Selflessness isn’t always about grand gestures or heroic sacrifice. Sometimes, being selfless means being willing to give and also receive, recognizing that allowing someone to help you gives them the blessing of being needed. It’s a cycle: giving, receiving, and giving again. Not because it makes you look good, but because we love each other, as neighbors, as friends, as brothers and sisters on this earth. I believe God still performs miracles, but not always in the ways we expect. They don’t always look like loaves and fishes or burning bushes. Sometimes, they look like someone bringing in your trash barrels before the storm hits. Or like my family being able to access a food pantry when times are tough. Sometimes, the miracle is found in a smile, a kind word, or a warm meal shared when money’s tight but community is strong. One of the sweetest examples in my life happened in an unexpected moment. We had a good egg day with our chickens, more than we needed, so I brought a basket over to an older neighbor. I ended up staying to wash their dishes while we chatted. They told me I didn’t have to, but I wanted to. There’s something holy in quiet service, in doing what needs to be done without fanfare. She later wrote me a college recommendation that brought me to tears. She is a retired English teacher and she put into words what our relationship meant to her. I knew how much I loved and looked up to her, but I never realized how much I meant to her. That same kind of miracle showed up again when I was getting ready for prom. I used a donated dress from a prom closet, something beautiful that made me feel special without costing anything, just some of my sewing practice and old jewelry. Later, I helped a friend alter her own dress to make sure it fit her just right. I knew how it felt to put on something and feel proud, and I wanted her to feel that way too. Selflessness looks like that sometimes, threading a needle, pinning a hem, and watching someone you care about light up. These moments, small and unglamorous as they might be, have shaped how I see service and love in action. As someone planning on studying mechanical engineering, I think a lot about how things work, how systems function, and how small parts make a big difference. I think that applies to people too. Every kind act, every tool lent, dish washed, bike fixed, ride given, keeps the whole moving forward. I try to bring that mindset into everything I do. I’ve volunteered at the Bishop’s Storehouse, packing hygiene kits with care, knowing how important even a bar of soap can be. I’ve stayed late after youth events to clean up unnoticed messes. I’ve helped friends repair clothes and offered my time freely, not because I’m a perfect person, but because I believe we’re all better when we take care of each other. To me, selflessness is the circle. The continuation. It’s loving people enough to give when you can, and trusting people enough to receive when you need to. It’s choosing kindness over convenience. It’s believing that love doesn’t always need words, it can live in what we build, what we fix, what we share, and how we quietly show up. Selflessness doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful. Sometimes, it’s a dozen eggs, a clean dish rack, a hemmed dress, or a full pantry. But always, it’s love given and love received.

Hi! I’m Lily, a high school senior, first-generation college student, and an aspiring mechanical engineer with big dreams, a slightly chaotic schedule, and a serious love for duct tape, problem-solving, and people. I grew up on a homestead where creativity and resourcefulness weren’t hobbies, they were survival skills. We fix everything ourselves, stretched what we have, and make things work with hard work, determination, and a little bit of wishful thinking. That hands-on upbringing, combined with my curiosity about how things work, is what sparked my passion for mechanical engineering. I’m attending college this fall to study engineering, not just because I like math and machines, but because I want to use what I learn to make people’s lives better in real, concrete ways. My dream is to travel the world working directly with communities to co-create solutions, especially related to clean water access, infrastructure, and sustainable housing. I don’t want to sit in a lab and design things for people I’ve never met. I want to show up, ask questions, get my hands dirty, and work with people, not just for them. I believe engineering should always start with listening. It’s not just the big dreams that drive me, it’s the little daily moments of service that mean the most. I’m the Young Women’s President at my church, which means I get to mentor girls in my community and plan everything from lessons to last-minute snack runs. I’ve also volunteered for Make-A-Wish, helped at the Bishop’s Storehouse, been a youth counselor at girls camp, and served as a reliable extra set of hands at community events. Sometimes that looks like leading service projects or guiding younger kids. Sometimes it looks like sweeping the floor, hauling hay, or organizing a supply closet no one else wanted to touch. All of it matters. I also work and balance a full AP and honors course load. I’m used to balancing work, volunteering, school, and leadership roles like DECA President, NHS Treasurer, and Science Club VP. Life’s been a little chaotic at times, especially growing up without a lot of money and supporting siblings through health challenges, but those experiences have made me more resilient, compassionate, and determined to build a life where I can lift others up too. Being selected for the Mark Green Memorial Scholarship would mean the world to me. The values this scholarship honors, resilience, service, education, and empowerment, are values I’ve tried to live every day. I’m determined to take everything I’ve learned, both in and outside of the classroom, and use it to make a meaningful difference wherever I go. Thank you so much for the opportunity to apply. I’m incredibly grateful for the legacy of Mark Green and the generosity of LaTonya Green. Their stories are deeply inspiring, and if I’m fortunate enough to receive this scholarship, I promise to pay that kindness forward, not just someday, but every day.

