A true hero and leader is someone who will inspire, motivate, and lead by example, regardless of obstacles that may slow down or stop their progress toward success. Being a good leader is about how you carry yourself in the face of adversity and how you treat others as they form their struggles and successes. It’s about showing resilience, determination, responsibility, and humility in everything you do; all of which are character traits that I value, and do my best to uphold. September 2020 was an incomprehensible time for our small community in Phoenix-Talent, Oregon. There was an already rough start to the year due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, putting everyone in online school for the last third of the school year. After a summer in quarantine, everyone was looking forward to going back to school, with the hope that we would soon return to in-person learning. But those hopes were soon replaced with fear in our community. On September 8th, 2020 an urban wildfire, known as the Almeda Fire, broke out claiming over 2,500 homes and 150 businesses in the small towns of Phoenix and Talent, Oregon. The result of this devastation was close to 50% of our school district’s student body left homeless. I was one of the lucky ones, as my family’s house was spared. But the scar and emotional impact left inside will be with me forever. Close friends and family members were directly affected and the community was pulled in all directions. Many families had to find refuge in other surrounding towns. When we eventually did go back to in-person learning, school attendance and extracurricular activity participation were left in shambles. I was called to action to help in whatever way I could. Sports have been a big part of my life since I was little. I believe staying active is key to staying healthy - in all aspects of the word - physically, emotionally, socially, and mentally. Sports have also taught me to be gritty, resilient, and have a sense of pride. Therefore, I decided to participate as a coach in our school’s Junior Pirate Athletic League (JPAL), starting with our soccer program, one of my favorite sports. It was a huge success. It had the biggest turnout the program had ever seen. We had kids ranging from ages 5-10 coming to learn the sport. I was a coach for a group of about 15 kids, teaching them basic drills and soccer skills, and playing live scrimmage games. The kids were craving normalcy, even if it was something as simple as kicking a soccer ball. They were excited to be there and get involved with what we had to offer them. We gave them something to look forward to in the aftermath of the Almeda Fire. Even after the JPAL soccer program ended, the kids went on to participate in other JPAL sports programs, because they loved being involved so much. They were in fact the true definition of resilience, which was amazing to watch. In the face of true tragedy, I was able to provide a positive impact on the kids in our community, which is something that will stay with me forever, and inspire me to further support my community in the future. In fact, my immediate plan next year is to attend Montana Technological University and begin my journey to earn a degree in nursing. Nursing is an incredibly rewarding and necessary career field that will allow me to give back to the community every day. I will be able to help and support people during some of the most vulnerable times in their life, mirroring my previous efforts as a coach for the kids in the aftermath of the Almeda fire. I will be able to build personal relationships with patients, supporting them medically, and adding a sense of grit, humility, and positivity. I also plan to take advantage of any and all volunteer work that comes my way, whether that be coaching, or working at local Blood Drives, etc. After all, no matter how big or small the effort is, the impact can be immeasurable. It can shine a light in the darkness of a devastating situation, and bring hope to where fear once was.

My primary educational and career goal is to go into nursing and explore surgical nursing or CCU/ICU specialities. I have always admired the personal relationships and compassion that nurses bring to their patients, and I have a deep interest in learning about medicine and how the human body works. As a first step in this path, I participated in a 5-week program to earn my Nursing Assistant certification (CNA) this past summer. It was incredibly interesting, and it gave me a better insight into what a nurse does. All the bodily fluids I had to help clean up in my clinical hours didn’t scare me away from nursing as it may have for others. Instead, it solidified my choice to become a nurse. During my clinical hours at a local skilled nursing facility, I was immediately drawn to the connection I built with the patients, and knew without a doubt this was the path I wanted to follow. Nursing is a very rewarding field, however, being accepted into a nursing program to become a Registered Nurse (RN) is very competitive at most colleges and universities. These programs are looking for top-notch scholars, who are dedicated and have a very strong work ethic. I take pride in knowing that during my high school years, I’ve prepared myself to be a hard-working, well-rounded person, who can keep a fast-paced schedule, and excel academically, physically, and mentally. Currently, I am ranked #1 in my class (out of 153 students). I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout my entire high school career, all while taking numerous AP/honors classes. I play 3 varsity sports (soccer, basketball, and softball), and am actively involved in leadership roles throughout the school and in the community. I serve as ASB Secretary and Link Leader in the Phoenix High School Link Crew, which is a program that mentors freshmen and helps them get through their first year of high school by organizing and participating in fun activities. I am also heavily involved with the Junior Pirate Athletic League, serving as a coach for the soccer, basketball, and softball programs, and regularly volunteer with American Red Cross Blood Drives held at our school. Recently, I was entrusted with organizing and managing the November/Fall blood drive. This included many hours of planning and scheduling, delegating tasks to other volunteers, and ensuring that everything went smoothly. The process was stressful, but it created an opportunity for me and my classmates to help those in need. My immediate plan is to attend Montana Technological University next year and pursue my dream of not only becoming a Registered Nurse but to live in the state of Montana. Living and going to school in the beautiful state of Montana has been a dream of mine since I was little. Despite living in Oregon, most of my extended family live in Montana, and we travel there often for family visits and reunions. Montana Tech provides many of the characteristics I’m looking for in a college, in addition to offering a fantastic nursing program. While all of this can very well be within my reach, the expenses involved in attending college are a challenge. I have worked hard to be successful both in and out of school, knowing that my dreams would exceed my financial capabilities. Earning this scholarship would mean I could fulfill my dream of living in Montana and pursuing a career as an RN, without having to worry about a large amount of loan debt in the future. Thank you for your consideration and for allowing me the opportunity to follow my passions.

