When I think about Olivia Rodrigo's GUTS album, the message that resonates most with me is the idea that growing up means learning to embrace uncertainty. Throughout the album, Olivia explores the complicated emotions that come with being young, navigating expectations, making mistakes, and realizing that life rarely unfolds exactly as planned. Those themes became deeply personal to me because of an experience connected to her concert that I will never forget. The summer before the concert, I worked hard and saved my money so that I could buy tickets for both myself and my cousin. It wasn't an impulsive purchase. I spent months setting aside earnings because attending Olivia Rodrigo's GUTS Tour felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. When the day finally arrived, my cousin, my aunt, and I traveled to the concert together. We sang every song at the top of our lungs, laughed until our voices were gone, and created memories that seemed like they would last forever. At the time, it was simply a fun night with family. I never imagined that less than six months later, my aunt would pass away. After her death, I found myself looking back at photos and videos from that concert. What once represented an exciting night out suddenly became something much more meaningful. It was one of the last happy memories I would share with her. The concert taught me a lesson that mirrors many of the emotions Olivia describes in her music: life can change without warning, and the moments we often take for granted can become the ones we treasure most. One theme throughout GUTS is the challenge of figuring out who you are while navigating emotions that don't always make sense. I connected with that deeply after losing my aunt. Grief was not something I had anticipated experiencing so suddenly. I learned that growing up is not just about gaining independence or achieving goals. It is also about learning how to carry loss while continuing to move forward. That experience changed the way I view relationships and opportunities. I no longer assume there will always be another chance to spend time with the people I love. Instead, I try to be fully present and appreciate moments while they are happening. Whether it is a family gathering, a sporting event, a conversation with a friend, or a concert with relatives, I understand now that memories are not guaranteed. They are created one day at a time. The concert also reminded me of the importance of determination. Saving for the tickets required discipline and sacrifice, but because I did, I was able to share an unforgettable experience with two people I care about. Looking back, the value of that experience had nothing to do with the seats we had or how much the tickets cost. Its true value was the time spent together. Olivia Rodrigo's music helped me understand that life's greatest lessons often come from unexpected experiences. What began as a concert became a reminder to embrace the people around me, appreciate the present, and find strength even when life takes an unexpected turn. Although losing my aunt was one of the hardest experiences I have faced, I am grateful that one of our final memories together was filled with music, laughter, and joy.

Growing up, I learned that the most meaningful teachers do far more than simply teach lessons. They inspire curiosity, build confidence, and help students believe in themselves. Through my experiences working with children at a daycare, competing as a college athlete, and pursuing a degree in Elementary Education, I have discovered that my greatest passion is helping young learners develop a genuine excitement for learning. As a future teacher, I want my classroom to be a place where students are active participants rather than passive listeners. Children learn best when they can explore, create, and connect lessons to their own lives. Instead of relying solely on textbooks and lectures, I plan to incorporate hands-on activities, collaborative projects, educational games, and real-world problem-solving opportunities. For example, a science lesson might become an experiment where students make predictions and test their ideas, while a reading lesson could involve acting out stories, creating artwork based on literature, or using technology to bring characters and settings to life. I also believe that every student deserves to feel seen, valued, and capable of success. One of the most important lessons I have learned while working with children is that engagement begins with relationships. Students are more willing to take risks, ask questions, and embrace challenges when they know their teacher believes in them. I want to create a classroom environment where mistakes are viewed as opportunities to learn and where every child feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. My experience as a collegiate athlete has strengthened my ambition, drive, and perseverance. Athletics have taught me the importance of preparation, discipline, teamwork, and resilience. These same qualities will guide me as an educator. I understand that every student learns differently and that helping all students succeed requires patience, creativity, and determination. Just as a coach adapts strategies to help each athlete improve, I will adapt my teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of my students. Most importantly, I want my students to leave my classroom excited to learn more than they knew the day before. My goal is not only to teach academic content but also to foster confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. By creating engaging, hands-on experiences and building meaningful relationships with my students, I hope to inspire them to see learning as an adventure rather than an obligation. Teaching is more than a career for me; it is an opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of children. I am driven by the belief that one passionate teacher can help shape a child's future, and I am committed to becoming that teacher.

