Success isn’t about where you come from—it’s about how far you’re willing to go, even when the odds are against you. My name is Makilah Murphy. I was born on October 25, 2007, in Shreveport, Louisiana, and I am currently 17 years old. Although I was born in Shreveport, I was raised in Coushatta, Louisiana, where I attended Red River High School from Head Start through my sophomore year. Recently, I made the move back to Shreveport and now attend Captain Shreve High School, where I will be entering my senior year. I come from a large family—I have nine siblings—and being a positive role model for them has always been important to me. I strive every day to lead by example, whether it’s in the classroom, on the court, or in everyday life. I’m a proud student-athlete, having participated in basketball, softball, volleyball, and cheerleading. I’ve also played both club volleyball and basketball, which has helped me grow not only as an athlete, but as a team leader and communicator. Academically, I am a straight-A student who is actively involved in several clubs and organizations, and I plan to join even more during my senior year. My involvement in both academics and athletics has taught me valuable lessons about time management, discipline, and persistence. But while my achievements may suggest that everything has come easily, the truth is, my journey has been far from simple. Coming from a low-income, single-parent household, I have faced my fair share of challenges. There have been times when affording school supplies, athletic gear, or basic necessities has been difficult. But I’ve learned that setbacks don’t define you—your response to them does. I’ve chosen to let my hardships build me, not break me. I keep God first in everything I do, and I hold tightly to my sense of purpose. I believe that with faith, determination, and the right mindset, anything is possible. Despite financial hardships, I refuse to let my circumstances limit my future. I have big dreams—dreams that include attending Stanford University and majoring in biology. My ultimate goal is to become an anesthesiologist. I chose this path not only because I have a strong passion for science and medicine, but because I want to create a better future for myself and my family. I want to be in a position where I no longer have to worry about how I will afford the things I need—and more importantly, to ensure that my future children never have to face the same struggles I did. This is only the beginning of my story. The road hasn’t been easy, but I’ve never let that stop me. I’ve learned that the most powerful thing you can do is stay focused, stay grounded, and never lose sight of your dreams—no matter how impossible they might seem. My name is Makilah Murphy, and I am determined to make a difference.

My name is Makilah Murphy. I was born on October 25, 2007, in Shreveport, Louisiana, and raised in Coushatta, Louisiana. I currently reside in Shreveport and attend Captain Shreve High School as a senior. I spent my early academic years at Red River High School, where I attended from pre-K through 10th grade before relocating. Throughout my academic journey, I’ve remained committed to excellence both in and out of the classroom. I am a dedicated volleyball athlete, having previously participated in basketball, softball, and cheerleading before deciding to fully focus on volleyball. My future goals are deeply rooted in both academics and service. I plan to attend Stanford University to major in biology, with the ultimate goal of attending medical school and becoming a successful anesthesiologist. In addition to my academic and athletic commitments, I am highly involved in community service. I’m an active member of the 4-H Club, National Honor Society, and Z Club—three of the leading service organizations in my school. I’ve currently earned over 210 documented service hours from my previous parish, with more being added from my current one. I also plan to join Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Key Club, Blue Club, and several others to expand my service and leadership opportunities. My life goals include becoming a respected medical professional, owning multiple businesses, and making a lasting impact on my family, my community, and the world around me. I currently serve in my community by being apart of clubs and organizations dedicated to making our community better such as 4-H and Z-club. These are both two student-lead clubs that gives us many opportunities to use our creative minds in a way that allows us to positively impact others while building leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. For example, through these clubs I have helped collect and organize during drives for families in the United States and crafted items such as blankets for the elderly. These experiences have not only allowed me to give back, but have also shaped me into a more responsible and empathetic leader. They have taught me that even small actions, like donating a blanket or organizing a food drive, can create ripples of kindness that inspire others to get involved. These moments have also showed me why I should be grateful and appreciative of what I have and how God has blessed me in ways. They're some people that struggle and can't afford to have some of the things others might have. Everyone's situation is different. So, when you think yours is bad some else's could be worse. Therefore, If awarded this scholarship, I would use it to further my education in a way that equips me to create even a greater change in my community. I want to be someone who's known for breaking these generational curses and actually making a difference that benefits everybody long-term.