A true leader is someone who will inspire, motivate, and lead by example, regardless of obstacles that may slow down or stop their progress toward success. Being a good leader is about how you carry yourself in the face of adversity and how you treat others as they form their struggles and successes. It’s about showing resilience, determination, responsibility, and humility in everything you do; all of which are character traits that I value, and do my best to uphold. September 2020 was an incomprehensible time for our small community in Phoenix-Talent, Oregon. After a summer in quarantine, everyone was looking forward to going back to school, with the hope that we would soon return to in-person learning. But those hopes were soon replaced with fear in our community. On September 8th, 2020 an urban wildfire, known as the Almeda Fire, broke out claiming over 2,500 homes and 150 businesses in the small towns of Phoenix and Talent, Oregon. The result of this devastation was close to 50% of our school district’s student body left homeless. I was one of the lucky ones, as my family’s house was spared. But the scar and emotional impact left inside will be with me forever. Close friends and family members were directly affected and the community was pulled in all directions. School attendance and extracurricular activity participation were left in shambles. I was called to action to help in whatever way I could. Sports have been a big part of my life and I believe staying active is key to staying healthy -physically, emotionally, socially, and mentally. Sports have also taught me to be gritty, resilient, and prideful. I decided to participate as a soccer coach in our school’s Junior Pirate Athletic League (JPAL). It was a huge success having the biggest turnout the program had ever seen. I was a coach for a group of about 15 kids, teaching them basic drills and soccer skills, and playing live scrimmage games. The kids were craving normalcy, even if it was something as simple as kicking a soccer ball. They were excited to be there and get involved with what we had to offer them. We gave them something to look forward to in the aftermath of the Almeda Fire. Even after the JPAL soccer program ended, the kids went on to participate in other JPAL sports programs, because they loved being involved so much. In the face of true tragedy, I was able to provide a positive impact on the kids in our community, which is something that will stay with me forever, and inspire me to further support my community. Without volunteer leaders willing to step up and provide these types of opportunities for the kids, the JPAL soccer program, and others, would not have been as successful as they were. This is why it is so important for people, such as myself, to participate in these leadership roles. No matter how big or small the program is, the impact can be immeasurable. It can shine a light in the darkness of a devastating situation, and bring hope to where fear once was.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve known what I wanted to do with my life. Science, and in particular the study of the way the human body works, has been a passion of mine. I remember a time when I was about 10 years old, our neighbor, who owns and operates a farm, was butchering a lamb for meat, and with huge excitement, I asked my mom if I could go watch. My mom, baffled, looked at me and said, “You do know what butchering means, don’t you?”. Of course, I knew what that meant. It meant I could go see what the inside of a lamb looked like! I think she was a little shocked but realized that my intentions were not malicious. She tells me that was the day she realized the medical field would be a great career path for me. Fast forward to my recent years, I’ve done a lot of research on science-related careers that will fulfill my interest in anatomy, but will also give me the chance to help and support people, which is another passion of mine. Due to the personal relationships you build with people and patients, nursing is an appealing career path. This past summer, between my junior and senior years of high school, I decided to do a deeper dive into the nursing field. I had the opportunity to participate in a 5-week program to earn my Nursing Assistant certification (CNA). It was incredibly interesting, and it gave me a better insight into what a nurse does. All the bodily fluids I had to help clean up in my clinical hours didn’t scare me away from nursing as it may have for others. Instead, it solidified my choice to become a nurse. Nursing is a very rewarding field, however, being accepted into a nursing program to become a Registered Nurse (RN) is very competitive at most colleges and universities. These programs are looking for top-notch scholars, who are dedicated to working hard. I take pride in knowing that during my high school years, I’ve prepared myself to be a hard-working, well-rounded person, who can keep a fast-paced schedule, and excel academically, physically, and mentally. Currently, I am ranked #1 in my class (out of 153 students). I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout my entire high school career, all while playing 3 varsity sports, and being actively involved in leadership roles throughout the school and in the community. My school recently put me in charge of organizing and managing this year’s fall blood drive. This included many hours of planning and scheduling, delegating tasks to other volunteers, and ensuring that everything went smoothly. The process was stressful, but it created an opportunity for me and my classmates to help those in need. While my plan to attend a 4-year university next year and pursue my dream of becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) can very well be within my reach, the expenses involved in attending college are a challenge. I have worked hard to be successful both in and out of school, knowing that my dreams would exceed my financial capabilities. Earning the Wieland Nurse Appreciation Scholarship would mean I could fulfill my dream of pursuing a career as an RN, without having to worry about a large amount of loan debt in the future. Thank you for your consideration and for allowing me the opportunity to follow my passions.