Growing up in a family that faced financial hardship, I learned early what it means to go without. I remember watching my parents stretch every dollar and visiting food pantries that helped us through hard seasons. I also remember how something as small as some fun soap or a pack of pencils could make a big difference. These moments shaped me into someone who sees people not as statistics or problems to be solved, but as individuals with real stories, needs, and hopes. Because of those experiences, I care deeply about addressing poverty, but I don’t believe in swooping in with a “fix.” Instead, I want to listen first. I want to travel to underserved areas, whether across the country or across the world, and work directly with people to understand what they need most. Every community is different. Some might need better access to clean water or healthcare; others might need help navigating educational barriers or finding reliable transportation. Rather than assuming I know the answer, I want to ask the right questions. Right now, I do what I can in my own community. I volunteer at the Bishop’s Storehouse and with Make-A-Wish, and I’ve helped organize drives through my church and school that collect hygiene items, warm clothing, and food. I’ve seen the difference it makes when someone knows they’re not alone. A small gesture, a care package, a warm conversation, or even just being treated with dignity, can have a ripple effect that goes far beyond the moment. What I’ve learned through all of this is that poverty isn’t just about money. It’s about isolation, exhaustion, and the loss of choices. That’s why I want to be the kind of person who helps restore those choices, whether through direct service, advocacy, or simply showing up and saying, “I see you. What do you need?” In college and beyond, I hope to combine my interest in engineering with humanitarian work. I’d love to join teams that build water systems, improve access to renewable energy, or design affordable medical devices for rural areas. But even more than the technical side, I want to be present in those communities. I want to walk their roads, share meals, and work side-by-side with the people I’m hoping to help. I believe real solutions come from connection, and I’m committed to building those bridges with humility and respect. Even in everyday life, I try to live in a way that reflects my values. I thrift, fix what I can, and do my best to take care of what I have. I’ve learned that being resourceful can also be empowering. And it makes me more empathetic, because I understand the stress of needing something and not being able to afford it. That empathy fuels everything I do. I’m still learning how to be most helpful, but I know this: I want to be someone who listens, who learns, and who never forgets where they came from. That’s how I’m working to address the issue of poverty, not by leading the charge alone, but by walking with others and building something better together. Thank you so much for considering me for this scholarship opportunity. It means more than I can say, and I’m deeply grateful for the chance to share my story. Jeannine Schroeder clearly was a remarkable woman and a compassionate advocate for those in need. It would be an honor to receive a scholarship that carries her name.