Success isn’t about where you come from—it’s about how far you’re willing to go, even when the odds are against you. My name is Makilah Murphy. I was born on October 25, 2007, in Shreveport, Louisiana, and I am currently 17 years old. Although I was born in Shreveport, I was raised in Coushatta, Louisiana, where I attended Red River High School from Head Start through my sophomore year. Recently, I made the move back to Shreveport and now attend Captain Shreve High School, where I will be entering my senior year. I come from a large family—I have nine siblings—and being a positive role model for them has always been important to me. I strive every day to lead by example, whether it’s in the classroom, on the court, or in everyday life. I’m a proud student-athlete, having participated in basketball, softball, volleyball, and cheerleading. I’ve also played both club volleyball and basketball, which has helped me grow not only as an athlete, but as a team leader and communicator. Academically, I am a straight-A student who is actively involved in several clubs and organizations, and I plan to join even more during my senior year. My involvement in both academics and athletics has taught me valuable lessons about time management, discipline, and persistence. But while my achievements may suggest that everything has come easily, the truth is, my journey has been far from simple. Coming from a low-income, single-parent household, I have faced my fair share of challenges. There have been times when affording school supplies, athletic gear, or basic necessities has been difficult. But I’ve learned that setbacks don’t define you—your response to them does. I’ve chosen to let my hardships build me, not break me. I keep God first in everything I do, and I hold tightly to my sense of purpose. I believe that with faith, determination, and the right mindset, anything is possible. Despite financial hardships, I refuse to let my circumstances limit my future. I have big dreams—dreams that include attending Stanford University and majoring in biology. My ultimate goal is to become an anesthesiologist. I chose this path not only because I have a strong passion for science and medicine, but because I want to create a better future for myself and my family. I want to be in a position where I no longer have to worry about how I will afford the things I need—and more importantly, to ensure that my future children never have to face the same struggles I did. This is only the beginning of my story. The road hasn’t been easy, but I’ve never let that stop me. I’ve learned that the most powerful thing you can do is stay focused, stay grounded, and never lose sight of your dreams—no matter how impossible they might seem. My name is Makilah Murphy, and I am determined to make a difference.

"It's not about how you start, but how you finish." My name is Makilah Murphy. I was born on October 25, 2007, in Shreveport, Louisiana, and raised in Coushatta, Louisiana. I currently reside in Shreveport and attend Captain Shreve High School as a senior. I spent my early academic years at Red River High School, where I attended from pre-K through 10th grade before relocating. Throughout my academic journey, I’ve remained committed to excellence both in and out of the classroom. I am a dedicated volleyball athlete, having previously participated in basketball, softball, and cheerleading before deciding to fully focus on volleyball. My future goals are deeply rooted in both academics and service. I plan to attend Stanford University to major in biology, with the ultimate goal of attending medical school and becoming a successful anesthesiologist. In addition to my academic and athletic commitments, I am highly involved in community service. I’m an active member of the 4-H Club, National Honor Society, and Z Club—three of the leading service organizations in my school. My life goals include becoming a respected medical professional, owning multiple businesses, and making a lasting impact on my family, my community, and the world around me. Moreover, Ever since I was a little kid, everyone used to tell me that I was different. I didn't get it fully at first, but I could feel it. I thought differently, I moved differently, and I had a quiet confidence in rooms where everybody else wanted me to make myself smaller. As time went on, I got to realize that being different was not something to be kept secret—it was something to grow into, but that inequality brought challenges. Not all people could envision the greatness in me. There were some who addressed me like I was dumb and questioned whether or not my dreams were too big. Every criticism became motivation. Every nasty comment was a memory. I decided early on that if people were going to gossip about me, they'd have to say, one day, "She made it." I've fought to stay focused, to transcend hate, and to stay who I am—because I understand that I wasn't made to blend in. This scholarship would help to continue to show it. It would pay my way not just financially, but spiritually—because different isn't just part of my story, it's my strength.

