My name is Kelsey, and I'm currently a senior at Henrietta Lacks Health and Bioscience High School in Vancouver, Washington. I plan on attending Southern Oregon University beginning Fall 2026, and I'm majoring in Theatre and getting a certificate in Theatre Arts Management. Theatre is my passion, and has been since I was young. It wasn't until my freshman year that I realized that technical theatre and stage management were my true calling. I absolutely love reading; it takes me to a place of magic and fantasy, even in situations that are difficult. I love finding new books to read and finding different genres I've never dabbled in. Reading has always been so special to me, and I don't ever remember a time when I didn't have a love for it. This really shows, as I was reading "The Magic Treehouse" books by the time I was in kindergarten. I also absolutely adore music. It was there for me in a really dark place in my life, and I've always had a very special connection to it, singing before I could even talk. I jump at opportunities to go to concerts and see the people I listen to daily perform their music. There's nothing quite like live music. My grandpa has been a musician since he was young, and he passed his love of music (specifically 60's rock) down to his grandchildren. I started attending Henrietta Lacks because I originally intended to become a forensic scientist until my spark for theatre came back. I am currently enrolled in our Biotechnology pathway, this year I have learned how to use a spectrophotometer and extract glowing proteins from E. coli, and last year, I made E. coli cells glow and tested foods that claimed to be non-GMO to see if they actually are as advertised. I have a heart for children and being a leader. I volunteer almost every Sunday at my church in our kids' ministry, and have been involved for the past 4 years. If I could start my own charity, it would be serving children who are/were victims of domestic violence. As someone who experienced childhood domestic violence and was able to escape with my mother and sister, I know how isolating and scary it truly is. My mission would be to raise money to end childhood DV, help victims and their families escape their situations, and provide necessities for families that are fleeing or are currently in the throes of it. The volunteers would provide safe spaces for victims to confide in or provide a place to stay while in the process of leaving their situation. No child should have to feel alone, isolated, or ashamed for a situation that's out of their control. I'd hope to provide stability in a time of so much instability and uncertainty, at least for one child and their family.