Sgt. Bertram Memorial 5K-9 Race The 5K-9 race is held in remembrance of my uncle, fallen K-9 Officer Sgt. Benton Bertram, who lost his life bravely serving his community on Dec. 12th, 2018. Uncle Ben’s love of dogs inspired this event to be dog friendly and encourages participants to bring their furry friends to run the race! That’s why it’s called a 5K-9. My family has proudly organized this race since 2019. I have been there every step of the way! This spans the months of prep work to the 5am set-up on race day. The funds raised are split between two beneficiaries. The 550 Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in Uncle Ben’s honor, provides free, fully trained K-9s, training, and equipment to law enforcement K-9 divisions throughout Indiana. Then different local children are chosen each year that are facing a major life event. This ranges from severe illness to tragic loss of parents. I have had the opportunity to meet these young people every year. When I’m asked to describe how this volunteer experience has made a difference in the lives of others. The obvious answer would be to talk about the amazing amount of support that the funds we have raised over the years have helped ease the burden of the hardship that the child is facing. It would be easy to speak of the incredible rush I feel when I get to stand with my family and take a picture with the child and their family, while we hand over a huge check. Or the times when we get to meet the new K-9 dog that our funds help to pay for through the 550 Foundation. And then, to hear of the big drug bust that our donated K-9 dog helped to facilitate. But that would be skipping over the most important part, the healing that I have seen within my family through our participation. I love it when my mom explains that we have turned our pain into purpose. I have seen the smiles return to the faces of my family members while embracing the beneficiaries, race volunteers, sponsors, and dedicated racers that show up every single year. This race is more than a charity event and volunteer opportunity. This race is a community healing event that brings everyone together that loved my Uncle Ben, while at the same time, supporting others in the community that need our help. It has been my absolute privilege to be involved in such a powerful community event and witness firsthand what it feels like to simultaneously help others while being healed myself. I now get to carry these lessons into my adult life and share my story in hopes of helping others. Due to my family being the organizers for this event, I have a large behind the scenes role. These duties are as follows: Pre-race consists of preparing Sponsorship Packets and gifts, pick- up/sort/assemble dog toys/treats/grooming supplies for Top Dog prizes, stuff 150+ letters to deliver to all residents along race route, pack race packets with racer shirt/race bib/pins, organize 400+ race packets into alphabetical order to prepare for packet pick-up. Day of race: race set-up begins at 5:30am, setting up traffic cones, unpacking 25 cases of bottled water and putting on ice for racers, assisting in packet pick-up area handing out race packets, acting as race ambassador and greeting racers when they arrive and assisting them with their questions. Assist my family if any last-minute errands need to be run before the race starts. Post race: clean-up

When I was young, I lived a life full of crippling anxiety; fearful that I would fall victim to yet another devastating family tragedy. My uncle was killed while on duty serving his community. While on my journey toward healing, I watched my father put on the same uniform, for the same department and do the job that claimed the life of my favorite uncle. My intense anxiety was born and the path to gaining control would prove difficult, but not impossible. I had a secret weapon, my mom. She managed her grief over losing her brother, supported my dad as he protected our town despite her fears, and guided me through intense emotions with patience and compassion. I couldn't go a single day without texting her. It was simple, "Hi Mom." But I was not saying "hi." I was looking for proof of life and her reply meant she was still alive. Mom would respond with a quick "Hi." She knew that I needed reassurance. This is just an example of how difficult simple tasks like making through the school day were so hard for me. My mom was deeply dedicated to helping me overcome these fears. She enlisted a trusted therapist, we practiced calming meditative exercises together, and she always explained every detail of a new experience so patiently beforehand so that I could be as prepared for a situation as possible. The best thing she did was get me involved in the 4H horse club. Learning to ride was fun but it also helped me quiet the anxiety noise and trust my instincts. My horse could sense my fears and if I was anxious then the horse would be too. I learned to listen to my body and distinguish between real fear and when my body was overreacting. Mom was there encouraging me at every lesson from the bitter cold of winter to the blazing heat of summer. When I fell off the horse, she was there to help dust me off and help me back into my saddle. Always there with kind and encouraging words. Mom also introduced me to art. I enjoyed producing various types of artwork. This mainly consisted of watercolors but transitioned into learning more about make-up application and hair styling. I found that I was quite good and through her encouragement I decided to pursue my cosmetology license. She has been courageous enough to volunteer to be my guinea pig for anything I need to practice. My vision for my future includes attending Vincennes University to pursue my degree in Cosmetology Management, A.S.C.T. with the goal of eventually owning my own salon. I found healing through riding horses and producing art. I gained confidence through my mom's unwavering support, and through it all, I discovered my hero. I am determined to honor my mom through my future achievements. Thank you is not a big enough word to explain the gratitude I have for the woman I am lucky enough to call Mom.

