When I was about 7 years old my mom signed my entire family up to volunteer at a local fair, where we would help manage recycling for the fair. I remember walking up to the recycling station, and being really excited about having a job at the fair. Together my sister and I worked to create informative signs about what people should recycle and compost at the fair. While walking around to hang these signs up, I was truly surprised by the amount of items people dumped into the trash without looking or caring. But I saw one man looking at our sign, and correctly putting his compostable cup in the compost bin. From that moment on, I was really proud of the signs we made, because I knew they truly were making a difference not only at this fair, but for the world. I have continued to be a frequent volunteer because I see the good that comes out of it. I am able to watch firsthand the change that can be made if you only try. Volunteering as a little kid inspired me to join the Key Club at my school. It is so rewarding to walk around and see the changes that you have been able to make, and the lives you have been able to change. Just making a small difference in this world, is the most wonderful feeling that I can imagine. Helping others is not just a side hobby, it is a lifestyle, and I hope to continue this lifestyle, and inspire others to do so as well, for the rest of my life. Throughout my college career and after I graduate I hope to do everything I can to connect and serve with my community. I plan on becoming an environmental scientist, and do work to help preserve and fight for the world that I love. Looking forward, I see myself participating in a lot of trash cleanup programs, as well as recycling drives. In my highschool years I have learned so much about the importance of doing work for our world and spreading awareness about "reducing, reusing, and recycling". I would also support my community by visiting schools to help promote sustainability and learning about environmental science. I plan on serving my community by connecting with local volunteering services and doing whatever I can to support those around me. As I look at the community in which I've grown up in, one of the most beneficial programs that exists is my local dance studio. Not only does it teach hundreds of students about the art of dance, but it also is such a pillar in the community. Young dancers perform at local fairs, partake in the dance part of plays, and gain valuable education that they can use in college. We also were encouraged to volunteer around town to help support those around us. In college I plan on also getting a degree in dance, so that I can become a dance teacher, whether it is full or part time. Just being able to partake in the wonderful community enriching activities that dance studios bring to each and every town will be amazing. Through my job as a dance teacher I can inspire young kids and continue the legacy of my own dance studio that fostered such a wonderful community spirit. With the support of my upcoming education I hope to expand my ability to serve my community. Whether it is through my career, or in the other parts of my life, I will continue to help those around me.

When I was little, my mom always used to play the same three CDs in the car while we were traveling. Though I ended up loving all of the songs, there was always one that stuck out to me. The song was about the water cycle, emphasizing the shared nature of resources on our planet and the importance of using them responsibly. The chorus sings "Cause the water, land, and air, These are things we've got to share, Someone's gonna use it after you." Today, as I look back on this song, I realize how much it has shaped who I am today, and helped to truly inspire my interest in the environment. It helped inspire me to take small actions in my life, like using reusable water bottles and carpooling with others, that reduce my footprint. With that chorus singing in my head, I was able to start an outdoor adventure club at my school, where I could raise awareness about respecting nature and becoming more in tune with our world. That same beat helped me become part of the creation of a Greta Thunberg dance for the spring performance at my dance studio. It inspired the girl who dreams of being an environmental scientist, or climate activist, helping to preserve the natural world that I love so much. Next year I am headed to college, and I have a few ideas about how I can continue my education in a way that helps to protect the planet that we live on. I am really interested in environmental science and am constantly finding ways to learn more about the world around me. One interesting aspect of the school I will be attending is that they have an entire environmental studies program, with multiple different facets of environmental education. One of their programs is the environmental dance program, which combines classes in environmental science with those in the dance curriculum. This super interesting combination fits who I am as a person, as a dancer who cares about the environment, and I am really excited to try it out. With a degree such as this, I would love to become an environmental scientist, but would also love to explore how I could utilize dance to help make the world a better place. Perhaps I could open an outdoor dance studio where we teach not only dance but also about environmental awareness. Or maybe I could choreograph a piece that utilized earthly elements to emote a powerful message. There are many different paths that I would love to explore, but to me, the most important aspect is that I will be doing my part to help understand and preserve this great world that I love so much.

