Currently in our world, one in three Black children lack reliable access to food. I, Noelle Wescott, originate from Trenton, NJ, where a significant food shortage prevails, accompanied by scant availability of healthy fruits and fresh vegetables. I attended high school at Stuart Country Day School, approximately five minutes away from Princeton University. During my daily commute to school, I experienced a newfound 'difference'— that exposed me to crispy kale at lunch, offered clear water throughout the building, and filtered air conditioning throughout the halls. Observing this disparity, I noticed a palpable change within myself, feeling more attentive in class, eager to engage in tennis after school, and joyous in my academic achievements. This led me to question why access to healthy eating was a novel experience in the school setting, and why such support was lacking in my hometown. As an alumna of public education and the daughter of a mother employed in the Trenton Public School system, I felt compelled to undertake direct research on food insecurity in our city. More importantly, as Noelle, I knew I had a passion for social change and I had to advocate for Trenton. One of my most significant accomplishments was working with the National Kidney Foundation to help support dialysis patients in my community. The program was developed to help my community get active through dance and educate about the risks of kidney and heart failure. In May of 2023, we are hosting a dance-a-thon, accessible to the public, where we will teach a routine that everyone can do, whether handicapped or fully able to dance and have fun. This experience allowed me to demonstrate my problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and creativity. My involvement with this project ties in greatly with my efforts to empower the children I coach when their nutrition impacts their health. Every summer, when I coach tennis, my kids have a snack and lunch break provided by our city for Trenton, which often consists of sugary cereal bars or candy. As I try to explain, these are the types of food that often become a habit that plays into adulthood and everyday risks to our health. Learning that our people of color are susceptible to these conditions as adults, working with the National Kidney Foundation, has helped me to advocate for our urban community. At Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, researchers observed that predominantly black neighborhoods experience diminished access to grocery stores. In their analysis of census and food retailer data conducted in 2014, researchers at Hopkins University discovered: “At equal levels of poverty, black census tracts had the fewest supermarkets [and] white tracts had the most,” If predominantly black communities have no access to supermarkets, where are we supposed to go? How are we supposed to escape the line of health conditions that are affected by what we put in our body? In conclusion, the Simon Strong Scholarship represents an incredible opportunity for me to further my impact and enhance my knowledge of marketing accessible foodways, not only locally in New Jersey, but on a global scale. Post-graduation, my ambition is to pursue a Master of Business Administration, utilizing my resources to establish opportunities and scholarships for those grappling with food insecurity nationwide. Activism, to me, involves acknowledging and validating the struggles of others, emphasizing the importance of their narratives. My mission is to promote social justice through prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in education and healthcare, empowering marginalized communities, and fostering accountability and positive change. Through both my words and deeds, I am committed to being a change for progress and equality.

Currently in our world, one in three Black children lack reliable access to food. I, Noelle Wescott, originate from Trenton, NJ, where a significant food shortage prevails, accompanied by scant availability of healthy fruits and fresh vegetables. I attended high school at Stuart Country Day School, approximately five minutes away from Princeton University. During my daily commute to school, I experienced a newfound 'difference'— that exposed me to crispy kale at lunch, offered clear water throughout the building, and filtered air conditioning throughout the halls. Observing this disparity, I noticed a palpable change within myself, feeling more attentive in class, eager to engage in tennis after school, and joyous in my academic achievements. This led me to question why access to healthy eating was a novel experience in the school setting, and why such support was lacking in my hometown. As an alumna of public education and the daughter of a mother employed in the Trenton Public School system, I felt compelled to undertake direct research on food insecurity in our city. More importantly, as Noelle, I knew I had a passion for social change and I had to advocate for Trenton. One of my most significant accomplishments was working with the National Kidney Foundation to help support dialysis patients in my community. The program was developed to help my community get active through dance and educate about the risks of kidney and heart failure. In May of 2023, we are hosting a dance-a-thon, accessible to the public, where we will teach a routine that everyone can do, whether handicapped or fully able to dance and have fun. This experience allowed me to demonstrate my problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and creativity. My involvement with this project ties in greatly with my efforts to empower the children I coach when their nutrition impacts their health. Every summer, when I