I have been a hard worker from the start. I was diagnosed with anxiety, Inattentive ADHD and Dyscalculia. I struggled. Through trial & error I discovered what works best for me to learn and how best to organize myself to ensure success. This process was not a pretty one. Many tears were shed in frustration. Eventually, it all just started to click. The mixture of all these different people and strategies coming together finally allowed me to figure out what worked. I began competitive horse riding at 7 years old. Being involved in 4H taught me to ride but also how to quiet the anxiety noise and trust my instincts. My horse could sense my fears. If I was anxious then the horse would be too. I learned to listen to my body and distinguish between what was real fear and when my body was overreacting. I was ready to hang up the spurs and transition into working life at 14. I have proudly held a job every summer. I also enjoyed producing various types of art. My art mainly consisted of watercolors, but this transitioned into learning more about make-up application and hair styling. I found that I was quite good and began receiving requests to help others with their own styling. I love how doing someone's hair can instantly boost their confidence and knowing that I was helpful in bringing that out is an amazing feeling! This inspired me to consider how I could turn my love for art and beauty into a career! In my junior year of high school, I was accepted into the Prosser Cosmetology program at our local trade school. The cosmetology program is the most competitive program that is offered. Only serious candidates are considered, and a letter of recommendation is required. I have learned so much from my time there and I am getting real world learning experience every day. I also found a part-time job at a local salon maintaining equipment and learning what it takes to keep a busy salon running smoothly. My vision for my future includes attending Vincennes University to pursue my degree in Cosmetology Management, A.S.C.T. with the goal of eventually owning my own salon. I have worked relentlessly to successfully overcome many obstacles. I am built tough, full of ambition, incredibly creative, understanding the meaning of hard work, and ready to take the next step in ensuring that I can be a productive adult. I envision the traditional American dream of a white picket fence, a few kids and dogs to keep me busy. I want to build a quiet family life and a respected salon business. Where I feel at home in both locations, work and my real home. I know that the key to making this dream come true is my education. My dedicated path of graduating from the Prosser in Spring 2026 and immediately pursuing a Cosmetology Management degree at Vincennes University, demonstrates my level of focus and professional foresight. My personal commitment to financial responsibility, including accepting full ownership of my student loan debt, proves I view this education as a serious personal investment. I am seeking scholarships to minimize debt and accelerate my goal of launching a salon. By selecting me, you are investing in a candidate with a proven work ethic and entrepreneurial drive. This scholarship would not only be a financial relief but a commitment of trust that I am determined to honor through my future achievements.