Honoring Heritage, Embracing Passion, and Finding Purpose My connection to my Polish heritage is one of comfort, celebration, and pride. It’s in the familiar rhythm of hands working together to pinch the edges of homemade pierogi, in the rich smell of gołąbki simmering on the stove, and in the shared laughter of family gathered around a table filled with food passed down through generations. Every year, we attend the local Polish festival hosted by the Catholic community. I look forward to the traditional dance routines, the bright costumes, the spirited Polish music—it’s a celebration that feels like home. It reminds me that culture isn’t something abstract. It’s lived, tasted, danced, and remembered in small but powerful ways. That pride in where I come from is matched by the passion I have for where I want to go. One cause that means a lot to me is community safety, especially through engineering and innovation. I want to become a mechanical engineer with the goal of helping communities become safer, more sustainable, and more equitable. I’ve always been someone who loves solving problems and building things—but I also believe that our skills should be used to serve others. Whether that’s designing stronger infrastructure, improving emergency systems, or making sure public spaces are built with everyone in mind, I want to help create a better future. I contribute to this mission by staying involved in service work through my church and local organizations like Make-A-Wish Massachusetts & Rhode Island and the Bishop’s Storehouse. I also lead and participate in STEM-centered clubs and projects, using my education as a tool to build toward this goal. A core memory that has deeply shaped who I am is dancing barefoot on the beach with my family and friends to an ABBA cover band. The love of those around me, the setting sun, the beat of the music—it was pure joy. That kind of carefree happiness and shared celebration is something I will always cherish and try to recreate for myself and those around me. For my Sweet 16, I planned a whole evening around that vibe. My two best friends and I wore ‘70s-inspired gowns and went out for hibachi together. That memory still makes me smile, and it reminds me that I love bringing people together, making them feel welcome, and creating space for fun, freedom, and friendship. If I could have dinner with any woman from history, I would choose Marie Curie. Not only was she Polish, but she was a trailblazer in STEM, a field I am deeply passionate about. She wasn’t afraid to step into spaces where women weren’t always welcome, and she changed the world because of it. I would ask her where she found the courage to be so bold in a male-dominated field. I imagine we’d share stories over a table filled with pierogi and gołąbki, two scientists from different centuries united by heritage, passion, and a shared belief in the power of knowledge. Finishing off the meal with some pączki and babka I'd feel reconnected to my roots and the strong and smart Polish women who have come before me. My story is rooted in tradition and reaching toward progress. Whether through my heritage, my passions, or the memories that made me, I move forward with joy, compassion, and determination.

1.I’m someone who thrives on challenges, whether it’s tackling complex engineering problems, managing leadership roles, or balancing a packed schedule. As a first-generation college student looking to pursue an engineering degree, I’ve always been motivated by the desire to push boundaries—not just for myself, but for those who come after me. I want to prove that with hard work and passion, you can carve your own path, no matter where you start. What specifically motivates me? The pursuit of innovation and the thrill of problem-solving. I love taking things apart just to understand how they work, whether it’s a mechanical system or a complex mystery in a book. Most of the time I'm able to put it back together or solve the mystery. I’m also deeply motivated by the idea of making an impact, whether through my career, my leadership roles, or my volunteer work with organizations like Make-A-Wish and the Bishop’s Storehouse. Helping others while pushing myself to grow is what keeps me going. If I could do anything with my life, like have my dream career, I’d be working as a Formula One race day engineer, standing trackside, fine-tuning cars to perfection under intense pressure. The combination of speed, precision, and teamwork is exhilarating. Beyond that, I imagine a life full of adventure—traveling the world, meeting new people, and always chasing the next big challenge. 2.STEM excites me because it’s the perfect combination of creativity, logic, and problem-solving. It’s about taking the impossible and making it real, whether through engineering groundbreaking technology, solving complex equations, or pushing the limits of innovation. I love how STEM constantly evolves, always presenting new challenges and opportunities to learn. There’s something thrilling about looking at a problem, breaking it down, and finding a solution that makes the world more efficient, connected, or advanced. While my primary focus is engineering, I recognize the immense power of information technology in shaping our world. IT is the backbone of nearly every industry, from healthcare to finance to entertainment. The ability to store, analyze, and protect data is more crucial than ever, and the rapid advancements in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing continue to redefine how we live and work. Through a job in IT, I could make a positive impact by enhancing accessibility and security in the digital world. Whether by developing systems that protect sensitive information, improving