For me, growing up in New Jersey has never been about landmarks or beaches. It has been about the people who show up, especially when life gets hard. I’ve been all over New Jersey, and everywhere I’ve gone, I’ve found people who have become part of my life. I could live somewhere else, but New Jersey is where my life is. I was born at 26 weeks and spent 97 days in the NICU. As a newborn, I suffered a stroke and developed cerebral palsy affecting the right side of my body. Growing up, things other people did without thinking sometimes took more effort for me. I was lucky to have people around me who never let those challenges define me. My mom believed in me long before I knew what I was capable of. Even when doctors told my parents I might never live independently, she never accepted that as my future. She kept pushing me, encouraging me, and believing there was more I could do. My dad, a union sheet metal worker, taught me the value of hard work by giving everything he had to our family. My grandmother taught me what showing up means. When her car broke down, she would drive her lawn mower just to get to me. At every milestone, from surgeries to graduations, she showed up with cupcakes in hand and made me feel special. Those are the moments I remember most. I found that support outside my family, too. Mr. Lawall, who has made my leg braces since I was three, never made me feel like another patient or diagnosis. He treated me like Marc. My teachers, therapists, church leaders, and doctors did the same. They saw me before they saw my disability. When I broke my foot, I needed help with things I normally did on my own. Once again, people stepped in without making me feel like a burden. That experience reminded me how much it matters when people show up. Because others have done that for me, I try to do it for others. As president of my school’s Key Club, I help organize service projects, and I have volunteered for years at Vacation Bible School and in nursing homes. During one Key Club visit, a woman cried after we sang because the songs reminded her of her younger years. It was a simple moment, but it showed me how much being remembered can mean. This fall, I will study Business Administration. I hope to use my education to eventually create small, faith-based homes for older adults and people with disabilities where residents are known, valued, and encouraged to be independent. This scholarship would help me take that next step. New Jersey gave me more than a place to grow up. It gave me people who believed in me, stood beside me, and showed me what it means to care for others. Wherever life takes me, I want to be one of those people for someone else.

For most of my life, I have been surrounded by people whose job was to help me. The people I remember most are not the ones who simply treated my cerebral palsy. They are the ones who made me feel seen. That is why I want to build places where people feel like they belong. I was born at 26 weeks and spent 97 days in the NICU. After suffering a stroke as a newborn, I developed cerebral palsy affecting my right side. Growing up, I worked with doctors, therapists, and specialists who helped me become more independent. My mom never stopped looking for people who believed I could do more, even when doctors told my parents I might never live independently. Looking back, I realize how much my life changed because people were willing to invest their time in me. One person who shaped me is Mr. Lawall, the man who has made my leg braces since I was three. To most people, he makes orthopedic equipment. To me, he has always done much more. He asks about school, remembers things I told him months earlier, and has even delivered my braces to my home when I needed them. He never made me feel like I was just another patient or a diagnosis. He treated me like Marc. That may sound like a thing, but it has stayed with me. I learned that helping someone is not only about fixing a problem. Sometimes it is about making sure they know they are worth your time. I have seen that lesson in my service. As president of my school's Key Club, I help organize service projects and encourage other students to get involved. During a Christmas visit to a nursing home with Key Club, our group sang for the residents. I noticed one woman sitting quietly as we sang. By the end, tears were running down her face. Afterward, she told me the songs brought back memories from when she was younger. We had not done anything complicated. We simply showed up. I left thinking about how much a small moment can mean to someone. My dad has taught me that commitment in a different way. As a union sheet metal worker, he works long hours and still makes time for our family. Watching him has taught me that some of the most important things we do for others are the things nobody sees. I have volunteered at Vacation Bible School since fifth grade, where I have learned that making people feel welcome can matter just as much as the activity itself. These experiences have reinforced something I learned from the people who helped me: people remember how you make them feel. I want my future to be about creating more of those moments. I will begin studying Business Administration this fall because I want to learn how to build something that lasts. My goal is to eventually create small, faith-based residential homes for older adults and people with disabilities. I do not want residents to become another room number or name on a chart. I want them to be known by name, supported in their independence, and surrounded by people who genuinely care about them. I want families to feel welcome and confident that their loved one is truly at home. I know I would not be who I am without the people who believed in me before I could believe in myself. They gave me more than therapy, braces, and encouragement. They gave me opportunities. I want to spend my life giving those opportunities to someone else.

The biggest example of God’s faithfulness in my life began before I was even born. I was born at 26 weeks and spent 123 days in the NICU. Because I was born so early, I suffered a brain bleed that resulted in cerebral palsy affecting the right side of my body. Doctors were unsure what my future would look like and warned my parents that I may not survive or have the quality of life they hoped for. My mom refused to accept that as the end of my story. She prayed constantly and searched for every opportunity to help me. When traditional therapies were not enough, she found other treatments that helped me continue progressing. Through years of therapy, patience, and God’s grace, I learned to walk and became more independent than many people expected. Looking back, my life reminds me that God can work through situations that seem impossible. Growing up with cerebral palsy has shaped my faith by teaching me perseverance, patience, and gratitude. My disability has brought challenges, but it has also taught me to trust God, appreciate progress, and recognize the importance of having people who believe in you. A few years ago, I broke my foot, and because of my cerebral palsy, I was unable to use crutches. For a while, I lost much of my independence and struggled with needing help again. However, I saw God’s faithfulness through that situation. Since I needed surgery for my injury, my doctors were also able to release tendons that had become so tight from cerebral palsy that I had been walking on the side of my foot. After recovery, I was able to walk with my foot flat on the ground and better than I had before the injury. What started as a setback became another reminder that God can work through difficult circumstances for my good. My faith has also shaped how I serve others. For the past seven years, I have volunteered at Vacation Bible School, helping teach children about God’s love. One of my favorite parts is watching children who arrive on the first day shy and unsure become confident enough by the end of the week to sing songs of faith proudly for their families. I have learned that sometimes the greatest impact comes from simply showing up and encouraging someone. I also work at a local Christian summer camp, where I help guide children through activities while creating an environment centered around faith and relationships. These experiences have strengthened my own faith because I have seen how God can work through simple moments of connection and encouragement. My faith has also influenced my future goals. This fall, I will attend Cairn University to study Business Administration while continuing to grow in my faith and understanding of Scripture. I want to use my education to build Christ-centered residential communities where elderly individuals and people with disabilities can live in a faith-centered environment where they experience dignity, support, and belonging. My goal is to combine business, leadership, and faith to create something that serves others for years to come. I want my decisions as a leader to reflect honesty, compassion, and responsibility because I believe success is not only measured by what you build, but by how you serve others. The people who have impacted my life most are those who showed me patience, encouragement, and love when I needed it most. Through my faith, I hope to provide that same support to others and create places that reflect God’s love through the way people are cared for.