When I was younger, my grandmother always used to say “Make today a good day”. It resonated with me because instead of just wishing for good things to come to me, that phrase inspires me to fight for what I believe in and what I want in life. Last year, my grandmother, with whom I was very close, passed away unexpectedly. I found it hard to keep completing the rigorous schedule of school, sports, and dance that I had set for myself. Yet every day, as I woke up, I would remember the words that she would say. I would repeat it over and over in my head, motivating myself to continue working towards what I wanted, even when it felt like the world was crashing down on me. Her voice is also the one guiding me towards an environmental career. I don’t want to sit by and hope that the world will save itself. Though I know there will be and have been days when it feels like too much pressure or too much work, her voice is right beside me, helping me to believe in what I am doing. With her voice, I will continue to take action and fight for the planet. I will educate myself on how to help and lead others to do so as well. Whether I am creating a dance that brings awareness about climate change, or in a lab experimenting with different types of soil, I will continue to overcome the hardships in my way and advocate for our world. Though I have been dancing since I was 4 years old, it has not always been the smoothest of journeys. When I was in 8th grade, my local dance studio hired a new dance teacher. At first, it took some time to adjust, as she had a different teaching and dancing style than I was used to. But in the year since, and years after, I have grown an incredible bond with that dance teacher. Her kindness shines through in everything that she does, and has helped me to become a better person. Just this year, I was having a really stressful day. It was the anniversary of my grandmother's death, I was worried about applying to college, and I was having a hard time being present at the moment. Though she had no idea about any of this, the second I walked into the dance studio, she asked me how I was doing. At that moment, I knew that she truly cared about what my answer would be. I was able to tell her that I really wasn't doing very well, but that I was excited to be at dance class. She gave me the biggest hug, and taught a class where I was able to dance to express my emotions. Before I met this dance teacher, I don't think I truly recognized the importance of truly caring as opposed to just being "nice". The difference between these two things is astronomical, but many people still decide to go with the latter. In my job as a camp counselor, and as a human living on this earth, I do everything I can to sincerely care and practice kindness in every moment. I know now how life-changing being truly kind can be, and I try my very best to be a part of the world that truly cares. Words and actions have meaning, and everyday I strive to help change someone else's life in the way that my dance teacher changed mine.

Every week I spend hours in the studio finding new ways to move my body and interpret music. When I dance, I lose track of time and become wholeheartedly involved in what I am doing. I love to choreograph new pieces, or simply improv to interesting music. I study many types of dance (ballet/pointe, jazz, modern, tap, improv, musical theater) and love how they can each feel unique in their own way. I am passionate about dance because it helps me feel more complete and in tune with my body and self. In addition, I love to dance because of the community of dancers and teachers that support me every day. When I go to the dance studio, I know I am in a safe space where I am free to explore and be myself. My grandma recently passed away, and when I went back to dance everyone was so understanding about how I was feeling. They gave me space to process my thoughts, as well as a group hug with everyone. It was at this moment that I realized how much I love my dance community. I also really enjoy performing in musicals and plays. I recently auditioned to be part of a production of "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" at my school. I have been a lead dancer in multiple other musicals in the past because I delight in being on stage, but this time is slightly different. While I usually audition to be a dancer, this year I decided to branch out and try a speaking role. After the audition, I felt really good about how I did - not just because I thought I might get the role, but mostly because it was so exhilarating to try something new. I am really glad that I tried out, and I found out yesterday that I got the part! My hope for the future is to go to college as a dance major and continue to expand my knowledge. I aim to then become a dance educator and inspire others to move and dance as well. Dance has inspired me so much and created so many new opportunities and experiences in my life. I want to help the next generation learn to love dance and prompt them to make new discoveries about themselves and the world. Most of all, I want to continue loving, learning, and motivating others about dance for the rest of my life.

Though I have been dancing since I was 4 years old, it has not always been the smoothest of journeys. Luckily, when I was in 8th grade, my local dance studio hired a new dance teacher. At first, it took some time to adjust, as she had a different teaching and dancing style than I was used to. But in the year since, and years after, I have grown an incredible bond with that dance teacher. Her kindness shines through in everything that she does, and has helped me to become a better person. Just this year, I was having a really stressful day. It was the anniversary of my grandmother's death, I was worried about applying to college, and I was having a hard time being present at the moment. Though she had no idea about any of this, the second I walked into the dance studio, she asked me how I was doing. Now, there are two different ways to ask how someone is. The first is to ask without really caring, just to have a pleasant conversation. The other is to ask and truly care about what the answer is. At that moment, I knew that she truly cared about what my answer would be. I was able to tell her that I really wasn't doing very well, but that I was excited to be at dance class. She gave me the biggest hug, and taught a class where I was able to dance to express my emotions. Before I met this dance teacher, I don't think I truly recognized the importance of truly caring as opposed to just being "nice". The difference between these two things is astronomical, but many people still decide to go with the latter. In my job as a camp counselor, and as a human, I do everything I can to sincerely care and practice kindness in every moment. I realize that my actions have reactions, and every word said is a choice to choose kindness. I know now how life-changing being truly kind can be, and I try my very best to be a part of the world that truly cares. Words and actions have meaning, and everyday I strive to help change someone else's life in the way that my dance teacher changed mine. Thank you so much for your time and consideration. Receiving this scholarship would be an honor.

