Volunteering has always been a meaningful part of my life. Growing up, I learned that helping others isn’t just an act—it’s a way of living that brings purpose, connection, and growth. My experiences volunteering, especially at Camp Sunshine, have deeply shaped who I am and how I see the world. I’m grateful for this opportunity to share my story and how I plan to continue giving back, inspired by the selflessness of Carla M. Champagne. From a young age, I have been drawn to service. Whether through my church, local food banks, or community organizations, I’ve always found fulfillment in lending a hand to those in need. Among all these experiences, volunteering at Camp Sunshine stands out as one of the most rewarding. Camp Sunshine is a place where children facing serious illnesses and their families find joy, support, and healing. Volunteering there has shown me the incredible power of kindness, empathy, and presence. It’s not always about solving problems but about offering comfort, creating smiles, and being a source of strength for those going through tough times. At Camp Sunshine, I have helped with activities, provided companionship, and supported families as they navigate difficult moments. These experiences taught me patience, compassion, and the importance of community. Seeing children and families find moments of happiness despite their challenges has inspired me to continue volunteering with a heart full of hope and dedication. Volunteering at Camp Sunshine has also strengthened my leadership skills, as I often work with other volunteers and camp staff to ensure a positive and safe environment. Beyond the camp, my volunteering has taught me valuable life lessons—lessons in gratitude, humility, and the power of collective effort. I’ve learned that every act of service, no matter how small, contributes to something bigger. Whether it’s sorting food donations, organizing community events, or simply being there for someone who needs to talk, these moments matter. Volunteering has helped me become more understanding and aware of the challenges others face, which motivates me to continue supporting my community in meaningful ways. Looking ahead, I am committed to continuing my volunteer work at Camp Sunshine and beyond. As I prepare for my second year of college, I plan to stay involved in service organizations and find new ways to contribute, both locally and globally. My goal is to carry forward Carla M. Champagne’s legacy of selflessness by living a life dedicated to helping others. I believe that volunteering is not just about giving—it’s about growing, connecting, and making the world a kinder place. This scholarship would not only help me pursue my educational goals but also empower me to expand my impact in the community. I am eager to continue learning, leading, and serving, inspired by the example of people like Carla who dedicate their lives to the well-being of others. Volunteering has taught me that every person can make a difference, and I am determined to do just that—one act of kindness at a time.

Experiencing a challenge, setback, or failure is never easy, but it is through these moments that we grow the most. One of the most difficult challenges I have faced was during my father’s military deployments. My dad was deployed twice to Iraq, once when I was just two years old and again when I was seven. Though I was young, his absence left a lasting impact on me and my family. It was a time that tested my independence, resilience, and ability to cope with uncertainty. During my dad’s deployments, everyday life was different. I had to learn to be more responsible around the house, try not to fight with my siblings, and support my mom emotionally. At times, I felt lonely and missed him terribly, especially during important family moments and holidays. One memory that stands out is sitting at the dinner table, Skyping with my dad, who was thousands of miles away. That experience was bittersweet — it was comforting to see him, yet it highlighted the reality of how far he was. This challenge of managing life without my father physically present was a significant emotional hurdle. At first, I struggled to cope. I felt helpless and uncertain, wishing I could do more to make things easier for my family and hoping my dad would come home soon. I missed having my dad’s support during school events and everyday milestones. But over time, I realized that I could choose how to respond to this challenge. Instead of feeling defeated, I decided to step up for my family and community. I became more independent and took on more responsibilities, which helped me grow stronger and more confident. I also found comfort in volunteering and giving back, which allowed me to focus on helping others despite my own struggles. This experience taught me important lessons about resilience, sacrifice, and service. I learned that setbacks are not the end of the road—they are opportunities to grow and develop character. My father’s service inspired me to live with honor and courage, even when things are difficult. I also developed a deeper respect for veterans and the sacrifices their families make. Facing this challenge showed me that strength comes not from never struggling, but from rising every time you fall. It shaped who I am today: a compassionate, hardworking individual dedicated to supporting others and leading with empathy. I carry these lessons with me as I move forward in life, determined to honor my father’s legacy by living with the same bravery and selflessness he demonstrated.