A true leader is someone who will inspire, motivate, and lead by example, regardless of obstacles that may slow down or stop their progress toward success. Being a good leader is about how you carry yourself in the face of adversity and how you treat others as they form their struggles and successes. It’s about showing resilience, determination, responsibility, and humility in everything you do; all of which are character traits that make me unique and do my best to uphold. September 2020 was an incomprehensible time for our small community in Phoenix-Talent, Oregon. After a summer in quarantine, everyone was looking forward to going back to school, with the hope that we would soon return to in-person learning. But those hopes were soon replaced with fear in our community. On September 8th, 2020 an urban wildfire, known as the Almeda Fire, broke out claiming over 2,500 homes and 150 businesses in the small towns of Phoenix and Talent, Oregon. The result of this devastation was close to 50% of our school district’s student body left homeless. I was one of the lucky ones, as my family’s house was spared. But the scar and emotional impact left inside will be with me forever. Close friends and family members were directly affected and the community was pulled in all directions. School attendance and extracurricular activity participation were left in shambles. I was called to action to help in whatever way I could. Sports have been a big part of my life and I believe staying active is key to staying healthy -physically, emotionally, socially, and mentally. Sports have also taught me to be gritty, resilient, and prideful. I decided to participate as a soccer coach in our school’s Junior Pirate Athletic League (JPAL). It was a huge success having the biggest turnout the program had ever seen. I was a coach for a group of about 15 kids, teaching them basic drills and soccer skills, and playing live scrimmage games. The kids were craving normalcy, even if it was something as simple as kicking a soccer ball. They were excited to be there and get involved with what we had to offer them. We gave them something to look forward to in the aftermath of the Almeda Fire. Even after the JPAL soccer program ended, the kids went on to participate in other JPAL sports programs, because they loved being involved so much. In the face of true tragedy, I was able to provide a positive impact on the kids in our community, which is something that will stay with me forever, and inspire me to further support my community. In fact, my immediate plan next year is to attend Montana Technological University and begin my journey to earn a degree in nursing. Nursing is an incredibly rewarding career field that will allow me to give back to the community every day. I will be able to help and support people during some of the most vulnerable times in their life, mirroring my previous efforts as a coach for the kids in the aftermath of the Almeda fire. I will be able to build personal relationships with patients, supporting them medically, and adding a sense of grit, humility, and positivity. I also plan to take advantage of any volunteer work that comes my way, whether that be coaching, or working at local Blood Drives, etc. After all, no matter how big or small the effort is, the impact can be immeasurable. It can shine a light in the darkness of a devastating situation, and bring hope to where fear once was.

My dream is to give back to the community every day by pursuing a career in Nursing, which will allow me to help and support people during some of the most vulnerable times in their life while building close, personal relationships.

A true leader is someone who will inspire, motivate, and lead by example, regardless of obstacles that may slow down or stop their progress toward success. Being a good leader is about how you carry yourself in the face of adversity and how you treat others as they form their struggles and successes. It’s about showing resilience, determination, responsibility, and humility in everything you do; all of which are character traits that I value, and do my best to uphold. September 2020 was an incomprehensible time for our small community in Phoenix-Talent, Oregon. After a summer in quarantine, everyone was looking forward to going back to school, with the hope that we would soon return to in-person learning. But those hopes were soon replaced with fear in our community. On September 8th, 2020 an urban wildfire, known as the Almeda Fire, broke out claiming over 2,500 homes and 150 businesses in the small towns of Phoenix and Talent, Oregon. The result of this devastation was close to 50% of our school district’s student body left homeless. I was one of the lucky ones, as my family’s house was spared. But the scar and emotional impact left inside will be with me forever. Close friends and family members were directly affected and the community was pulled in all directions. School attendance and extracurricular activity participation were left in shambles. I was called to action to help in whatever way I could. Sports have been a big part of my life and I believe staying active is key to staying healthy -physically, emotionally, socially, and mentally. Sports have also taught me to be gritty, resilient, and prideful. I decided to participate as a soccer coach in our school’s Junior Pirate Athletic League (JPAL). It was a huge success having the biggest turnout the program had ever seen. I was a coach for a group of about 15 kids, teaching them basic drills and soccer skills, and playing live scrimmage games. The kids were craving normalcy, even if it was something as simple as kicking a soccer ball. They were excited to be there and get involved with what we had to offer them. We gave them something to look forward to in the aftermath of the Almeda Fire. Even after the JPAL soccer program ended, the kids went on to participate in other JPAL sports programs, because they loved being involved so much. In the face of true tragedy, I was able to provide a positive impact on the kids in our community, which is something that will stay with me forever, and inspire me to further support my community. In fact, my immediate plan next year is to attend Montana Technological University and begin my journey to earn a degree in nursing. Nursing is an incredibly rewarding career field that will allow me to give back to the community every day. I will be able to help and support people during some of the most vulnerable times in their life, mirroring my previous efforts as a coach for the kids in the aftermath of the Almeda fire. I will be able to build personal relationships with patients, supporting them medically, and adding a sense of grit, humility, and positivity. I also plan to take advantage of any volunteer work that comes my way, whether that be coaching, or working at local Blood Drives, etc. After all, no matter how big or small the effort is, the impact can be immeasurable. It can shine a light in the darkness of a devastating situation, and bring hope to where fear once was.

Charitable actions are a vital part of society. They uphold a sense of balance in the world by helping to build communities and serving as reassurances during times of hardship. This idea has been especially true throughout my hometown and school district (Phoenix/Talent, Oregon) over the past couple of years, with not only the Covid-19 Pandemic but also in the aftermath of the horrific urban wildfire, the Almeda Fire, that broke out in September of 2020. You can imagine the difficulty when the Covid-19 Pandemic hit, which put everyone in online school and shut down sports and other events for the remainder of the 2020 school year. With the hope that we would soon return to normal, in-person activities, everyone was looking forward to going back to school the following school year. But those hopes were soon replaced with fear in our community. The Almeda Fire claimed over 2,500 homes and 150 businesses. The result of this devastation was close to 50% of our school district’s student body left homeless. I was one of the lucky ones, as my family’s house was spared. But the scar and emotional impact left inside will be with me forever. Close friends and family members were directly affected. The community was pulled in all directions. When we eventually did go back to in-person learning in 2021, school attendance and extracurricular activity participation were left in shambles. I was called to action to help in whatever way I could. I decided to participate as a coach in our school’s Junior Pirate Athletic League (JPAL), starting with our soccer program, one of my favorite sports. The Covid-19 guidelines were just beginning to loosen up when the JPAL soccer program began. It was a huge success, having the biggest turnout the program had ever seen. We taught kids ages 5-10 basic soccer skills for about 4 weeks. The kids craved normalcy, even if it was something as simple as kicking a soccer ball. They were excited to be there and used the sport to connect with others. Soccer brought the kids together, and the program gave them something positive to look forward to. It made them feel like they were not alone in the aftermath of the Almeda Fire. The entire experience taught me the importance of community and charitable actions, as it demonstrated the greatness it can bring when people set aside their troubles and differences, and come together as one, to enjoy each other’s company and have fun. No matter how big or small the program or action is, over time it can add up to an immeasurable impact. The JPAL soccer program was just one component of the process of rebuilding our community. It was a small victory but the impact it had on kids as individuals amounted to one that is great. It shined a light in the darkness of a devastating situation and brought hope to where fear once was. I will forever remember these lessons learned and will do everything I possibly can to shine that same light into my future endeavors - throughout my college experience - and beyond.