I once lived a life full of crippling anxiety, fearful that I would fall victim to yet another devastating family tragedy. My uncle, a K-9 officer, was killed while on duty serving his community. As my family embarked on the challenging journey toward healing, I watched my father put on the same uniform, for the same department, performing the same job that had claimed the life of my favorite uncle. My intense anxiety was born and the path to gaining control would prove difficult. I wish I could reach back in time and tell the younger me that it’s going to be better than okay, it’s going to be great! You will find healing through extremely hard work, deeply dedicated parents and a little-known charity race. That race is called the Sgt. Bertram Memorial 5K-9 Race/Walk. The 5K-9 race is held in remembrance of my uncle, fallen K-9 Officer Sgt. Benton Bertram, who lost his life bravely serving his community on Dec. 12th, 2018. Uncle Ben’s love of dogs inspired this event to be dog friendly and encourages participants to bring their furry friends to run the race! That’s why it’s called a 5K-9. My family has proudly organized this race since 2019. I have been there every step of the way! This spans the months of prep work to the 5am set-up on race day. The funds raised are split between two beneficiaries. The 550 Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in Uncle Ben’s honor, provides free, fully trained K-9s, training, and equipment to law enforcement K-9 divisions throughout Indiana. Then different local children are chosen each year that are facing a major life event. This ranges from severe illness to tragic loss of parents. I have had the opportunity to meet these young people every year. The essay question asked to describe "Kindness in Action" and "Creating Connection." The obvious answer would be to talk about the amazing amount of support that the funds we have raised over the years have helped ease the burden of the hardship that the child is facing. It would be easy to speak of the incredible rush I feel when I get to stand with my family and take a picture with the child and their family while we hand over a huge check. Or the times when we get to meet the new K-9 dog that our funds help to pay for through the 550 Foundation. And then, to hear of the big drug bust that our donated K-9 dog helped to facilitate. But that would be skipping over the most important part, the healing that I have seen in our community and within my family, through our participation. I love it when my mom explains that we have turned our pain into purpose. I have seen the smiles return to the faces of my family members while embracing the beneficiaries, race volunteers, and dedicated racers that show up every year. This race is more than a charity event. This race is a community healing event that brings everyone together that loved my Uncle, while at the same time, supporting others in the community that need our help. It has been my absolute privilege to be involved in such a powerful community event and witness firsthand what it feels like to simultaneously help others while being healed myself. I now get to carry these lessons into my adult life and share my story in hopes of helping others.

I once lived a life full of crippling anxiety, fearful that I would fall victim to yet another devastating family tragedy. My uncle, a K-9 officer, was killed while on duty serving his community. As my family embarked on the challenging journey toward healing, I watched my father put on the same uniform, for the same department, performing the same job that had claimed the life of my favorite uncle. My intense anxiety was born and the path to gaining control, while processing my grief would prove difficult. I couldn’t go a single day without texting both my parents at lunchtime. It was a simple message. “Hi.” But I was not saying “hi.” Their reply was proof of life. I wish I could reach back in time and tell the younger me that it’s going to be better than okay, it’s going to be great! You will find your way through this challenge with extremely hard work, deeply dedicated parents. I have been a hard worker from the start. I was diagnosed with anxiety, Inattentive ADHD and Dyscalculia. I struggled. Through trial & error I discovered what works best for me to learn and how best to organize myself to ensure success. This process was not a pretty one. Many tears were shed in frustration. Eventually, it all just started to click. The mixture of all these different people and strategies coming together finally allowed me to figure out what worked. I began competitive horse riding at 7 years old. Nothing about horses is easy. They are 1000+ pound cranky toddlers that you must slowly build trust with enough to ride them in patterns at top speed. Being involved in 4H taught me to ride but also how to quiet the anxiety noise, trust my instincts. My horse could sense my fears. If I was anxious then the horse would be too. I learned to listen to my body and distinguish between what was real fear and when my body was overreacting. I was ready to hang up the spurs and transition into working life at 14. I have proudly held a job every summer. I also enjoyed producing various types of art. My art mainly consisted of watercolors, but this transitioned into learning more about make-up application and hair styling. I found that I was quite good and began receiving requests to help others with their own styling. This inspired me to consider how I could turn my love for art and beauty into a career! In my junior year of high school, I was accepted into the cosmetology program at our local trade school. The cosmetology program is the most competitive program that is offered. Only serious candidates are considered, and a letter of recommendation is required. I have learned so much from my time there and I am getting real world learning experience every day. I also found a part-time job at a local salon maintaining equipment and learning what it takes to keep a busy salon running smoothly. My vision for my future includes attending Vincennes University to pursue my degree in Cosmetology Management, A.S.C.T. with the goal of eventually owning my own salon. I have worked relentlessly to successfully overcome many obstacles. I am built tough, full of ambition, incredibly creative, understanding the meaning of hard work, and ready to take the next step in ensuring that I can be a productive adult. This scholarship would not only be a financial relief but a commitment of trust that I am determined to honor through my future achievements.

