Every dollar matters to me. This scholarship would mean another chance to stay on the path that I’ve chosen for my life, receiving a masters degree in communication from Ball State University. My grandparents didn’t graduate high school. My mom graduated high school but never made it to college. Now the baton is being passed to me. I realize it is on me to help move our family forward through education. Graduating from college would be a step towards helping my family and myself grow to new heights. With a degree in communications from Ball State University I plan to create a media company that will share the lives and stories of our ancestors with the world. Hidden stories never discovered like my great grandfather who was one of the oldest living people in Missouri at 107 is one of those stories. The story of my grandfather’s struggle with drug abuse after it ravished our community in the seventies, would be another story. If not me then who? The real question is how? This scholarship would help with the how. And I, Mason Clay am the who. Some kids would feel embarrassed by some of the stories of my family but I’m proud of their resilience. To me, if they can overcome so much with so little what could I do with so much more? What would my family have been if they had people that believed in them early on? I think the answer to that is layered but who could deny that they could have been so much more? There’s a lot being said these days about a person pulling themselves up by their boot straps and I get it. I’ve watched my mom make meals out of only a few ingredients, I’ve seen my grandfather die with dreams never reached. If I can be honest, I don’t want either of those things for my life. Ball State University has one of the best communications programs in the country. I will not let this opportunity pass me by. During my time at Ball State I will have a work study job, and a minor in business. I’m not looking for a handout but I could use a hand up. This is a partnership that has lasting benefits for society. When you support youth like myself, it is an investment in our future society. If granted this scholarship I believe that the ripple effects would continue for generations. You’ll read a lot of scholarship applications today but I ask that you remember Mason Clay. One day I believe I will have something great to add to this world. I’d love to say this scholarship was there to help me achieve that. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship. Mason Clay Ball State University Freshman

There was a point in high school when everything felt overwhelming, classes, extracurricular activities, part time work, and the quiet pressure I put on myself to succeed. By sophomore year the anxious thoughts that once whispered started shouting, and I could no longer pretend I was fine. One evening, after another night of lying awake until three in the morning, I admitted to my mom that I needed help. That single conversation changed everything, because it was the first time I put my mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing ahead of an assignment or a deadline. The next week I sat with a school counselor who helped me name my anxiety and build a plan to manage it. At her suggestion I committed to a simple routine, early morning stretching, ten minutes of journaling, and forty five minutes in the weight room after class. The gym became my laboratory for discipline, each repetition proved that effort creates change, and the sweat felt like tension leaving my body. Counseling sessions worked on the inside at the same pace, teaching me breathing techniques, mindfulness, and practical ways to break large tasks into smaller, less intimidating steps. Within a semester I saw results that went beyond feeling calmer. My GPA climbed from a 2.3 to a 3.2 because I could finally focus in class and finish assignments on time. Music, my biggest passion, also changed. Instead of using it to escape, I started writing lyrics about resilience, turning practice sessions into therapy with a beat. Friends who knew I had struggled began asking how they could start counseling or join me at the gym, and I realized that taking care of myself created a ripple effect that helped others. Three core lessons emerged. First, health is the foundation for every other goal. When my mind is clear and my body is energized, studying for an exam or performing on stage feels challenging but not crushing. Second, vulnerability is strength. Opening up to professionals and peers showed me that people want to help, and honesty deepens relationships. Third, consistency beats intensity. A short workout and a brief journal entry completed every day create more growth than a marathon session once a month. These lessons are guiding the way I prepare for the future. I will enter Ball State University as a communications major, and I already see how my experience with anxiety shapes my academic focus. Effective communication begins with listening, something counseling forced me to practice with myself before I could do it well with others. I will join the campus recreation center and keep my exercise routine because I know it keeps me grounded. I also intend to volunteer with the university counseling center, sharing my story with incoming students who may feel alone. In the long term I envision a career that blends media production and mental health advocacy, creating content that normalizes asking for help and shows young men of color prioritizing wellbeing. Making my health a priority taught me that progress is possible when you meet yourself honestly where you are and move one intentional step at a time. That perspective will shape how I study, how I work, and how I live, because thriving is the best way I can honor the support I have received and give that encouragement to others