Two summers ago, my adult cousin invited me to a music festival. I was excited—it felt like a chance to experience something more grown up and spend time with family. However, when I arrived at the Airbnb, I quickly realized I had been invited for a different reason. My cousin had two young daughters, ages five and three, and our ten-year-old cousin was also there. It became clear I was expected to care for them while the adults went out. That night took a turn I never expected. My cousin and her boyfriend returned after drinking, and what started as loud arguing quickly escalated into something much more serious. Shouting turned into banging, and soon it sounded like a physical struggle. In that moment, instinct took over. I gathered the children, and as the oldest, I led them into a bedroom closet and locked the door. My ten-year-old cousin was crying, and the younger two were confused and frightened. Although I was just as scared, I knew I had to stay calm. While the fighting—and what sounded like strangling—continued outside, I focused on keeping the others quiet, together, and as safe as possible. I spoke calmly, reassured them, and tried to create a sense of stability in a situation that felt completely out of control. We called the ten-year-old’s father, who was nearby, and he contacted the police. During that time, I stayed focused on what I could control—comforting the kids, keeping them safe, and not letting my fear take over. Eventually, the police arrived, and the boyfriend was arrested and taken away. The immediate danger was over, but the experience stayed with me. Now, two years later, the situation has not fully resolved. My cousin remains in the relationship despite continued abuse, and she has temporarily lost custody of her children. Watching this unfold has been difficult, but it has also deepened my understanding of how complex and lasting these situations can be. This experience shaped me in ways I did not expect. It showed me that leadership is not about age or authority—it is about stepping up when others need you most. In one of the most frightening moments of my life, I was able to prioritize the safety and emotional well-being of others over my own fear. It taught me resilience, responsibility, and the importance of staying composed under pressure. More importantly, it reinforced my desire to be someone others can rely on in difficult situations. While I cannot control the choices others make, I can control how I respond—and I choose to be steady, compassionate, and strong when it matters most.

Is it possible to connect to children better than people my own age? That is what I wonder about myself. I have always been very reserved and quiet around people I do not know. I noticed something change inside me when I am around children. Something within me awakens, I am no longer reserved I am working with children and my shell is broken. Working with children has shown me that my strengths, patience, creativity, and the ability to connect make teaching not only a career choice but a calling. I love how curious children are. One day at daycare I was in what we call the crawlers room. This could be children from 8-15 months. I was operating a toy in which you hit a button and balls are moved throughout the toy and pop up at the top. Sometimes the balls go flying and the giggles you hear melt your heart. One particular boy watches almost every move you make, and you can just tell he is trying to figure out what you are doing. I turn to grab one of the balls that went flying and as I sit back down that little boy pushes the button and starts the toy again. He had this look on his face like he was so proud of himself. Moments like this remind me why I want to teach, because helping a child discover something on their own builds confidence and joy in learning. The children although adorable do like to test you to see what they are able to get away with. I find this especially in the 3's class. When it is time to clean up the toys there is one little girl who does not want to stop playing and pick up. I found that if I just tell her to pick up, she will tell me no and ignore her. I have to get creative and instead of telling her to just clean up I make it a game. I race her to see who can get their area cleaned up first. She is competitive so I will be intrigued to see if she becomes an athlete or does something that includes competition in the future. When I was deciding which major to take in college and what I wanted to do I looked into many different areas. One of my main goals was a career that would have excellent pay. I looked into nursing but really don't like blood so that was out. I looked at a couple different things and then one day I mentioned that I didn't really consider my job a job because it is so much fun. My mom and I were talking, and she reminded me that as I was younger, I always wanted to be a teacher. I was afraid of the pay but realized doing what I love is a greater reward than becoming rich. Through my experiences, I have realized that teaching is not just a career path for me, it is where I feel most confident, engaged and myself. I am committed to becoming an educator who fosters curiosity, confidence and a love of learning in every child I teach.

