My grandfather a US Army veteran or as I called him Umpa passed away on August 28, 2025. He was PFC in US Army during the Cold War-Cuban Missile Crisis. He was a constant figure in my life, a person whose presence made everything seem calmer and more grounded. Growing up, we spent countless hours together, sharing simple yet meaningful moments—like fishing by the lake at the PA summer home- bluegills or sunfish or playing cards on the porch. After his passing, it feels like a part of me is missing. I’ve learned that grieving doesn’t mean forgetting—it means carrying those memories with you, even as you learn to live without the person. It’s painful, but it’s also a testament to how much he meant to me. "Fishing was more than just a hobby for my grandfather and me—it was a ritual. We’d wake up early, just as the sun began to rise, casting our lines into the still lake water. There was something peaceful about those moments. We didn’t need to talk much; the silence between us was never awkward. It was a space where time slowed down, and all that mattered was the simple act of waiting, together. For a person who has Autism- patience is one quality I have to work on because I become easily distracted. He taught me to have patience and to enjoy the little things in life. Even now, I can almost hear his laughter when I recall the way he’d teased me for not being patient enough, or for catching the smallest fish- a sunny." Today I continue to have a love of fishing in fresh and salt water. My Umpa never treated me differently because of my disability, he believed you can achieve all things if you work hard and have a passion for it. Playing cards with my Umpa was another way we spent time together. We played Michigan Rummy, GoFish, War, Five Crowns to name a few. We would sit for hours, me trying my best to win, but mostly enjoying his childhood stories. It wasn't about winning or losing—it was about the connection we shared. He taught me more than just how to play; he taught me patience. I still play the game Five Crowns with my Mema and family. It has become a tradition to play Five Crowns with the family whenever we get together. My grandfather’s passing has changed me, I still feel his loss everyday but it hasn’t taken away the things he taught me. Whether it’s casting a line into the water or shuffling a deck of cards, I carry him with me in everything I do. These memories are more than just moments in time; they’re lessons, they’re pieces of who I am. I know that as I continue on without him, I’ll find ways to honor his memory, always holding on to the bond we shared. In my High school I am part of the Patriot Club where we participate in activities for POW/MIA vigil, help out with the American Legion, Hearts for Heroes and Military Moms Tea. As the first grandchild in my family I feel it is my duty to attend a college. Five Towns College is my choice to achieve a four year degree in the field of interactive digital media where I can combine my passion of Legos with animations. My Umpa was proud of my animations on my YouTube channel-LazerTheArmySoldier. I wish to make my grandfather proud of the man I have become.

My grandfather or as I called him Umpa passed away on August 28, 2025. He was a Veteran- PFC (Private First Class) US Army in the Cold War/Cuban Missile Crisis. He was a constant figure in my life, a person whose presence made everything seem calmer and more grounded. Growing up, we spent countless hours together, sharing simple yet meaningful moments—like fishing by the lake at the PA summer home or playing cards on the porch. After his passing, it feels like a part of me is missing. I’ve learned that grieving doesn’t mean forgetting—it means carrying those memories with you, even as you learn to live without the person. It’s painful, but it’s also a testament to how much he meant to me. Fishing was more than just a hobby for my grandfather and me—it was a ritual. We’d wake up early, just as the sun began to rise, casting our lines into the still lake water. There was something peaceful about those moments. For a person who has Autism- patience is one quality I have to work on because I become easily distracted. He taught me to have patience and to enjoy the little things in life. Even now, I can almost hear his laugh when I recall the way he’d tease me for not being patient enough, or for catching the smallest fish." Today I continue to have a love of fishing in fresh and salt water. My Umpa never treated me differently because of my disability, he believed you can achieve all things if you work hard and have a passion for it. Playing cards with my Umpa was another way we spent time together. We played Michigan Rummy, GoFish, War, Five Crowns to name a few. We would sit for hours, me trying my best to win, but mostly enjoying his childhood stories. It wasn't about winning or losing—it was about the connection we shared. He taught me more than just how to play; he taught me patience. I still play the game Five Crowns with my family. It has become a tradition to play Five Crowns with the family whenever we get together. My grandfather’s passing has changed me, I still feel his loss everyday but it hasn’t taken away the things he taught me. Whether it’s casting a line into the water or shuffling a deck of cards, I carry him with me in everything I do. These memories are more than just moments in time; they’re lessons, they’re pieces of who I am. I know that as I continue on without him, I’ll find ways to honor his memory, always holding on to the bond we shared. My Umpa believed all his grandchildren should attend College to get an education to better themselves as a person. As the first grandchild in my family I feel it is my duty to attend a college-Five Towns College is my choice to achieve a four year degree in the field of interactive digital media where I can combine my passion of Legos with animations. I wish to make my grandfather proud of the man I have become. James DeGrange