coach tennis, my kids have a snack and lunch break provided by our city for Trenton, which often consists of sugary cereal bars or candy. As I try to explain, these are the types of food that often become a habit that plays into adulthood and everyday risks to our health. Learning that our people of color are susceptible to these conditions as adults, working with the National Kidney Foundation, has helped me to advocate for our urban community. At Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, researchers observed that predominantly black neighborhoods experience diminished access to grocery stores. In their analysis of census and food retailer data conducted in 2014, researchers at Hopkins University discovered: “At equal levels of poverty, black census tracts had the fewest supermarkets [and] white tracts had the most,” If predominantly black communities have no access to supermarkets, where are we supposed to go? How are we supposed to escape the line of health conditions that are affected by what we put in our body? In conclusion, the Byron and Michelle Johnson Scholarship represents an incredible opportunity for me to further my impact and enhance my knowledge of marketing accessible foodways, not only locally in New Jersey, but on a global scale. Post-graduation, my ambition is to pursue a Master of Business Administration, utilizing my resources to establish opportunities and scholarships for those grappling with food insecurity nationwide. Activism, to me, involves acknowledging and validating the struggles of others, emphasizing the importance of their narratives. My mission is to promote social justice through prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in education and healthcare, empowering marginalized communities, and fostering accountability and positive change. Through both my words and deeds, I am committed to being a change for progress and equality.

Currently in our world, one in three Black children lack reliable access to food. I, Noelle Wescott, originate from Trenton, NJ, where a significant food shortage prevails, accompanied by scant availability of healthy fruits and fresh vegetables. I attended high school at Stuart Country Day School, approximately five minutes away from Princeton University. During my daily commute to school, I experienced a newfound 'difference'— that exposed me to crispy kale at lunch, offered clear water throughout the building, and filtered air conditioning throughout the halls. Observing this disparity, I noticed a palpable change within myself, feeling more attentive in class, eager to engage in tennis after school, and joyous in my academic achievements. This led me to question why access to healthy eating was a novel experience in the school setting, and why such support was lacking in my hometown. As an alumna of public education and the daughter of a mother employed in the Trenton Public School system, I felt compelled to undertake direct research on food insecurity in our city. More importantly, as Noelle, I knew I had a passion for social change and I had to advocate for Trenton. One of my most significant accomplishments was working with the National Kidney Foundation to help support dialysis patients in my community. The program was developed to help my community get active through dance and educate about the risks of kidney and heart failure. In May of 2023, we are hosting a dance-a-thon, accessible to the public, where we will teach a routine that everyone can do, whether handicapped or fully able to dance and have fun. This experience allowed me to demonstrate my problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and creativity. My involvement with this project ties in greatly with my efforts to empower the children I coach when their nutrition impacts their health. Every summer, when I coach tennis, my kids have a snack and lunch break provided by our city for Trenton, which often consists of sugary cereal bars or candy. As I try to explain, these are the types of food that often become a habit that plays into adulthood and everyday risks to our health. Learning that our people of color are susceptible to these conditions as adults, working with the National Kidney Foundation, has helped me to advocate for our urban community. At Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, researchers observed that predominantly black neighborhoods experience diminished access to grocery stores. In their analysis of census and food retailer data conducted in 2014, researchers at Hopkins University discovered: “At equal levels of poverty, black census tracts had the fewest supermarkets [and] white tracts had the most,” If predominantly black communities have no access to supermarkets, where are we supposed to go? How are we supposed to escape the line of health conditions that are affected by what we put in our body? In conclusion, the Females and Finance Scholarship represents an incredible opportunity for me to further my impact and enhance my knowledge of marketing accessible foodways, not only locally in New Jersey, but on a global scale. Post-graduation, my ambition is to pursue a Master of Business Administration, utilizing my resources to establish opportunities and scholarships for those grappling with food insecurity nationwide. Activism, to me, involves acknowledging and validating the struggles of others, emphasizing the importance of their narratives. My mission is to promote social justice through prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in education and healthcare, empowering marginalized communities, and fostering accountability and positive change. Through both my words and deeds, I am committed to being a change for progress and equality.

