My name is Molly LaBrie and I am currently finishing up my senior year at Bristol Agricultural High School in Dighton, MA where I majored in veterinary sciences. My current GPA is 4.121 and I have served as secretary of the National Honor Society, a student ambassador. One of my earliest memories of volunteering is helping my mom deliver meals to those in need in our community and church. I vividly recall assisting with cooking, loading the car, and visiting with recipients in their homes during drop offs. With each passing year I have grown increasingly active in volunteer work. In elementary school I began serving with the Bags of Hope ministry each December which provides foster children throughout MA & RI with personalized duffle bags filled with Christmas gifts. Wrapping gifts and filling bags helped me to appreciate the family I have been blessed with. This ministry touched my heart so much that in middle school I brought my travel softball teams to participate with me each year. I have since additionally volunteering with Angel Tree and Operation Holiday Cheer each Christmas season. I have always had a love for people and animals. In middle school I began making beaded bracelets to sell to classmates. I saved up all money made and donated it to the East Providence Animal Shelter in RI. When COVID hit, I began volunteering with the technology team at Barrington Baptist Church, where I attend each Sunday. There was a need for our church services to be posted online so those at high risk required to stay home would not feel left out. I learned to assist with lighting, camera angles, and to manage slides on the screen. More members of the church and community became aware of this online service and continue to access the service online. I continue to help with these tasks each Sunday morning. During COVID I also participated with our church youth group in writing letters of encouragement to elderly members while being isolated. It warmed my heart to hear of how well these letters were received. Additionally, I learned how to cut fabric and sew masks with my mom. We spent hours ensuring everyone we knew had a mask at a time when there weren't any to be found. These activities have helped me to appreciate my health and relationships. During my sophomore, junior and senior years I have volunteered as a student ambassador at my high school. I visited middle schools to educate about our school, helped with freshman orientation, provided tours, and assisted with various events. This has provided opportunities to grow in leadership and to appreciate many of the unique opportunities that my high school has offered me. In recent years I have also volunteered at the Open Hands Food Pantry in Barrington, RI on Saturdays that I am able. I help to unload food and present it nicely on tables as well as assist community members in carrying bags of food to their cars. This has enabled me to meet individuals within my community that are in need and form connections that have helped me to grow as an individual. As I look forward to beginning the next chapter of my life at the University of Massachusetts Amherst this fall, I am excited to pursue new avenues to lead through service. What started out as helping my mom deliver meals has grown into a passion that will forever be a part of my life. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the STLF Memorial Pay it Forward Scholarship that I connect so deeply with.

My name is Molly LaBrie and I am currently finishing up my senior year at Bristol Agricultural High School in Dighton, MA where I majored in veterinary sciences. My current GPA is 4.121 and I have served as secretary of the National Honor Society, a student ambassador and participated in Varsity Volleyball, Basketball (Captain) and Softball (Captain). One of my earliest memories of volunteering is helping my mom deliver meals to those in need in our community and church. I vividly recall assisting with cooking, loading the car, and visiting with recipients in their homes during drop offs. With each passing year I have grown increasingly active in volunteer work. In elementary school I began serving with the Bags of Hope ministry each November/December. This ministry provides foster children throughout MA & RI with personalized duffle bags filled with Christmas gifts. Wrapping gifts and filling the bags helped me to appreciate the family I have been blessed with. This ministry touched my heart so much that in middle school I brought my travel softball teams to participate with me each year. I have always had a love for people and animals. In middle school I began making beaded bracelets to sell to classmates. I saved up all money made and donated it to the East Providence Animal Shelter in RI. When COVID hit, I began volunteering with the technology team at Barrington Baptist Church, where I attend each Sunday. There was a need for our church services to be posted online so those at high risk required to stay home would not feel left out. I learned to assist with lighting, camera angles, and to manage slides on the screen. More members of the church and community became aware of this online service and continue to access the service online. I continue to help with these tasks each Sunday morning. During COVID I also participated with our church youth group in writing letters of encouragement to elderly members while being isolated. It warmed my heart to hear of how well these letters were received. Additionally I learned how to cut fabric and sew masks with my Mom. We spent hours ensuring everyone we knew had a mask at a time when there weren't any to be found. These activities have helped me to appreciate my health and relationships. During my sophomore, junior and senior years I have volunteered as a student ambassador at my high school. I visited middle schools to educate about our school, helped with freshman orientation, provided tours, and assisted with various events. This has provided opportunities to grow in leadership and to appreciate many of the unique opportunities that my high school has offered me. In recent years I have also volunteered at the Open Hands Food Pantry in Barrington, RI on Saturdays that I am able. I help to unload food and present it nicely on tables as well as assist community members in carrying bags of food to their cars. This has enabled me to meet individuals within my community that are in need and form connections that have helped me to grow as an individual. As I look forward to beginning the next chapter of my life at the University of Massachusetts Amherst this fall, I am excited to pursue new volunteer opportunities and continuing to learn grow as an individual. What started out as helping my Mom deliver meals has grown into a passion that will forever be a part of my life. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the John Puffer SMILE scholarship that I connect so deeply with.

