parent(s) labor diligently, often prioritizing my needs over their own to ensure I had what was necessary. Whether it involved keeping the lights on, devising innovative methods to afford school supplies, or ensuring we had meals to eat, I witnessed firsthand the essence of sacrifice and fortitude. Such an environment instilled a sense of responsibility in me from an early age. I did not have the privilege of waiting for instructions—I learned to take initiative, step forward, and assist wherever possible. These experiences have profoundly influenced my values. I hold hard work in high regard—not merely the type that generates income, but the kind that fosters character. I cherish community and empathy, as I understand the feeling of needing assistance and the profound impact of someone offering support. Furthermore, I value education, having witnessed how a lack of access to knowledge and opportunities can constrain an individual’s future. This is why I am dedicated to doing more than simply “escaping” my circumstances. I aspire to reach back and assist others in their ascent as well. My background has significantly influenced the formation of my aspirations. I intend to major in business, marketing, and management, with the goal of eventually establishing a career in real estate. This choice stems from my desire to create a life of financial security for both myself and my family; however, beyond that, I aim to assist individuals in low-income communities in accessing housing, financial education, and opportunities that are frequently out of reach. I aspire to be a resource, a mentor, and a business leader who fosters positive change. Experiencing a low-income upbringing not only shaped my career ambitions but also provided me with the underlying motivation for them. It imparted the lesson that financial literacy has the power to transform lives. It highlighted the critical role that stable housing plays in a child's well-being and future prospects. Furthermore, it made me understand that true success is not solely about personal achievement; it involves uplifting others as one ascends. Indeed, growing up in a financially constrained environment was challenging. Yet, paradoxically, it endowed me with more than I could have anticipated. It taught me to advocate for my desires, value what I possess, and never take anything for granted. Most crucially, it revealed to me that my circumstances do not dictate my future; I do. I am determined to construct a future that extends beyond my own individual needs.

Growing up in a single-parent, low-income household has not only influenced my character but also guided the trajectory of my aspirations. While some may perceive struggle as an obstacle, I have learned to view it as an educator—one that has provided me with perspective, purpose, and resilience. These experiences have motivated me to pursue a career in business and real estate, sectors where I believe I can generate generational wealth not only for myself but also for my community. With one parent diligently working to provide for us, I quickly grasped the significance of resourcefulness and determination. I witnessed my mother stretch every dollar and labor for long hours, often prioritizing my needs over her own. Although I did not grow up with a safety net, I did have a front-row view of what sacrifice and hard work entail. That lived experience instilled in me a desire not just to succeed, but to make a meaningful impact. One of the most significant lessons I have learned from my upbringing in a low-income household is the critical importance of access and education. I have observed too many individuals in my community struggle due to a lack of financial literacy, career opportunities, or stable housing. This is why I am passionate about pursuing a career in real estate and business. I aspire to assist families in securing homes and making informed decisions that foster stability and security—something I know from personal experience can be transformative. Simultaneously, I have developed into someone who understands how to lead, advocate, and solve problems. Whether it involves organizing community events, mentoring younger students, or taking initiative in group projects, I approach these tasks with a mindset shaped by my experiences. I do not shy away from responsibility; rather, I embrace it, as I have had to be accountable from a young age. My long-term aspiration is to establish myself as a successful real estate agent and entrepreneur, ultimately launching my own real estate firm that contributes positively to underserved communities. I aim to develop a business that not only generates profit but also provides education—offering workshops on credit building, the differences between renting and buying, and strategies for building generational wealth. Having experienced the absence of these essential tools, I am determined to be the individual who facilitates access to them. Additionally, I intend to pursue a major in business and marketing, with a minor in accounting, to equip myself with the knowledge and foundation necessary to realize these ambitions. I have already started investigating online real estate courses and seeking guidance from mentors who possess a deep understanding of the industry. Each step I take is motivated by my life experiences and the future I aspire to create. Ultimately, my background has not hindered my progress; rather, it has served as the driving force propelling me forward. I have learned to transform challenges into sources of motivation, and I am prepared to leverage my past to forge a future where I achieve success—and uplift others along the way.