Charitable actions are a vital part of society. They uphold a sense of balance in the world by helping to build communities and serving as reassurances during times of hardship. This idea has been especially true throughout my hometown and school district (Phoenix/Talent, Oregon) over the past couple of years, with not only the Covid-19 Pandemic but also in the aftermath of the horrific urban wildfire, the Almeda Fire, that broke out in September of 2020. You can imagine the difficulty when the Covid-19 Pandemic hit, which put everyone in online school and shut down sports and other events for the remainder of the 2020 school year. With the hope that we would soon return to normal, in-person activities, everyone was looking forward to going back to school the following school year. But those hopes were soon replaced with fear in our community. The Almeda Fire claimed over 2,500 homes and 150 businesses. The result of this devastation was close to 50% of our school district’s student body left homeless. I was one of the lucky ones, as my family’s house was spared. But the scar and emotional impact left inside will be with me forever. Close friends and family members were directly affected. The community was pulled in all directions. When we eventually did go back to in-person learning in 2021, school attendance and extracurricular activity participation were left in shambles. I was called to action to help in whatever way I could. I decided to participate as a coach in our school’s Junior Pirate Athletic League (JPAL), starting with our soccer program, one of my favorite sports. The Covid-19 guidelines were just beginning to loosen up when the JPAL soccer program began. It was a huge success, having the biggest turnout the program had ever seen. We taught kids ages 5-10 basic soccer skills for about 4 weeks. The kids craved normalcy, even if it was something as simple as kicking a soccer ball. They were excited to be there and used the sport to connect with others. Soccer brought the kids together, and the program gave them something positive to look forward to. It made them feel like they were not alone in the aftermath of the Almeda Fire. The entire experience taught me the importance of community and charitable actions, as it demonstrated the greatness it can bring when people set aside their troubles and differences, and come together as one, to enjoy each other’s company and have fun. No matter how big or small the program or action is, over time it can add up to an immeasurable impact. The JPAL soccer program was just one component of the process of rebuilding our community. It was a small victory but the impact it had on kids as individuals amounted to one that is great. It shined a light in the darkness of a devastating situation and brought hope to where fear once was. I will forever remember these lessons learned and will do everything I possibly can to shine that same light into my future endeavors - throughout my college experience - and beyond.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve known what I wanted to do with my life. Science, and in particular the study of the way the human body works, has been a passion of mine. I remember a time when I was about 10 years old, our neighbor, who owns and operates a farm, was butchering a lamb for meat, and with huge excitement, I asked my mom if I could go watch. My mom, baffled, looked at me and said, “you do know what butchering means, don’t you?”. Of course, I knew what that meant. It meant I could go see what the inside of a lamb looked like! I think she was a little shocked but realized that my intentions were not malicious. She tells me that was the day she realized the medical field would be a great career path for me. Fast forward to my recent years, I’ve researched science-related careers that will fulfill my interest in anatomy, but will also give me the chance to help and support people. Due to the personal relationships you build with people and patients, nursing is an appealing career path. This past summer, I had the opportunity to participate in a 5-week program to earn my Nursing Assistant certification (CNA). It was incredibly interesting, and it gave me a better insight into what a nurse does. All the bodily fluids I had to help clean up in my clinical hours didn’t scare me away from nursing as it may have for others. Instead, it solidified my choice to become a nurse. Nursing is a very rewarding field, however, being accepted into a nursing program to become a Registered Nurse is very competitive at most universities. These programs are looking for top-notch scholars, who are dedicated to working hard. I take pride in knowing that during my high school years, I’ve prepared myself to be a hard-working, well-rounded person, and excel academically, physically, and mentally. Currently, I am ranked #1 in my class (out of 153 students). I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout my entire high school career, all while playing 3 varsity sports, and being actively involved in leadership roles throughout the school and in the community. My school recently put me in charge of organizing and managing last year’s fall blood drive. This included many hours of planning and scheduling, delegating tasks to other volunteers, and ensuring that everything went smoothly. The process was stressful, but it created an opportunity for me and my classmates to help those in need. While my plan to attend a 4-year university next year and pursue my dream of becoming a Registered Nurse can very well be within my reach, the expenses involved in attending college are a challenge. I have worked hard to be successful both in and out of school, knowing that my dreams would exceed my financial capabilities. Earning this scholarship would mean I could fulfill my dream of pursuing a career as an RN, without having to worry about a large amount of loan debt in the future. Thank you for your consideration and for allowing me the opportunity to follow my passions.