Currently in our world, one in three Black children lack reliable access to food. I, Noelle Wescott, originate from Trenton, NJ, where a significant food shortage prevails, accompanied by scant availability of healthy fruits and fresh vegetables. I attended high school at Stuart Country Day School, approximately five minutes away from Princeton University. During my daily commute to school, I experienced a newfound 'difference'— that exposed me to crispy kale at lunch, offered clear water throughout the building, and filtered air conditioning throughout the halls. Observing this disparity, I noticed a palpable change within myself, feeling more attentive in class, eager to engage in tennis after school, and joyous in my academic achievements. This led me to question why access to healthy eating was a novel experience in the school setting, and why such support was lacking in my hometown. As an alumna of public education and the daughter of a mother employed in the Trenton Public School system, I felt compelled to undertake direct research on food insecurity in our city. More importantly, as Noelle, I knew I had a passion for social change, and I had to advocate for Trenton. One of my most significant accomplishments was working with the National Kidney Foundation to help support dialysis patients in my community. The program was developed to help my community get active through dance and educate about the risks of kidney and heart failure. In May of 2023, we are hosting a dance-a-thon, accessible to the public, where we will teach a routine that everyone can do, whether handicapped or fully able to dance and have fun. This experience allowed me to demonstrate my problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and creativity. My involvement with this project ties in greatly with my efforts to empower the children I coach when their nutrition impacts their health. Every summer, when I coach tennis, my kids have a snack and lunch break provided by our city for Trenton, which often consists of sugary cereal bars or candy. As I try to explain, these are the types of food that often become a habit that plays into adulthood and everyday risks to our health. Learning that our people of color are susceptible to these conditions as adults, working with the National Kidney Foundation, has helped me to advocate for our urban community. At Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, researchers observed that predominantly black neighborhoods experience diminished access to grocery stores. In their analysis of census and food retailer data conducted in 2014, researchers at Hopkins University discovered: “At equal levels of poverty, black census tracts had the fewest supermarkets [and] white tracts had the most,” If predominantly black communities have no access to supermarkets, where are we supposed to go? How are we supposed to escape the line of health conditions that are affected by what we put in our body? In conclusion, the Priscilla Shireen Luke Scholarship represents an incredible opportunity for me to further my impact and enhance my knowledge of marketing accessible foodways, not only locally in New Jersey, but on a global scale. Post-graduation, my ambition is to pursue a Master of Business Administration, utilizing my resources to establish opportunities and scholarships for those grappling with food insecurity nationwide. Activism, to me, involves acknowledging and validating the struggles of others, emphasizing the importance of their narratives. My mission is to promote social justice through prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in education and healthcare, empowering marginalized communities, and fostering accountability and positive change. Through both my words and deeds, I am committed to being a change for progress and equality.