My name is Makilah Murphy. I was born on October 25, 2007, in Shreveport, Louisiana, and raised in Coushatta, Louisiana. I currently reside in Shreveport and attend Captain Shreve High School as a senior. I spent my early academic years at Red River High School, where I attended from pre-K through 10th grade before relocating.Throughout my academic journey, I’ve remained committed to excellence both in and out of the classroom. I am a dedicated volleyball athlete, having previously participated in basketball, softball, and cheerleading before deciding to fully focus on volleyball. My future goals are deeply rooted in both academics and service. I plan to attend Stanford University to major in biology, with the ultimate goal of attending medical school and becoming a successful anesthesiologist. In addition to my academic and athletic commitments, I am highly involved in community service. I’m an active member of the 4-H Club, National Honor Society, and Z Club—three of the leading service organizations in my school. I’ve currently earned over 210 documented service hours from my previous parish, with more being added from my current one. I also plan to join Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Key Club, Blue Club, and several others to expand my service and leadership opportunities. My life goals include becoming a respected medical professional, owning multiple businesses, and making a lasting impact on my family, my community, and the world around me. Coming from a low-income, single-parent household, I have faced my fair share of challenges. There have been times when affording school supplies, athletic gear, or basic necessities has been difficult. But I’ve learned that setbacks don’t define you—your response to them does. I’ve chosen to let my hardships build me, not break me. I keep God first in everything I do, and I hold tightly to my sense of purpose. I believe that with faith, determination, and the right mindset, anything is possible. Despite financial hardships, I refuse to let my circumstances limit my future. I want to be in a position where I no longer have to worry about how I will afford the things I need—and more importantly, to ensure that my future children never have to face the same struggles I did. This scholarship will definitely help me get there and push me one step closer to having the future God has orchestrated me to have. I will me more than grateful to win the scholarship.

“Strength ain’t just how much you can carry — it’s how much you’ve learned to let go.” My name is Makilah Murphy. I was born on October 25, 2007, in Shreveport, Louisiana, and raised in Coushatta. I currently live back in Shreveport and attend Captain Shreve High School as a proud senior. I began my academic journey at Red River High School, attending from pre-K through 10th grade before relocating. No matter where I’ve been, I’ve always strived for excellence—in the classroom, on the court, and in my community. I’m a dedicated volleyball athlete, having played basketball, softball, and cheered before focusing all of my energy on volleyball. Sports have taught me discipline, leadership, and how to push through when things get hard. But my goals reach far beyond the court. I plan to attend Stanford University and major in biology, with the ultimate dream of becoming a successful anesthesiologist. Medicine is more than a career to me—it’s a calling to care, to serve, and to make a difference in people’s lives when they need it most. Beyond academics and athletics, I have a deep passion for giving back. I’m an active member of the 4-H Club, National Honor Society, and Z Club—three of the most involved service organizations at my school. I’ve earned over 210 documented community service hours from my previous parish and continue to serve in my current one. I also plan to join Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Key Club, Blue Club, and other organizations to grow as a servant leader. My ultimate life goals include becoming a respected medical professional, owning multiple businesses, and making a lasting impact on my family, my community, and the world around me. But none of this came easy. Not just “life,” but God has brought me through challenges that most people my age might not understand. This year—2025—has been one of the most difficult yet. I’ve struggled with instability while trying to stay focused in school and still be active in everything I’m involved in. I’ve lost friendships and relationships I truly believed were unbreakable, even after giving my all. I’ve failed more times than I can count, and I’ve cried even more. But somehow, someway, I always found my way through—and that’s nothing but God. Through it all, I realized that every storm I’ve survived shaped me into the young woman I am today. I always knew I was different. I always knew I had a good head on my shoulders and strength within me. But this year, I was tested. And as I continued to pray and keep my faith grounded, I discovered something even deeper: with God, there is nothing I can’t overcome. That realization changed how I carry myself, how I lead, and how I live. Now, I lead with grace, not pride. With faith, not fear. With the understanding that strength isn’t about being tough all the time—it’s about learning when to hold on and when to let go. It’s about trusting God when things don’t make sense and knowing that every no, every loss, every setback is just setting me up for something greater. So when I look in the mirror today, I don’t just see a student or an athlete. I see a young woman who has learned, grown, stumbled, prayed, and stood tall again. And with every step forward, I carry not just dreams—but the strength and wisdom that got me here.

