My name is Patrick McGrath. I am a senior at Kelly Walsh High School in Casper, WY and am anticipating graduation in May 2024. My plans for next year are to go to the University of Wyoming and study chemistry. I enjoy playing sports, hiking, fishing, and reading. I have worked for a local independent contractor since my sophomore summer while playing tennis, hockey, and soccer. I played third doubles and first doubles on the varsity tennis team for two years. I have played varsity hockey since my first year of school and have been a captain three of four years. I was named All-State those same three years. While playing for the high school team, I played for the state team. We compete in tournaments all over the country and at nationals last year we placed third. I have participated in student council and am a member of National Honor Society. This past year I joined DECA and won first place at state and will be competing at nationals in April. The person that pushed me to pursue a career in chemistry was my family friend David Gough. David worked as an engineer for Boeing for 50 years and has always been supportive of my interest in the field of math and science. Last summer David signed me up for an educational camp at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Indiana. At the camp I was able to explore many fields including chemistry. David and I have always been close, bonding over our shared love of science and math. He has always pushed me to do well in school and be the best person I could be. He has been a fantastic role model for me growing up and has taught me things that I would not have learned without him. A lot of who I am today is a result of David's influence and guidance. There are many careers that I could use a degree in chemistry for, but I plan to use it as a water and air quality specialist. Air and water are essential to life, and it is important these are protected and used effectively. Many people around the world do not have access to good air or water and I want to be able help them gain the necessary resources they need to live. Air and water pollution is a big problem, and it is important we manage the problem. As a water quality specialist, it is my job to determine the quality of our water distribution system and make it as efficient as possible. With a degree in chemistry, I will be able to make sure the water we drink and air we breathe is safe and accessible for everyone. Getting a degree in chemistry will allow me to use my love of science and math in a practical way that may be beneficial to others.