I am a high school senior at a military school where leadership, discipline, and service are part of my daily life. Through MCJROTC, I have held two of the highest leadership positions in my battalion: Battalion Sergeant Major and, currently, Battalion Executive Officer. These roles have taught me how to lead under pressure, plan large events, and mentor younger students. Outside of school, I have stayed active in volleyball and soccer, worked a part-time job at Chick-fil-A, and served as an assistant coach for a youth volleyball team. I have also completed over 400 hours of community service, including helping lead our student-run Summer Orientation Camp and organizing a drill meet that hosted multiple schools. After high school, I plan to attend Elizabethtown College and major in Biology with the goal of becoming an optometrist. My interest in this field began when I received glasses in third grade and realized how much clearer the world could be. That experience inspired me to pursue a career where I can improve people’s quality of life through better vision. In the future, I also hope to start a nonprofit that provides free or low-cost eye exams and access to glasses for low-income communities. My mission would be to give people the gift of sight without the burden of cost by bringing together volunteer optometrists and opticians to serve underserved populations. One of the greatest adversities I have faced was the loss of my brother, Jason, this past summer. He was a volunteer firefighter, and his death deeply impacted my family. Along with the emotional loss, we faced financial challenges, including funeral expenses and helping care for his two young daughters. Entering my senior year, it was difficult to balance grief with school, leadership responsibilities, and everyday life. However, instead of letting that hardship stop me, I chose to use it to help others, which, in the end, helped me grieve. I began advocating for first responder mental health, recognizing how often those who serve others struggle in silence. I am currently organizing efforts to bring awareness and resources to my community, including planning events that support mental health for first responders. This advocacy has helped me cope while also allowing me to honor my brother’s legacy. My experience has also allowed me to support others facing loss. When a girl at my school lost her father during the school day, I made sure she did not feel alone by talking with her and simply listening. More recently, after a student at my school passed away in an accident, I was able to comfort others who were struggling because I understood what they were feeling. These moments showed me that sometimes the most important way to help someone is just to be there for them. Overcoming adversity has shaped who I am today. It has strengthened my resilience, deepened my empathy, and reinforced my commitment to serving others. As I move forward, I will continue to draw on both my personal experiences and my education to make a positive impact, whether through advocating for mental health or providing care to those in need.

I am a high school senior at a military school where leadership, discipline, and service are a part of my everyday life. Throughout my time in MCJROTC, I have held two of the highest leadership positions in my battalion: Battalion Sergeant Major and, currently, Battalion Executive Officer. These roles have taught me how to lead under pressure, plan large-scale events, and mentor younger students. Outside of school, I have remained active in volleyball and soccer, worked a part-time job at Chick-fil-A, and served as an assistant coach for a youth volleyball team. I have also completed over 400 hours of community service, including helping lead our student-run Summer Orientation Camp and organizing major events like our school’s drill meet. Service is especially important to me, both in my school and in my community. I am involved with the Odessa Fire Company, where I continue to give back while also advocating for first responder mental health after the loss of my first responder brother to suicide. That experience has shaped my perspective and strengthened my commitment to helping others in meaningful ways. After high school, I plan to attend Elizabethtown College and major in Biology with the goal of becoming an optometrist. Etown has a 3+4 agreement with Salus University, and I plan to be on this accelerated track so that I can start working as soon as possible. My interest in this field began when I received glasses in third grade and realized how sight impacts your daily life. That moment inspired me to pursue a career where I can improve people’s quality of life through better vision. If I could start my own charity, I would focus on providing free or low-cost eye exams and glasses to low-income communities. My mission would be to give people the gift of sight without the burden of cost. I would serve individuals and families who may not have access to proper vision care due to financial barriers. Even my family, who has eye insurance, still has to pay upwards of 300 dollars just for one pair of glasses. This doesn't include getting new glasses each year because of prescription changes or the eye exams to even figure out what prescription you might need. People should not have to worry about how they will afford proper eye care for themselves or their children. The volunteer pool would include licensed optometrists and opticians who could use their professional skills to conduct exams, fit patients for glasses, and educate communities about eye health. Other volunteers without professional degrees could assist with logistical tasks such as organizing clinics, distributing resources, and helping patients feel comfortable and supported. Through my education and future career, I hope to turn this vision into reality by combining my passion for service with my interest in healthcare, making a lasting impact on communities in need.