At five years old I participated in my first t-ball game. Although we had only practiced hitting off of a tee, I asked my coach to pitch the ball to me. To my surprise I hit it! This is one of the first examples of my ambition. It also started my love for my favorite sport...softball. I have played softball every year since t-ball including year-round since the age of 8. "What does MVP mean?" I asked my dad at the age of 11 after receiving this award following a softball game. I may not have known what a valuable player was, but I knew the importance of hard work. I grew to see the correlation between time invested and the outcome. My ambition and dedication to hard work applies to many aspects of my life...academics, relationships, athletics, volunteer work, and other activities. Throughout my middle and high school careers I have been blessed to achieve many of my goals. Since the 6th grade I have made high honors consistently each term and year. This enabled me to become a student ambassador and join the National Honors Society where I serve as Secretary. It has also opened doors to many choices for college. I am graduating 3rd out of my class of 154 students and look forward to attending UMass Amherst this fall with a major in animal science/pre-veterinary. I am pursuing this degree in order to get into veterinary school and reach my goal of becoming a veterinarian. In my relationships I am sure to make time to stay connected and encourage those around me to be the best they can be. I have grown into leadership and consider myself a role model to the underclassmen on my teams. My teachers have told me they appreciate my willingness to assist other students in class to grasp concepts and perform their best. Throughout high school I have played Varsity Volleyball, Basketball & Softball. I served as Captain for our basketball team Senior year and Captain of our softball team junior and senior years. My dedication to each sport earned me the MVP/Mayflower Athletic Conference All Star Award in volleyball (2024), basketball (2025/2026) and Softball (2025). I was also chosen by our Athletic Director to participate in conferences related to leadership and sportsmanship as a representative of our high school. I enjoy volunteering weekly in my community. I currently sing in my church's choir and volunteer each Sunday morning on its technology team where I assist with lighting, recording, and changing slides so each service runs smoothly and those watching from home don't miss out. Seasonally I enjoy volunteering with Bags of Hope, Angel Tree Ministry, and Operation Cheer. Through volunteer work I have learned to appreciate my family, friends, community, health and opportunities available to me. My coaches have made a strong impact on who I am today. They have taught me the value of taking criticism, learning new techniques in training/performance, making goals, time management skills and more. I wouldn't be the person I am today without their influence in my life. Playing sports has allowed me to learn invaluable lessons and grow into the ambitious and dedicated individual I am today. I will use these qualities as I begin this next chapter of my life at UMass Amherst and beyond. I am thankful for the skills I've learned throughout my years of participating in athletics and appreciate the opportunity to apply for this scholarship that I connect with so deeply.