Throughout my life thus far, I’ve prided myself in excelling in everything I do, whether that be in academics, sports, or just being a good person and making good decisions. I’ve been able to achieve many of my goals, such as maintaining a 4.0 GPA, all while playing 3 varsity sports –soccer, basketball, and softball– and being actively involved in leadership roles throughout the school and in the community. Needless to say, I am busy! While juggling sports and other extracurricular activities enriches my life beyond measure and has so many benefits, it doesn’t come without challenges. There are countless times when I’ve had to miss important classes for a game. Most of the time I look forward to getting out of class to play a sport I love but catching up afterward is always difficult. Many times I’ve had to leave early from class or miss altogether to get to a game, and long drives make getting a good night’s sleep and getting my homework done, nearly impossible. All of that being said, the benefits of sports participation completely outweigh these challenges. Although they do make managing my time difficult, this motivates and incentivizes being organized and efficient in getting my schoolwork done during small slots of free time. Knowing that practices and games will fill up most of my free time after school, I try to get my work done during the school day, on weekends, or during those long bus rides to away games. Sports help me be proactive with finishing my schoolwork promptly and essentially prevent procrastination. Another benefit of playing sports is the sense of pride the game gives me. When the Covid-19 Pandemic was in progress, sports were put on pause. I wasn’t able to participate in or watch other sporting events. Phoenix High School became just the school I attended, not the school I represented. But when sports returned, it brought not only happiness because I was able to play again, but a great sense of school spirit and pride because I was able to represent my school and watch my friends succeed in their sports as well. Sports have also shown me how to be a true leader. I’ve seen that by showing my teammates my struggles, my determination, and my successes from hard work, I become a better player and leader. More importantly, however, by supporting them in their struggles and celebrating when they are successful, our team is more successful as a whole. In my role as team captain for both my soccer and basketball team, this is my favorite aspect. Yes, it feels good to score goals and make baskets myself, but it’s even more fun to celebrate my teammates' accomplishments, and games where everyone has contributed and everyone was successful. The amount of time sports take up can be overwhelming and stressful. Sometimes it seems like I don’t have time to relax and recharge. Though, I have come to realize that always having something happening in my life keeps me balanced and grounded. It keeps me motivated and gives me reasons to get things done. During the Pandemic, I had all the free time in the world, and yet, my mental health was at an all-time low. Sports have become a constant in my life, they give me something to look forward to even when I’m feeling down. By participating in sports I have learned many valuable life lessons and made many friends I will cherish forever. My three sports have got me through so much, and without them I wouldn’t be as successful as I am today.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve known what I wanted to do with my life. Science, and in particular the study of the way the human body works, has been a passion of mine. I remember a time when I was about 10 years old, our neighbor, who owns and operates a farm, was butchering a lamb for meat, and with huge excitement, I asked my mom if I could go watch. My mom, baffled, looked at me and said, “you do know what butchering means, don’t you?”. Of course, I knew what that meant. It meant I could go see what the inside of a lamb looked like! I think she was a little shocked but realized that my intentions were not malicious. She tells me that was the day she realized the medical field would be a great career path for me. Fast forward to my recent years, I’ve done a lot of research on science-related careers that will fulfill my interest in anatomy, but will also give me the chance to help and support people, which is another passion of mine. Due to the personal relationships you build with people and patients, nursing is an appealing career path. This past summer, between my junior and senior years of high school, I decided to do a deeper dive into the nursing field. I had the opportunity to participate in a 5-week program to earn my Nursing Assistant certification (CNA). It was incredibly interesting, and it gave me a better insight into what a nurse does. All the bodily fluids I had to help clean up in my clinical hours didn’t scare me away from nursing as it may have for others. Instead, it solidified my choice to become a nurse. Nursing is a very rewarding field, however, being accepted into a nursing program to become a Registered Nurse (RN) is very competitive at most colleges and universities. These programs are looking for top-notch scholars, who are dedicated to working hard. I take pride in knowing that during my high school years, I’ve prepared myself to be a hard-working, well-rounded person, who can keep a fast-paced schedule, and excel academically, physically, and mentally. Currently, I am ranked #1 in my class (out of 153 students). I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout my entire high school career, all while playing 3 varsity sports, and being actively involved in leadership roles throughout the school and in the community. My school recently put me in charge of organizing and managing this year’s fall blood drive. This included many hours of planning and scheduling, delegating tasks to other volunteers, and ensuring that everything went smoothly. The process was stressful, but it created an opportunity for me and my classmates to help those in need. While my plan to attend a 4-year university next year and pursue my dream of becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) can very well be within my reach, the expenses involved in attending college are a challenge. I have worked hard to be successful both in and out of school, knowing that my dreams would exceed my financial capabilities. Earning the Connie Konatsotis Scholarship would mean I could fulfill my dream of pursuing a career as an RN, without having to worry about a large amount of loan debt in the future. Thank you for your consideration and for allowing me the opportunity to follow my passions.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve known what I wanted to do with my life. Science, and in particular the study of the way the human body works, has been a passion of mine. I remember a time when I was about 10 years old, our neighbor, who owns and operates a farm, was butchering a lamb for meat, and with huge excitement, I asked my mom if I could go watch. My mom, baffled, looked at me and said, “you do know what butchering means, don’t you?”