Kindness in Action” - I am an 18-year-old male, navigating the world with the dual challenges of Autism and ADHD. My life has not been a smooth path; it has been an active process of overcoming a multitude of obstacles—academic, social, and emotional—that constantly tested my resilience. It was during my challenging middle school years that one particular moment stands out. I was at recess when I noticed a boy sitting alone, his head in his hands, clearly distressed and crying. I felt a compelling need to approach him. When I asked him what had happened he described an incident of being bullied. I sat down next to him, placing myself on his level, not just to offer comfort but to offer understanding. I began to explain a time when I, too, was relentlessly targeted because of my disability. I wanted him to know he wasn't alone. I explained that while academic work presented its difficulties, the most scarring and formative obstacles I faced were the social and emotional ones. I spoke of the persistent, cruel, and systematic bullying I endured from one individual who made it his mission to target my disability and my neurodivergence. He would pick on my differences—my unique learning style, my physical mannerisms that might seem "odd" to others, and my struggle with the complex rules of social interaction—with the attempt to make me feel flawed. This was an intensely painful and lonely period. Every day was a struggle to maintain my dignity and focus. Yet, I emphasized to the boy that I had refused to let that person's behavior define who I was or, more importantly, succeed in breaking my spirit. I learned that my self-worth had to come from within. Turning back to my boy, I offered him words of encouragement and advice to believe in yourself. “Creating Connection” My primary creative outlet, and the one that has most significantly shaped my skills for a career in digital media, is my YouTube channel, "LazerTheArmySoldier." This platform is dedicated to stop motion animation, primarily utilizing LEGO bricks. The entire process—from initial concept development and detailed storyboarding to the painstaking filming, frame by meticulously planned frame, and the final comprehensive digital editing—has been an invaluable real-world training ground. I find immense satisfaction in the process of bringing inanimate objects to life, giving them character and movement through the disciplined practice of stop motion. Furthermore, this creative work is not done in isolation. The channel serves as a vital platform for connection, collaboration, and critique. I actively share my animations with my teacher, classmates, and a growing base of subscribers, which allows me to gauge their thoughts and reactions and understand audience engagement. My animations have regularly been presented and discussed in class, where I receive constructive feedback that pushes me to improve my technical skills and narrative complexity. I actively collaborate with my peers by casting friends as voice actors in my animations. This collaboration allows for a more inclusive platform where all thoughts and suggestions are excepted.

The movie that has had the most profound and lasting impact on my life is Forrest Gump. This film resonates deeply with me, not just as a piece of cinema, but as a mirrored reflection of my own journey. Just like Forrest, who navigated life with a cognitive disability and overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles, I, as an 18-year-old with Autism and ADHD, find his story intensely relatable and inspiring. I see myself growing as an individual who will navigate difficult challenges in my life. My life has been a continuous process of overcoming various challenges—academic, social, and emotional. The academic environment was particularly difficult to navigate; the way my brain processes information often meant I had to work twice as hard to achieve the same results as my peers, requiring me to develop unconventional learning strategies and a strong sense of perseverance.I had to learn to interpret and utilize appropriate social cues to understand the unwritten rules of interaction and ultimately find my authentic place within the social fabric. Through this process, I have been fortunate enough to build a circle of friends who accept me unconditionally for who I am, celebrate my differences, and consistently challenge me to be a better, more thoughtful person. However, the most scarring and formative obstacles were the social and emotional ones, particularly during the turbulent and vulnerable middle school years. During this period, I endured persistent and cruel bullying from one individual who systematically targeted my disability and neurodivergence. He would pick on my differences—my learning style, my unique mannerisms, and my struggle with social interaction—attempting to make me feel isolated, fundamentally flawed, and less-than. This was an intensely painful and lonely time, but I refused to let that negativity define me or succeed in breaking my spirit. I didn't allow the bullying to silence my voice, shrink my world, or stop me from pursuing my goals. Instead of retreating inward into victimhood, I discovered and harnessed an inner reserve of strength, resilience, and righteous conviction. I fought back, not just by standing up for myself and defending my right to be different, but I also stepped up to actively protect other scholars who were being targeted and tormented. This painful experience was a profound, involuntary lesson that taught me the true meaning of standing up for what is right, and becoming an advocate for justice. The film's theme of friendship and collective effort is another aspect that deeply connects with my perspective on life. While my initial inclination might have been to face my battles alone, the challenges I've overcome have shown me the immense power of community. I now firmly believe that lasting success is more often achieved when friends, peers, and allies are working together as a collaborative team to accomplish a goal, rather than operating in self-imposed isolation. This collaborative spirit, evident in the lifelong bond between Forrest and Bubba and mirrored in the support I receive from my own friends, is the foundational key to conquering adversity, achieving ambitious goals, and building a genuinely fulfilling and meaningful future. Forrest Gump is a constant reminder that my differences—my Autism and ADHD—are not deficits, but rather a source of unique strength, that a life of kindness, perseverance, and genuine connection is the ultimate victory.

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