In high school, we often meet teachers who help us pass a class or prepare for a test. But once in a while, we meet someone who changes the way we think about life itself. For me, that person is Mrs. Reeser—my English III G/T teacher. She may be one of the oldest teachers at our school, but she is also the one who left the deepest mark on me. Watching her teach with so much passion, clarity, and wisdom reminded me that aging doesn’t have to mean slowing down or giving up. It can mean growing richer in mind and character, and that realization changed everything about how I see my future. At first, I didn’t know what to expect from her class. I had heard people say things like, “She’s strict,” or “She’s been teaching forever.” But the moment I stepped into her classroom, I realized this wasn’t just any class—it was an experience. Mrs. Reeser didn’t just assign books and essays. She challenged us to think critically, to dig deeper into what we read, and to speak with confidence. Her voice was firm but warm, and she carried herself with this quiet authority that instantly made you want to listen. But what stood out the most to me was not just her knowledge—it was the way she kept her mind so sharp and active. Here was this older woman, who could have retired long ago, still showing up every day ready to teach, engage, and inspire teenagers. She remembered every student’s name, every class discussion, and every paper turned in. And most importantly, she still loved learning just as much as she loved teaching. Seeing someone like Mrs. Reeser be so mentally alive and full of purpose at her age made me look at my own habits. I used to scroll endlessly on social media or waste time complaining about being bored. But she made me realize that every moment I spend learning or growing is an investment in the person I want to become. I started reading more, writing more, and even taking better care of my mind. I began to treat knowledge like something sacred—not just something you need to pass a test, but something that can shape your entire life. What’s powerful about Mrs. Reeser is that she doesn’t just teach English—she models what a life of meaning and curiosity looks like. She made me want to grow into someone who still has something to say and something to learn, no matter how old I get. I want to be someone who walks into a room and instantly earns respect not just because of their title, but because of the wisdom and energy they carry. Because of her, I now approach life differently. I no longer think of aging as something to fear. Instead, I see it as a journey where, if I stay curious and committed, I can keep evolving. I want to be like her—full of knowledge, dignity, and presence. Mrs. Reeser showed me that education isn’t just for the young. It’s a lifelong gift we give ourselves. And if I can carry that mindset into everything I do, I know I’ll not only grow smarter, but stronger, too. So, while she may be just one teacher among many, to me, Mrs. Reeser is a living example of what it means to live with purpose—and I’ll carry her lessons with me for the rest of my life.

