High school band transformed me. Initially drawn to the program's rich history, I quickly became a leader. Witnessing the loss of our Scottish unit post-COVID, I spearheaded its revival, recruiting members and securing instructors. The joy of restoring this cultural tradition ignited my passion for leadership. Taking on the role of pipe major, I faced numerous challenges, including the band's growth under a new director. This experience honed my leadership skills, fostering connections and a sense of family within my section. Then I became captain of trombones, baritones, and tubas. Leading a 20 piece Low Brass section, I learned the importance of teamwork and compassion, even providing a permanent home for a fellow member of my section in need. Beyond school, I participated in community bands, learning from experienced musicians and directors. In these groups I was able to make an impact on the world around me, offering free concerts at local churches and venues. These experiences solidified my desire to become a music educator. I also organized after-school rehearsals, fostering discipline and growth among my peers. Playing the bagpipes also helped me serve my community. I was asked to play bagpipes for the Polk County Law Enforcement Memorial Service and watched as people were in tears from the impactful moment. My dedication led to achievements in state and county bands, reinforcing the power of discipline and collaboration. Some of my accomplishments are making the All State Honor Band two times on both trombone and tuba as well as the All County Band and Orchestra. I was awarded 8 superiors at solo and ensemble competitions on 4 different instruments with more competitions to come. These experiences shaped me into a confident and compassionate individual. I am now eager to continue my journey at Stetson University, where I felt welcomed and valued. The community of DeLand is a loving group of people that I hope to serve well. I am ready to further develop my leadership skills and pursue my dream of becoming a music educator, making a positive impact on future generations. If I am chosen for this scholarship it will have a big impact on me. I would like to continue bagpipes throughout my life and in order for me to do that I need my own set of pipes. Right now I am trying to figure out how I will pay for all of my schooling as well as getting everything I need to keep performing with all of my instruments. I lost my father when I was in the third grade. This messed me up mentally and I didn't recover, until I found my passion in music. My dad played music, so it has always felt like I can still communicate with him through my instrument. My mom is a single parent on disability due to Multiple Sclerosis, so funding for my college is essential. My father, Elwood Dupuis, was president of both Kiwanis North Naples and Kiwanis Lake Wales. He helped to secure funding and build Barney’s Dream, a park for those of all abilities. I hope to one day serve my community as greatly as my father did before me. State and County Achievements Best rating on Tuba solo at county 2024 Best rating on Trombone solo at county 2024 Excellent rating on Tuba solo at state 2024 Best rating from memory on Trombone solo at state 2024 Best rating on Tuba solo at county 2025 Best rating on Baritone solo at county 2025 Best rating on Trombone solo at county 2025 Best rating on Tuba solo at state 2025 Best rating on Baritone solo at state 2025 Best rating from memory on Trombone solo at state 2025 All-County Band Tuba Player 2022-2023 All-County Band Trombone Player 2023 - Present All-State Honor Band Tuba Player 2024 All-State Honor Band Trombone Player Present Community Bands and Groups Heartland Pops Concert Band 2022-Present The Golden Era Big Band 2024 - Present Rosie O’Grady’s Pipes and Drums 2024 First Presbyterian Church Brass Quintet 2024 Lake Wales Ridge Brass Choir 2022 - Present