March, 3rd grade, around 9:00 pm, my eyes opened. My mom and I found ourselves navigating through the bustling streets, searching tirelessly for a parking spot so we could finally return home. It was a routine day, and as usual, she was gently but persistently reminding me about the importance of mastering my times tables. I couldn't stand her rule: "You need to know the answer in 3 seconds”. As I was trying to learn 12 multiplied by 9, I asked myself, “Why me? Why did I, Noelle, need to memorize this in 3rd grade?" After I got the answer wrong, she went on her bluster, but it’s something that I'll never forget: “You need to be 12 times better, more prepared, and smarter, than the person next to you." As we finally parked under the city lights and felt the brisk spring wind, my anxiety rose for math class the next day. Focusing on what's 12 multiplied by 9, and denying the true meaning of what came out that night, and the years to come. That statement profoundly influenced the course of my entire existence. It taught me that seemingly small actions, such as arriving at an interview prepared with a notebook and pencil, or reading ahead for the next class, can wield immense impact. On that evening, my mother imparted a crucial lesson: as a young black girl on the cusp of womanhood, I must assert my capabilities and leave an indelible mark. She instilled in me the importance of showcasing my talents through meticulous attention to detail. Furthermore, she underscored the responsibility I bear to set a high standard for those who will follow in my footsteps, as this is the expectation placed upon me. Now being black and a woman in America, double minority, I finally understand. I understand what my younger self couldn't comprehend: As black women, we continue to set expectations. 8-year-old Noelle Elizabeth Wescott, needed to know her times tables frontwards and backwards, because she set the expectation. As my mom wisely expressed, the person beside you won't hesitate to speak up because they already have the solution in mind. Over the years, I've come to feel a sense of unease whenever the brisk wind blows, but now I've learned to harness that unease as a source of motivation and determination. Looking back, as little as 108 means to me in my daily life, I am reminded that I am going for gold.

Currently in our world, one in three Black children lack reliable access to food. I, Noelle Wescott, originate from Trenton, NJ, where a significant food shortage prevails, accompanied by scant availability of healthy fruits and fresh vegetables. I attended high school at Stuart Country Day School, approximately five minutes away from Princeton University. During my daily commute to school, I experienced a newfound 'difference'— that exposed me to crispy kale at lunch, offered clear water throughout the building, and filtered air conditioning throughout the halls. Observing this disparity, I noticed a palpable change within myself, feeling more attentive in class, eager to engage in tennis after school, and joyous in my academic achievements. This led me to question why access to healthy eating was a novel experience in the school setting, and why such support was lacking in my hometown. As an alumna of public education and the daughter of a mother employed in the Trenton Public School system, I felt compelled to undertake direct research on food insecurity in our city. More importantly, as Noelle, I knew I had a passion for social change and I had to advocate for Trenton. One of my most significant accomplishments was working with the National Kidney Foundation to help support dialysis patients in my community. The program was developed to help my community get active through dance and educate about the risks of kidney and heart failure. In May of 2023, we are hosting a dance-a-thon, accessible to the public, where we will teach a routine that everyone can do, whether handicapped or fully able to dance and have fun. This experience allowed me to demonstrate my problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and creativity. My involvement with this project ties in greatly with my efforts to empower the children I coach when their nutrition impacts their health. Every summer, when I coach tennis, my kids have a snack and lunch break provided by our city for Trenton, which often consists of sugary cereal bars or candy. As I try to explain, these are the types of food that often become a habit that plays into adulthood and everyday risks to our health. Learning that our people of color are susceptible to these conditions as adults, working with the National Kidney Foundation, has helped me to advocate for our urban community. At Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, researchers observed that predominantly black neighborhoods experience diminished access to grocery stores. In their analysis of census and food retailer data conducted in 2014, researchers at Hopkins University discovered: “At equal levels of poverty, black census tracts had the fewest supermarkets [and] white tracts had the most,” If predominantly black communities have no access to supermarkets, where are we supposed to go? How are we supposed to escape the line of health conditions that are affected by what we put in our body? In conclusion, the William R. Godfrey Scholarship represents an incredible opportunity for me to further my impact and enhance my knowledge of marketing accessible foodways, not only locally in New Jersey, but on a global scale. Post-graduation, my ambition is to pursue a Master of Business Administration, utilizing my resources to establish opportunities and scholarships for those grappling with food insecurity nationwide. Activism, to me, involves acknowledging and validating the struggles of others, emphasizing the importance of their narratives. My mission is to promote social justice through prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in education and healthcare, empowering marginalized communities, and fostering accountability and positive change. Through both my words and deeds, I am committed to being a change for progress and equality.

