My name is Kaylee Fitzhugh, I love being around people and I want to become a elementary teacher! I currently serve in my churches nursery section, where I am a leader of a classroom between the ages of newborn to 4 years old where I ensure the kids needs are met and learn about Jesus. I am also a master water instructor at Aqua-Tots, while this is my job, I get to make a difference in kids lives not only by making personal connections with them, but teaching them how to swim which is a life saving skill. I love volunteering at kids VBS in the summer as a leader, as I get to teach them about Jesus and show them Jesus' love. I would use this scholarship to help pay for my college tuition/books, as I am planning to go to Evangel University, a private Christian school, which is expensive, but I know I am called to go there. This scholarship would really help me not fall into debt going into college.

While it is very hard to choose due to our amazing athletes, I would have to say my favorite athlete to cheer on is Katie Ledecky. When I was 5 years old, my parents wanted me to find a sport I enjoyed, so they enrolled me in every team sport imaginable, but I never excelled in any of them. Once they had tried everything, they put me in swimming, and I started learning all the strokes. When I was 7, I joined a club team. I began swimming every day, and I loved it! I was pretty good too; I won many ribbons and placed 3rd at state. However, after years of swimming, when I turned 13, I decided to quit. I felt burnt out and wasn't having as much fun. Now, at 16, I wish I continued my swim career every once in a while, but I believe I made the right decision for myself. Now I am a swim coach, and I love it! When I see kids learning the strokes, it gives me flashbacks of learning them when I was their age, and it fills my heart with joy. I think that's what makes me love watching and cheering for Katie; it reminds me of my dreams when I was a kid. I feel like I can relate to her on a level that not everyone can. I understand how hard it is to be a swimmer and how much work you have to put in.