I never expected helping start a Key Club at my school would change the way I think about leadership and service. A few years ago, a Kiwanis member visited my school because they wanted to start a Key Club. I decided to help make it happen. At a small Christian school, getting a new club approved wasn’t quick or simple. There were meetings, questions, and plenty of waiting before it finally became official. Once the club was approved, I became a founding member and eventually served as president. I didn’t want the club to just exist on paper. I wanted it to become something that gave students real opportunities to serve our community. One of the first events I organized was a community outreach event hosted by our local Kiwanis Club. Different local organizations set up tables to connect with people in the community, and I decided our Key Club would focus on Operation Christmas Child. I recruited other Key Club members, organized our table, and coordinated donations. Throughout the event, we spoke with families about Operation Christmas Child and collected items such as toys, school supplies, hygiene products, and other essentials. By the end of the day, we had enough donations to pack several shoeboxes that would be sent to children around the world. The project itself was simple, but it showed me that people are often willing to help when someone gives them an opportunity to be involved. My volunteer work has continued outside of Key Club. Since fifth grade, I have volunteered every summer at Vacation Bible School, helping teach and encourage younger children. I also work as a counselor at a Christian camp. One of my favorite parts is watching kids grow more confident throughout the week. A child who barely speaks on the first day might be laughing, making friends, and participating by the end. Those moments remind me that sometimes the greatest impact comes from simply showing up, encouraging someone, and helping them feel included. Living with cerebral palsy has also shaped the way I serve others. I was born at 26 weeks and spent 97 days in the NICU. Because of a brain bleed shortly after birth, I have cerebral palsy affecting my right side. Growing up, I spent years working with therapists, doctors, and other people who invested their time in helping me become independent. Their patience and encouragement taught me how important it is to see people for who they are instead of focusing on what they cannot do. Because of those experiences, I notice when someone is left out or overlooked, and I try to be the person who includes them. Leadership through service is important because leadership is not about having a title or being the person in charge. It is about taking responsibility, serving alongside others, and creating opportunities for people to get involved. The best leaders do not ask others to do something they would not do themselves. They set the example first. As I begin college this fall, I plan to continue serving by helping start a Circle K International chapter on campus since my college does not currently have one. I want to create more opportunities for students to serve together, build relationships, and make a difference in the surrounding community. Service has taught me that changing a community does not always start with a huge project. Sometimes it starts with one person deciding to step forward, invite others to join, and simply be willing to help. That is the kind of leader I want to continue becoming.

The people who have impacted my life the most were not the ones who focused on what I could not do. They were the ones who saw what I could become. Living with cerebral palsy has taught me the importance of encouragement, opportunity, and having people who believe in you. My goal is to use my education and future career to create that same kind of impact for others. I was born at 26 weeks and spent 97 days in the NICU. As a newborn, I suffered a stroke that caused a brain bleed, resulting in cerebral palsy affecting the right side of my body. From the beginning, my family knew I would face challenges, but they also believed I could accomplish more than others expected. My mom fought to make sure I received the therapy and support I needed, even when it was not covered by insurance. Through years of hard work, I learned to walk, become independent, and accomplish goals that once seemed uncertain. Growing up with cerebral palsy taught me patience and perseverance. Some things that others do without thinking require extra effort for me. Simple tasks like coordinating movements or using my right hand take more focus. However, I learned that challenges do not determine what I can accomplish. They teach me how to adapt, work harder, and appreciate progress. That mindset carried into my academics. I graduated high school with a 3.93 GPA, ranked first in my class, became a member of the National Honor Society, and completed 33 college credits through dual enrollment. These accomplishments came from consistency, discipline, and learning how to approach challenges differently. Completing college courses while still in high school also helped prepare me for the expectations and responsibilities I will face when I begin college. My experiences have also shaped the way I lead and serve others. As a founding member and president of my school’s Key Club, I helped build the organization by recruiting members, organizing meetings, and creating service opportunities for students. When we first started, one of our challenges was getting students involved and showing them the value of serving others. Over time, I saw students become more engaged because they felt like they were part of something meaningful. I learned that leadership is not about being the person in charge; it is about helping people feel included and giving them a reason to contribute. Through Key Club, I had the opportunity to visit a local nursing home during the Christmas season. Our group sang songs for the residents, and afterward, one woman became emotional and shared that the music reminded her of memories from her younger years. That moment stayed with me because it showed me that even a simple act of kindness can remind someone that they matter. Service has been an important part of my life outside of school as well. Since fifth grade, I have volunteered at Vacation Bible School each summer. Helping younger children learn about faith and watching them grow in confidence throughout the week has taught me the importance of encouragement. Seeing children who were once shy become comfortable participating showed me how much a positive environment can influence someone. My faith has remained a foundation throughout my journey. It has helped me stay grounded through challenges and reminded me that my abilities and opportunities are gifts meant to be used to serve others. This fall, I will attend Cairn University to study Business Administration, where I hope to grow not only in my knowledge and preparation for my career but also in my faith and understanding of how I can use my future work to serve others. My long-term goal is to create Christ-centered residential homes for elderly individuals and people with disabilities where residents are treated with dignity, compassion, and genuine care. Growing up with a disability has shown me how important it is to see people for who they are, not simply what others assume about them. The people who impacted me most were those who made me feel valued, and I want to create that same environment for others. This scholarship would help me continue pursuing that goal. My twin sister and I will both be starting college this fall, which creates a significant financial responsibility for my family. Although I have earned academic scholarships, supporting two students at the same time is a major commitment. This scholarship would reduce that burden and allow me to focus more fully on my education, leadership opportunities, and preparing for my future. The accomplishments I have achieved are not just my own. They are the result of my parents’ sacrifices, the people who invested in my growth, and the support I have received throughout my life. I have learned how meaningful it is when someone believes in you. My goal is to carry that forward by building something that helps people feel known, cared for, and supported.