. Of course, I knew what that meant. It meant I could go see what the inside of a lamb looked like! I think she was a little shocked but realized that my intentions were not malicious. She tells me that was the day she realized the medical field would be a great career path for me. Fast forward to my recent years, I’ve done a lot of research on science-related careers that will fulfill my interest in anatomy, but will also give me the chance to help and support people, which is another passion of mine. Due to the personal relationships you build with people and patients, nursing is an appealing career path. This past summer, between my junior and senior years of high school, I decided to do a deeper dive into the nursing field. I had the opportunity to participate in a 5-week program to earn my Nursing Assistant certification (CNA). It was incredibly interesting, and it gave me a better insight into what a nurse does. All the bodily fluids I had to help clean up in my clinical hours didn’t scare me away from nursing as it may have for others. Instead, it solidified my choice to become a nurse. Nursing is a very rewarding field, however, being accepted into a nursing program to become a Registered Nurse (RN) is very competitive at most colleges and universities. These programs are looking for top-notch scholars, who are dedicated to working hard. I take pride in knowing that during my high school years, I’ve prepared myself to be a hard-working, well-rounded person, who can keep a fast-paced schedule, and excel academically, physically, and mentally. Currently, I am ranked #1 in my class (out of 153 students). I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout my entire high school career, all while playing 3 varsity sports, and being actively involved in leadership roles throughout the school and in the community. My school recently put me in charge of organizing and managing this year’s fall blood drive. This included many hours of planning and scheduling, delegating tasks to other volunteers, and ensuring that everything went smoothly. The process was stressful, but it created an opportunity for me and my classmates to help those in need. While my plan to attend a 4-year university next year and pursue my dream of becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) can very well be within my reach, the expenses involved in attending college are a challenge. I have worked hard to be successful both in and out of school, knowing that my dreams would exceed my financial capabilities. Earning the Maxwell Tuan Nguyen Memorial Scholarship would mean I could fulfill my dream of pursuing a career as an RN, without having to worry about a large amount of loan debt in the future. Thank you for your consideration and for allowing me the opportunity to follow my passions.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve known what I wanted to do with my life. Science, and in particular the study of the way the human body works, has been a passion of mine. I remember a time when I was about 10 years old, our neighbor, who owns and operates a farm, was butchering a lamb for meat, and with huge excitement, I asked my mom if I could go watch. My mom, baffled, looked at me and said, “you do know what butchering means, don’t you?”. Of course, I knew what that meant. It meant I could go see what the inside of a lamb looked like! I think she was a little shocked but realized that my intentions were not malicious. She tells me that was the day she realized the medical field would be a great career path for me. Fast forward to my recent years, I’ve researched science-related careers that will fulfill my interest in anatomy, but will also give me the chance to help and support people. Due to the personal relationships you build with people and patients, nursing is an appealing career path. This past summer, I had the opportunity to participate in a 5-week program to earn my Nursing Assistant certification (CNA). It was incredibly interesting, and it gave me a better insight into what a nurse does. All the bodily fluids I had to help clean up in my clinical hours didn’t scare me away from nursing as it may have for others. Instead, it solidified my choice to become a nurse. Nursing is a very rewarding field, however, being accepted into a nursing program to become a Registered Nurse is very competitive at most universities. These programs are looking for top-notch scholars, who are dedicated to working hard. I take pride in knowing that during my high school years, I’ve prepared myself to be a hard-working, well-rounded person, and excel academically, physically, and mentally. Currently, I am ranked #1 in my class (out of 153 students). I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout my entire high school career, all while playing 3 varsity sports, and being actively involved in leadership roles throughout the school and in the community. My school recently put me in charge of organizing and managing last year’s fall blood drive. This included many hours of planning and scheduling, delegating tasks to other volunteers, and ensuring that everything went smoothly. The process was stressful, but it created an opportunity for me and my classmates to help those in need. While my plan to attend a 4-year university next year and pursue my dream of becoming a Registered Nurse can very well be within my reach, the expenses involved in attending college are a challenge. I have worked hard to be successful both in and out of school, knowing that my dreams would exceed my financial capabilities. Earning this scholarship would mean I could fulfill my dream of pursuing a career as a RN, without having to worry about a large amount of loan debt in the future. Thank you for your consideration and allowing me the opportunity to follow my passions.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve known what I wanted to do with my life. Science, and in particular the study of the way the human body works, has been a passion of mine. I remember a time when I was about 10 years old, our neighbor, who owns and operates a farm, was butchering a lamb for meat, and with huge excitement, I asked my mom if I could go watch. My mom, baffled, looked at me and said, “you do know what butchering means, don’t you?”. Of course, I knew what that meant. It meant I could go see what the inside of a lamb looked like! I think she was a little shocked but realized that my intentions were not malicious. She tells me that was the day she realized the medical field would be a great career path for me. Fast forward to my recent years, I’ve researched science-related careers that will fulfill my interest in anatomy, but will also give me the chance to help and support people. Due to the personal relationships you build with people and patients, nursing is an appealing career path. This past summer, I had the opportunity to participate in a 5-week program to earn my Nursing Assistant certification (CNA). It was incredibly interesting, and it gave me a better insight into what a nurse does. All the bodily fluids I had to help clean up in my clinical hours didn’t scare me away from nursing as it may have for others. Instead, it solidified my choice to become a nurse. Nursing is a very rewarding field, however, being accepted into a nursing program to become a Registered Nurse is very competitive at most universities. These programs are looking for top-notch scholars, who are dedicated to working hard. I take pride in knowing that during my high school years, I’ve prepared myself to be a hard-working, well-rounded person, and excel academically, physically, and mentally. Currently, I am ranked #1 in my class (out of 153 students). I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout my entire high school career, all while playing 3 varsity sports, and being actively involved in leadership roles throughout the school and in the community. My school recently put me in charge of organizing and managing last year’s fall blood drive. This included many hours of planning and scheduling, delegating tasks to other volunteers, and ensuring that everything went smoothly. The process was stressful, but it created an opportunity for me and my classmates to help those in need. While my plan to attend a 4-year university next year and pursue my dream of becoming a Registered Nurse can very well be within my reach, the expenses involved in attending college are a challenge. I have worked hard to be successful both in and out of school, knowing that my dreams would exceed my financial capabilities. Earning this scholarship would mean I could fulfill my dream of pursuing a career as an RN, without having to worry about a large amount of loan debt in the future. Thank you for your consideration and for allowing me the opportunity to follow my passions.