The skills I have learned in the Marine Corps JROTC program at First State Military Academy influence how I approach school, work, and service every day. Serving as Battalion Sergeant Major and now Battalion Executive Officer has required discipline, organization, and the ability to lead others under pressure. These experiences have prepared me not only for college, but for the responsibilities I will face in my future career. One of the most valuable skills JROTC has given me is leadership through accountability. As Battalion Sergeant Major, I was responsible for mentoring younger cadets and helping maintain standards across the battalion. Later, as Battalion Executive Officer, I shifted into a more behind-the-scenes leadership role, ensuring plans were executed properly and supporting the chain of command. Leading major events strengthened these skills. I helped lead our student-run FSMA Bulldog Classic Drill Meet, but one of the largest events I oversaw was the Summer Orientation Camp. This event was entirely cadet-planned and executed, hosting all new students to prepare them for life at FSMA. Coordinating logistics, schedules, and communication required teamwork and attention to detail. I learned how to stay composed when challenges arose and how to adapt quickly when plans shifted. JROTC also taught me how to handle conflict. In leadership, I often faced situations in which cadets failed to fulfill their responsibilities or struggled to work together. At first, I believed holding a title would automatically earn respect. I quickly learned that leadership is built on relationships. By strengthening peer connections and communicating clearly, I was able to resolve conflicts more effectively and build trust within the battalion. The discipline I developed through JROTC allows me to balance over 400 service hours, athletics, a part-time job, and assistant-coaching responsibilities. I have been recognized through awards such as the Civic Service Award, Distinguished Military Training Award, Recruiting Award, Outstanding Cadet Award, and multiple Academic Excellence awards. The Marine Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment guide how I serve at the fire company, advocate for first responder mental health, and prepare for a future career in healthcare. JROTC has shaped me into a leader who prioritizes service, builds strong relationships, and remains dependable under pressure, skills that will continue to guide me long after graduation. A significant challenge I encountered was right before my senior year, my brother, Jason Dunkelberger, passed away. Losing him so suddenly changed everything. I entered what was supposed to be the most exciting year of high school feeling unmotivated and overwhelmed. Balancing leadership roles, schoolwork, service, and family responsibilities while grieving felt almost impossible. There were days when simply showing up was a victory. However, that challenge reshaped my perspective. I realized that resilience is not about ignoring pain, it is about choosing to move forward despite it. His death strengthened my desire to serve others, advocate for first responder mental health, and pursue a career that makes a tangible difference in people’s lives. If I were the world’s next superhero, my theme song would be “Break My Stride” by Matthew Wilder. The message “Ain’t nothin’ gonna break my stride” reflects how I live my life. No setback, failure, or heartbreak will stop me from continuing toward my goals. I carry my brother’s memory with me, and I keep going.

My brother, Jason Dunkelberger, was the kind of person who made others feel safe without even trying. For nearly ten years, he served as a volunteer firefighter with the Odessa Fire Company, and he treated that commitment like a calling. He showed up for emergencies, community events, and the people who needed him, often without expecting recognition. Jason’s death was not a line-of-duty loss, but it was still connected to service. He died by suicide, and I have learned firsthand how the weight of volunteer first response, combined with the responsibilities of family life, can become overwhelming. Losing him has changed my life, but it has also given my life a deeper purpose. One of my fondest memories with Jason is from Youth Day for waterfowl hunting. He took me out early that morning, and it turned into one of those rare days you never forget. I shot so many geese that day, and Jason was unbelievably proud of me. He didn’t just say it once; he told everyone. For weeks afterward, he brought it up to family members, friends, and anyone who would listen. Looking back, that memory means so much because it captures who Jason truly was: supportive, excited for others, and happiest when the people he loved felt proud of themselves. Since losing Jason, I have tried to honor him in the most meaningful way I can, by carrying forward the values he lived by. I continue to serve the Odessa Fire Company myself, and I have become an advocate for first responder mental health. Jason’s death showed me that we do not talk enough about what first responders experience, especially those who volunteer while balancing jobs, families, and the emotional impact of emergency situations. I refuse to let his story be ignored. To turn that advocacy into action, I am currently organizing a fundraising dinner where 20% of each check will go toward supporting first responder mental health. The money raised will fund the Fire Responder Mental Health Expo, an event I plan to hold at the fire company. My goal is to create a space where first responders can come together, enjoy a supportive environment, and access mental health resources without stigma. I want people to feel less alone, and I want the culture to shift toward checking on the helpers before it is too late. While service is a huge part of my life, education is the path that will allow me to serve others in another way. I plan to attend Elizabethtown College and major in Biology. With my degree, I hope to become an optometrist. I want to help people experience the gift of sight because vision affects everything: confidence, learning, independence, and quality of life. I still remember getting glasses when I was younger and being shocked at how much of the world I had been missing. I want to give others that same feeling of clarity and possibility. In the future, I also hope to start a nonprofit that provides free eye care to people who cannot afford it. Too many individuals go without proper vision care because of cost, and the consequences can be life-changing. I want my career to be about more than success. I want it to be about impact. Jason taught me what it means to show up for others. Now I am learning how to show up for him by continuing his service, advocating for mental health, and building a future dedicated to helping people live healthier, fuller lives.