The personal achievement I’m most proud of is becoming a first-generation college student and serving as a role model for my younger cousins and peers. My journey isn’t just about academic success at all, it’s about showing those around me, especially the little ones in my family, that they can break barriers and achieve more than what’s expected of them. Throughout high school, I made it a point to lead with kindness and integrity. One of the most memorable moments of my senior year was being crowned Prom King at a school where only about 5% of the student body is minorities. For me, this wasn’t just a popularity title, it was a sign that people saw and respected how I showed up. I’ve always tried to build people up, make them feel included, and create a sense of unity, no matter our differences. Being chosen as Prom King affirmed that being true to myself and uplifting others can still shine through in environments where you’re not always the majority. Another achievement I hold close is earning an Honors Certification for Impact in my AP Student Teaching class at Bishop Chatard's recent honors night. I took pride in helping elementary students not only understand tough material but also feel confident in their ability to learn. I brought patience, encouragement, and a sense of community to the classroom, qualities I believe every good leader should have. That experience reminded me that leadership isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s shown through quiet consistency, compassion, and making others feel seen. Becoming a first-generation college student to a single mom means I’m navigating spaces that no one in my immediate family has before. From applying to colleges to figuring out financial aid, I’ve had to teach myself as I go. But the drive to succeed doesn’t just come from me, it comes from knowing I’m creating a path for my little cousins and future generations. I want them to know they belong in every room they walk into, no matter what. These experiences have shaped who I am today: a young Black man committed to rising, leading, and helping others do the same. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and even more excited about where I’m going. With the right tools, guidance, and support, I believe I can help transform not just my life but the lives of many others. That is what success means to me.

Building Success Through Determination My name is Mason Clay, and I am a senior at Bishop Chatard High School in Indianapolis. Numbers don’t always tell the full story of a person, and I hope to show through my actions, character, and ambition that I have what it takes to succeed in college and beyond. While my GPA is currently 2.99, I am determined to make the most of every opportunity that comes my way, let me explain. When I began researching colleges, I was shocked to see the cost of higher education. The thought of tuition, fees, and living expenses seemed overwhelming, and I realized how many great minds may never have the chance to reach their potential because of the financial burden, not just before college but long after graduation. This only strengthened my resolve to rise above these challenges and become more than my circumstances. Coming from a single parent household, I’ve witnessed the importance of hard work and perseverance through my mother, who has always been my greatest inspiration. Her sacrifices have given me the chance to pursue my dreams, and I am committed to honoring that by becoming the first in my family to graduate from college. My interest in business and entrepreneurship comes from a desire to create opportunities for others. One of my goals is to start a nonprofit organization called ‘Black Kids Read’ This program would connect college students with younger children to inspire a love for reading and provide representation through diverse stories. Growing up, books gave me a sense of empowerment and helped me dream beyond the limitations others might place on me. I want to make sure that every child has the chance to feel that same inspiration. Through my future career, I aim to not only build a successful business but also give back to my community. I want to mentor young people, help create access to education, and provide resources to those who feel left behind. I believe that success isn’t just about personal achievement, it’s about lifting others as you rise. This scholarship would give me the opportunity to focus on my education and build the skills I need to turn my vision into reality. While my academic journey hasn’t always been easy, I’ve learned the value of resilience and determination. I know that with the right tools and support, I can make a difference in the world and inspire others to do the same. Thank you for considering my application. I am grateful for this opportunity to take another step toward achieving my dreams and building a brighter future for myself, my family, and my community.

Building a Future of Opportunity My name is Mason Clay, and I am a senior at Bishop Chatard High School in Indianapolis. It is an honor to apply for a scholarship that celebrates the life and legacy of Andrea N. Santore, whose dedication to her family and passion for her career continue to inspire others. Her story resonates with me deeply, as I come from a single-parent household and understand the challenges of pursuing big dreams with limited resources. I’ve chosen to pursue a degree in business and entrepreneurship because I want to break the cycles of living paycheck to paycheck in my family, to create opportunities for others while building something meaningful for myself and my community. My dream is to establish a nonprofit organization called ‘Black Kids Read’. This initiative would connect college students like myself with area students in the communities, fostering a love for reading and providing access to diverse stories that celebrate Black voices and culture. I can’t stress the importance of seeing someone like yourself succeed. Growing up, books were an essential part of my life. They allowed me to see beyond my circumstances, dream bigger, and explore new possibilities. However, I often struggled to find stories where I saw myself represented. This experience inspired me to create a program that ensures children feel valued and empowered through education and representation. Attending college will give me the tools and knowledge I need to turn this vision into reality. A business degree will equip me with the skills to manage and grow my nonprofit, allowing me to positively impact as many lives as possible. Beyond that, earning my degree will be a milestone for my family. As a first-generation college student, I would represent the sacrifices and encouragement of my mother, who has worked tirelessly to support my dreams. This scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of pursuing my education but also allow me to focus on developing my leadership skills, financial literacy and community outreach efforts. I am committed to carrying forward Andrea N. Santore’s legacy by using my education to create opportunities for others, by learning the tools I need to be financially successful by embodying her passion and vision for a better future. Thank you for considering my application. I hope to honor Andrea’s memory by striving for excellence in my education, giving back to my community, and building a brighter future for the next generation.

