One of the most meaningful acts of support for my community I helped to lead was the organization and execution of Barbara's Market. In memory of our late vice principal, Barbara Ector, Beta Club worked to build and stock a marketplace for the families in our community. We raised money and held donation events that filled the warehouse with food, clothes, and household products for the less fortunate. We worked tirelessly to sort clothing and goods, fill the shelves, and collect donations from others. While this worked to bring the people experiencing poverty material help, we did not stop there in our efforts to help our community. We also worked to create programs within Barbara's Market to provide free child care and offer job and skill training. This not only gave people in need supplies and basic necessities, but also the resources to create a better life for themselves and their families. This was especially meaningful to the family of Barbara Ector, who worked in her memory to create a more sustainable environment for people in need. As a result of this market, we were able to help countless people in our community get back on their feet and enrich their lives. I help to bring people together and connect with others by embodying the love of Christ and serving others. Firstly, I am able to connect with others and make my community more inclusive by sharing God's light through service. As I throw myself into service, I find that our community is strengthened and connected. Working for charity events and volunteer opportunities brings the community together in one common goal and allows for a sense of belonging. I participate in many service-oriented groups that work to make the world a more inclusive, connected, and enjoyable place. My favorite example of a service event that connected our community is the Great Strides Walk, made possible by Lee University. Great Strides is an organization dedicated to the research and cure of cystic fibrosis. Participating in the walk helps to spread awareness and raise money for a cure for the disease. Each year, Cleveland High School's National Honor Society raises money and support for this event. This connects our community, showcasing the community's empathy and compassion for others by walking together with one purpose. Through service and God's love, we are able to make strong connections and create an inclusive environment for our community.

Gandhi once said, "Be the change you want to see in the world". This philosophy was taught to me from a very young age, and challenged me daily to look for needs in my community. Throughout my whole life, service has been one of my most pressing hobbies. In school, at church, at home, and in my community, I immersed myself in volunteer work, bringing change to my environment. The love for service brought me to participate in many service-oriented groups such as Beta Club, Key Club, National Honors Society, and my youth group. These organizations help me to find service opportunities, connect with my community, uplift others, and embody the change I want to see in the world. Serving others is how I make the most change to my environment. I volunteer at Salvation Army, preparing and serving food to those experiencing homelessness in my community. We work to create dishes that provide nutrients and inspire hope in the people we serve. We also collect donation bins for shelf stable items and clothing. Helping the homeless in my area shares love and compassion with others, making our community more connected and empathetic. As a youth group, we also visit Avail Assisted Living to pamper and entertain the elderly. In a society where the elderly are often overlooked or mistreated, we worked to make the residents feel appreciated, loved, and get a sense of community outside the facility. Playing games, doing self-care activities, and sharing bible studies with the residents of Avail brought happiness and hope to the residents. Each year, our National Honors Society also volunteers for charities that spread awareness about illnesses such as cystic fibrosis. The Great Strides Walk is a charity that we participate in annually that raises money for the cure to cystic fibrosis. By walking in this charity event, we are able to fund the research for cures and medication, changing the lives of those affected. One of my most influential projects was the creation and execution of Barbara's Market. After the passing of our Vice Principal, Barbara Ector, Beta Club came together in her memory to support our community. We built and stocked a marketplace for people in need in our community. Not only can they get household products, food, and clothing, but they also have access to free childcare and job skill training. This had the most impact on my community, bringing the less fortunate job opportunities and providing for their needs. Looking ahead, I plan to continue volunteering for charities and events, immersing myself fully in service opportunities. My commitment to serving others reminds me that in order to be the change you want to see in the world, it is crucial to support those around you. By helping those in need, uplifting others, and investing in the betterment of my community, I am committed to sharing with others the change I want to see in the world.