automation to make processes more efficient, or ensuring technology reaches underprivileged communities, IT offers endless opportunities to create meaningful change. Ultimately, STEM—and IT in particular—is about building the future. I want to be part of that, using my skills to solve problems, innovate, and create technology that benefits society in real, tangible ways. 3. One of the greatest challenges I’ve had to overcome is being a glass child. For those who don’t know, a glass child is someone who grows up with siblings who require extra attention due to medical conditions, disabilities, or mental health struggles. It doesn’t mean they’re ignored, but rather that their needs are often seen as more urgent. My brothers have faced their own difficulties—one struggles with mental health, and the other has a learning disability—so from a young age, I learned to be independent, self-sufficient, and, at times, invisible. It wasn’t that my family didn’t love me; it was just that there were always bigger fires to put out. I became the reliable one, the one who didn’t need extra help, the one who could handle things on my own. At school, I pushed myself to excel, knowing that my successes would have to be self-driven. At home, I took on responsibilities without being asked, knowing that my parents were already stretched thin. I rarely asked for help, convinced that my problems weren’t as important. But over time, I realized that always being "fine" wasn’t sustainable. I wasn’t just a supporting character in my own life—I mattered too. I had to learn how to advocate for myself, to acknowledge that my struggles were valid, even if they weren’t as visible. I started opening up more, letting my family and friends know when I needed support. I found outlets that were just for me—academics, leadership roles, and STEM, where I could push myself and prove my worth not just to others, but to myself. Leadership became a way for me to step into my own identity. As DECA president, I learned how to take initiative and inspire others. As Student Government Treasurer, I managed responsibilities that required trust and decision-making. As the Young Women’s President, I provided support for others who needed guidance, much like I once had. Serving as Science Club Vice President, National Honor Society Treasurer, and Robotics Vice President helped me develop confidence in my abilities and make an impact. Overcoming this challenge wasn’t about changing my family dynamic—it was about changing how I saw myself. I am not just the one who holds things together for everyone else. I am strong, capable, and deserving of support too. And now, I make sure that others—especially those who feel unseen—know that they matter just as much.

To me, empowerment means having the confidence, knowledge, and ability to take control of my own life and make meaningful decisions. It’s about feeling capable and supported in pursuing my goals, whether in education, career, or personal growth. It is about recognizing my potential and having the courage to pursue my goals, despite obstacles that may arise. Empowerment is not just about personal strength; it also comes from the encouragement of others and access to opportunities. Empowerment affects my life in a lot of ways. As a first-generation college student planning on pursuing engineering, it gives me the motivation to push through challenges. In my family, empowerment means advocating for my siblings and helping them navigate their struggles. In my dream job, a race day engineer, it will mean being in a male dominated field and succeeding. Empowerment means so much to me now and will continue to help drive me. Leadership has also been a major source of empowerment in my life. Holding various leadership positions in high school, such as DECA president, Student Government Treasurer, Science Club Vice President, and Robotics Vice President, helped me develop confidence in my ability to organize, inspire, and make decisions. These experiences prepared me to take on greater responsibilities, including my current role as Young Women’s president in my church. Leading others requires a deep understanding of empowerment—helping people see their potential and giving them the tools to grow. Through mentoring and guiding others, I have learned that true empowerment is not just about personal success, but about lifting others along the way. My experiences with hard work and perseverance have also shaped my understanding of empowerment. Balancing academics, leadership, and multiple jobs has required discipline and resilience. Through these commitments, I have learned that empowerment is about reclaiming control, finding solutions, and building a future through dedication and effort. It has motivated me to push myself, whether through my education, career aspirations, or personal development. Furthermore, empowerment is about using my strengths to help others. My volunteer work with Make-A-Wish and the Bishop’s Storehouse allows me to contribute to my community and provide others with hope and support. Whether through service or leadership, I have found that empowerment is most meaningful when shared. It is about creating opportunities for others to thrive, just as I have been given opportunities to grow. Ultimately, empowerment is the driving force behind my ambitions, resilience, and leadership. It gives me the courage to pursue my dream of becoming a Formula One race day engineer, knowing that I have the capability to succeed. It reminds me that challenges are not roadblocks, but stepping stones to growth. Most importantly, it reinforces the idea that success is not just about personal achievement—it is about uplifting those around me so that they, too, can realize their potential.