Determination and perseverance are traits I value, and consider to be my personal strengths. I tend to set extensive goals for myself, which can ultimately be both challenging and rewarding. The song “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womak, is inspirational and insightful, especially when it comes to goal-seeking. The song is a reminder that goals are important to have so I can progress and evolve as a person, but those goals should never be the end-all-be-all. It’s equally important to keep my sense of wonder, remain humble, and enjoy the journey, not just the result. The song was first introduced to me when I was younger. Although I enjoyed the tune of the song back then, as I got older, I learned to appreciate the words and meaning. The first lines in the song, “I hope you never lose your sense of wonder. You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger.” inspires me to always ask questions, even if I think I know the answer. The line also implies that I should never stop learning and keep growing as a person. The primary message of the song is to always enjoy the journey. When I set goals for myself, it can be very easy to become narrow-minded, focusing only on achieving that goal. However, I must not lose sight of happiness and the journey that comes along with achieving my goals. In the chorus, the line says “And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance. I hope you dance.” Sometimes people can become so focused on the goal that they choose to sit it out because it’s the easy option. Dancing is more challenging and can make someone vulnerable, but in the end, it will bring further growth and happiness.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve known what I wanted to do with my life. Science, and in particular the study of the way the human body works, has been a passion of mine. I remember a time when I was about 10 years old, our neighbor, who owns and operates a farm, was butchering a lamb for meat, and with huge excitement, I asked my mom if I could go watch. My mom, baffled, looked at me and said, “you do know what butchering means, don’t you?”. Of course, I knew what that meant. It meant I could go see what the inside of a lamb looked like! I think she was a little shocked but realized that my intentions were not malicious. She tells me that was the day she realized the medical field would be a great career path for me. Fast forward to my recent years, I’ve done a lot of research on science-related careers that will fulfill my interest in anatomy, but will also give me the chance to help and support people, which is another passion of mine. Due to the personal relationships you build with people and patients, nursing is an appealing career path. This past summer, between my junior and senior years of high school, I decided to do a deeper dive into the nursing field. I had the opportunity to participate in a 5-week program to earn my Nursing Assistant certification (CNA). It was incredibly interesting, and it gave me a better insight into what a nurse does. All the bodily fluids I had to help clean up in my clinical hours didn’t scare me away from nursing as it may have for others. Instead, it solidified my choice to become a nurse. Nursing is a very rewarding field, however, being accepted into a nursing program to become a Registered Nurse (RN) is very competitive at most colleges and universities. These programs are looking for top-notch scholars, who are dedicated to working hard. I take pride in knowing that during my high school years, I’ve prepared myself to be a hard-working, well-rounded person, who can keep a fast-paced schedule, and excel academically, physically, and mentally. Currently, I am ranked #1 in my class (out of 156 students). I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout my entire high school career, all while playing 3 varsity sports, and being actively involved in leadership roles throughout the school and in the community. My school recently put me in charge of organizing and managing this year’s fall blood drive. This included many hours of planning and scheduling, delegating tasks to other volunteers, and ensuring that everything went smoothly. The process was stressful, but it created an opportunity for me and my classmates to help those in need. While my plan to attend a 4-year university next year and pursue my dream of becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) can very well be within my reach, the expenses involved in attending college are a challenge. I have worked hard to be successful both in and out of school, knowing that my dreams would exceed my financial capabilities. Earning the Analtha Parr Pell Memorial Scholarship would mean I could fulfill my dream of pursuing a career as a RN, without having to worry about a large amount of loan debt in the future. Thank you for your consideration and for allowing me the opportunity to follow my passions.

Throughout my life thus far, I’ve prided myself in excelling in everything I do, whether that be in academics, sports, or just being a good person and making good decisions. I’ve been able to achieve many of my goals, such as maintaining a 4.0 GPA, all while playing 3 varsity sports –soccer, basketball, and softball– and being actively involved in leadership roles throughout the school and in the community. Needless to say, I am busy! While juggling sports and other extracurricular activities enrich my life beyond measure and have so many benefits, it doesn’t come without challenges. There are countless times when I’ve had to miss important classes for a game. Most of the time I look forward to getting out of class to play a sport I love, but catching up afterward is always difficult. Many times I’ve had to leave early from class, or miss altogether to get to a game, and long drives make getting a good night’s sleep and getting my homework done, nearly impossible. All of that being said, the benefits of sports participation completely outweigh these challenges. Although they do make managing my time difficult, this motivates and incentivizes being organized and efficient in getting my schoolwork done during small slots of free time. Knowing that practices and games will fill up most of my free time after school, I try to get my work done during the school day, on weekends, or during those long bus rides to away games. Sports help me be proactive with finishing my schoolwork promptly and essentially prevent procrastination. Another benefit of playing sports is the sense of pride the game gives me. When the Covid-19 Pandemic was in progress, sports were put on pause. I wasn’t able to participate in or watch other sporting events. Phoenix High School became just the school I attended, not the school I represented. But when sports returned, it brought not only happiness because I was able to play again, but a great sense of school spirit and pride because I was able to represent my school, and watch my friends succeed in their sports as well. Sports have also shown me how to be a true leader. I’ve seen that by showing my teammates my struggles, my determination, and my successes from hard work, I become a better player and leader. More importantly, however, by supporting them in their struggles and celebrating when they are successful, our team is more successful as a whole. In my role as team captain for both my soccer and basketball team, this is my favorite aspect. Yes, it feels good to score goals and make baskets myself, but it’s even more fun to celebrate my teammates' accomplishments, and games where everyone has contributed and everyone was successful. The amount of time sports take up can be overwhelming and stressful. Sometimes it seems like I don’t have time to relax and recharge. Though, I have come to realize that always having something happening in my life keeps me balanced and grounded. It keeps me motivated and gives me reasons to get things done. During the Pandemic, I had all the free time in the world, and yet, my mental health was at an all-time low. Sports have become a constant in my life, they give me something to look forward to even when I’m feeling down. By participating in sports I have learned many valuable life lessons and made many friends I will cherish forever. My three sports have got me through so much, and without them I wouldn’t be as successful as I am today.