My involvement in speech and debate has given me a unique platform to develop my communication skills while sharing my Christian faith. Competing in Christian forensics organizations and participating in local tournaments has taught me how to articulate my beliefs clearly, thoughtfully, and respectfully, even when engaging with people who may hold different perspectives. Through this experience, I have learned that sharing faith is not about confrontation or “winning” an argument; it is about listening, understanding, and offering hope in a way that reflects Christ’s love. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is the importance of preparation and research. Crafting speeches that incorporate Biblical principles, ethical reasoning, and personal testimony requires a deep understanding of scripture and careful reflection on how my faith shapes my worldview. I still remember a persuasive speech I gave on the importance of serving others in the community. I spoke about how small acts of kindness, inspired by Christ’s teachings, can ripple outward to impact many people. Watching my audience respond with thoughtful questions and genuine interest was one of the most affirming experiences of my life, showing me how communication rooted in faith can inspire action and reflection. Serving as a leader and mentor in my forensics organization has allowed me to guide younger students in using speech and debate as a tool for positive impact. I have worked with peers to help them develop presentations that express Christian values, encouraging them to share their beliefs thoughtfully and confidently. I remember mentoring a younger student preparing a speech about honesty and integrity; we worked together to weave personal experiences with scripture, and seeing her deliver it with confidence reinforced my understanding that mentorship is a powerful form of service and leadership. Beyond competitions, my faith has guided me to use my skills in speech and debate to serve the wider community. I have volunteered at church events, youth programs, and academic workshops, helping students present ideas with clarity and integrity. Whether leading a small group discussion at VBS or assisting in a community event, I strive to demonstrate kindness, patience, and understanding while encouraging others to grow in their own faith journeys. These experiences have shown me that effective communication can be a powerful way to demonstrate God’s love and foster understanding in a world that often feels divided. Ultimately, speech and debate has prepared me to live out Philippians 2:3-4 by encouraging others, considering their perspectives, and using my voice to uplift, educate, and share the hope I have in Christ. As I continue to grow academically and spiritually, I hope to inspire others to embrace their faith courageously and use their talents to make a positive difference in their communities and beyond. Through mentorship, service, and faithful communication, I plan to continue sharing Christ’s love, helping others find their voice, and creating ripples of positive impact that extend far beyond the classroom.

Growing up, I learned early the value of community, service, and lifting others up, largely through my grandmother, Mimi. When my family faced housing instability, she opened her home to me, providing stability and guidance. From her, I learned that helping others is not just about giving resources—it’s about investing time, energy, and care to create meaningful change in people’s lives. That lesson has guided my actions in school, church, and beyond, and it is the foundation for how I plan to make my community and the world a better place after college. Currently, I contribute to my community in several ways. Through church, I volunteer with youth groups, help lead Vacation Bible School, assist in meal preparation for families in need, and support worship services with audio and visual setup. Each role has taught me leadership, empathy, and the importance of meeting people where they are. At school, I founded the chess club, giving students a safe space to connect, learn, and grow together. In robotics, I mentor younger students, helping them develop technical skills, confidence, and teamwork. Every interaction is an opportunity to strengthen my community and encourage others to reach their potential. After college, I plan to continue this mission on a larger scale. My goal is to become an occupational therapist, a field that combines my love for problem-solving with a chance to make a real, lasting difference in people’s lives. Occupational therapy allows me to help individuals gain independence, develop skills, and build confidence, particularly those who face challenges similar to ones I experienced growing up. Through this career, I hope to empower children, teens, and adults to overcome obstacles, discover their strengths, and fully participate in their communities. Beyond my professional aspirations, I aim to create programs and initiatives that encourage service and mentorship in my local community. By connecting schools, nonprofit organizations, and faith-based groups, I hope to provide consistent opportunities for young people to volunteer, learn, and develop leadership skills. I believe that by nurturing compassion and a sense of responsibility in others, we can build stronger, more supportive communities that continue to grow for generations. Giving back is not just about what we can do today—it’s about planting seeds that help others thrive tomorrow. Through my current volunteer work and my future career, I hope to lift others up, inspire growth, and contribute to a world where every person has the tools and support to succeed. College is the next step in equipping myself to make this vision a reality, and with the support of this scholarship, I can continue dedicating my life to service, impact, and community building.