I was born at 26 weeks and spent 97 days in the NICU. A stroke as a newborn caused a brain bleed that left me with cerebral palsy affecting the right side of my body. From a young age, I learned that I would sometimes have to find different ways to reach the same goals as everyone else. Growing up with cerebral palsy meant doing things differently. Tasks like writing, carrying objects, or coordinating movement often took more time and effort. That was frustrating, not because I could not do things, but because I had to find my way. Over time, I realized my disability did not define my limits. It shaped how I respond to challenges and taught me patience, adaptability, and perseverance. I focused on what I could control: my effort and education. I graduated with a 3.93 GPA, became a member of the National Honor Society, and completed 33 college credits in high school, allowing me to enter college with sophomore standing. I achieved these goals by staying consistent, working through challenges, and finding strategies that allowed me to succeed. My disability has also shaped how I see other people. Growing up with cerebral palsy taught me the importance of giving people opportunities instead of making assumptions about what they can do. During elementary school field days, I was often only the anchor in tug of war because teachers worried I would struggle with other activities. One year, a teacher let me join the obstacle course anyway. I was slower than everyone else, but I still remember my classmates cheering as I crossed the finish line. For the first time, I was not seen for what I could not do, but for what I could accomplish when given the chance. That moment shaped how I recognize people who are overlooked or underestimated. That lesson has influenced how I serve others. As a member and president of Key Club, I helped build the organization by recruiting members, organizing meetings, and creating opportunities for students to serve. I learned that leadership is not about being in charge; it is about encouraging others and helping them see the value of their contribution. During a holiday visit to a nursing home, we sang for residents. One woman began to cry and later told us the music brought back memories of her youth. That moment showed me that even small acts of kindness can help people feel remembered and cared for. Outside of Key Club, I have volunteered for years at Vacation Bible School, helped with my theater club, and participated in Politics in Action, a civic education program. These experiences strengthened my communication skills and my commitment to serving others. The cost of college is a challenge for my family, especially with my twin sister and me both starting college this fall. Although I earned academic scholarships, supporting two college educations creates financial pressure. This scholarship would help reduce that burden and allow me to focus more on preparing for the future. I plan to study Business Administration at Cairn University because I want to build organizations that solve problems and improve lives. My long-term goal is to create faith-based residential homes where elderly individuals and people with disabilities are treated with dignity and feel known, supported, and cared for. Growing up with cerebral palsy taught me how meaningful it is to be recognized for who you are, not just what others assume you can do. My disability has shaped how I experience the world, but it has shaped my purpose: helping others see possibility where others may only see limitations.

I plan to study Business Administration so I can create faith-based residential homes where older adults and individuals with disabilities feel known, valued, and cared for. I want them to feel like real homes where people are treated with dignity, compassion, and respect. That goal comes from my own experiences. I was born nearly four months prematurely, and while I was in the NICU, I suffered a stroke that resulted in cerebral palsy on my right side. Growing up, I spent years in medical appointments, therapy, rehabilitation, and surgeries. The people I remember most are not just the ones who met my physical needs. They are the ones who encouraged me, believed in me, and treated me like a person instead of a patient. They showed me that good care is about more than meeting physical needs. That is the kind of care I hope to provide someday. I am also a first-generation college student. My mom is a stay-at-home mom, and my dad is a union sheet metal worker in New York City. He leaves for work early, comes home tired, and does it again the next day to provide for our family. Because of my cerebral palsy, my dad knew a physically demanding trade like his probably was not the right path for me. He has always encouraged me to go to college because he wanted me to have opportunities he never had. At home, there was no guide because no one in my family had gone to college before. My parents encouraged me every step of the way, but learning about applications, financial aid, scholarships, and college planning was largely my responsibility. It taught me to ask questions, stay organized, and take ownership of my future. I knew I needed to prepare long before I started college. While still in high school, I completed 33 dual-enrollment college credits, allowing me to begin college with sophomore standing. I chose to challenge myself because I knew creating the future I wanted would take initiative. Those credits will also give me more flexibility to pursue internships and gain practical experience while I am in college. This scholarship would ease the financial pressure of starting college. With my twin sister and me both beginning college this fall, I understand the responsibility my family is taking on. This support would allow me to focus more on my classes, internships, and gaining the experience I will need to reach my goal. College is the foundation for what I hope to build. I want to learn how to lead an organization, manage people well, and build a business that serves others for years to come. My goal is to create places where residents feel safe, families have peace of mind, and employees find meaningful work. My parents built a foundation for me through hard work and sacrifice. I hope to build on that foundation by creating something that serves people well and gives back to others. This scholarship would help me continue a journey my family began through hard work but has never had the opportunity to take before.