I once lived a life full of crippling anxiety, fearful that I would fall victim to yet another devastating family tragedy. My uncle, a K-9 officer, was killed while on duty serving his community. As my family embarked on the challenging journey toward healing, I watched my father put on the same uniform, for the same department, performing the same job that had claimed the life of my favorite uncle. My intense anxiety was born and the path to gaining control, while processing my grief would prove difficult. I couldn’t go a single day without texting both my parents at lunchtime. It was a simple message. “Hi.” But I was not saying “hi.” Their reply was proof of life. I wish I could reach back in time and tell the younger me that it’s going to be better than okay, it’s going to be great! You will find your way through this challenge with extremely hard work, deeply dedicated parents and trusted therapists. I have been a hard worker from the start. I was diagnosed with anxiety, Inattentive ADHD and Dyscalculia. I struggled. Through trial & error I discovered what works best for me to learn and how best to organize myself to ensure success. This process was not a pretty one. Many tears were shed in frustration. Eventually, it all just started to click. The mixture of all these different people and strategies coming together finally allowed me to figure out what worked. I began competitive horse riding at 7 years old. Nothing about horses is easy. They are 1000+ pound cranky toddlers that you must slowly build trust with enough to ride them in patterns at top speed. Being involved in 4H taught me to ride but also how to quiet the anxiety noise, trust my instincts. My horse could sense my fears. If I was anxious then the horse would be too. I learned to listen to my body and distinguish between what was real fear and when my body was overreacting. I was ready to hang up the spurs and transition into working life at 14. I have proudly held a job every summer. I filled my time with various school teams. I have enjoyed countless hours volunteering at my family’s charity 5K race in honor of my uncle. In my junior year, I was accepted into a cosmetology program. I have learned so much and I am getting real world learning experience every day. My vision for my future includes attending Vincennes University to pursue my degree in Cosmetology Management, A.S.C.T. with the goal of eventually owning my own salon. I dream that I can use this skill to help give women the feeling of confidence that comes from looking her best! There is no better feeling then leaving the salon with a fresh look and a huge smile on your face! I would love to also volunteer giving underprivileged people free haircuts. I have worked relentlessly to successfully overcome many obstacles. I am built tough, full of ambition, incredibly creative, understanding the meaning of hard work, and ready to take the next step in ensuring that I can be a productive adult. This scholarship would not only be a financial relief but a commitment of trust that I am determined to honor through my future achievements.

I once lived a life full of crippling anxiety, fearful that I would fall victim to yet another devastating family tragedy. My uncle, a K-9 officer, was killed while on duty serving his community. As my family embarked on the challenging journey toward healing, I watched my father put on the same uniform, for the same department, performing the same job that had claimed the life of my favorite uncle. My intense anxiety was born and the path to gaining control, while processing my grief would prove difficult. I couldn’t go a single day without texting both my parents at lunchtime. It was a simple message. “Hi.” But I was not saying “hi.” Their reply was proof of life. I wish I could reach back in time and tell the younger me that it’s going to be better than okay, it’s going to be great! You will find your way through this challenge with extremely hard work, deeply dedicated parents and trusted therapists. I have been a hard worker from the start. I was diagnosed with anxiety, Inattentive ADHD and Dyscalculia. I struggled. Through trial & error I discovered what works best for me to learn and how best to organize myself to ensure success. This process was not a pretty one. Many tears were shed in frustration. Eventually, it all just started to click. The mixture of all these different people and strategies coming together finally allowed me to figure out what worked. I began competitive horse riding at 7 years old. Nothing about horses is easy. They are 1000+ pound cranky toddlers that you must slowly build trust with enough to ride them in patterns at top speed. Being involved in 4H taught me to ride but also how to quiet the anxiety noise, trust my instincts. My horse could sense my fears. If I was anxious then the horse would be too. I learned to listen to my body and distinguish between what was real fear and when my body was overreacting. I was ready to hang up the spurs and transition into working life at 14. I have proudly held a job every summer. I filled my time with various school teams. I have enjoyed countless hours volunteering at my family’s charity 5K race in honor of my uncle. We have proudly changed our pain into purpose by keeping his legacy alive and continued to help our community. When my family presents the checks to the kids we fundraise for, it is the most gratifying feeling in the whole world! In my junior year, I was accepted into a cosmetology program. I have learned so much and I am getting real world learning experience every day. My vision for my future includes attending Vincennes University to pursue my degree in Cosmetology Management, A.S.C.T. with the goal of eventually owning my own salon. I have worked relentlessly to successfully overcome many obstacles. I am built tough, full of ambition, incredibly creative, understanding the meaning of hard work, and ready to take the next step in ensuring that I can be a productive adult. This scholarship would not only be a financial relief but a commitment of trust that I am determined to honor through my future achievements. May God rest Brooks soul and may He wrap your family in comfort as you also turn your pain into purpose through this scholarship.