Currently in our world, one in three Black children lack reliable access to food. I, Noelle Wescott, originate from Trenton, NJ, where a significant food shortage prevails, accompanied by scant availability of healthy fruits and fresh vegetables. I attended high school at Stuart Country Day School, approximately five minutes away from Princeton University. During my daily commute to school, I experienced a 'difference'— that exposed me to crispy kale at lunch, offered clear water throughout the building, and filtered air conditioning throughout the halls. Observing this disparity, I noticed a palpable change within myself, feeling more attentive in class, eager to engage in tennis after school, and joyous in my academic achievements. This led me to question why access to healthy eating was a novel experience in the school setting, and why such support was lacking in my hometown. As an alumna of public education and the daughter of a mother employed in the Trenton Public School system, I felt compelled to undertake direct research on food insecurity in our city. More importantly, as Noelle, I knew I had a passion for social change and I had to advocate for Trenton. One of my most significant accomplishments was working with the National Kidney Foundation to help support dialysis patients in my community. The program was developed to help my community get active through dance and educate about the risks of kidney and heart failure. In May of 2023, we are hosting a dance-a-thon, accessible to the public, where we will teach a routine that everyone can do, whether handicapped or fully able to dance and have fun. This experience allowed me to demonstrate my problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and creativity. My involvement with this project ties in greatly with my efforts to empower the children I coach when their nutrition impacts their health. Every summer, when I coach tennis, my kids have a snack and lunch break provided by our city for Trenton, which often consists of sugary cereal bars or candy. As I try to explain, these are the types of food that often become a habit that plays into adulthood and everyday risks to our health. Learning that our people of color are susceptible to these conditions as adults, working with the National Kidney Foundation, has helped me to advocate for our urban community. At Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, researchers observed that predominantly black neighborhoods experience diminished access to grocery stores. In their analysis of census and food retailer data conducted in 2014, researchers at Hopkins University discovered: “At equal levels of poverty, black census tracts had the fewest supermarkets [and] white tracts had the most,” If predominantly black communities have no access to supermarkets, where are we supposed to go? How are we supposed to escape the line of health conditions that are affected by what we put in our body? In conclusion, the CATALYSTS Scholarship represents an incredible opportunity for me to further my impact and enhance my knowledge of marketing accessible foodways, not only locally in New Jersey, but on a global scale. Post-graduation, my ambition is to pursue a Master of Business Administration, utilizing my resources to establish opportunities and scholarships for those grappling with food insecurity nationwide. Activism, to me, involves acknowledging and validating the struggles of others, emphasizing the importance of their narratives. My overarching mission is to champion social justice by prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in our educational and healthcare systems, empowering marginalized communities, and fostering a culture of accountability and positive change. Through both my words and deeds, I am committed to being a change for progress and equality.

Currently in our world, one in three Black children lack reliable access to food. I, Noelle Wescott, originate from Trenton, NJ, where a significant food shortage prevails, accompanied by scant availability of healthy fruits and fresh vegetables. I attended high school at Stuart Country Day School, approximately five minutes away from Princeton University. During my daily commute to school, I experienced a newfound 'difference'— that exposed me to crispy kale at lunch, offered clear water throughout the building, and filtered air conditioning throughout the halls. Observing this disparity, I noticed a palpable change within myself, feeling more attentive in class, eager to engage in tennis after school, and joyous in my academic achievements. This led me to question why access to healthy eating was a novel experience in the school setting, and why such support was lacking in my hometown. As an alumna of public education and the daughter of a mother employed in the Trenton Public School system, I felt compelled to undertake direct research on food insecurity in our city. More importantly, as Noelle, I knew I had a passion for social change and I had to advocate for Trenton. One of my most significant accomplishments was working with the National Kidney Foundation to help support dialysis patients in my community. The program was developed to help my community get active through dance and educate about the risks of kidney and heart failure. In May of 2023, we are hosting a dance-a-thon, accessible to the public, where we will teach a routine that everyone can do, whether handicapped or fully able to dance and have fun. This experience allowed me to demonstrate my problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and creativity. My involvement with this project ties in greatly with my efforts to empower the children I coach when their nutrition