My goal is to create faith-based residential homes where older adults and individuals with disabilities feel known, valued, and cared for. I know that goal will not happen overnight, which is why I have started building the knowledge, experience, and plan to achieve it. Growing up with cerebral palsy gave me a unique perspective on healthcare. Throughout my life, I have had many medical appointments, several surgeries, and countless hours of therapy and rehabilitation. I met doctors, therapists, and caregivers who helped me become more independent. The people I remember most are those who offered encouragement, hope, and treated me like a person, not just a patient. That is the kind of environment I want to create. I know that caring about people is not enough to run a successful business. It also takes preparation, leadership, and a willingness to keep learning. This fall, I will begin studying Business Administration at Cairn University. While still in high school, I completed 33 dual-credit college credits, allowing me to enter college with sophomore standing. My goal is to continue taking summer classes, complete my degree in about three years, and gain practical experience. I have also looked for opportunities to learn outside the classroom. I have visited residential care facilities to better understand how they serve residents and operate, and through my Christian school, church involvement, and volunteering at Christian summer camps, I have seen how shared values influence an organization. These experiences have shown me that leaders have a major impact on how people feel and are treated. After college, I plan to continue learning before opening my own business. I hope to complete business internships and work in a residential care setting. I want to learn from administrators, caregivers, and business owners so I understand staffing, budgeting, regulations, and daily operations before taking on that responsibility. I know that opening a residential care home will require more than a good idea. It requires financial preparation. My plan is to work full-time, save responsibly, and build a business plan. Before opening my first home, I want to create a budget for startup and operating costs, including property, licensing, insurance, renovations, furnishings, payroll, food, utilities, and other expenses. I also plan to seek guidance from experienced professionals, including business owners and residential care administrators, while exploring responsible financing options. I hope to purchase property rather than only lease because ownership could provide long-term stability. That is why maintaining strong credit and making responsible financial decisions now matter. When I open my first home, I plan to start with one location instead of expanding immediately. Starting small will allow me to learn from real experience, understand what works, and make improvements before investing in additional homes. Once I have developed a successful model, I can expand while maintaining the same quality and culture. One of the biggest challenges will be earning the trust of families and building the right team. I believe that happens through consistency, integrity, and providing excellent care. I know this plan will take years, and I am comfortable with that. My goal is to spend the next several years gaining experience and preparing so that I can open my first residential home by my late twenties, ideally before my 27th birthday. I understand my plan will change as I gain experience, and I am willing to adjust when I learn something new. My goal is not simply to own a business. I want to build a place that serves people well, gives employees meaningful work, and allows residents and families to feel known, valued, and truly cared for.

I have always enjoyed learning through reading, but I never expected a Bible class to change the way I thought about books. For most of my life, reading was something I did for school. I was not the person who always had a book with me or tried to finish as many books as possible. I saw it as a way to learn something new or complete an assignment. But my Bible teachers showed me that a book could be much more than words on a page. One of my Bible teachers, Mrs. Valerino, would stop after a single verse and ask why the author chose one word instead of another. At first, I wondered why something so small mattered. Over time, I realized that small details could change how you understand a story. Reading became less about just finishing a chapter and more about slowing down, thinking, and noticing things I missed. The book I return to most often is the Bible. One passage that has stayed with me is Genesis 50:20, where Joseph tells his brothers, "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good." When I first read this verse, I thought it was about forgiveness. Later, I noticed Joseph uses the word "meant" twice. His brothers meant one thing, and God meant another. Joseph’s circumstances did not change, but his understanding of them did. That lesson changed the way I looked at my own experiences. I was born nearly four months prematurely, and while I was in the NICU, I suffered a stroke that resulted in cerebral palsy on my right side. Growing up, many things required more effort for me than they did for others. A few years ago, I broke my foot, and because of my cerebral palsy, it became especially difficult. I had worked hard to become independent, and losing that independence was frustrating. What I did not expect was that this setback would lead to something better. Because surgery was already necessary, my doctors were able to perform a procedure they previously considered too risky. After two surgeries and a long recovery, I was able to walk better than before the injury. Looking back, I see that something I once viewed only as a hardship also became an opportunity for growth. Reading Joseph’s story helped me understand that a difficult moment does not have to define your life. Sometimes you do not understand the meaning of something until later. That lesson has also shaped how I see other people. The Bible has changed the way I read, and it has changed the way I understand people. It has shown me that everyone has a story and that people are more than their hardest moments. Because of my cerebral palsy, connecting with people my age was not always easy, but I found a connection with older generations. My grandmother has always shown me what it means to make someone feel valued, remembered, and cared for. That is why I hope to study Business Administration and eventually create Christian nursing homes where elderly individuals and people with disabilities feel known, valued, and cared for. I want these places to provide more than physical care. I want people to have companionship, dignity, and a place where they feel they belong. I want people to feel seen and reminded that their lives matter. The Bible is the book I return to most because it continues to challenge me, strengthen my faith, and reveal things I missed. It has shaped the way I read, understand my experiences, and the person I hope to become.

Being a first-generation college student means stepping into a place my family has never been before. My dad has taught me what hard work looks like, but college is a path neither of us has walked. My dad is a union tradesman in New York City and a third-generation worker. I have seen the effort his work requires and the physical toll it takes, but he does it to provide for our family. Because of my cerebral palsy, he has encouraged me to take a different path through college so I can build a future that fits my abilities. He believes in me and pushes me to aim higher. At home, there was no guide for college because no one in my family had experienced it before. My dad helps where he can, but this is new for him too. I have learned to ask questions, find answers, stay organized, and take responsibility for my own path. That mindset has shaped how I approach opportunities. During high school, I took 11 dual enrollment courses, allowing me to enter college with sophomore standing. I challenged myself because I knew creating my future would require initiative. I have also tried to give back through the opportunities I have been given. I helped start my school's Key Club after a Kiwanis member introduced the idea. Getting it approved took time, but I stayed committed because I wanted students to have a place to serve. As a founding member, I helped organize a community outreach event where I led an Operation Christmas Child table and helped collect supplies for children in need. Outside of school, I volunteer at Vacation Bible School and work as a counselor at a Christian camp. One moment that stayed with me was a child who barely participated at the beginning of the week. He stayed on the outside of activities, so I kept including him in small ways and giving him simple roles. By the end of the week, he was singing and joining in with everyone else. Seeing someone find confidence and connection is what I enjoy most about working with kids. Even though I will not follow the same path as my dad, I want to build a life where I can provide stability for my future family in my own way. He showed me the value of hard work, and I hope to use my education to create opportunities for others. I plan to study Business Administration in college so I can gain the skills to create faith-based homes where elderly individuals and people with disabilities feel known, valued, and cared for. I want to build places where people are not only supported, but truly seen. This scholarship would ease the financial pressure of starting college and allow me to focus more on learning, serving, and building the future ahead of me. It would help me continue a journey my family began through hard work, but has never had the opportunity to take before.