I believe I deserve this scholarship because I have overcome many obstacles in my life. As an 18 year old with autism who has overcome intellectual and social difficulties throughout my life. It is not easy to go through life with an IEP and a label of Autism. People see you differently because intellectual I think outside the box, I need to work on my social cues and filter for my mouth. I like to deal in facts I can be a literal person who finds it difficult when people are joking with me. As a person with a disability you are constantly trying to prove to others you can achieve your dreams, you just need help along the way. I will be the first grandchild in my family to go to college. My YouTube channel LazerTheArmySolider was the first step in climbing the ladder to my career choice of working in animations or the mixed digital field. I love when I'm creating content using my passion for Legos through editing, voice over, sound and special effects with music through various themes. The process helps me through my disability to express my passion when social cues or conversation can be awkward for me. In school I am taking courses such as Video editing, Computer Art, College Website Design to further my passion in the digital/interactive media field. I believe attending college courses will be another creative outlet for me to build, develop and learn new techniques and skills in order to further develop my creative process to reach my goal of working in the digital media field. I will be able to converse, develop, display and connect to people using various digital platforms which can be difficult with my disability in a social environment. Money from the scholarship will allow me to attend a college that has courses that will allow me to develop my creativity to pursue my passion for mixed media. I will be able to show to my family, friends,and my teachers who have supported me in my creative process through my shorts and animations that I have overcome many obstacles in life and I can achieve my dream of becoming an interactive mixed media artist. College will be the next step in my process of hard work and determination to achieve my dreams of finding your passion and sticking with it. I have autism which is a lifelong disability but with my IEP I can use my modifications to gain success. James DeGrange

My grandfather or as I called him Umpa passed away on August 28, 2025. He was a constant figure in my life, a person whose presence made everything seem calmer and more grounded. Growing up, we spent countless hours together, sharing simple yet meaningful moments—like fishing by the lake at the PA summer home or playing cards on the porch. After his passing, it feels like a part of me is missing. I’ve learned that grieving doesn’t mean forgetting—it means carrying those memories with you, even as you learn to live without the person. It’s painful, but it’s also a testament to how much he meant to me. Fishing was more than just a hobby for my grandfather and me—it was a ritual. We’d wake up early, just as the sun began to rise, casting our lines into the still lake water. There was something peaceful about those moments. We didn’t need to talk much; the silence between us was never awkward. It was a space where time slowed down, and all that mattered was the simple act of waiting, together. For a person who has Autism- patience is one quality I have to work on because I become easily distracted. He taught me to have patience and to enjoy the little things in life. Even now, I can almost hear his laugh when I recall the way he’d tease me for not being patient enough, or for catching the smallest fish. Today I continue to have a love of fishing in fresh and salt water. My Umpa never treated me differently because of my disability, he believed you can achieve all things if you work hard and have a passion for it. Playing cards with my Umpa was another way we spent time together. We played Michigan Rummy, GoFish, War, Five Crowns to name a few. We would sit for hours, me trying my best to win, but mostly enjoying his childhood stories. It wasn't about winning or losing—it was about the connection we shared. He taught me more than just how to play; he taught me patience. I still play the game Five Crowns with my family. It has become a tradition to play Five Crowns with the family whenever we get together. My grandfather’s passing has changed me, I still feel his loss everyday but it hasn’t taken away the things he taught me. Whether it’s casting a line into the water or shuffling a deck of cards, I carry him with me in everything I do. These memories are more than just moments in time; they’re lessons, they’re pieces of who I am. I know that as I continue on without him, I’ll find ways to honor his memory, always holding on to the bond we shared. My Umpa believed all his grandchildren should attend College to get an education to better themselves as a person. As the first grandchild in my family I feel it is my duty to attend a college-Five Towns College is my choice to achieve a four year degree in the field of interactive digital media where I can combine my passion of Legos with animations. I wish to make my grandfather proud of the man I have become. James DeGrange