My name is Luis Gustavo Bardales, and I recently graduated from Englewood High School on May 30, 2025, with a 3.8 GPA. Growing up in a low-income household has taught me resilience, determination, and the importance of hard work. I have witnessed firsthand the challenges that limited financial resources can create, from affording school supplies to balancing extracurricular commitments with family responsibilities. These experiences have strengthened my drive to succeed and to create opportunities not only for myself but also for others in my community. I have actively pursued academic excellence while participating in JROTC, Band, and athletics, all of which have taught me discipline, leadership, and teamwork. Beyond my personal achievements, I dedicate time to community service, mentoring younger students, and assisting in school programs. These experiences have reinforced my belief that education and support can empower others to overcome obstacles, just as I have learned to do. I plan to pursue a degree in electrical engineering, starting at Florida State College at Jacksonville before transferring to the University of North Florida. My long-term goal is to serve as an officer in the Army while working as an electrical engineer, combining leadership, technical expertise, and service to positively impact my community and beyond. Receiving the Lotus Scholarship would provide crucial support for the additional costs of college, allowing me to focus more on my studies and service while continuing to strive for excellence.

My name is Luis Gustavo Bardales, and I recently graduated from Englewood High School on May 30, 2025, with a 3.8 GPA. Growing up, I have always been driven by curiosity, determination, and a desire to make a positive impact on the people and community around me. Balancing academics, athletics, and community service has shaped me into a disciplined, compassionate, and resilient individual who is ready to take on new challenges while giving back to others. From a young age, I discovered the power of teamwork, discipline, and leadership through sports and extracurricular activities. I have participated in Track, Tennis, and Latinos Rams, learning perseverance and dedication. As a member of JROTC for the past two years, I competed in Drill Team and Raiders competitions, which taught me accountability, leadership, and the importance of striving for excellence in everything I do. Additionally, my involvement in Band and the Tri-M Music Honor Society allowed me to develop creativity, mentorship skills, and a sense of community within my school. Community service has been a consistent part of my life. I find fulfillment in helping others, whether it’s volunteering at school programs or mentoring younger students. These experiences taught me empathy, responsibility, and the impact one person can make through consistent effort. Like Sloane Stephens’ commitment to giving underserved youth access to education and opportunities, I aim to use my abilities to inspire and support others who may face challenges similar to those I have encountered. My academic journey has prepared me to pursue higher education in electrical engineering. I plan to begin my studies at Florida State College at Jacksonville and later transfer to the University of North Florida. My long-term goal is to serve as an officer in the Army while contributing to the field of electrical engineering, combining technical skills with leadership and service to create positive change. I hope to inspire others to reach for their goals while demonstrating the importance of resilience, dedication, and giving back. Receiving the Doc & Glo Scholarship would help me continue my educational journey while alleviating some of the financial challenges associated with college. Beyond the financial support, it represents a connection to a legacy of ambition, resilience, and service—values I strive to embody in my daily life. Being recognized by a program that honors Sloane Stephens’ commitment to education and community service would further motivate me to excel academically, grow as a leader, and positively impact those around me. In sharing my story, I hope to convey my dedication to personal growth, academic achievement, and community service. This scholarship would not only support my goals but also empower me to continue giving back, inspiring others, and living with the same resilience, kindness, and self-belief that inspired Sloane Stephens and her grandparents.