Selflessness, for me, is mostly about paying attention and stepping in when something needs to be done. It’s not really about doing something big. In school, I helped start a Key Club after a Kiwanis member introduced it. Getting it approved took effort, but I stuck with it because I wanted there to be a place for service. As a founding member, I helped with a community outreach event where we ran a table for Operation Christmas Child. I helped collect and organize donated supplies, talked with people at the event, and encouraged participation. By the end, we had enough supplies to pack several boxes for children in need. It was a lot of small contributions coming together. Outside of school, I volunteer at Vacation Bible School and work as a counselor at a Christian summer camp. One week, there was a kid who didn’t really want to participate at first. He stayed on the outside of group activities and didn’t talk much. I made sure to include him in small ways, like giving him simple jobs and sitting near him. Over the week, he slowly started getting more involved, and by the end he was participating and singing with everyone else. That stood out to me because it didn’t take anything big, just consistency. One of the most fun parts of VBS is the skits we do for opening and closing. I’ve acted in them and also done voice work for a puppet during the week. One year I was the voice behind a puppet called “DJ Cupcake,” and I kept my identity hidden while kids tried to guess who it was. At the end, I walked out from behind the cardboard food truck to reveal my identity, and everyone was laughing and surprised. It was simple, but it made the week more engaging for the kids. I’ve also had teachers and mentors help me when I needed it, especially during harder times in school. I’ve had chances to do the same for others in small ways too, like helping them stay involved or just being there when someone needs support. To me, selflessness is noticing people and doing what you can, even in small ways. It’s not about recognition. In college, I want to stay involved in service and hopefully help start a Circle K International chapter at my school so I can keep doing this kind of work. Selflessness is just showing up and doing small things that help other people.

On Thanksgiving night in 2007, my mother’s water broke at just 22 weeks into her pregnancy. Doctors told her she needed to carry the pregnancy as long as possible to give me a chance at survival. I was born at 26 weeks on Christmas and spent 97 days in the NICU. Because of a stroke I had as a newborn, I live with cerebral palsy on the right side of my body. While I was in the NICU, doctors told my parents I might never live independently or have a meaningful life. My mom never accepted that. She spent years finding doctors, therapists, and specialists who could help me. When standard therapy wasn’t enough, she found another therapist who helped me start moving my right side in ways doctors didn’t think were possible. Most of my progress came from her not stopping until something worked. School always took more out of me than it did for most classmates. Writing for long periods was difficult because of limited use of my right hand. Walking across campus took extra time, and getting to class was frustrating since I relied on the elevator instead of stairs. Between school, therapy, and appointments, my schedule often felt hectic, but I always got everything done. I stopped comparing myself to everyone else and focused on what I needed to do next. Over time, I stopped seeing obstacles as reasons to slow down and started working through them. By graduation, I finished at the top of my class and earned 33 college credits, giving me sophomore standing as I start college this fall. That matters less to me because of the numbers and more because there were days when continuing took more effort than stopping. Cerebral palsy also changed how I see people. I notice when someone is left out because I know what that feels like. In elementary school, I was often the anchor in tug of war while others rotated through events. One year, a teacher let me join the obstacle course. I was slower than everyone else, but I remember moving through it instead of watching from the side. I could hear classmates yelling, “Let’s go, Marc!” the whole way. Mr. Paradise ran beside me from start to finish. I focused on each step and kept going as everyone cheered. When I finished, I felt like I was finally part of it. In high school, I became a founding member and president of Key Club because I wanted others to feel included. One visit to a nursing home stands out. We were singing when I noticed a woman sitting quietly off to the side. As the music went on, I saw a tear run down her cheek. Afterward, she said the songs brought back memories she hadn’t thought about in years. It showed me how much even small moments can matter. I plan to study Business Administration because I want to build Christ-centered residential homes for elderly people and individuals with disabilities where people are known, valued, and genuinely cared for. I want residents to feel like they matter because I know what it feels like to be included instead of left out. Getting this scholarship would ease financial pressure so I can focus more on college and my goals. More than that, it would help me keep turning what I’ve been through into something useful for other people. Cerebral palsy has made school harder, but it’s also shaped who I am. It taught me to keep going, even when things take longer than expected—and I’m still doing that.

I think my “awkward thing” is that I have never had a smooth relationship with coordination or gravity. It is something I have had to live with for as long as I can remember, even before I fully understood why. I tend to move through the world just a little behind where I think my body is supposed to be. It started from the very beginning. I was born at 26 weeks and suffered a stroke shortly after birth, which led to cerebral palsy affecting the right side of my body. Because of that, movement has never been automatic for me. Walking through crowded hallways, turning quickly, or adjusting my balance all take more thought than they seem to for other people. So when I say I am a little awkward, I don’t just mean I’m like a bull in a china shop sometimes. I mean I have had to learn how to live in a body that doesn’t always follow instructions on the first try. That shows up in everyday moments. I misjudge steps more often than I should, or realize too late that I’ve shifted my weight the wrong way in a chair, and I have fallen out of one more times than I can count. It has gotten to the point where it is not really surprising anymore when it happens. I’ve also had moments like the time during a game of silent ball when I fell off my desk, which somehow led to the school no longer allowing the game to be played at all. I remember getting up, trying to play it off, while everyone else debated whether I was okay or just part of the entertainment. At this point, my friends usually just pause, check if I’m okay, and move on like it’s routine. But the awkward moments are only the surface. Living with cerebral palsy means I don’t get automatic movement. I have to think through things most people do without thinking. That gap between intention and execution used to frustrate me, like I was always slightly behind my own life. Over time, I stopped seeing it only as something working against me and started noticing what it built instead—patience, awareness, and the ability to reset quickly when things don’t go smoothly. If anything, it made me realize that what looks like awkwardness from the outside is just someone learning their own way of moving through the world. So yes, I might not always move through life with perfect coordination. But I show up, I keep going, and I’ve learned how to live in a body that occasionally improvises without asking me first. And I’ve accepted that gravity and I are still working out our agreement—but I’ve also learned how to live fully inside that process instead of waiting for it to be perfect.