Throughout my education journey, I have always tried to challenge myself. Not just by taking difficult classes but by taking on leadership roles and seeking out service opportunities. As a first-generation college student from a low-income family looking to pursue engineering, I recognize the impact of hard work, determination, and resilience. My journey has been shaped by challenges, yet these obstacles have only strengthened my resolve to succeed and give back. In high school, I’ve challenged myself with AP courses and a STEM pathway while balancing leadership roles. As DECA president, I found my voice and learned I have a natural ability to lead. I've enjoyed working with my classmates in competitions. My involvement in drama club and volleyball allowed me to learn teamwork, creativity, and discipline. Through these experiences, I learned to manage my time effectively, making sure my academic load stayed challenging while making meaningful contributions to my school and extracurricular activities. Beyond school my commitment to service has help define me. As a leader in my church youth group, I have worked closely with my peers, having fun but also helping them with their personal and spiritual growth. Volunteering with Make-A-Wish and the Bishop’s Storehouse has strengthened my belief in the power of service to change lives. These roles have given me the opportunity to uplift those in need while strengthening my leadership skills. Reading about John Puffer St. and the SMILE philosophy made me smile. It made me think about the ways in my life I can Shine, Motivate, Inspire, Lead, and Excel. I can Shine by setting a positive example and i can Motivate those around me to reach their potential. I will seek to Inspire others through kindness and perseverance. I try and Lead with integrity and purpose, and Excel in all that I do. This mindset can help me to push forward, embrace challenges, and lift others along the way. The legacy I am building extends beyond personal success; it is rooted in creating opportunities for others. Whether through mentoring younger students, leading community initiatives, or pursuing a career in engineering to solve real-world problems, my goal is to leave a lasting impact. I know that true success is measured not only by individual achievement but by the positive influence we have on others. Ultimately, my dedication to education, leadership and service has shaped me into someone who is prepared for the future. but actively working to uplift those around me. By trying to live by the principles of SMILE, I can hope to inspire my peers, family and others I come into contact with to strive for their own success.

Faith has always been a part of my life, shaping my values. My faith has helped me make decisions and figure out challenges. My belief in God has been a source of strength, guiding me through adversity and helping me find purpose in hardships. I believe my Heavenly Father has my best interest in heart and if I only ask He will help guide me to make meaningful choices in my life. One of the most significant ways faith has impacted my life is by giving me strength in difficult times. Growing up my family has always faced financial struggles, which made pursuing some education and extracurricular activities challenging. However, my faith reassured me that I was not alone. I believed that God had a purpose for me, and through prayer and hard work, I’ve found opportunities that allowed me to have a fulfilling highschool experience. My faith taught me the value of hard work and to trust in God. This mindset gave me the motivation to excel in school, take on leadership roles, and embrace service opportunities despite challenges. Faith has also shaped my perspective on leadership and service. My belief in Christ’s example of selflessness has guided me in my leadership and volunteer roles. The scriptures taught me to lead with compassion, patience, and a willingness to help. These experiences have influenced how I will approach my future career in engineering. Engineering is not just about solving technical problems, it's about improving lives. My faith instills in me a responsibility to use my education to help others, not just look for personal success. Additionally, faith provides me with resilience. An important quality for a career in engineering. The challenges in engineering can be scary, with complex problem solving, long hours, and plenty of failure. But my faith reminds me that failing is part of growing. I have learned to approach difficulties with patience and determination, trusting that God has a path for me even when things are uncertain. This belief will help me remain confident in my career, even when I face obstacles. Engineering also requires a lot of decision making. My faith teaches me to act with integrity, ensuring that my work aligns with my values of honesty, responsibility, and caring for others. My faith has been a guiding force throughout my life, providing strength in adversity, helping shape my leadership, and allowing me to seek a career with service and integrity. I know that as I start my engineering education journey, my faith will continue to sustain me, helping me contribute positivity to the world.