At five years old I participated in my first t-ball game. Although we had only practiced hitting off of a tee, I asked my coach to pitch the ball to me. To my surprise I hit it! This is one of the first examples of my ambition. In elementary school I attended a father-daughter dance in which there was a hula hoop competition. I vividly recall who won that competition and the prize she received. From that night on I dedicated my free time to practicing the hula hoop. I learned to hula multiple hoops around my waist, arms and legs! By the next Father-Daughter dance I won the competition. I will never forget that feeling of accomplishment after working so hard. "What does MVP mean?" I asked my dad at the age of 11 after receiving this award following a softball game. I may not have known what a valuable player was, but I knew the importance of hard work. I grew to see the correlation between time invested and the outcome. My ambition and dedication to hard work applies to many aspects of my life...academics, relationships, athletics, volunteer work, and other activities. Throughout my middle and high school careers I have been blessed to achieve many of my goals. Since the 6th grade I have made high honors consistently each term and year. This enabled me to become a student ambassador and join the National Honors Society where I serve as Secretary. It has also opened doors to many choices for college. I am graduating 3rd out of my class of 154 students and look forward to attending UMass Amherst this fall with a major in animal science/pre-veterinary. I am pursuing this degree in order to get into veterinary school and reach my goal of becoming a veterinarian. In my relationships I am sure to make time to stay connected and encourage those around me to be the best they can be. I have grown into leadership and consider myself a role model to the underclassmen on my teams. My teachers have told me they appreciate my willingness to assist other students in class to grasp concepts and perform their best. Throughout high school I have played Varsity Volleyball, Basketball & Softball. I served as Captain for our basketball team Senior year and Captain of our softball team junior and senior years. My dedication to each sport earned me the MVP/Mayflower Athletic Conference All Star Award in volleyball (2024), basketball (2025/2026) and Softball (2025). I was also chosen by our Athletic Director to participate in conferences related to leadership and sportsmanship as a representative of our high school. I enjoy volunteering weekly in my community. I currently sing in my church's choir and volunteer each Sunday morning on its technology team where I assist with lighting, recording, and changing slides so each service runs smoothly and those watching from home don't miss out. Seasonally I enjoy volunteering with Bags of Hope, Angel Tree Ministry, and Operation Cheer. Through volunteer work I have learned to appreciate my family, friends, community, health and opportunities available to me. Playing sports has allowed me to learn invaluable lessons and grow into the ambitious and dedicated individual I am today. I will use these qualities as I begin this next chapter of my life at UMass Amherst and beyond. I am thankful for the skills I've learned throughout my years of participating in athletics and appreciate the opportunity to apply for this scholarship that I connect with so deeply.

My name is Molly LaBrie and I am currently finishing up my senior year at Bristol Agricultural High School in Dighton, MA where I majored in veterinary sciences. My current GPA is 4.121 and I have served as secretary of the National Honor Society, a student ambassador and participated in Varsity Volleyball, Basketball (Captian) and Softball (Captain). One of my earliest memories of volunteering is helping my Mom deliver meals to those in need in our community and church. I vividly recall assisting with cooking, loading the car, and visiting with recipients in their homes during drop offs. With each passing year I have grown increasingly active in volunteer work. In elementary school I began serving with the Bags of Hope ministry each November/December. This ministry provides foster children throughout MA & RI with personalized duffle bags filled with Christmas gifts. Wrapping gifts and filling the bags helped me to appreciate the family I have been blessed with. This ministry touched my heart so much that in middle school I brought my travel softball teams to participate with me each year. I have always had a love for people and animals. In middle school I began making beaded bracelets to sell to classmates. I saved up all money made and donated it to the East Providence Animal Shelter in RI. When COVID hit, I began volunteering with the technology team at Barrington Baptist Church, where I attend each Sunday. There was a need for our church services to be posted online so those at high risk required to stay home would not feel left out. I learned to assist with lighting, camera angles, and to manage slides on the screen. More members of the church and community became aware of this online service and continue to access the service online. I continue to help with these tasks each Sunday morning. During COVID I also participated with our church youth group in writing letters of encouragement to elderly members while being isolated. It warmed my heart to hear of how well these letters were received. Additionally I learned how to cut fabric and sew masks with my Mom. We spent hours ensuring everyone we knew had a mask at a time when there weren't any to be found. These activities have helped me to appreciate my health and relationships. During my sophomore, junior and senior years I have volunteered as a student ambassador at my high school. I visited middle schools to educate about our school, helped with freshman orientation, provided tours, and assisted with various events. This has provided opportunities to grow in leadership and to appreciate many of the unique opportunities that my high school has offered me. In recent years I have also volunteered at the Open Hands Food Pantry in Barrington, RI on Saturdays that I am able. I help to unload food and present it nicely on tables as well as assist community members in carrying bags of food to their cars. This has enabled me to meet individuals within my community that are in need and form connections that have helped me to grow as an individual. As I look forward to beginning the next chapter of my life at the University of Massachusetts Amherst this fall, I am excited to pursue new volunteer opportunities and continuing to learn grow as an individual. What started out as helping my Mom deliver meals has grown into a passion that will forever be a part of my life. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the Carla M. Champagne scholarship that I connect so deeply with.