My name is Luis Gustavo Bardales, and I recently graduated from Englewood High School on May 30, 2025, with a 3.8 GPA. Throughout my academic career, I have strived to challenge myself while maintaining a commitment to community service and leadership. I believe in the power of education not only to shape my own future but also to create meaningful, positive change in the lives of others. I have been an active member of JROTC for the past two years, participating in Drill Team and Raiders competitions. Through JROTC, I have learned discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, which have shaped my leadership skills and sense of responsibility. Additionally, I am a dedicated member of my school’s Band and the Tri-M Music Honor Society, where I have contributed both musically and by mentoring younger students. Beyond academics and extracurricular activities, I participate in Latinos Rams, Tennis, and Track, balancing athletics with my rigorous academic schedule while cultivating resilience and time management skills. Community service has always been a central focus in my life. I enjoy volunteering because it allows me to contribute to my community while learning empathy, compassion, and the importance of giving back. Whether assisting in school programs or helping younger students, I strive to make a positive impact through my actions. I see these values reflected in the legacy of Willie Mae Rawls, who dedicated her life to inspiring others through faith, positivity, and love. Her example motivates me to use my skills and education to uplift those around me. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue higher education in electrical engineering at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), building the foundation for a career where I can make a tangible difference in my community. My ultimate goal is to serve as an officer in the Army while working as an electrical engineer, combining leadership, technical expertise, and a commitment to service. Through this path, I hope to create opportunities for others, solve real-world problems, and inspire young people to pursue education and personal growth with determination and integrity. Receiving the Willie Mae Rawls Scholarship would be an incredible support for my educational journey. It would help ease the financial challenges of college while enabling me to focus on my studies, leadership development, and community engagement. More importantly, it would connect me to a legacy of inspiration, faith, and positive impact, reinforcing my commitment to making meaningful contributions in both my personal and professional life. In honoring Willie Mae Rawls’ legacy, I am committed to carrying forward her values of positivity, service, and faith. This scholarship would empower me to continue striving for excellence, serving my community, and using my education to make a lasting, positive impact on the world.

My name is Luis Gustavo Bardales, and I recently graduated from Englewood High School on May 30, 2025, with a 3.8 GPA. Throughout my life, I have strived to challenge myself academically, athletically, and personally, always aiming to grow and help others along the way. Maintaining a high GPA, I have dedicated myself to achieving excellence in the classroom while participating in various extracurricular activities that foster leadership, teamwork, and community involvement. I have been an active member of JROTC for the past two years, participating in Drill Team and Raiders competitions. These experiences have taught me discipline, perseverance, and the value of working collaboratively toward shared goals. Beyond JROTC, I am a proud member of my school’s Band and the Tri-M Music Honor Society, where I have not only honed my skills as a trumpet player but also embraced the responsibility of mentoring and supporting fellow students. Additionally, I participate in Latinos Rams, Tennis, and Track, balancing my academic workload with athletics while learning time management and resilience. Community service has always been a central part of my life. I enjoy volunteering and giving back because I believe it strengthens both individuals and communities. Whether it is helping younger students, assisting in school programs, or participating in local service projects, I strive to make a positive impact wherever I can. These experiences have shaped my character, teaching me the importance of empathy, leadership, and dedication—qualities I see reflected in the life and legacy of Kalia D. Davis. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue higher education in electrical engineering, starting with an Associate of Arts degree at Florida State College at Jacksonville before transferring to the University of North Florida. My ultimate goal is to serve as an officer in the Army while working as an electrical engineer, combining my passion for leadership, discipline, and technical expertise to make a meaningful difference in both my country and community. Receiving the Kalia D. Davis Scholarship would have a profound impact on my journey. It would ease the financial burden of higher education, allowing me to focus more on my studies, extracurricular commitments, and service opportunities. Beyond the financial support, this scholarship represents an endorsement of values I deeply respect: ambition, kindness, and the drive to excel in all areas of life. Being associated with Kalia’s legacy would inspire me to continue striving for excellence, lifting others as I achieve my own goals. In honoring Kalia’s life, I am motivated to carry forward her legacy of dedication, laughter, and love for life. This scholarship would not only support my educational aspirations but also encourage me to continue being a positive, driven, and engaged member of my community. I am determined to work tirelessly, serve others, and create an impact that reflects the spirit of Living, Loving, Laughing, Learning—values that Kalia embodied.