When I was in 4th grade, my mother started to substitute teach in the schools. She even taught my class. I always enjoyed having my mom teach in the school as I would be able to help her get the class ready in the mornings before school started. I completed an internship in a preschool for a semester. I went into the internship thinking for sure this is something I would be able to excel at. Really it cant be too hard right? Well needless to say I was assigned the most difficult class with some of the most challenging children. We had the couple kiddos who do not like to sit during carpet time, the kiddos who did not like to share and play with others. There was the little guy whose nose was constantly running (all semester) who wanted to sit on your lap. Of course, he never wanted his nose blown or wiped. I did start to question everything. It is not as easy as I had originally thought. Was I able to enjoy this career while trying to get all of these children to listen and follow rules? As the semester went on, I began to see the change in the kiddos. They began to follow the routine and the interruptions became less. Don't get me wrong it was still the most challenging class and a couple children were my responsibility to ensure the safety of the others I needed to ensure they played nicely. It was a challenge for sure but the transitions I saw were unreal. Of course, the little guy with the flowing nose still wouldn't let you wipe it but there had been progress made. My first job was Jersey Mike's, and I do still work there but over the summer I started working at a daycare for something fun to do. I really enjoy the daycare center. I am currently in the twos class, but I do get to bounce around when giving others their breaks. It does not feel like work. I really enjoy it. My goal is to obtain my teaching degree and spend some time teaching and saving money. I would like to then open my own daycare center and with my degree I can offer preschool. I could also offer some tutoring for after school and summer with some of my school aged children. This would make my daycare center stand out from the others in the area. I have been told that money can't be the deciding factor in pursuing a career so why not pursue a career in something that you enjoy doing that does not feel like a job even when it is super challenging. Winners and Finalists

Leading with Heart and Purpose in Early Childhood Education During my internship in a preschool, I had the opportunity to work with a group of young children who displayed challenging behaviors such as constant runny noses, physical aggression, and a reluctance to participate in group activities. While these behaviors can become frustrating, I discovered that addressing these obstacles required not only patience but also a concentrated effort to lead with heart and purpose. Although education can be seen merely as a transfer of knowledge, I have come to believe that it is much more than that; education is a force for good. It has the power to shae lives, build communities, and cultivate empathy among young learners. In my role, I was determined to prioritize emotional connection and understanding as the foundation for a positive educational environment. Leading with heart began with understanding the individual needs and backgrounds of each child. Many of the children in my class came from diverse homes and face unique challenges. By taking the time to know them personally, I was able to tailor my approach to their specific situations. I learned that a child who frequently ran around the classroom might be acting out due to anxiety or a need for physical activity. Instead of reacting with frustration, I offered opportunities to explore their surrounding in structured ways. For example, we incorporated movement into our learning by using songs that allowed for dancing and hopping. This not only channeled their energy but also created a fun and engaging atmosphere. Throughout my internship, I also focused on fostering empathy amount the children, I therefore read books that highlighted cooperation and friendship, followed by discussions that at times were hilarious but encouraged the children to express their thoughts using their words instead of their hands. In fact, I could get one kiddo to say, "I use my words not my hands, right Miss Kayla?" This always made me feel good as I continued to see gradual changes in the kiddos behaviors It was heartening to watch the transition of the kiddos throughout the semester. It demonstrated that with consistency and routine, support and love children could learn to navigate their emotions and interact positively. I also began to praise small successes, when a kiddo stayed at the carpet the entire time I would give him a fist bump and chant a "oh yeah" This approach reinforced positive behaviors and instilled a sense of pride in the kiddos. My vision for education as a force for good has become clearer through these experiences. I believe that true education extends beyond academic learning; it is about cultivating a generation of compassionate, understanding individuals. As I led with heart and purpose, I learned that I could influence these young minds to become empathetic and purposeful members of society. In conclusion, my internship, although at times was challenging, it reinforced my ability and interests in the little minds and hearts of those I influenced. I look forward to a future in education continuing to work with those little minds even the most challenging ones.