My name is Molly LaBrie, and I am a senior in the Veterinary Science program at Bristol County Agricultural High School. I am a high academic and athletic achiever, and I hope to become a Veterinarian in the future. My mental health will challenge me in this journey, just as it has challenged me thus far. At a young age, I was diagnosed with ADHD, OCD, anxiety, and depression, which have made many things difficult for me. Although I am thankful to now be on medications that help me focus and steady my mood, I still feel the effects of these disorders every day. My mother’s health is a major source of my anxiety. She has been chronically ill for most of her life and out of work for six years, dealing with various health issues. I have experienced many repeating compulsions and troubling thoughts in relation to my mom’s health since elementary school. Mental illness is no stranger to my family. My cousin Jonathan met an early grave when he succumbed to his drug addiction. My cousin Michael suffers from drug-induced schizophrenia. My brother Asher was bitten by a tick and developed Bartonella. We believe that this either began or contributed to his anger issues. Growing up, my house felt unsafe because of him. I always felt on edge, never knowing when something would set him off. I vividly remember my mom grabbing my other brother and me and locking us in the bathroom. We waited for the police while Asher tried to break down the door to kill my brother over a small argument. Asher would beat me up, throw things at me, break my belongings, and do much more to make my life difficult. One morning, I woke up for school, and the car was gone, along with Asher. He had stolen it during the night, with no driving experience, and disappeared. We called the police, and in the meantime, I got sent to school as usual. Eventually, my brother had to live inpatient at Bradley Children’s Hospital, as it was unsafe to have him at home. Due to my own worsening OCD and anxiety, my parents signed me up for therapy in the same building. It was a nightmare. I hated it so much that they had to drag me out of the car each week. I associated that building, and therefore therapy, with all of the bad things my brother had done to me. My experiences there left me with a fear and a clouded view of mental health care altogether. Even during virtual appointments for years after this, I would lie to my psychiatrist, hoping my mom would stop making me see her. After many years without therapy, I was recently referred to a therapist at a different location. I really didn’t want to go, but I had been (and still am) struggling with depression and burnout caused by the weight of senior year: college decisions, sports, and many extracurriculars. With the encouragement of my mother, father, and psychiatrist, I attended my first session a couple of months ago. Walking into that room was one of the hardest things I’ve done, but I’m glad I did it. Thanks to the persistence of family and healthcare professionals, I am slowly learning the importance of mental health care. My brother has benefited from treatment, and our relationship has drastically improved. As for myself, I'm continuing therapy, and each session becomes slightly easier. I'm working to improve my mental well-being to make my busy life less stressful, both now and in the future.