When I put on glasses for the first time in third grade, I finally understood what it meant to see clearly. That moment stayed with me, not only because the world looked sharper, but because it showed me how one small change can transform someone’s life. Since then, I have wanted a future where I can serve others in a meaningful way, both through leadership and healthcare. This scholarship would help me take the next step toward that goal by easing the financial burden of college. I am a high school senior from Delaware, and I attend a military school where discipline, leadership, and service are expected. Over the past four years, I have had the honor of serving in high-level leadership roles within my battalion. I was selected as the Battalion Sergeant Major and am currently the Battalion Executive Officer. Both roles demanded hard work, maturity, and constant learning. As Battalion Sergeant Major, I mentored younger cadets, helped plan major events, and worked closely with other student leaders to keep our battalion organized and motivated. As Battalion Executive Officer, my leadership became more behind the scenes, requiring attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to support others without needing recognition. These experiences taught me that leadership is not about authority or self-benefit; it is about serving others and putting the team's needs first. Service has been one of the most important parts of my life. Throughout high school, I have accumulated more than 400 service hours. The service experience I am most proud of is our Summer Orientation Camp, a week-long program for new students to learn expectations and adjust to military life. The camp is completely student-run and student-planned. The camp itself involves nine-hour days for an entire week, but it also requires months of preparation and an additional week of intense planning. Helping lead this camp has shown me how powerful service can be when it is done with commitment and care. It is not only about welcoming new students but also about making them feel supported, safe, and confident in an unfamiliar environment. In addition to leadership and service, I have remained active in athletics and work. I have participated in volleyball and soccer, and I work part-time at Chick-fil-A. My job has taught me responsibility and the importance of customer service, which I believe connects directly to patient care and bedside manner in healthcare. I also serve as an assistant coach for a volleyball team, allowing me to mentor younger athletes and help them build confidence and discipline. This summer, my life changed when I lost my brother, Jason, to suicide. His death brought deep heartbreak and left behind two young daughters. Along with grief, my family has faced new financial responsibilities, including funeral expenses and childcare needs. As I prepare for higher education, I am also facing financial challenges. My parents are not contributing to the cost of my education, and I will be responsible for tuition, housing, and other expenses. I hope to attend Elizabethtown College and major in biology through a 3+4 optometry program. I want to become an optometrist because I know how powerful clear vision can be. This scholarship would help make my education possible and allow me to keep working toward a future of service.

As a survivor of sibling suicide, my faith is getting me through. My name is Lilly and the summer of my senior year I lost my brother to suicide. He was my best friend, my hero, and my biggest cheerleader. As a result of losing him, I have re-established my faith and relationship with God. Through this experience, myself and my family have found a way to serve that was not a path we had taken or seen prior. My father and mother have now become very involved in supporting first responders mental health and well being. At the high school level, I have been active in my school and community supporting students who have lost a loved one by being there for them and sharing my experience. The administration at my school are comfortable coming to me when a student has an experience like this so that I may help mentor them through a difficult loss. I am also a member of a volunteer fire company and serve on the administrative side. I work closely with first responders and now also have a focus on their mental health and well being. I have found that open and honest conversation regarding my experience and the experiences my brother shared with me have helped myself and the person I am speaking with greatly. My goal is to be an optometrist and I will be using this scholarship to help fund my undergraduate goals. At the beginning of my senior year, my outlook was bleak, but with faith and family I am back on track to pursue my dreams.