family faced housing instability, she opened her home to me, providing a safe and nurturing space that allowed me to grow and learn. Living with her not only gave me stability, but it also exposed me to the power of community, faith, and selflessness. Mimi taught me that serving others is not just an action—it is a way of life. Through her guidance and the example of my grandfather, who serves as our pastor, I became deeply involved in church-based service from a young age. I started by learning handbells and participating in choir, which helped me develop discipline, patience, and the joy of contributing to something larger than myself. As I grew older, I took on leadership roles within the church, helping lead Vacation Bible School, assisting with youth group activities, and supporting worship services through audio and visual setup. I also volunteered with meal preparation teams to provide food for families in need and participated in community events to help serve others directly. These experiences allowed me to see firsthand the impact that dedication, kindness, and teamwork can have on those around me. Outside of church, I have also worked to make a positive impact in my school and local community. I founded the chess club at my high school, creating a welcoming space for students to connect, learn strategy, and build friendships. As a member and captain of our VEX Robotics team, I mentor younger students, helping them develop technical skills while building confidence and teamwork abilities. Through these efforts, I have sought to create inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and supported, reflecting the lessons Mimi taught me about compassion and leadership. Looking toward the future, I hope to expand my impact by mentoring more students in STEM and community service programs, creating opportunities for young people to discover their talents and build confidence. I want to work with local organizations to increase volunteer participation and provide consistent support for families in need. By fostering connections between schools, churches, and local nonprofits, I hope to build a stronger, more supportive community that continues to grow for generations to come. Mimi’s unwavering love and dedication have inspired me to lead with empathy, generosity, and purpose. Through her example, I have learned that meaningful change begins with service, and I am committed to carrying that legacy forward in every corner of my community.

Throughout my life, I have faced challenges that many of my peers could not fully understand. I have a 504 plan to support my learning differences, including difficulties with fine motor skills, vestibular processing, visual tracking, emotional regulation, ADHD, and mild depression. These challenges affected not only my ability to keep up with schoolwork but also how I interacted with others and managed my emotions. At times, I felt overwhelmed and frustrated, unsure of how to navigate both academic and social situations. Occupational therapy was a turning point for me. My therapist, Holly Ellingworth, helped me develop the tools to manage my emotions, improve my fine motor skills, and strengthen my social and organizational abilities. I learned to break tasks into manageable steps, stay focused during challenging assignments, and communicate my needs more effectively. With her guidance and the accommodations provided through my 504 plan, I began to thrive academically and socially. I made my first real friendships, learned to handle frustration without giving up, and discovered that my differences could become strengths rather than obstacles. One of the hardest parts of my journey was learning to believe in myself. There were times when schoolwork or social interactions felt impossible, and my ADHD and emotional challenges made even simple tasks overwhelming. But through perseverance, support from my family, teachers, and therapist, and consistent effort, I slowly built confidence in my abilities. I realized that my challenges did not define me—they shaped me into someone resilient, empathetic, and determined to help others who face obstacles. This experience has inspired me to continue my education and use what I’ve learned to make a positive impact. I want to show other students with learning differences that success is possible with the right support and strategies. I hope to pursue a college education where I can continue to grow academically and personally while serving as a mentor and role model for others who may struggle like I did. My journey has taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of persistence, and I hope to inspire others to see their challenges not as limitations but as opportunities for growth. Through dedication, hard work, and the support of my 504 plan and occupational therapy, I have transformed my learning differences into strengths. I am motivated to continue my education, embrace new challenges, and use my experiences to empower and support others. I know that with perseverance and guidance, students like me can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, and I want to be part of creating a world where no student feels left behind.

I have always been passionate about serving my community and helping others. Over the past several years, I have been deeply involved in my church, volunteering on the meal team, helping organize Vacation Bible School, leading youth small groups, and serving as a buddy for children with special needs. I also participate in FOCUS Camp Hollywood, Trinity Community Ministries, and Feed My Starving Children. Beyond faith-based service, I founded the chess club at my school and actively participate in VEX Robotics and the Technology Student Association, both as a competitor and as a leader. These experiences have taught me how to mentor others, work effectively in teams, and create safe, inclusive environments where everyone feels valued. Through all of these roles, I have learned that leadership is not only about guiding others but also about listening, understanding, and supporting those who may be struggling. Financially, pursuing higher education presents a significant challenge. My family works hard to support me, but the costs of tuition, books, and living expenses require additional assistance. Scholarships like the Matthew E. Minor Awareness Foundation would allow me to continue focusing on my education and service without placing extra stress on my family. Receiving support would also give me the freedom to dedicate more time to mentoring and community engagement, helping more young people feel supported and empowered. Keeping children and teens safe, both online and in-person, is a responsibility I take seriously. In my roles as a mentor and student leader, I actively create spaces where young people feel heard, respected, and supported. I work with younger students who may struggle socially or face bullying, guiding them to resolve conflicts peacefully, speak up for themselves, and practice empathy toward others. Online, I encourage my peers to recognize cyberbullying, report harmful behavior, and support classmates who may be targeted. In programs like VEX Robotics, I model respectful communication and teamwork, demonstrating that leadership involves integrity, kindness, and accountability. I also make a point to educate others about safe internet practices and respectful online interactions, helping them navigate digital spaces responsibly. Ultimately, my goal is to help children and teens feel safe, supported, and empowered, both in physical spaces and online. Through mentorship, education, and community involvement, I hope to contribute to a culture where bullying has no place, and every young person has the opportunity to grow, thrive, and reach their potential. By combining service, leadership, and compassion, I aim to make a positive difference in the lives of others while continuing to grow as a responsible and caring member of my community. I hope to inspire others to lead with empathy and to always stand up for those who need support, both in their communities and online.