I was born in Honduras, where life was not easy. My family struggled financially, and safety was often uncertain. At age 15, I moved to the United States with my mother and brother in search of a better future. Leaving behind everything I knew—my home, friends, and language—was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. We arrived with very few resources and no guarantees. My mother worked hard to keep us afloat, but we often lived paycheck to paycheck. This experience shaped me in ways I never expected and gave me a powerful mindset for overcoming adversity. Poverty has never been just a financial struggle for me—it’s been a daily reminder to work harder, stay focused, and never give up. In my first year in the U.S., I faced a major language barrier. I didn’t speak English well and often felt lost in class. I could have given up or fallen behind, but I refused. I stayed after school for extra help, practiced English at home, and pushed myself to keep improving. Eventually, I not only caught up—I began to lead. I graduated from Englewood High School with a 3.7 GPA while being active in several leadership roles. I was a dedicated cadet in JROTC, where I earned awards for leadership, behavior, and performance. I also played trumpet in the band for several years, spending hours each day practicing, performing, and growing as part of a team. I joined the National Honor Society, Latinos Rams, and also participated in track and tennis. Each of these activities taught me something important: discipline, teamwork, time management, and perseverance. Being low-income meant that I couldn’t afford tutoring, new clothes, or extracurricular fees easily. I worked part-time at Checkers and currently work at Lowe’s to help support my family and save for college. Instead of seeing these challenges as obstacles, I see them as motivation. My financial situation pushed me to be resourceful, independent, and focused on my goals. Now, I am a college student at Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ), pursuing my Associate in Arts degree before transferring to the University of North Florida to major in electrical engineering. I also plan to join ROTC and serve as a military officer after graduation. My goal is not just to succeed for myself—but to give back to my family and community. I want to prove that no matter where you come from or how hard your start was, you can overcome adversity with dedication and heart. My journey has taught me to be bold, curious, and committed to growth. Poverty did not define my future—it refined my mindset. I’ve learned to keep moving forward even when life is uncertain, and I believe that strength will carry me through every challenge I face in college, the military, and beyond. Thank you Luis Bardales

Essay: Making a Difference Through Entrepreneurship Hi there! I’m Luis Bardales, and I’m excited to share a bit about myself as I step into my final year as a high school senior here in sunny Florida. Learning, leadership, and serving my community are not just words to me—they’re essential parts of who I am. I’m actively involved in several organizations that have had a lasting impact on my life, including JROTC, the National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and Latinos Rams. With three years in Band and two in JROTC, I’ve had the privilege of earning medals and certificates that recognize my efforts in academics, leadership, and music. These incredible experiences have instilled in me values like discipline, collaboration, and the strength that comes from perseverance. As a proud son of Honduran heritage and a member of an underrepresented minority community, I deeply appreciate the importance of hard work, family, and resilience in achieving long-term goals. Looking ahead, I aspire to become an electrical engineer and eventually launch my own company focused on developing affordable, energy-efficient technologies for underserved communities. My higher education journey will begin at Florida State College at Jacksonville, where I plan to earn my Associate of Arts degree. After that, I’ll transfer to the University of North Florida to complete my bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering while also participating in Army ROTC. I have a strong desire to serve as a military officer, and I believe this path will give me the discipline, leadership experience, and technical knowledge necessary to build a meaningful business. In my entrepreneurial journey, I am especially drawn to solving problems faced by people who are often overlooked—low-income families, rural areas, and minority communities. Growing up in a household with limited financial resources has made me very aware of the daily struggles that many families experience when it comes to accessing affordable energy, technology, and stable infrastructure. That’s why I want to use my engineering skills to create innovative solutions such as low-cost solar kits, compact power systems, and reliable, accessible devices that can improve everyday life. These kinds of solutions would be particularly impactful in communities like mine and in countries like Honduras, where access to reliable electricity is still a challenge. What truly drives me is the desire to uplift others and create opportunities where few exist. My time in JROTC and in leadership roles across school clubs has taught me that change doesn’t happen by chance—it happens when people take action and lead with purpose. I envision building a business that goes beyond just creating products. I want to develop a company that trains and employs young individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, giving them the tools, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in tech, leadership, and business. My ultimate goal is not only to build a successful company but also to spark a larger movement—one that proves that with the right support and determination, anyone can innovate, lead, and make a lasting difference. Receiving this scholarship would not only help me pursue my education but also bring me one step closer to achieving my dreams and helping others along the way. Thank you so much for considering my application.