Leadership and science shape our future because they determine how we guide people and how we improve lives. Through my experiences in MCJROTC leadership and my passion for biology and anatomy, I have learned that the strongest futures are built by those who serve others with both discipline and curiosity. In my school, leadership has been one of the most defining parts of my high school experience. I served as the Battalion Sergeant Major, which required constant planning, coordination, and communication. I worked closely with other leaders to organize events and mentor younger cadets while ensuring our battalion remained motivated and focused. That position taught me how to lead from the front and how to stay calm when things did not go as planned. One moment that tested my leadership was during our summer orientation camp, the entire school was supposed to watch a video together. The video malfunctioned, but instead of letting the energy in the room fall apart, I had to think on my feet. I quickly started a fun school-wide trivia game that reinforced what students had learned during the week. That experience showed me that leadership is not about having everything perfect; it is about adapting and staying confident. Later, I became an officer and served as the Battalion Executive Officer, taking on more behind-the-scenes responsibilities. I learned that leadership is not always visible, but it is always important. I also learned something the hard way: not everyone automatically respects you just because you hold a title. In reality, respect is earned through relationships, consistency, and the way you treat people when no one is watching. That lesson helped me become an empathetic leader and a stronger communicator. Science has shaped my future by guiding my career aspirations. After taking biology and two years of anatomy and physiology, I became fascinated by how the body’s systems work together. I was amazed by how much the human body does every second without us even realizing it. That curiosity connected directly to my goal of becoming an optometrist. In third grade, I received glasses and suddenly realized how much I had been missing. I want to give others the same joy, the ability to truly see the world clearly. Leadership taught me how to serve people. Science taught me how to help them. Together, they have shaped my future and the future I hope to create for others.

Service has never been something I do only when it is convenient, it is part of who I am. I have grown up believing that communities are built through people who show up for one another. Through my involvement with the Odessa Fire Company and leadership in my MCJROTC program, I have learned that real impact comes from responsibility, compassion, and the courage to lead others towards a common goal. As an administrative member of the Odessa Fire Company, I have the opportunity to serve my community by demonstrating dedication and reliability. While my role may not always involve responding directly to emergencies, I contribute to the operations that help first responders do their jobs effectively. I have seen firsthand how much effort, sacrifice, and mental strength it takes. That experience has shaped my respect for first responders and has made me aware of the pressures they face daily This year, my commitment to advocacy became personal when I lost my first responder brother, Jason, to suicide. Losing him was one of the most painful experiences of my life, and it opened my eyes to how common mental health struggles are within the first responder community. These heroes are often expected to be strong at all times, but strength shouldn't mean ignoring pain. My loss has motivated me to speak up and advocate for mental health awareness and support for those who serve. Conversations about stress, trauma, and burnout must be normalized. My involvement in community safety also extends to my school As a cadet major in an MCJROTC school, I hold a leadership position that requires me to mentor younger students and help plan activities that build confidence, discipline, and teamwork. In that role, I work with students from diverse backgrounds and maturity levels. I take that responsibility seriously because I know how damaging bullying can be, whether it happens in the hallway or online. Keeping youth safe from in-person bullying and cyberbullying begins with creating an environment where respect is expected and kindness is reinforced. I believe one of the most powerful ways to improve online spaces is by using your own platform to create a positive community. I work to lead by example by encouraging younger students, speaking out when I see cruelty, and promoting accountability rather than silence. I also remind students that reporting bullying is not “snitching”, it is protection. Too many young people feel trapped by the fear of being judged or bullied even more, and I want them to know they deserve support. As I enter higher education, I am excited to pursue my long-term goal of becoming an optometrist, possibly through the military. I plan to attend a four-year university and then continue to graduate school. However, I face a significant financial challenge. Although my parents earn good salaries, they are not contributing to my education financially. Because of this, I do not qualify for much government aid, leaving me responsible for funding my college education independently. So here I am making the best of it by applying to scholarships as much as possible just to make that bill a little smaller. I am committed to continuing my service while pursuing my education. Whether I am supporting my community through the fire company, mentoring younger students through MCJROTC, or advocating for mental health and safer online spaces, I want my life to reflect purpose. This scholarship would not only help me afford higher education, but it would also help me continue serving others and honoring the values that have shaped me into the person I am today.