impacts their health. Every summer, when I coach tennis, my kids have a snack and lunch provided by our city for Trenton, which often consists of sugary cereal bars or candy. As I try to explain, these are the types of food that often become a habit that plays into adulthood and everyday risks to our health. Learning that our people of color are susceptible to these conditions as adults, working with the National Kidney Foundation, has helped me to advocate for our urban community. At Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, researchers observed that predominantly black neighborhoods experience diminished access to grocery stores. In their analysis of census and food retailer data conducted in 2014, researchers at Hopkins University discovered: “At equal levels of poverty, black census tracts had the fewest supermarkets [and] white tracts had the most,” If predominantly black communities have no access to supermarkets, where are we supposed to go? How are we supposed to escape the line of health conditions that are affected by what we put in our body? In conclusion, the Advancement of Minorities in Finance Scholarship represents an incredible opportunity for me to further my impact and enhance my knowledge of marketing accessible foodways, not only locally in New Jersey, but on a global scale. Post-graduation, I aspire to pursue an MBA to create opportunities and scholarships for those facing food insecurity across the country. Activism, for me, means recognizing and affirming others' challenges while highlighting the significance of their stories. My mission is to promote social justice through prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in education and healthcare, empowering marginalized communities, and fostering accountability and positive change. Through both my words and deeds, I am committed to being a change for progress and equality.

Currently in our world, one in three Black children lack reliable access to food. I, Noelle Wescott, originate from Trenton, NJ, where a significant food shortage prevails, accompanied by scant availability of healthy fruits and fresh vegetables. I attended high school at Stuart Country Day School, approximately five minutes away from Princeton University. During my daily commute to school, I experienced a newfound 'difference'— that exposed me to crispy kale at lunch, offered clear water throughout the building, and filtered air conditioning throughout the halls. Observing this disparity, I noticed a palpable change within myself, feeling more attentive in class, eager to engage in tennis after school, and joyous in my academic achievements. This led me to question why access to healthy eating was a novel experience in the school setting, and why such support was lacking in my hometown. As an alumna of public education and the daughter of a mother employed in the Trenton Public School system, I felt compelled to undertake direct research on food insecurity in our city. More importantly, as Noelle, I knew I had a passion for social change, and I had to advocate for Trenton. One of my most significant accomplishments was working with the National Kidney Foundation to help support dialysis patients in my community. The program was developed to help my community get active through dance and educate about the risks of kidney and heart failure. In May of 2023, we are hosting a dance-a-thon, accessible to the public, where we will teach a routine that everyone can do, whether handicapped or fully able to dance and have fun. This experience allowed me to demonstrate my problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and creativity. My involvement with this project ties in greatly with my efforts to empower the children I coach when their nutrition impacts their health. Every summer, when I coach tennis, my kids have a snack and lunch provided by our city for Trenton, which often consists of sugary cereal bars or candy. As I try to explain, these are the types of food that often become a habit that plays into adulthood and everyday risks to our health. Learning that our people of color are susceptible to these conditions as adults, working with the National Kidney Foundation, has helped me to advocate for our urban community. At Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, researchers observed that predominantly black neighborhoods experience diminished access to grocery stores. In their analysis of census and food retailer data conducted in 2014, researchers at Hopkins University discovered: “At equal levels of poverty, black census tracts had the fewest supermarkets [and] white tracts had the most,” If predominantly black communities have no access to supermarkets, where are we supposed to go? How are we supposed to escape the line of health conditions that are affected by what we put in our body? In conclusion, the Jerzee Foundation Scholarship represents an incredible opportunity for me to further my impact and enhance my knowledge of marketing accessible foodways, not only locally in New Jersey, but on a global scale. Post-graduation, my ambition is to pursue a Master of Business Administration, utilizing my resources to establish opportunities and scholarships for those grappling with food insecurity nationwide. Activism, to me, involves acknowledging and validating the struggles of others, emphasizing the importance of their narratives. My mission is to promote social justice through prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in education and healthcare, empowering marginalized communities, and cultivating a culture of accountability and positive change. Through both my words and deeds, I am committed to being a change for progress and equality.