Living a Legacy of Excellence My name is Mason Clay, and I am a senior at Bishop Chatard High School in Indianapolis. I was deeply moved by the story of Kalia D. Davis, a young woman who embodied excellence, kindness, and perseverance. Although I didn’t have the privilege of knowing her, I feel inspired by the legacy she left behind, and I am honored to apply for a scholarship that celebrates her remarkable life. For as long as I can remember, baseball was a big part of my life. I started playing at the age of four and continued until my sophomore year of high school. The discipline, teamwork, and focus I learned on the field shaped who I am today. However, due to health challenges, I made the difficult decision to walk away from sports to prioritize my academics. It wasn’t an easy choice, but it was the right one. After stepping away from baseball, I found a new sense of purpose through volunteering. On weekends, I began working at a local food pantry, helping families in need. The experience has been incredibly rewarding and has taught me the value of giving back to my community. It’s humbling to know that small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life, and I’ve come to appreciate the importance of service in building a better world. This scholarship would be an incredible help as I prepare to attend college and pursue my dream of studying business and entrepreneurship. My goal is to create a nonprofit organization called Black Kids Read, which would connect college students with younger children to inspire a love of reading and promote representation through diverse stories. I believe every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the books they read, and I want to help make that vision a reality. Kalia’s story is a reminder to live life with purpose and passion. Her work ethic, commitment to others, and determination to excel in every area of her life inspire me to do the same. It’s a blessing to be a light even after you’re gone. If awarded this scholarship, I will honor her memory by continuing to strive for excellence, give back to my community, and lead with compassion and resilience. Thank you for considering my application. It would be a privilege to carry forward Kalia’s legacy by living, loving, laughing, and learning in all that I do.

Firstly, I’d like to thank Simon’s family for sharing his passion. It’s one thing to be a light in the world but it’s an amazing thing to continue to be a light after you’re gone. I hope I’m one of many students that will continue Simon’s Legacy. Turning Adversity into Strength By: Mason Clay Adversity has been a constant presence in my life, but one experience stands out as both a challenge and a turning point. As a Black student attending a predominantly white high school, I often felt like I didn’t belong. My dreadlocks, which I wear with pride, became a symbol that others used to stereotype me. People assumed I was lazy, unmotivated, or even a troublemaker simply because of how I looked. Those assumptions weighed heavily on me, and there were times I questioned whether I would ever be seen for who I truly am, a hardworking, curious, and determined young man. What made this even harder was dealing with ADHD and anxiety. My mind was often racing, and staying focused in school felt like climbing a mountain every day. The pressure to prove myself, to overcome not just my challenges but also the stereotypes was overwhelming. I could have let the negativity define me, but instead, I used it as motivation to excel. Rather than shrinking under the weight of these struggles, I leaned into my strengths. I channeled my creativity and curiosity into reading, writing, and exploring new ideas. Books became my escape and my empowerment. They opened my mind to new possibilities and reminded me that I was capable of great things, no matter what others thought of me. Through this experience, I learned that adversity doesn’t define you, how you respond to it does. I realized the importance of staying true to myself and surrounding myself with people who see and believe in my potential. My mother has always been one of those people. She taught me the value of resilience and the importance of pushing through, even when the odds feel stacked against you. If I could offer advice to someone facing similar circumstances, I would say this: own your story. Don’t let others tell you who you are or what you can achieve. The labels people try to put on you are often more about their limitations than yours. Focus on your goals and find strength in the things that make you unique. Your struggles are not weaknesses, they are stepping stones to your growth. I would also tell them to find their passion and use it as a source of strength. For me, it’s reading and the desire to inspire others through education. For someone else, it might be music, art, or sports. Whatever it is, let it be a reminder of what you’re capable of and why your voice matters. Adversity taught me that I am more than my struggles, and my challenges have shaped me into someone who is stronger, more compassionate, and more determined to succeed. I know that my journey is just beginning, and I look forward to using my experiences to help others overcome their own obstacles and achieve their dreams. Again, thank you for this opportunity. Mason Clay

Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges My name is Mason Clay, and I am proud to say that I will be the first in my family to graduate from college. My mother has always been my greatest inspiration. Though she didn’t graduate from college herself, she has instilled in me the values of perseverance, hard work, and the belief that education is a powerful tool for change. Watching her balance multiple responsibilities while encouraging me to reach for my dreams has taught me that the sacrifices of one generation can pave the way for the next. Education has always been at the heart of our story, but I know that for many families like mine, the journey can feel daunting. I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges of being labeled and underestimated. Growing up as a Black student with ADHD, I often felt like I was battling stereotypes. But books became a refuge for me; a way to expand my world, develop my imagination, and dream beyond the limits others placed on me. If given the opportunity, I would create a nonprofit organization called ‘Black Kids Read’. The mission would be simple but powerful: to spark a love of reading in Black children by connecting them with mentors from local colleges. Through ‘Black Kids Read’, college students would visit elementary and middle school classrooms to read stories that reflect Black voices, culture, and history. By introducing children to books where they can see themselves represented, the program would aim to inspire pride in their identity and a lifelong love of learning. Reading can open doors to opportunities that many children in underserved communities might never imagine. Through ‘Black Kids Read’, these children would see young adults who look like them achieving their goals, breaking barriers, and giving back. It’s about representation, inspiration, and showing kids that their dreams are within reach. The program would also create a bridge between college students and the communities they serve, fostering mentorship and community engagement. Whether it’s reading a story about Mae Jemison’s journey to space or discussing the wisdom of Maya Angelou’s words, ‘Black Kids Read’ would ensure that Black children feel seen, valued, and empowered. Winning this scholarship would mean so much more than financial assistance for college, it would be an investment in the dream of creating a better future for others. Like Aserina Hill, I believe that acts of kindness, no matter how small, can have ripple effects that change lives. Through ‘Black Kids Read’, I hope to carry forward her legacy of sacrifice and giving by helping children discover the magic of books and the possibilities that lie within them. Thank you for considering my application. It is my hope that, with this scholarship, I can not only honor my family’s journey but also help others write their own stories of success.

DOM VIVIMUS VIVAMUS. It read boldly, yet I’d never given much thought to Latin before that moment. The phrase, meaning “While we live, let us live,” was entirely new to me. In The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois, he uses this phrase to distinguish between two classes of African Americans: one sought only to live and be left to live, while the other struggled to find its footing in a whitewashed world. As I ponder this, I stare at the white Jesus hanging in the sanctuary of my Catholic school. I wonder, “Where is the hair like wool that the Bible speaks of? Where is the cotton snow?” These questions stir a deeper realization within me: we have been sold a lie. A lie about who we are, where we come from, and the contributions we’ve made to this world. Until we truly embrace the truth of our identity—our history before slavery—we cannot fully reach the awakening Du Bois so eloquently describes. I believe this awakening is crucial, not just for me but for young Black students everywhere. They are being left behind, their potential consumed by distractions from false entertainment in television, music, and streaming. We are inundated with images that distort our reality and keep us from seeking knowledge. I take this as a personal challenge to reverse this trend. “If not me, then who?” My goal in attending Fisk University is to cultivate my own understanding of truth and history. Fisk’s legacy of nurturing Black excellence inspires me to become a leader who helps our youth reconnect with their purpose and greatness. With a foundation built on truth, I want to empower students to see beyond the stereotypes and limitations imposed upon them. This scholarship would be a vital stepping stone in my journey to becoming a teacher of knowledge and a mentor to those who feel unseen or unheard. It would enable me to pursue the education I need to bring this vision to life. One day, I hope to create scholarships in my own name, helping others as this scholarship will help me. This is not just about earning a degree. It’s about reclaiming our story, lifting others as I climb, and ensuring no young Black student is left behind. DOM VIVIMUS VIVAMUS. While we live, let us live fully, with purpose and truth. Lastly, it is an honor to have the opportunity to apply to this scholarship. Thank you, Mason.

DOM VIVIMUS VIVAMUS. It read boldly, yet I’d never given much thought to Latin before that moment. The phrase, meaning “While we live, let us live,” was entirely new to me. In The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois, he uses this phrase to distinguish between two classes of African Americans: one sought only to live and be left to live, while the other struggled to find its footing in a whitewashed world. As I ponder this, I stare at the white Jesus hanging in the sanctuary of my Catholic school. I wonder, “Where is the hair like wool that the Bible speaks of? Where is the cotton snow?” These questions stir a deeper realization within me: we have been sold a lie. A lie about who we are, where we come from, and the contributions we’ve made to this world. Until we truly embrace the truth of our identity and our history before slavery, we cannot fully reach the awakening Du Bois describes. I believe this awakening is crucial, not just for me but for young Black students everywhere. They are being left behind, their potential consumed by distractions from false entertainment in television, music, and streaming. We are inundated with images that distort our reality and keep us from seeking knowledge. I take this as a personal challenge to reverse this trend. “If not me, then who?” My goal in attending Fisk University is to cultivate my own understanding of truth and history. Fisk’s legacy of nurturing Black excellence inspires me to become a leader who helps our youth reconnect with their purpose and greatness. With a foundation built on truth, I want to empower students to see beyond the stereotypes and limitations imposed upon them. This scholarship would be a vital stepping stone in my journey to becoming a teacher of knowledge and a mentor to those who feel unseen or unheard. It would enable me to pursue the education I need to bring this vision to life. One day, I hope to create scholarships in my own name, helping others as this scholarship will help me. This is not just about earning a degree. It’s about reclaiming our story, lifting others as I climb, and ensuring no young Black student is left behind. DOM VIVIMUS VIVAMUS. While we live, let us live fully, with purpose and truth. I’m honored for the opportunity to apply to this scholarship and thank you for considering me.