I’m a 17-year-old senior at Frederick Douglass High School, Class of 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia. From a young age, I’ve been fascinated by aviation—the idea of navigating the skies, mastering complex skills, and pushing myself to achieve precision and excellence captivated me. Becoming a pilot has always been my dream, not just because of the excitement of flight, but because it represents responsibility, discipline, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Over the years, I’ve worked hard to prepare myself for this goal, developing the skills and mindset necessary to succeed in aviation and in life. Leadership has been a central part of my journey. Balancing school, sports, student organizations, and part-time work has taught me how to stay organized, manage my time effectively, and maintain focus under pressure. I’ve had to step up in many situations—whether helping teammates improve on the flag football field, supporting classmates in group projects, or mentoring younger peers. These experiences have shown me that leadership isn’t about holding a title; it’s about responsibility, dedication, and lifting others up while working toward a shared goal. I’ve learned to communicate clearly, make thoughtful decisions, and inspire confidence in those around me, all of which will be invaluable in aviation and any future career path I pursue. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is managing multiple responsibilities while maintaining my personal goals. There have been times when I felt stressed, burned out, and unsure if I could handle everything on my plate. School, sports, family expectations, and part-time work all demand my attention, and balancing them hasn’t always been easy. But through these experiences, I’ve developed resilience, discipline, and a strong work ethic. I’ve learned that challenges are opportunities to grow, and that perseverance is just as important as talent or ambition. Every early morning, long practice, and late-night study session has reinforced the value of staying committed and pushing forward, even when things feel overwhelming. My interest in aviation also taught me the importance of preparation and precision. Flying requires focus, critical thinking, and the ability to make decisions under pressure—qualities I strive to cultivate in every part of my life. Whether I’m leading a team, completing a challenging assignment, or balancing work and school responsibilities, I approach each task with the mindset of a pilot: calm, calculated, and ready to handle any challenge. Aviation has not only inspired my career goals, but it has shaped the way I approach life, teaching me the importance of discipline, attention to detail, and perseverance. This scholarship would make a meaningful difference in my life. It would help ease the financial burden of college and allow me to focus fully on my studies, leadership development, and preparation for a career in aviation. Beyond financial support, receiving this scholarship would affirm the values I strive to uphold—hard work, dedication, resilience, and the drive to support and uplift others. It would empower me to continue pursuing my dreams while encouraging others to do the same and reinforce my commitment to excellence in every area of my life. I am determined to succeed, not only for myself, but for the people who have supported me and for the community I hope to impact. I believe that leadership is about action, example, and dedication, and I am committed to carrying these values into college and beyond. Aviation is my passion, leadership is my practice, and with the support of this scholarship, I know I can continue to grow, inspire, and achieve my goals while making a positive difference in the lives of those around me.

I’m a 17-year-old senior at Frederick Douglass High School, Class of 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia. Balancing school, sports, leadership roles, part-time jobs, and family responsibilities hasn’t always been easy. There have been days I’ve felt stressed, burned out, and overwhelmed, but these challenges have taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of staying focused on my goals. Growing up, I’ve learned that success comes not only from hard work, but also from helping others and striving to make a positive impact wherever you go. I admire the legacy of Kalia D. Davis because her life exemplifies the values I strive to embody: ambition, excellence, and kindness. Like Kalia, I aim to give my best effort in every part of my life—academics, sports, leadership, and work. Through balancing school, my flag football team, Student Government Association, and part-time jobs at White Water and the Lego Discovery Center, I’ve learned time management, responsibility, and perseverance. I’ve also discovered that lifting others up is just as important as achieving personal success. Supporting teammates, classmates, and younger peers has helped me grow into a more compassionate and confident person, and it’s a value I plan to carry with me into college and beyond. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been managing the pressure of multiple responsibilities while maintaining my personal goals. There were times I felt I couldn’t handle it all, but pushing through taught me determination and resilience. Every early morning, long practice, and late-night study session reinforced that success requires consistent effort, patience, and the ability to stay motivated even when things feel difficult. This perseverance mirrors the work ethic that Kalia displayed, and it motivates me to continue striving for excellence in all areas of my life. My dream is to become a pilot, a goal that requires focus, precision, and leadership. I know that the discipline, teamwork, and perseverance I’ve learned from my experiences will prepare me to excel in this career. Like Kalia, I want to approach my goals with dedication and integrity, while also encouraging and supporting those around me. I believe this scholarship will help me pursue my dreams by easing the financial burden of college and allowing me to focus on my studies, growth, and continued service to my community. Receiving this scholarship would not only provide support for my education but also reinforce the values that Kalia stood for: hard work, kindness, and determination. Her legacy inspires me to push forward, give my best effort, and uplift others along the way. I hope to honor her memory by continuing to strive for excellence, help those around me, and approach life with resilience and purpose.

From the moment I joined JROTC at Frederick Douglass High School, I knew this program would challenge me in ways I had never imagined. As a cadet, I quickly realized that military training is more than drills and uniforms—it’s about discipline, responsibility, and leadership. Being promoted to Battalion Commander taught me the importance of setting an example, making difficult decisions, and supporting those around me. These skills don’t just belong in JROTC—they guide my everyday life and shape my future ambitions. Balancing my responsibilities as Battalion Commander, captain of the flag football team, an SGA member, and part-time work at places like White Water and the Lego Discovery Center has not been easy. There were days I felt completely overwhelmed, and at times I questioned whether I could manage it all. That struggle has been my greatest challenge: learning how to stay organized, maintain focus, and push through when I feel burned out. Through this experience, I discovered that discipline isn’t just a military term—it’s a way of life. It has taught me resilience and time management, lessons I now apply to school, sports, work, and my personal goals. These skills have also prepared me for my ultimate dream: becoming a pilot. Leadership, precision, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential in aviation, and I have been able to cultivate them through JROTC. Every drill, every school event I organize, and every team I lead builds my confidence and prepares me for the challenges of a future career. I am learning that leadership is not about titles—it’s about service, responsibility, and the ability to guide others while holding yourself accountable. If I could be the world’s next superhero, my theme song would be “Stronger” by Kanye West. It reflects my journey—showing that challenges only make me more resilient, focused, and determined. Life hasn’t always been easy, but like a superhero, I’ve learned to face obstacles head-on, lead by example, and push forward toward my goals no matter what. JROTC has shown me that leadership, discipline, and teamwork are more than skills—they’re values I carry into every part of my life. These lessons guide me in school, sports, work, and my future career as a pilot. They’ve also inspired me to lift others up, serve my community, and face every challenge with determination and confidence. I’m ready to use what I’ve learned to make a difference wherever I go.