I once lived a life full of crippling anxiety, fearful that I would fall victim to yet another devastating family tragedy. My uncle, a K-9 officer, was killed while on duty serving his community. As my family embarked on the challenging journey toward healing, I watched my father put on the same uniform, for the same department, performing the same job that had claimed the life of my favorite uncle. My intense anxiety was born and the path to gaining control, while processing my grief would prove difficult. I couldn’t go a single day without texting both my parents at lunchtime. It was a simple message. “Hi.” But I was not saying “hi.” Their reply was proof of life. I wish I could reach back in time and tell the younger me that it’s going to be better than okay! You will find your way through this challenge with extremely hard work, deeply dedicated parents, trusted therapists, and most importantly your faith in God. I have been a hard worker from the start. I was diagnosed with anxiety, Inattentive ADHD and Dyscalculia. I struggled. Through trial & error I discovered what works best for me to learn and how best to organize myself to ensure success. This process was not a pretty one. Many tears were shed in frustration. Eventually, it all just started to click. The mixture of all these different people and strategies coming together finally allowed me to figure out what worked. My parents got me involved in competitive horse riding at 7 years old. Nothing about horses is easy. They are 1000+ pound cranky toddlers that you must slowly build trust with. Being involved in 4H taught me to ride but also how to quiet the anxiety noise, trust my instincts. My horse could sense my fears. If I was anxious then the horse would be too. I learned to listen to my body and distinguish between what was real fear and when my body was overreacting. I was ready to hang up the spurs and transition into working life at 14. I have proudly held a job every summer. I filled my time with various school teams. I have enjoyed countless hours volunteering at my family’s charity 5K race in honor of my uncle. I attended several of my church's camps where I found healing in Jesus's teachings. I have become a friend that many of my peers come to for advice and I draw on what I have learned from God's word to help them in their struggles. Being a teen these days is difficult and I have found having the guidance from my parents and God has helped me choose a better path for my future. In my junior year, I was accepted into a cosmetology program. I have learned so much and I am getting real world learning experience every day. My vision for my future includes attending Vincennes University to pursue my degree in Cosmetology Management, A.S.C.T. with the goal of eventually owning my own salon. I trust that God has lead me to this career path and I plan to use this talent He has given me to help others feel confident and good about themselves. I have worked relentlessly to successfully overcome many obstacles. I am built tough, full of ambition, understand the meaning of hard work, and ready to take the next step in ensuring that I can be a productive adult. This scholarship would not only be a financial relief but a commitment of trust that I am determined to honor through my future achievements.

I once lived a life full of crippling anxiety, fearful that I would fall victim to yet another devastating family tragedy. My uncle, a K-9 officer, was killed while on duty serving his community. As my family embarked on the challenging journey toward healing, I watched my father put on the same uniform, for the same department, performing the same job that had claimed the life of my favorite uncle. My intense anxiety was born and the path to gaining control would prove difficult, but not impossible. I had a secret weapon, my mom. She managed her grief over losing her brother, supported my dad as he protected our town despite her fears, and guided me through intense emotions with patience and compassion. I couldn't go a single day without texting her. It was simple, "Hi Mom." But I was not saying "hi." I was looking for proof of life and her reply meant she was still alive. Without fail, mom would respond with a quick "Hi." She knew that all I needed was a little reassurance. I wish I could reach back in time and tell the younger me that it’s going to be better than okay, it’s going to be great! You will find your way through this challenge with extremely hard work, deeply dedicated parents and trusted therapists. I have been a hard worker from the start. I was diagnosed with anxiety, Inattentive ADHD and Dyscalculia. I struggled. Through trial & error I discovered what works best for me to learn and how best to organize myself to ensure success. This process was not a pretty one. Many tears were shed in frustration. Eventually, it all just started to click. The mixture of all these different people and strategies coming together finally allowed me to figure out what worked. I began competitive horse riding at 7 years old. Nothing about horses is easy. They are 1000+ pound cranky toddlers that you must slowly build trust with enough to ride them in patterns at top speed. Being involved in 4H taught me to ride but also how to quiet the anxiety noise, trust my instincts. My horse could sense my fears. If I was anxious then the horse would be too. I learned to listen to my body and distinguish between what was real fear and when my body was overreacting. I was ready to hang up the spurs and transition into working life at 14. I have proudly held a job every summer. I was accepted into the cosmetology program at our local trade school. I have learned so much and I am getting real world learning experience every day. I understand that making trust the foundation of every client relationship is how I will build a long lasting, respectable business and hopefully positively impact my clients. Giving them a safe place to let their hair down and relax as I take care of them. My vision for my future includes attending Vincennes University to pursue my degree in Cosmetology Management, A.S.C.T. with the goal of eventually owning my own salon. I have worked relentlessly to successfully overcome many obstacles. I am built tough, full of ambition, incredibly creative, understanding the meaning of hard work, and ready to take the next step in ensuring that I can be a productive adult. This scholarship would not only be a financial relief but a commitment of trust that I am determined to honor through my future achievements.