I woke up to the sound of birds I did not recognize. For the first time in years, I was waking up alone in my own bed, in my own room. I held my stuffed animal, Twinkles, in my hand as I walked down the cream-carpeted stairs. In the kitchen, my mom had a packet of oatmeal ready and my favorite Buzz Lightyear bowl waiting for me. I sat at the wooden table, blew on the small wooden spoon engraved with a moon and stars, and took a bite. It was the sweetest thing I had tasted in a long time. For the past three years, my sister and I had been living between my Mimi’s house and a tiny studio apartment. We shared a room and ate mostly donated meals. My mom worked so hard, giving up sleep and comfort and sometimes even meals herself just to make sure we had what we needed. Life had not always been like that. In 2010, my biological father, who struggled with mental health issues, set our family home on fire. Soon after, he emptied my mom’s savings account. We lost everything. By the time I was seven, my mom had saved enough to buy a house again. I had my own room, my own toys, and a chance to start over. Even with a home, I struggled in school. I was the kid who got into trouble, who could not sit still, and who did not understand why. After several doctor visits, I was diagnosed with mental and developmental challenges. I began occupational therapy, and it changed my life. My therapist, Holly Ellingworth, helped me understand myself in a way no one else could. She taught me how to control my emotions, improve my skills, and connect with people. I made my first real friend and learned to ask why I was acting a certain way instead of just reacting. Over seven years, I gained control over my thoughts, my actions, and my emotions. I realized I had not been starved of love. I just had not known how to recognize it. My mom and Holly both taught me lessons I carry every day. My mom showed me strength and selflessness in the face of challenges. Holly helped me find my own voice and taught me that helping others can also help yourself. Because of them, I want to dedicate my life to helping people discover their own strength. I want to be an occupational therapist. I want to help kids and adults face challenges and realize that they can take control of their lives, just like I did. I will never forget my father or the difficulties I have faced. They shaped me into someone resilient, empathetic, and determined. My past does not define me. It gave me purpose. My mother’s sacrifices and Holly’s guidance showed me that even in the hardest circumstances, we can grow, heal, and help others grow too. I want to give that same support and hope to someone else.

“Before You Know It” When my freshman biology teacher, Mr. Blithe, signed my yearbook, he wrote, “You have an incredibly bright future ahead. Just don’t forget to enjoy these high school days. They’ll be over before you know it.” At the time, I didn’t think much of it. It sounded like something any teacher would write to a student who worked hard. But his message stayed with me, because beneath the words, he saw something I didn’t yet see in myself. It was my first year in Georgia and my first year of high school. I had always been one of the top students in class, the first to raise my hand, the one who treated every question like a competition. But after moving, I was placed in CP classes instead of the accelerated ones I was used to. The work felt easy, the atmosphere relaxed, and I quickly realized my new teachers cared more about keeping things fun than about pushing students to their limits. Then came Mr. Blithe. It was his first and last year teaching at my school, but in that short time he changed the way I viewed learning and life. Every morning before class, we would stand in the hallway tossing a ball back and forth, talking about everything and nothing. It became a quiet routine, something constant in a year full of change. My biological father had left years earlier, and my stepdad’s battle with cancer made it hard for him to play the role I wished he could. Without meaning to, Mr. Blithe became a kind of mentor figure in my life. He listened. He asked questions no one else did. And he kept challenging me to look beyond the classroom. “Why don’t you do anything outside of school?” he asked one morning. I never had a good answer. I thought achievement was enough, that if I kept my grades perfect, I would be fine. By the end of the year, I had a flawless score in his class, but looking back, I had learned almost nothing about myself. It wasn’t until I read his message again that I understood. “Don’t forget to enjoy these high school days.” Those words broke through the walls I had built around myself. I realized I had been so focused on accomplishment that I had forgotten to actually live, to build connections, take chances, and enjoy the small moments that make life meaningful. So I made a change. I started saying yes to things that once felt unnecessary. I joined clubs and even founded the chess club. I went to games, spent time with friends, and joined an online robotics mentor group that pushed me far outside my comfort zone. That team ended up winning the state championship and other major competitions, but more importantly, I finally felt what it meant to be part of something bigger than myself. Mr. Blithe’s message was more than advice. It was a reminder that joy and ambition can exist together. You can chase excellence and still take time to live it. His words taught me that success means balance, connection, and presence. Now, I carry that lesson forward. I plan to become an occupational therapist, helping others rebuild strength and confidence in their own lives, just as one teacher helped me rebuild mine. Because in the end, life moves faster than we realize. And sometimes it takes a few handwritten words in the back of a yearbook to remind us not to let it pass by before we know it.