When I was born, my parents were told it was unlikely I would survive. I was born nearly four months prematurely and suffered a stroke that caused a severe brain bleed. After 97 days in the NICU, I was able to go home, something my family has always seen as answered prayer and grace through faith. Because of my early start in life, I now live with cerebral palsy affecting the right side of my body. Growing up with cerebral palsy meant doing things differently. Writing, carrying objects, and coordinating movement took more time and effort, but I learned that my limits were not defined by struggle, but by how I responded. It taught me patience, adaptability, and perseverance. That mindset carried into my academics. I focused on what I could control. I graduated with a 3.93 GPA, became a member of the National Honor Society, and completed 33 college credits in high school, entering college with sophomore standing. I earned these through persistence and learning in ways that worked for me. My disability also shaped how I see others. In elementary school, I was often only the anchor in tug of war because teachers worried I would struggle with other activities. One year, a teacher let me join the obstacle course. I still remember the moment I realized I was going to finish it, even if it took me longer than everyone else. That feeling stayed with me. For the first time, I was not defined by what I could not do, but by the fact that I could still finish, even if it took longer. That moment stayed with me and shaped how I see people who are overlooked or underestimated. As a founding member and president of my school’s Key Club, I helped build the organization by recruiting members, organizing meetings, and keeping participation strong. I learned leadership is less about authority and more about helping people feel included in something bigger than themselves. During a visit to a nursing home, we sang for residents during the holidays, and one woman began to cry afterward, saying the music brought back memories she had not thought about in years. That moment stayed with me and showed me how small acts of presence can carry deep meaning. Alongside this, volunteering at Vacation Bible School, supporting civic education through Politics in Action, and participating in my local theater club strengthened my communication, teamwork, and service to others. My faith is an important part of my life. It has given me strength in difficult moments, gratitude in everyday ones, and the reminder that my life is meant to serve something beyond myself. I plan to study Business Administration at Cairn University because I am drawn to how business can organize systems, solve problems, and create opportunities that improve lives. My goal is to build faith-based residential homes for elderly individuals and people with disabilities, places that feel like real homes rather than institutions, where people are treated with dignity and supported physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue my education alongside my twin sister, especially knowing the financial pressure my family faces as we both begin college at the same time. This scholarship would ease that burden and allow me to focus fully on my education and long-term goals. This scholarship means a lot because it honors Treye Knorr, a young life deeply loved by his family even though he did not have the chance to live beyond birth. His memory reminds me to live with intention, to be steady in how I grow, faithful in how I treat others, and aware that life is meant to be used well while it is given. My disability has shaped how I experience the world, but it has not defined where I am going. It has made me more aware of people, more grateful for opportunities, and more intentional about how I show up for others. I move forward with persistence, awareness, and purpose, because I have learned my life is meant to be lived well.

Living with a disability has shaped how I understand inclusion, effort, and belonging in everyday life. I was born nearly four months prematurely, and shortly after birth I suffered a stroke that led to cerebral palsy on the right side of my body. I wear a brace on my right foot, and my right arm has limited strength and coordination. From the beginning, my life has been shaped by medical uncertainty and constant adaptation, but also by persistence. Cerebral palsy affects how I move through the world in practical ways. Simple tasks like writing, carrying objects, or navigating crowded spaces require more planning and effort than they do for others. Growing up, I learned I would not experience life the same way as most of my peers. That was frustrating at times, especially when I wanted to participate in everything without limits. Over time, I stopped comparing myself to others and focused on improving within my own abilities, learning that progress still matters even when it looks different. One of the clearest examples of inclusion and exclusion in my life came during school field days. I was usually chosen to be the anchor in tug of war because it was considered the safest role for me, which meant I often watched others take part in events I could not fully join. One year, a teacher made sure I could participate in everything, even if it meant modifying each activity. I still remember slowly completing an obstacle course while my classmates cheered me on. I was not the fastest or strongest, but I finished everything. That moment stayed with me because it showed me how powerful inclusion becomes when someone intentionally makes space for you to belong. Moments like that made me more aware of barriers outside of school. I notice buildings without accessible routes, spaces that are difficult to navigate, and situations where people with disabilities are unintentionally left out. Living with a disability has trained me to recognize these barriers quickly, even when others may not see them at all. Academically, I am currently ranked first in my class, which reflects consistency and determination over time. Beyond academics, service has become a central part of my life. I helped start my school’s Key Club and now serve as president, where I organize service projects and encourage student involvement. I have also volunteered at Vacation Bible School, helping create environments where younger children feel included, supported, and valued. My experiences have shaped my ambition for the future. I plan to study Business Administration and eventually open Christ-centered homes for elderly individuals and people with disabilities. I want these spaces to feel like family, where residents are known personally and treated with dignity. I also want them to be fully accessible and intentionally inclusive, because I understand what it feels like when they are not. My goal is to build environments where people of all abilities are given real opportunities to contribute and belong. Being part of the disability community has taught me to look for possibility instead of limitation. It has shaped my drive to lead, serve, and build spaces where people are not only accommodated but genuinely included in daily life. This scholarship would support my education and help me move closer to that goal. More importantly, it would recognize the value of lived experience in shaping leadership and service. I intend to use everything I have learned through my disability to build something that reflects inclusion in action, not just in principle, and to ensure the people I serve know they matter.