First responder suicide is a growing crisis that has deeply affected my community and my family. As the daughter of an emergency communications leader and a part of the volunteer fire service, I’ve always understood the importance of public service. But I never imagined how personal this issue would become. On June 19, 2025, my brother, best friend, and fellow volunteer firefighter, died by suicide. His loss shattered my world and brought silent struggles many first responders face to the surface. These heroes endure stress and trauma daily, yet mental health support is often lacking or stigmatized. My brother’s death made it painfully clear that these heroes need support. In the days following his passing, our First Responder family surrounded us with support. They helped with funeral arrangements, comforted us, and stood beside us every step of the way. Their presence inspired me to take action. I began speaking out about first responder mental health, sharing my story to raise awareness and encourage open conversations. I helped organize a memorial event that included mental health resources and partnered with local fire departments to explore peer support initiatives. I’ve also worked with my school to promote suicide prevention and mental health education. Every step of the way, I hoped to break the mental health stigma a little more. This experience has shaped my future. I plan to study optometry or ophthalmology, with a focus on public service. Whether through military service, where vision care is vital, or nonprofit work with underserved communities, I want to combine healthcare with advocacy. I also hope to collaborate with national organizations, such as the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, to bring more resources to local departments and, eventually, establish a support fund in my brother’s name. First responder suicide is a painful issue, but I’m committed to addressing it. By sharing my story and working for change, I hope to help others find the support they need and ensure that no one feels alone.

As a survivor of sibling suicide my outlook on life has changed. Honestly, I come from the "perfect" family having a sister and two brothers. My parents are married and we have a wonderful life. That all changed summer of 2025. My brother took his life and the world that we knew changed forever. I have found many opportunities after this event to be Unapologetically Me. As a senior in high school there are pressures and opportunities to conform and go with the masses nonstop. One specific time was the after homecoming party. This party was the talk of the school. Everyone was going and it was slated to be a great time with music, dancing, and drinking. The drinking made my decision easy. My brother had a drinking problem that ultimately led to his death. I decided as soon as I found out that I would not be participating in activities where drinking was involved, especially underage. I stood firm in my decision. I was worried that I would be left out, not included in future invites, or just generally looked at differently. The exact opposite happened. Many of my closest friends chose not to attend the party either. Instead, about 6 of us got together after homecoming and made our own fun - alcohol free. I was proud to be unapologetically me. Losing my brother so young has taught me about empathy and compassion. As a result, I have talked to many about my experience. Not long after his passing, another student at my school lost her father. The colonel, I go to military school, knew of my situation and asked if I could go talk to this student. Through my experience I was able to support this student and be there for her in a really hard time. Since then, I have been sought out by many when they are having a hard time with loss or fitting in. As a result of loss, I have been able to create belonging where people may not have had a space prior. The loss of my brother and subsequent experiences has changed me forever. At first I was felt lost, alone, and ready to give up myself. Thankfully, I was able to take this experience and learn. Learn what hope is and how to give it to others. My hope is that this tragedy can turn in to triumph through caring, compassion, and being boldly myself.