My story begins with the tragic loss of my uncle, a K-9 officer, which instilled in me a deep-seated anxiety. This anxiety was compounded by my father’s decision to continue working in the same dangerous profession. This affected my daily life. Despite these challenges, I found healing through learning to ride horses in the 4H Saddle Club. Riding taught me to manage my anxiety and trust my instincts which helped me develop resilience and coping mechanisms. I began competitive horse riding at 7 years old. Nothing about horses is easy. They are 1000+ pound cranky toddlers that you must slowly build trust with enough to ride them in patterns at top speed. I was responsible for all the dirty work involved in caring for an animal athlete. This work happened in the dead of winter to the blistering heat of summer. Being involved in 4H taught me to ride but also how to quiet the anxiety noise, trust my instincts. My horse could sense my fears. If I was anxious then the horse would be too. I learned to listen to my body and distinguish between what was real fear and when my body was overreacting. I found riding horses both fun and very healing. I’ve learned that grief is not a linear process but a deeply personal one. For me, that meant turning to the quiet understanding of horses, where their presence offered a unique form of solace, and channeling my energy into competing, which provided a healthy outlet for my emotions. My family’s unwavering support was my foundation, reminding me I was never alone, while therapy gave me the tools to navigate my emotions and build resilience. Through it all, I’ve come to understand that while grief may leave a scar, it does not define you; instead, it reveals an incredible capacity for perseverance and a deeper appreciation for life. I hope, one day, that my story can help others find their own path to healing, showing them that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. Volunteering has also allowed me to turn our pain into purpose. I am proud to volunteer with the Sgt. Bertram 5K-9 Charity Race. The race is held in remembrance of my uncle. Each year this charity race raises money for a local child dealing with a major life event (severe illness, family tragedy). As well as their yearly beneficiary the 550 Foundation. Due to my family being the organizers for this event, I have a large behind the scenes role. It takes 8 months to plan this huge event. I am there helping every step of the way. The absolute best part is standing with my family and handing over the donation check to the families that we get to help. I have worked relentlessly to successfully overcome many obstacles. I am built tough, full of ambition, incredibly creative, understand the meaning of hard work, and ready to take the next step in my education. Ensuring that I can be a productive adult that can support myself. My vision for the future includes pursuing a degree in Cosmetology Management at Vincennes University and eventually owning my own salon. I envision the traditional American dream of a white picket fence, a few kids and dogs to keep me busy. I want to build a quiet family life and a respected salon business. I know that the key to making this dream come true is my education. Not only would this scholarship be a financial relief but a commitment of trust that I am determined to honor.