I was born prematurely at 26 weeks, and doctors were not sure I would survive. My parents were told that if I survived, I would likely need long-term care and may never be fully independent because of complications from my early birth. I later developed cerebral palsy on my right side, which affects my movement and coordination. Growing up, I learned early that I would do things differently than other people. Simple tasks like writing, running, or carrying objects often took more effort, which was frustrating when I could not take part in things the same way as classmates. Over time, I stopped trying to match everyone else and focused on adapting instead, learning that progress still counts even when it looks different. That mindset carried into school, where I learned to stay consistent even when things took longer. I am currently ranked first in my class and on track to graduate as valedictorian. That matters to me not just because of the outcome, but because of everything it took to get there. My disability has also changed how I look at everyday situations. I remember during field day I was often picked as the anchor in tug of war because adults thought it was risky. At the time, I didn’t question it much, but looking back, I see how easily certain roles get assigned when people assume limitations. It made me more aware that inclusion is not always automatic in practice. Recently I started working toward my driver’s license and noticed how much physical design matters. Because my right side is affected by cerebral palsy, many vehicle setups do not fit my needs, especially control placement. Even with adaptations, I realized how many everyday systems are not designed with different abilities in mind. Two years ago, I broke my foot, which gave me a new perspective on accessibility. Even using a knee scooter or crutches was extremely difficult because of my cerebral palsy. My school has ramps, but I found it nearly impossible to pull myself up them on a scooter. I had to rely on others for help in ways I was not used to. That experience made accessibility feel much more real to me. As I prepare for college, I have been thinking about accessibility in spaces. My college is renovating dorm housing, and while I have been given an accessible room, it is farther from campus. The route has a gradual incline, and I know weather like rain or snow could make it harder to get around. I am hopeful adjustments will make that easier, because accessibility is not just about accommodations, but about how spaces are designed and used. Outside of school, I have grown through leadership and service. I am president of Key Club and have volunteered at Vacation Bible School since fifth grade, mostly working with younger kids. Those experiences have taught me consistency and responsibility. Looking ahead, I plan to study Business Administration at Cairn University. My long-term goal is to create faith-based residential homes for elderly individuals and people with disabilities. Volunteering in nursing homes has shown me how much small moments matter, and I want to build spaces where people feel cared for, not just accommodated. Financial assistance from this scholarship would ease the cost of college for my family, especially with my twin sister also starting at the same time. It would allow me to focus on school and the opportunities ahead without added financial pressure. With that support, I would continue working toward creating more accessible spaces because I know what it feels like when they are not.

I thought running a business would be easy. It wasn't. In middle school, I took a business class where students ran small businesses in a classroom marketplace. I sold solar dancers and operated a small snack bar. At first, I assumed that if I had a good product, people would buy it and everything would work out. I quickly learned otherwise. Some items sold out because I priced them too low, while others barely sold. One day, I made a batch of Rice Krispie treats to increase sales. A classmate bought every single one and then resold them for twice the price. Watching that happen made me realize I had underestimated what people were willing to pay. It wasn’t just about having a good product. It was about understanding value, pricing, and decision making. By the end of the project, I earned the highest profit in the class and was recognized as Best Entrepreneur, but the lessons I learned from my mistakes were more valuable than the award itself. That experience shaped my belief that financial literacy should be taught much earlier and in a more practical way. Too many students graduate without understanding budgeting, taxes, credit, loans, or investing. These are skills that affect nearly every major decision people make as adults, yet many young people are expected to learn them on their own after high school. I believe financial education should begin in elementary school with basic concepts such as saving, spending, and distinguishing needs from wants. As students grow older, lessons should become more applied and experience based. Middle school students could explore entrepreneurship and budgeting, while high school students should practice creating budgets, understanding credit scores, and learning how taxes work. My own high school Personal Finance and Life Skills classes showed me how valuable financial education can be when it connects directly to real decisions students will face in adulthood. I have also seen some of the same pricing challenges with my younger brother as he ran his own classroom business, which reminded me how quickly people run into real financial decisions even at a young age and how little guidance they often get. I plan to study Business Administration at Cairn University and eventually create Christ centered homes for elderly individuals and people with disabilities. Achieving that goal will require strong financial knowledge and responsible leadership. Understanding how to manage resources effectively will help me build organizations that serve others well and remain sustainable over time. I also want to be part of improving financial education for younger students. Because I learned some of my most important financial lessons by making mistakes, I want younger students to have opportunities to build those skills before they face real financial decisions. In the future, I hope to work with teachers and community organizations to create classroom marketplaces, budgeting simulations, and entrepreneurship projects. Students often learn best by doing, and experiences like the one that taught me about pricing and value can leave a lasting impact. Financial literacy has the power to change lives. By introducing it earlier and teaching it through real experiences, we can help young people gain confidence, avoid preventable mistakes, and build stronger futures. That is the change I hope to see, and the one I want to help build in my own community.