Hard work and determination allowed me to reach one of my goals this past year. I am a hurdler and sprinter. I do have a slight disadvantage in height as a hurdler and in order to overcome that I had to develop and work on my speed. After track season was over my sophomore year and I did not earn a trip to state I began working on my form, building muscle and improving my speed. I attended training sessions and watched dozens of you tube videos trying to improve. The start of my junior year track season I did not show much improvement. I was discouraged but continued to put in the work and even more determined to reach my goal. The hurdle team was short on numbers, and I made sure to try to actively encourage hurdlers to go out for track. Ulltimately my time was the lowest on the team by over a second and this was the start of my third high school season so I naturally took the leadership role on my team. I remembered my freshmen year and the fastest hurdler that year was a senior. She rarely worked out with us and spoke to the rest of us even less. I knew that I could be a better leader and make everyone feel comfortable. I worked individually with the hurdle team by video taping their form and providing suggestions and encouraging each person on our team. Our times continued to improve throughout the season but in order to make state each person needed to do their personal best. Next came the state qualifying meet. If each member did their job that would mean by the time I was to go on the fourth leg we needed to be no more than one hurdle behind and I knew I could catch the other team. We were slightly behind the other team and I took off and pulled ahead. It felt so good to make it as a team that worked so hard to get there. After hearing my split I knew I would have a shot at making state as an individual as well. It just seemed liked magic in the air but I focused and ran my best race beating my PR by .5 and made it to state as an individual as well. The state qualifying meet was one of the best nights of my life. Working for over a year to achieve something and having my goals met was the ultimate feeling. I'm one of those people that have to work for my grades also. I have a 3.7 unweighted GPA. I could make my senior year a little easier on me since I am ahead on credits but that isn't my style. I am taking a pre-med course through our local community college and looking forward to the challenge and an inside look at what my career choice will look like. The My goal was to go to state as a shuttle hurdle team.

I was able to go to and compete in the state track meet my freshman year. I run the hurdles and compete with the shuttle hurdle relay team. I got my best time of the season on the blue track at Drake. Once you get that taste of success and hope for a state finish, it is disappointing when you fall short of qualifying the next year. I was able to better my time last year by .03 seconds. Yes, this is an improvement, but I worked hard outside of track practice and also tried my best to coach the other members of my shuttle hurdle team. I have become a leader on the team and enjoy my teammates successes as much as my own. I took videos of each of my teammates during practices so we could determine what needed to be worked on. Throughout the season Skye improved her time by over a minute and Hayden learned how to 3-step. Although my last track season fell short of my expectations. It ignited a strong desire for success, motivating me to dedicate myself and put in the necessary hard work since then. I have been working hard since the end of the season last year. I put extra hours in at work so I could afford additional coaching. I am on my third session of Iowa Speed which is put on by the Iowa Hawkeye track and field coaches and players. I have learned several tools to become faster and improve my form. In addition to my Iowa Speed training sessions three times a week, I also go to the gym and lift weights. This is all to become faster and do the best I can. This extra work as provided me with the tools and understanding of what needs to happen to improve and I will be able to help my teammates improve this year as well. Track can be an individual sport, but it is also a team sport and is so much fun to share success as a team. With the extra work on the track and at my job one might think that I have let my grades slip. That is not the case at all. I challenged myself to take an AP class this year and my GPA increased this year. I am determined to go to school to become a Nurse. I hope that by increasing my GPA and finding success on the track I might be able to obtain scholarships to afford my dream degree. As I finish track season is about to start. I hope you will be able to see me on the blue track this year! Kayla Langerman