When I was about 7 years old my mom signed my entire family up to volunteer at a local fair, where we would help manage recycling for the fair. I remember walking up to the recycling station, and being really excited about having a job at the fair. Together my sister and I worked to create informative signs about what people should recycle and compost at the fair. While walking around to hang these signs up, I was truly surprised by the amount of items people dumped into the trash without looking or caring. But I saw one man looking at our sign, and correctly putting his compostable cup in the compost bin. From that moment on, I was really proud of the signs we made, because I knew they truly were making a difference not only at this fair, but for the world. I have continued to be a frequent volunteer because I see the good that comes out of it. I am able to watch firsthand the change that can be made if you only try. Volunteering as a little kid inspired me to join the Key Club at my school. This is a club that focuses on improving our home, school, community, and world. Through Key Club I have been able to volunteer throughout my school and community many many times. Though technically the hours I put into volunteering are counted, I never notice the hundreds of hours because I am too busy doing what I can to make the world a better place. Some of the other places I was able to volunteer at include a yearly Thanksgiving can drive that helps 100 families in my community put food on their table. I have also helped out at dinners which provide food for people in my community. I was also able to volunteer at a school, and help with tutoring kids. As a dancer, I love giving back to my community by performing at local events, and not only dancing, but volunteering at the events that we are able to perform at. Though my world has enlarged significantly, I still go back every year to the local fair and help out at the recycling booth. Though I am no longer given the job of making signs, but now sorting and collecting recycling, I still enjoy it just as much. In the future, I plan to continue helping others by partaking in volunteering in college. They have a lot of programs that are able to reach out into the community, and I am excited to do what I can to help. Helping others is not just a side hobby, it is a lifestyle, and I hope to continue this lifestyle, and inspire others to do so as well, for the rest of my life. Thank you for your consideration.

@_lauramcginnis Love!

I love creative arts because they push me to explore the world in different ways. Dance, in particular, is the most important to me. Every week I spend hours in the studio finding new ways to move my body and interpret music. When I dance, I lose track of time and become wholeheartedly involved in what I am doing. I love to choreograph new pieces, or simply improv to interesting music. I study many types of dance (ballet/pointe, jazz, modern, tap, improv, musical theater) and love how they can each feel unique in their own way. I am passionate about dance because it helps me feel more complete and in tune with my body and self. In addition, I love to dance because of the community of dancers and teachers that support me every day. When I go to the dance studio, I know I am in a safe space where I am free to explore and be myself. My grandma recently passed away, and when I went back to dance everyone was so understanding about how I was feeling. They gave me space to process my thoughts, as well as a group hug with everyone. It was at this moment that I realized how much I love my dance community. I also really enjoy performing in musicals and plays. I recently auditioned to be part of a production of "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" at my school. I have been a lead dancer in multiple other musicals in the past because I delight in being on stage, but this time is slightly different. While I usually audition to be a dancer, this year I decided to branch out and try a speaking role. After the audition, I felt really good about how I did - not just because I thought I might get the role, but mostly because it was so exhilarating to try something new. I am really glad that I tried out, and I found out yesterday that I got the part! My hope for the future is to go to college as a dance major and continue to expand my knowledge. I aim to then become a dance educator and inspire others to move and dance as well. Dance has inspired me so much and created so many new opportunities and experiences in my life. I want to help the next generation learn to love dance and prompt them to make new discoveries about themselves and the world. Most of all, I want to continue loving, learning, and motivating others about dance for the rest of my life.

Every week I spend hours in the studio finding new ways to move my body and interpret music. When I dance, I lose track of time and become wholeheartedly involved in what I am doing. I love to choreograph new pieces, or simply improv to interesting music. I study many types of dance (ballet/pointe, jazz, modern, tap, improv, musical theater) and love how they can each feel unique in their own way. I am passionate about dance because it helps me feel more complete and in tune with my body and self. In addition, I love to dance because of the community of dancers and teachers that support me every day. When I go to the dance studio, I know I am in a safe space where I am free to explore and be myself. My grandma recently passed away, and when I went back to dance everyone was so understanding about how I was feeling. They gave me space to process my thoughts, as well as a group hug with everyone. It was at this moment that I realized how much I love my dance community. I also really enjoy performing in musicals and plays. I recently auditioned to be part of a production of "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" at my school. I have been a lead dancer in multiple other musicals in the past because I delight in being on stage, but this time is slightly different. While I usually audition to be a dancer, this year I decided to branch out and try a speaking role. After the audition, I felt really good about how I did - not just because I thought I might get the role, but mostly because it was so exhilarating to try something new. I am really glad that I tried out, and I found out yesterday that I got the part! My hope for the future is to go to college as a dance major and continue to expand my knowledge. I aim to then become a dance educator and inspire others to move and dance as well. Dance has inspired me so much and created so many new opportunities and experiences in my life. I want to help the next generation learn to love dance and prompt them to make new discoveries about themselves and the world. Most of all, I want to continue loving, learning, and motivating others about dance for the rest of my life.

My grandma recently passed away, and since losing her I have been focused on how I can follow her guidance to become a more kind and loving person. She was always so gentle to everyone, and had a great sense of humor. By using her example I can help to exemplify these traits and become the person I've always wanted to be. In addition, my grandma always used to tell me to never stop dancing. She would always come to my dance performances - and have the most fun out of anyone. After the show, she would hug me and tell me how amazingly I did on stage. Since her death, I have decided that I want to major in dance while I am in college. This has always been my dream, but through her I can help to make it come true. I want to dance everyday, in the hopes of someday achieving my dream, and the dream that she had for me. I want to be kind to everyone around me, and remember her through that kindness. I want to smile and laugh, and have fun, because that is how she walked through life. Though she is no longer able to fight for me, I will always fight for her.