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve known what I wanted to do with my life. Science, and in particular the study of the way the human body works, has been a passion of mine. I remember a time when I was about 10 years old, our neighbor, who owns and operates a farm, was butchering a lamb for meat, and with huge excitement, I asked my mom if I could go watch. My mom, baffled, looked at me and said, “you do know what butchering means, don’t you?”. Of course, I knew what that meant. It meant I could go see what the inside of a lamb looked like! I think she was a little shocked but realized that my intentions were not malicious. She tells me that was the day she realized the medical field would be a great career path for me. Fast forward to my recent years, I’ve done a lot of research on science-related careers that will fulfill my interest in anatomy, but will also give me the chance to help and support people, which is another passion of mine. Due to the personal relationships you build with people and patients, nursing is an appealing career path. This past summer, between my junior and senior years of high school, I decided to do a deeper dive into the nursing field. I had the opportunity to participate in a 5-week program to earn my Nursing Assistant certification (CNA). It was incredibly interesting, and it gave me a better insight into what a nurse does. All the bodily fluids I had to help clean up in my clinical hours didn’t scare me away from nursing as it may have for others. Instead, it solidified my choice to become a nurse. Nursing is a very rewarding field, however, being accepted into a nursing program to become a Registered Nurse (RN) is very competitive at most colleges and universities. These programs are looking for top-notch scholars, who are dedicated to working hard. I take pride in knowing that during my high school years, I’ve prepared myself to be a hard-working, well-rounded person, who can keep a fast-paced schedule, and excel academically, physically, and mentally. Currently, I am ranked #1 in my class (out of 156 students). I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout my entire high school career, all while playing 3 varsity sports, and being actively involved in leadership roles throughout the school and in the community. My school recently put me in charge of organizing and managing this year’s fall blood drive. This included many hours of planning and scheduling, delegating tasks to other volunteers, and ensuring that everything went smoothly. The process was stressful, but it created an opportunity for me and my classmates to help those in need. While my plan to attend a 4-year university next year and pursue my dream of becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) can very well be within my reach, the expenses involved in attending college are a challenge. I have worked hard to be successful both in and out of school, knowing that my dreams would exceed my financial capabilities. Earning the Evan James Vaillancourt Memorial Scholarship would mean I could fulfill my dream of pursuing a career as a RN, without having to worry about a large amount of loan debt in the future. Thank you for your consideration and for allowing me the opportunity to follow my passions.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve known what I wanted to do with my life. Science, and in particular the study of the way the human body works, has been a passion of mine. I remember a time when I was about 10 years old, our neighbor, who owns and operates a farm, was butchering a lamb for meat, and with huge excitement, I asked my mom if I could go watch. My mom, baffled, looked at me and said, “you do know what butchering means, don’t you?”. Of course, I knew what that meant. It meant I could go see what the inside of a lamb looked like! I think she was a little shocked but realized that my intentions were not malicious. She tells me that was the day she realized the medical field would be a great career path for me. Fast forward to my recent years, I’ve done a lot of research on science-related careers that will fulfill my interest in anatomy, but will also give me the chance to help and support people, which is another passion of mine. Due to the personal relationships you build with people and patients, nursing is an appealing career path. This past summer, between my junior and senior years of high school, I decided to do a deeper dive into the nursing field. I had the opportunity to participate in a 5-week program to earn my Nursing Assistant certification (CNA). It was incredibly interesting, and it gave me a better insight into what a nurse does. All the bodily fluids I had to help clean up in my clinical hours didn’t scare me away from nursing as it may have for others. Instead, it solidified my choice to become a nurse. Nursing is a very rewarding field, however, being accepted into a nursing program to become a Registered Nurse (RN) is very competitive at most colleges and universities. These programs are looking for top-notch scholars, who are dedicated to working hard. I take pride in knowing that during my high school years, I’ve prepared myself to be a hard-working, well-rounded person, who can keep a fast-paced schedule, and excel academically, physically, and mentally. Currently, I am ranked #1 in my class (out of 156 students). I’ve maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout my entire high school career, all while playing 3 varsity sports, and being actively involved in leadership roles throughout the school and in the community. My school recently put me in charge of organizing and managing this year’s fall blood drive. This included many hours of planning and scheduling, delegating tasks to other volunteers, and ensuring that everything went smoothly. The process was stressful, but it created an opportunity for me and my classmates to help those in need. While my plan to attend a 4-year university next year and pursue my dream of becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) can very well be within my reach, the expenses involved in attending college are a challenge. I have worked hard to be successful both in and out of school, knowing that my dreams would exceed my financial capabilities. Earning the Dashanna K. McNeil Memorial Scholarship would mean I could fulfill my dream of pursuing a career as a RN, without having to worry about a large amount of loan debt in the future. Thank you for your consideration and for allowing me the opportunity to follow my passions.