Growing up, I have always tried to live by the values of S.M.I.L.E.—to shine, motivate, inspire, lead, and excel—both in my academic life and my commitment to serving others. These principles have shaped who I am and guided me in making a positive impact on my family and community. Academically, I have worked hard to excel while balancing leadership roles and volunteer work. I was honored to serve as my high school’s class president, the team captain for both the lacrosse and basketball teams, and as vice president of the National Honor Society. These experiences taught me valuable lessons in responsibility, communication, and teamwork. Leading my classmates and teammates helped me understand the importance of motivating others and leading by example, even during challenging times. Balancing these responsibilities alongside maintaining strong grades required discipline and perseverance, skills I continue to develop as I prepare for college and beyond. My passion for giving back to the community is deeply personal. Inspired by my father’s military service and sacrifices, I have dedicated myself to volunteering at Charlton’s food bank, Camp Sunshine, American Legion Post 391, and was a member of the Leos Club. At Camp Sunshine, I worked with children facing serious illnesses, learning how small acts of kindness can provide comfort and joy during difficult times. Volunteering at the food bank opened my eyes to the struggles many families face in my own community, and motivated me to do what I can to help. Through the Leos Club, I have participated in organizing community events that promote teamwork and leadership among young people. Additionally, my involvement at my church has helped me grow in compassion and faith, reinforcing my commitment to serve others selflessly. My father’s deployments in the Army taught me the true meaning of sacrifice and resilience. During his time overseas, I learned to be independent and to step up as a leader at home—supporting my family and being a source of strength for my younger siblings and friends. These experiences shaped my character and inspired me to always be ready to help those around me, whether it’s tutoring classmates struggling with schoolwork or offering encouragement to a friend going through a tough time. I believe that leaving a legacy is not about a single grand achievement, but about the consistent effort to uplift others and lead with kindness. Through my academic success, leadership positions, and volunteer work, I strive to motivate and inspire those around me to reach their potential. Whether on the field as a team captain, in school as a student leader, or in my community through service, I hope my actions encourage others to give back and make a difference. Receiving the John F. Puffer, Sr. S.M.I.L.E. Scholarship would be a tremendous honor. It would not only support my educational goals but also empower me to continue shining, motivating, inspiring, leading, and excelling in all areas of my life. I am committed to carrying forward the spirit of this scholarship by living out its values every day and leaving a legacy of service, leadership, and compassion.

Growing up with a parent in the military has shaped my life in deep and lasting ways. My dad served in the U.S. Army and was deployed to Iraq twice—once in 2008, and again in 2012. Being the child of a deployed service member wasn’t always easy, but it taught me resilience, independence, and gave me a lifelong respect for veterans and their families. I was just a toddler during my dad’s first deployment. I don’t remember much from that time, but I do know he came back for just three days to celebrate my second birthday. Even though I was too young to understand what was going on, that moment stuck with my family—and with me as I got older and began to understand what his service truly meant. His second deployment in 2012 is much clearer in my memory. That year, he surprised us by coming home for Christmas. I’ll never forget the feeling of seeing him walk through the door. It was like a piece of our family that had been missing had finally come back. That holiday meant more to us than any gift ever could. One memory that really stands out to me is sitting at the dinner table with my family while Skyping with my dad, who was halfway around the world. It was comforting to see his face and hear his voice, even if the connection wasn’t always perfect. Those moments made the distance feel just a little bit smaller, but they also reminded me how far away he really was and how much he was sacrificing to serve our country. Because of the military, I also met my best friend. Our dads served together, and our families grew close during those years. That friendship became a source of strength and comfort, especially during times when our dads were gone. It’s one of the many unexpected gifts that came from being part of a military family—finding strong bonds in shared experiences. My dad’s service taught me the importance of helping others and being there for people during difficult times. I’ve taken that lesson to heart and found a passion for volunteering. Whether it’s helping at school events, community drives, or just being a supportive friend, I try to live by the values I saw in him: selflessness, dedication, and compassion. Being a military child has made me stronger, more independent, and more understanding. I’ve learned how to cope with uncertainty and how to support the people I care about. Most importantly, I’ve gained a deep respect for the sacrifices that military families make—sacrifices that often go unnoticed. These experiences have shaped who I am and will continue to guide me in everything I do.