I once lived a life full of crippling anxiety, fearful that I would fall victim to yet another devastating family tragedy. My uncle, a K-9 officer, was killed while on duty serving his community. As my family embarked on the challenging journey toward healing, I watched my father put on the same uniform, for the same department, performing the same job that had claimed the life of my favorite uncle. My intense anxiety was born and the path to gaining control, while processing my grief would prove difficult. I could not go a single day without texting both my parents at lunchtime. Not a text asking to come home or complaining about the school food or asking to please come home early. It was a simple message. “Hi Mom.” But I was not saying “hi.” Their reply was proof of life. They were both still here, still alive. Both my parents understood why I was doing this and they were always very quick to respond so that I would not be worried. I have been a hard worker from the start. I was diagnosed with anxiety, Inattentive ADHD and Dyscalculia in 4th grade. I struggled. Through trial & error I discovered what works best for me to learn and how best to organize myself to ensure success. This process was not a pretty one. Many tears were shed in frustration. Many hours spent with my parents trying to figure out what would make me remember a subject. Countless emails with teachers, tutors, and school counselors on ideas to help me succeed. Eventually, it all just started to click. The mixture of all these different people and strategies coming together finally allowed me to figure out what worked. I began competitive horse riding at 7 years old. Being involved in 4H taught me to ride but also how to quiet the anxiety noise, trust my instincts. My horse could sense my fears. If I was anxious then the horse would be too. I learned to listen to my body and distinguish between what was real fear and when my body was overreacting. In my junior year, I was accepted into the cosmetology program at Prosser, our local trade school. I earn college credits for successfully completing the cosmetology program. As well as my Indiana state license after completing 1500 hours and successfully passing the board exam. The Prosser cosmetology program is the most competitive program that is offered. Only serious candidates are considered, and a letter of recommendation is required. I have learned so much from my time at Prosser and I am getting real world learning experience every day. I still wanted more, so I found a part-time job at a local salon. My duties include sweeping hair, managing customers, maintaining equipment and learning what it takes to keep a busy salon running smoothly. My vision for my future includes attending Vincennes University to pursue my degree in Cosmetology Management, A.S.C.T. with the goal of eventually owning my own salon. I have worked very hard to overcome many obstacles. I know what real work looks like, and I lead by example every day. I am just getting started and look forward to seeing where this path leads me. This scholarship is more than just financial aid; it is an investment in my potential and a partnership in my journey. This scholarship would not only be a financial relief but a commitment of trust that I am determined to honor through my future achievements.

I once lived a life full of crippling anxiety, fearful that I would fall victim to yet another devastating family tragedy. My uncle, a K-9 officer, was killed while on duty serving his community. As my family embarked on the challenging journey toward healing, I watched my father put on the same uniform, for the same department, performing the same job that had claimed the life of my favorite uncle. My intense anxiety was born and the path to gaining control, while processing my grief would prove difficult. I couldn’t go a single day without texting both my parents at lunchtime. It was a simple message. “Hi.” But I was not saying “hi.” Their reply was proof of life. I wish I could reach back in time and tell the younger me that it’s going to be better than okay, it’s going to be great! You will find your way through this challenge with extremely hard work, deeply dedicated parents. I have been a hard worker from the start. I was diagnosed with anxiety, Inattentive ADHD and Dyscalculia. I struggled. Through trial & error I discovered what works best for me to learn and how best to organize myself to ensure success. This process was not a pretty one. Many tears were shed in frustration. Eventually, it all just started to click. The mixture of all these different people and strategies coming together finally allowed me to figure out what worked. I began competitive horse riding at 7 years old. Nothing about horses is easy. They are 1000+ pound cranky toddlers that you must slowly build trust with enough to ride them in patterns at top speed. Being involved in 4H taught me to ride but also how to quiet the anxiety noise, trust my instincts. My horse could sense my fears. If I was anxious then the horse would be too. I learned to listen to my body and distinguish between what was real fear and when my body was overreacting. I was ready to hang up the spurs and transition into working life at 14. I have proudly held a job every summer. I also enjoyed producing various types of art. My art mainly consisted of watercolors, but this transitioned into learning more about make-up application and hair styling. I found that I was quite good and began receiving requests to help others with their own styling. This inspired me to consider how I could turn my love for art and beauty into a career! In my junior year of high school, I was accepted into the cosmetology program at our local trade school. The cosmetology program is the most competitive program that is offered. Only serious candidates are considered, and a letter of recommendation is required. I have learned so much from my time there and I am getting real world learning experience every day. I also found a part-time job at a local salon maintaining equipment and learning what it takes to keep a busy salon running smoothly. My vision for my future includes attending Vincennes University to pursue my degree in Cosmetology Management, A.S.C.T. with the goal of eventually owning my own salon. I have worked relentlessly to successfully overcome many obstacles. I am built tough, full of ambition, incredibly creative, understanding the meaning of hard work, and ready to take the next step in ensuring that I can be a productive adult. This scholarship would not only be a financial relief but a commitment of trust that I am determined to honor through my future achievements.