A learning disability isn’t a flaw in the system—it’s a different operating system altogether. And sometimes, the most powerful minds don’t run on what’s considered “normal.” My learning difference has never been a limitation—it’s been a challenge that shaped my character, work ethic, and identity. My name is Makilah Murphy. I was born on October 25, 2007, in Shreveport, Louisiana, and raised in Coushatta, Louisiana, where I attended Red River Schools from Head Start through my sophomore year. I currently attend Captain Shreve High School, where I’m a rising senior. Throughout my school journey, I’ve faced challenges because of my IEP and the way I learn differently—but I’ve never let those challenges define me. Since the third grade, I’ve been in a program called Gifted and Talented. It’s not necessarily for students with disabilities, but for students who think outside the box and are capable of performing above the standard curriculum. Being in that program while also having a learning disability came with its own weight. Other students often didn’t understand. Some were critical. Some saw my IEP as a weakness, not knowing the hard work it takes to succeed when the system isn’t built for your style of learning. At times, I felt misunderstood, even judged or underestimated—but I never let that stop me. Instead, I let it motivate me. I’ve always believed that if the world is going to underestimate me, then I’m going to overachieve. I’ve poured that mindset into everything I do. I’m a straight-A student who has maintained a 4.0 or higher GPA throughout my high school career. I’ve balanced academics with extracurricular involvement, playing basketball, softball, volleyball, cheering, and even club volleyball. I’ve participated in organizations like National Honor Society, 4-H, and Z-Club. I was also inducted into the NHS, one of the most honorable organizations for academic excellence. These aren’t just accomplishments—they are proof of how I rise above the assumptions placed on me. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is the silent pressure of having to prove myself twice as much as others. People see a learning disability and automatically assume “less than.” But my journey has been about showing that different does not mean broken. It means resilient. It means adaptive. It means learning to navigate the world in your own way and still reaching excellence. What motivates me to continue my education is the belief that my story matters—and that my future holds something greater. I want to be someone who not only succeeds but opens doors for others like me. I know there are younger students watching, especially those who are navigating learning disabilities and feeling like the odds are stacked against them. I want to be the example that proves they’re not alone, and that success is still within reach. My learning disability has taught me persistence, self-advocacy, and confidence. It taught me that the road to success isn’t always straight or easy—but it’s still worth walking. And I walk it proudly, knowing that everything I’ve overcome has only made me stronger. In the end, what sets me apart isn’t just what I’ve overcome—it’s how I’ve chosen to rise through it. I don’t hide the fact that I learn differently. I embrace it. Because it’s not just part of my journey—it’s my superpower.

Success isn’t about where you come from—it’s about how far you’re willing to go, even when the odds are against you. My name is Makilah Murphy. I was born on October 25, 2007, in Shreveport, Louisiana, and I am currently 17 years old. Although I was born in Shreveport, I was raised in Coushatta, Louisiana, where I attended Red River High School from Head Start through my sophomore year. Recently, I made the move back to Shreveport and now attend Captain Shreve High School, where I will be entering my senior year. I come from a large family—I have nine siblings—and being a positive role model for them has always been important to me. I strive every day to lead by example, whether it’s in the classroom, on the court, or in everyday life. I’m a proud student-athlete, having participated in basketball, softball, volleyball, and cheerleading. I’ve also played both club volleyball and basketball, which has helped me grow not only as an athlete, but as a team leader and communicator. Academically, I am a straight-A student who is actively involved in several clubs and organizations, and I plan to join even more during my senior year. My involvement in both academics and athletics has taught me valuable lessons about time management, discipline, and persistence. But while my achievements may suggest that everything has come easily, the truth is, my journey has been far from simple. Coming from a low-income, single-parent household, I have faced my fair share of challenges. There have been times when affording school supplies, athletic gear, or basic necessities has been difficult. But I’ve learned that setbacks don’t define you—your response to them does. I’ve chosen to let my hardships build me, not break me. I keep God first in everything I do, and I hold tightly to my sense of purpose. I believe that with faith, determination, and the right mindset, anything is possible. Despite financial hardships, I refuse to let my circumstances limit my future. I have big dreams—dreams that include attending Stanford University and majoring in biology. My ultimate goal is to become an anesthesiologist. I chose this path not only because I have a strong passion for science and medicine, but because I want to create a better future for myself and my family. I want to be in a position where I no longer have to worry about how I will afford the things I need—and more importantly, to ensure that my future children never have to face the same struggles I did. This is only the beginning of my story. The road hasn’t been easy, but I’ve never let that stop me. I’ve learned that the most powerful thing you can do is stay focused, stay grounded, and never lose sight of your dreams—no matter how impossible they might seem. My name is Makilah Murphy, and I am determined to make a difference.