I am at a family dinner with my grandma, aunt and cousins. I am listening to what everyone is saying, and I have opinions, but I am unable to speak. I have known these people my entire life yet I am unable to speak to them. I can answer their questions such as "how is school going?" with good. I smile and give a little giggle. My one-word answer causes my face to turn red. I always know when my face is beat red because I can feel the heat in my body build up. I know it is red yet for some reason there is always someone who has to point it out. My mother says I am just shy and so was she when she was young. My mother has gotten better but still struggles. I have to admit that I did not know selective mutism was even a diagnosis until reading through this scholarship notice. I am 16 years old, and this is something that has affected me my entire life. At school, teachers and students aren't aware that I have real ideas and insights to the topics being discussed. I can never raise my hand. I have lost points in class for not being able to raise my hand and add to the discussions in class. In one class I was forced to raise my hand to be called on at least once per class period. I would recite my answer several times in my head to prepare for the moment to be called on. This of course meant that I was not fully listening to the instruction in class as I was dealing with the anxiety of being forced to do something that caused so much anxiety. Needless to say, I have zero good memories of that class and did not retain anything that was discussed. I will never initiate a friendship. My best friends are two girls who live in my neighborhood that I have known my whole life. It took a good year to become comfortable with them enough to talk and be myself and not have anxiety around them. It feels good. Their parents however think I do not talk as I will answer their questions but can't carry on a conversation with them. I want to go to college. I am a good student who has to work hard for my grades. My brother gets straight A's easily where I on the other hand have worked extremely hard for my 3.7 GPA. My mother has helped me a lot when I don't understand something as I would never be able to ask for clarification in class. I do want to be a nurse in pediatrics or cosmetic surgery. I have always had an interest in helping people with disfigurations improve their appearance, so they are able to see the beauty I see. I will be the first health care professional in my family. In order to do this, I would need a college degree. My local college is private so is very expensive, so scholarships are needed to attend. Thank you for the opportunity to talk about my struggles. I have not been diagnosed and didn't really know this was a thing until now. Thank you for shedding light on my condition and letting me know I am not as alone as I sometimes feel. Kayla Langerman

I never used to read for entertainment, but I got into a car accident and found extra time on my hands. I wasn't seriously hurt but lost my freedom as my car was totaled. I chose to read the book "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah based on recommendations on BookTok. "The Nightingale" is set during World War II and follows the lives of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, as they navigate the horrors of war and find strength in themselves and each other. The emotional journey that these characters go through touched me and has left a lasting impact on my own life. One of the most powerful aspects of "The Nightingale" is its exploration of resilience and courage in the face of adversity. Both sisters face unimaginable challenges during the war, from the loss of loved ones to the constant threat of violence and danger. Despite these hardships, they find a way to persevere and continue fighting for what they believe in. Their determination and bravery in the face of overwhelming odds inspired me to look at my own life with a new perspective. Reading about the sacrifices that the characters make for each other and for their country made me reflect on the importance of love and loyalty in my own life. The bond between Vianne and Isabelle is unbreakable, and their unwavering support for one another is a testament to the power of family and friendship. This made me reevaluate my own relationships and realize the value of having people in my life who will stand by me no matter what and not just because I can provide them transportation. "The Nightingale" also made me more aware of the atrocities of war and the impact that it has on individuals and communities. The vivid descriptions of the horrors that Vianne and Isabelle witness and experience served as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict. It made me more empathetic towards those who have lived through similar traumas and motivated me to advocate for peace and justice in my own way. Overall, reading "The Nightingale" changed my mindset by showing me the power of resilience, love and courage in the face of adversity. It inspired me to be more grateful for the blessings in my own life and to be a source of strength and support for those around me. I have learned the loss of a vehicle and freedom to go places pales in comparison to what Vianne and Isabelle endured. I can't wait to find another book the depicts strong women characters.

Playing basketball has always been a big part of my life. It was a form of self-expression and a way to challenge myself both physically and mentally. However, with this love for the game also came a struggle that I had to face - anxiety and emotional stress. I remember the feeling of dread that would wash over me before every game. The fear of making a mistake, letting my team down, or not performing up to my own expectations would consume me. I would often find myself overthinking every play, second-guessing my decisions, and doubting my abilities. This constant state of anxiety and stress took a toll on me, both on and off the court. There were times when I felt like giving up, like the pressure was too much to handle. Deep down, I knew that basketball was something I couldn't give up as it was also my release. So, I made the decision to confront my anxiety head-on and work towards overcoming it. I sought help from a sports psychologist who helped me develop coping mechanisms and strategies to manage my anxiety. I also began practicing mindfulness and visualization techniques to stay present in the moment and focus on the task at hand. Slowly but surely, I started to see improvements in my game and more importantly, in my mental well-being. I am still a work in progress, but I now have tools to help me.