Empathy is essential in both health-related careers and in life. To be completely honest, when I was younger and immature, I struggled with empathy. I didn't care how others felt, and I didn't take the time to try to understand others' feelings. Everything was always about me and only me. Luckily, I have matured, and I am no longer that girl. I didn't just change overnight, though my experiences and guidance from others have shaped me into who I am now. From a young age, the human body has always fascinated me. I was curious about why things worked the way they did. While health was interesting, I was never the person who wanted to pursue a career in healthcare to help others; it was about the fascination. When I was just eight years old, that changed for me. In third grade was the school year I got glasses, and while this may not seem like a huge deal, it was to me. Before I went to the eye doctor, my parents and I were unaware that I couldn't see well, until they noticed I couldn't read road signs and other similar things. So my parents made an appointment with the optometrist, and they decided I needed glasses. I put on those glasses and walked outside, then I said, "That's what the trees look like, and the grass is so vibrant." The world looked completely new. From that day forward, I knew I wanted to help others get that same feeling. Seeing the beautiful world we live in is a gift, and I want to bestow that gift upon others. The day I put my glasses on for the first time was a core memory that shaped my goals and aspirations for the future. Through this turning point, I became more interested in helping people, but to do so, I needed the skill of empathy. So I started talking to everyone I knew about the health struggles they have. I would try to put myself in their situation so I could understand what they felt. In the field of healthcare, empathy is the foundation for a successful career. A health provider can't provide the best care possible without understanding the patient's situation and how they feel. Empathy is not just feeling bad for someone, though; it's putting yourself in someone else's shoes and trying to fully understand their feelings as if they were your own. My goal after graduation is to attend college to become an optometrist in the future, but without empathy, I won't succeed in that endeavor. So with every small vision check to the groundbreaking appointments I plan to put myself in my patients position. The care they receive will be what’s in their best interest not my own.

As the child and grandchild of a multi-generational family of volunteer firefighters and the daughter of an emergency communications leader I have come to realize that service to the community is a top priority. My parents, grandparents, uncles, and brother have shown me the value of service and hard work. Life is most rewarding through giving, not receiving. Public service has always been a lived value in my family—through careers and volunteerism.The First Responder family has always been part of my life, but never more than this year. I plan to become an optometrist or ophthalmologist, with public service guiding where I pursue this career. Military aviators require biannual vision clearance, offering a way to serve while practicing eye care. If the military is not in my future, I would also love to do volunteer work with non-profits that serve underprivileged children such as Vision to Learn. Whether I choose to join the military or not, I still plan to serve and give back to my community. When I began to consider colleges, essays, and all that went with preparing for my future, I did not think I really had anything of value to write about regarding challenges. This all changed on June 19, 2025. On this day my world changed forever. My brother, my best friend, and my mentor died by suicide. I was volunteering at my school when my parents arrived with the news that rocked our entire world. Life felt perfect—until it wasn’t. Time froze, yet we had to keep moving. This was quite the challenge for me as well as my family. However, through this I also learned what family truly means in the First Responder community. From the moment we found out my brother had passed, our First Responder family was there. They were at his house to support my family. They assisted in funeral arrangements. Through the support of my father's work as an assistant chief of emergency communications and the support of our volunteer fire family, they made the hardest time in our life as easy as possible. There is no way to explain the depths of my gratitude for what they did for us and the only way I can ever repay is to continue my family's legacy of public service. I expected a summer of work, college visits, and time with loved ones—but everything changed. Now I was faced with the biggest challenge I could ever imagine facing. How was I going to move forward without my brother there to help guide and encourage me? You see, he was not just my brother. We were the closest of all our siblings and he was the one I looked up to the most. I joined the Odessa Fire Company and he taught me more about public service. We spent time together with his young daughters and he let me know that he expected me to teach them growing up as he had taught me. We hunted together and he taught me about patience, conservation, and appreciating the beauty of nature. He learned all these things from our father and my grandfather who are truly the epitome of public servants. So, this is where my challenge and personal growth come into play. As I spent the summer in a state of suspended animation, I no longer had any drive or ambition regarding my future. I didn't want to think, much less talk about college. I couldn't even imagine starting senior year without him here for all the milestones. I shut down and had no real interest in moving forward. This continued through the summer. The night before I started my senior year, I finally broke down. I shared all these feelings that I kept inside with my parents. Through openness, conversation, and encouragement, I made it through that first day of senior year. As I began seriously facing my future without my brother, I realized that shutting down was doing a disservice to him, his girls, and myself. No matter what led to his suicide, I knew that I myself must continue moving forward. He never would have wanted his choices to have such a negative effect on me. I changed my mindset and settled into starting researching colleges and completing my common application online.I will honor my family’s legacy—and my brother—by serving others and being the role model he envisioned. Though my future is dimmer without him, I’m determined to light the way forward.