What is life? Following—with no one to lead. No one to set the tone or be the example. To begin with, my name is Makilah Murphy. I was born on October 25, 2007, and I’m 17 years old. I’m from Shreveport, Louisiana. However, I was raised in Coushatta, where I attended Red River High School from Head Start up until my sophomore year. I later moved back to Shreveport, where I now attend Captain Shreve High School as a senior. I’ve played sports all my life—basketball, cheer, softball, and volleyball. I’ve also competed in club volleyball and basketball. So being a leader has never been hard for me. I’ve always had to step up for my teammates, set the example, and show them how things are supposed to be done. But throughout life, we tend to get off track. We follow others, trying to be like everybody else—not realizing that everyone is different. Everyone’s story is unique and it should be. Just because everyone is doing something doesn’t mean you have to follow. Many young people today are influenced by what they see on social media. They assume that what they’re seeing is right or real—but that’s not always the case. That’s why it’s important to be a leader. Set the trend. Be different. And eventually, others will begin to look up to you. Leadership is about more than just taking charge—it’s about thinking critically, making decisions, and guiding others with purpose. And that’s exactly why science is important in our lives. Science helps us understand the world around us—from the smallest cells in our bodies to the vastness of space. It teaches us how things work, how to solve problems, and how to make informed choices. Whether it’s healthcare, technology, the environment, or everyday decision-making, science gives us the tools to lead with knowledge and purpose. Without science, progress would be impossible. So as we move through life—leading, learning, and growing—we should never forget the importance of thinking for ourselves, staying true to our path, and using the knowledge we gain, including through science, to build a better future not just for ourselves, but for others too.

Today, many youth lose sight of reality while chasing success. Social media, unrealistic expectations, and outside pressure can make it hard to focus on what really matters. But I’ve learned that staying grounded, focused, and true to myself is the key to reaching my goals. My name is Makilah Murphy. I was born on October 25, 2007, in Shreveport, Louisiana, and raised in Coushatta. I attended Red River High School from Head Start through my sophomore year. I now live in Shreveport and attend Captain Shreve High School, where I’m a rising senior. Throughout my journey, I’ve remained determined and motivated. I’m a student-athlete with a passion for volleyball. I’ve also played basketball, softball, cheered, and competed in club sports, but I eventually chose to focus fully on volleyball. I currently hold a 4.0 GPA and am a proud straight-A student. I’m involved in National Honor Society, Z Club, 4-H, and I plan to join other academic and service clubs like Beta Club and Mu Alpha Theta. Over the years, I’ve been honored as Student of the Month and nominated for Student of the Year. Coming from a lower-income household with nine siblings has taught me strength, patience, and the value of hard work. Although financial support for college may be limited, I’m committed to continuing my education. I plan to attend Stanford University to major in biology, with hopes of going on to medical school and becoming a successful anesthesiologist. I also dream of owning businesses and being someone my siblings, family, and community can look up to.One person who inspires me deeply is my grandmother. She’s a strong, successful woman who has shown me what it means to lead with grace and determination. I carry her example with me in everything I do, and I hope to follow in her footsteps and create a legacy of my own.But I haven’t always had a clear understanding of what success really looks like. As a child, social media had a big influence on my mindset. Like most people, I loved TikTok and spent time scrolling through videos, comparing my life to others. I started believing that what I saw online was the life I needed to live. I tried to follow trends and match lifestyles that weren’t meant for me, and eventually, it became emotionally draining. Then one day, I realized something: everyone’s journey is different. What you see online is just a small piece of someone’s story—not the whole picture. I learned to stop chasing someone else’s version of happiness and start living for myself. That lesson changed my perspective. I’ve also faced challenges with limited access to opportunities at my old school. But when I transferred to Captain Shreve, everything changed. God opened new doors for me—academically, socially, and personally. I’ve grown, matured, and gained more tools to prepare myself for college and beyond. Now, I use my story to encourage others, especially my younger siblings, to protect their peace—both online and in real life. I remind them that not everything they see on social media is real, and that it’s okay to grow at their own pace. I want them to live life with their own eyes, not through a screen.As I move forward, I’m focused on fulfilling my purpose—not someone else’s. I’m excited for what’s ahead and ready to build a future filled with growth, leadership, and impact.