One of the most meaningful relationships in my life started as a simple teacher-student connection with Mr. Milone—but it grew into something much more. Mr. Milone teaches politics, coaches speech and debate, and also serves as my school’s guidance counselor. He also started a local program called Politics in Action, which teaches students how the political and constitutional system actually works in a hands-on way. But what stands out to me isn’t his titles—it’s how he connects with students as people. I started to understand that more during a difficult time in my life. About two years ago, I broke my foot, and because I have cerebral palsy, I couldn’t walk at all. I was stuck at home and dependent on others. Mr. Milone made sure I stayed connected to school and didn’t fall behind. That meant a lot, because it made me feel like I was still part of things even when I physically wasn’t there. Eventually, I came back to school using a knee scooter while I finished healing. Around that same time, Mr. Milone injured his ankle. In a kind of ironic twist, he ended up borrowing my scooter, and I tried to help him the same way he had helped me. It wasn’t anything big, but it stuck with me—it showed me that real relationships go both ways. It made it feel less like “helping” and more like mutual respect. He also makes me feel important in a very real, grounded way. I’m involved in both my school and local theater programs, and he shows up to my performances when he can. Seeing him in the audience means a lot to me because it shows he cares about what I do outside the classroom. That connection has also extended to my family. He and his wife have come to family barbecues, and he fits right in—it never feels forced, just natural, like he’s part of the community around me. That eventually carried into speech and debate. Mr. Milone encouraged me to take the class, even though I wasn’t sure about it at first. I’ve always been pretty shy, and speaking in front of people or thinking quickly under pressure wasn’t something I felt confident doing. But I trusted him and gave it a shot. And honestly, that changed things for me. Debate is fast—you have to really listen, respond in the moment, and trust yourself. It pushed me to stop overthinking and just speak up. Over time, I started feeling more comfortable using my voice instead of avoiding it. I haven’t lost a debate since, but what matters more is that I’m no longer afraid to speak up and engage with people directly. Through Mr. Milone, I also joined Politics in Action, where I met students and people with very different perspectives. That experience taught me something simple but important: connection doesn’t require agreement. You can still understand someone even when you don’t see things the same way. That carried into my leadership roles. I’m now a founding member and president of my school’s Key Club, where we built a service club from nothing. I also serve as vice president of my school’s National Honor Society chapter. In both, I’ve learned to focus less on titles and more on making sure people feel included, heard, and involved. It also shaped how I plan to approach college, where I’ll be majoring in business administration, and his example and encouragement have definitely helped guide me toward that path and how I want to lead in the future. At the end of the day, Mr. Milone didn’t just teach me debate or politics. He showed me how to actually connect with people, even in hard situations. That’s something I’ve picked up through all of this, and something I’ll carry into every relationship I build in the future.

One person I really admire is my speech and debate teacher, Mr. Milone. He teaches politics, coaches speech and debate, and also works as the school’s guidance counselor. He also started a local program called Politics in Action, which teaches students how the political and constitutional system actually works in a hands-on way. More than anything, he’s been a mentor to me—someone I really look up to and try to learn from. What I respect most about him isn’t just what he does now, but how he got there. I met him when he was 22, right as he started teaching high school. While teaching full time, he was also working on his master’s degree. What stands out most is how he balanced everything without losing focus on his students. He was also there for me during one of the hardest moments I’ve had. About two years ago, I broke my foot, and because of my cerebral palsy, I couldn’t walk at all. I was stuck at home, relying on others for everything. Mr. Milone helped me stay connected to school and catch up once I returned. Eventually, I came back to school using a knee scooter while I finished healing. Around that same time, Mr. Milone injured his ankle. He ended up borrowing my scooter, and I tried to help him the same way he had helped me. It was a small moment, but it showed the kind of relationship he builds with his students. Mr. Milone has given me a lot of good advice, and one of the biggest things I listened to was his suggestion to take speech and debate. I’ve always been pretty shy, and speaking in front of people or thinking quickly under pressure wasn’t something I felt confident doing. I wasn’t sure about it at first, but I gave it a shot. And honestly, that changed everything for me. Once I started competing, I liked it more than I expected. Debate is fast—you have to think quickly, respond clearly, and stand your ground. It pushed me to stop overthinking and trust myself. I found out I was good at it too—I haven’t lost a debate since. More importantly, it changed how I see myself. I stopped thinking of myself as someone who stays quiet and started seeing myself as someone who can speak up and be heard. Through Mr. Milone, I also got involved in Politics in Action, which deepened my understanding of government beyond the classroom. What stood out to me is that he doesn’t just teach—he pushes students to grow using his own experiences. That’s part of why I stepped into leadership roles. I’m now a founding member and president of Key Club at my school, where we built the club from the ground up. I also ran for and was elected vice president of my school’s National Honor Society chapter. Speech and debate didn’t just help me communicate—it gave me the confidence to lead. Mr. Milone is a big reason I’m serious about college. He showed me that where you start doesn’t decide where you end up. Watching him balance teaching while earning his master’s degree showed me what it looks like to push yourself without putting your goals on hold. It made me believe I can do the same. At the end of the day, he didn’t just teach me how to debate—he helped me find my voice. He’s given me courage and helped me find direction in life, and shown me what I’m capable of when I push myself. That’s something I’ll carry with me long after high school.

I am living proof of what God can do. My parents had prayed for a child for a long time, and when they found out they were expecting twins, they were overjoyed. But at 22 weeks, my mom’s water broke. The doctors said we probably wouldn’t survive. I’ll never forget how scared my parents were. By God’s grace, my mom held on for another month, and we were born at 26 weeks on Christmas morning, just big enough to survive. Because I was so tiny, I suffered a brain bleed and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at six months. Even though cerebral palsy has brought challenges, it has never stopped me from dreaming or working hard. I’ve learned resilience and determination, surviving a seizure that almost killed me, learning to walk with a brace, and facing obstacles most kids my age can’t imagine. I remember the day I first walked across the room with my brace—I felt like I had conquered the world. Seeing others in therapy who were struggling even more than I was taught me empathy and inspired me to try to make the lives of others a little brighter. Volunteering has been a huge part of my life. I’ve worked with kids at Vacation Bible Schools in my community since fifth grade, helping with activities, assisting teachers, and trying to make it a fun and welcoming place. It’s rewarding to see their excitement and laughter, and it has taught me patience and the joy that comes from giving time to others. I also helped start Key Club at my school, and now as president, I organize service projects and events that help people in our community. It’s amazing to see other students get involved, and I love knowing that even small acts of service add up to make a difference. These experiences have shaped my dream for the future. I plan to study business administration in college so I can create Christ-centered, family-style communal living homes for the elderly and disabled. I want these homes to be small enough that everyone feels loved, valued, and supported in their faith. I also hope to employ people of all abilities, giving everyone the chance to use their gifts and feel like they belong. This isn’t just a career goal—it’s a calling. My life experiences have prepared me for it, and I trust that God will guide me along the way. This scholarship would help me take the next step toward that dream. It would allow me to focus on my education, gain the skills I need to make a meaningful impact, and continue my work of service and faith. Everything I’ve experienced—the challenges, the victories, and the opportunities to serve—has prepared me to live a life of purpose. With God’s guidance and the support of this scholarship, I am ready to grow, to serve, and to make a difference in ways that matter.