Softball has been a part of my life for well over a decade, and I can't imagine my life without it. Since I started playing tee-ball in kindergarten, the sport has shaped me into who I am today: hardworking, determined, ambitious, a leader, punctual, and so much more. When I was only five years old, I did something at tee-ball practice that has become a favorite story in my family. We were taking turns hitting, and the coach's son was up to bat. All of the other kids hit off the tee, but the coach took away the tee for his son and tossed the ball to him instead. It was my turn next, and when the coach started to put the tee back, I told him not to and asked to be pitched to as well. The coach laughed and tossed the ball to me. I hit it on the first swing. This grit and determination have always been a part of me. Playing softball has further developed these skills and led me to where I am today. Softball has not only highlighted traits that were already present in me, but also helped me to develop many more. Softball taught me the importance of being punctual and reliable. For years, it has been ingrained into me by coaches that being late and not showing up for your team has consequences. I have seen how this applies to many other aspects of life, such as work, friendships, community service, and school. The discipline of training and practicing softball multiple days a week, on top of other school sports (volleyball and basketball), has allowed me to develop effective time management skills. I value academics just as much as athletics. I have worked hard over many years to excel in my school work and establish my 4.1 GPA. On top of my packed athletic schedule, maintaining my grades has been challenging. However, I find a way to get everything done to the best of my ability. These skills of punctuality and time management will allow me to attend veterinary school in the future. Twelve years after that first pitch, softball continues to positively impact my life. I have been a captain of my school's varsity softball team for two years now, and a varsity starter all four years of my high school career. My outgoing personality and leadership skills are put to use in my main position as catcher. Being a catcher allows me to see the entire field, call pitches and plays, and direct my teammates. I am also a catcher and leader on my year-round club softball team, the Taunton Tornadoes. This season will be my second year on this team. I played club softball with Rehoboth Thunder for eight years prior to joining the Taunton league. The leadership that I have developed through softball doesn't end on the field. I am also captain of my school's varsity basketball team and secretary of our National Honor Society chapter. These past many years, I have spent much of my free time dedicated to softball. I would not have it any other way. I am very thankful to have been offered a spot on the Johnson and Wales University softball team. Whether it be through playing at the collegiate level, coaching, or teaching my future children about the sport, I know that softball will always be a big part of who I am. I may not know what lies ahead, but I know that softball will be a part of it.

ADHD has made school difficult for me. At a young age, I found focusing to be almost impossible. I would often get in trouble in school for talking too much or being unable to stay in my seat. I would receive lunch detentions or get separated from my friends. These experiences made me feel alienated. What the teachers didn't understand was that I really was trying my hardest. I wished I could've been like the other kids who never got in trouble and always stayed in their seats. I tried, I really tried. I never want to upset anyone and aim to please, so when teachers got frustrated with me, I felt horrible. I would cry, and I wished I could be like the other kids. I tried therapy. I did not work for me as a child. In fact, it left me even more traumatized. I felt as though my condition made me worthless, like a lost cause, or a nut job. Even still, as a senior in high school, there are days when I despise my condition. Especially when paired with my other diagnosis such as anxiety, OCD, and depression, I struggle to be proud of who I am. Even right now, sitting here writing this essay, I am struggling to remain focused, which is causing me to be anxious. What if it isn't good enough? What if I don't submit it in time? What if I don't win any scholarships and can never achieve my dreams? Why can't I just focus like everyone else and get it over with? How am I ever going to get into vet school? I know that I shouldn't think this way about myself, or compare myself to others, and I know that this whole essay is supposed to be about overcoming my condition, but the reality is that ADHD will always be a part of me. I will always be different and have certain difficulties. I will never be "cured". Since being placed on medication, it has helped me to realize that ADHD not only hinders, but can also help individuals. Recently, I have seen some positives to being neurodivergent. Almost as often as I have trouble focusing, my ADHD allows me to hyperfocus on certain tasks, allowing me to have extremely productive days. Additionally, it has allowed me to make many good friends with the same condition who understand and love me for who I am. If I could choose to have or to not have ADHD, I would definitely choose not to have it. However, life doesn't work this way. Therefore, I will do what I have always done. Adapt and overcome.