Swimming has shaped who I am more than anything else in my life. It taught me discipline before I understood the word, resilience before I knew I needed it, and belief before I had proof. I did not fall in love with swimming because it was easy or glamorous. I fell in love with it because it gave structure to chaos and purpose to effort. Over time, it became more than a sport. It became the lens through which I learned how to work, lead, and push myself beyond what I thought was possible. My journey as a swimmer has not been conventional. I have dealt with setbacks both in and out of the pool, including academic struggles tied to a learning disability. For years, school felt overwhelming and discouraging. Swimming was the one place where effort translated directly into progress. If I showed up, did the work, and stayed consistent, results followed. That mindset eventually carried into the classroom. As my commitment to training deepened, so did my discipline in school. I earned a 4.0 GPA last year and now take advanced and dual credit courses as a senior. Swimming didn’t distract me from education. It made me capable of succeeding in it. Competitively, I’ve learned what it means to chase excellence without guarantees. Early mornings. Long practices. Repetitive training. Sacrificed weekends. Missed social events. I’ve earned recognition through team awards, leadership roles, and top performances, but the real growth happened in the quiet work no one sees. Being a team captain taught me how to lead through action, consistency, and accountability. It also showed me how much responsibility elite athletes carry, not just for results, but for culture. That is why I believe I am the kind of athlete Speed League Swimming was built for. I don’t see swimming as something I “do.” I see it as something I am building toward. I want a future in the sport that rewards ambition, personality, and performance, not just compliance with a narrow system. The current swimming system offers structure, development, and tradition. It produces strong athletes and creates opportunities through clubs, high school teams, and college programs. But it also has clear limitations. Many elite swimmers are overlooked unless they fit specific molds. There are limited platforms for exposure, storytelling, and financial sustainability. The sport asks for full commitment, but often gives little back unless you reach a very small tier of success. Too many driven swimmers disappear quietly after years of sacrifice because there is no professional pathway that values them as athletes, competitors, and individuals. Swimming needs evolution. It needs innovation. It needs a league that treats swimmers like professionals, not just participants. Speed League Swimming represents that shift. A league that emphasizes speed, excitement, personality, and visibility aligns with where sports are heading and where swimming should be. Fans connect to stories, rivalries, and bold competition. Athletes deserve platforms that reward performance and individuality. My ambition is to compete at the highest level I can reach while continuing my education and building a long-term career connected to leadership and development. I plan to study business, GIS, or urban planning because I am interested in how systems are built and improved. That interest extends to swimming itself. I want to be part of shaping what the sport becomes next. Speed League Swimming offers the chance to do that, not years down the line, but now. A league like Speed League Swimming would change my career by giving me a reason to keep pushing forward competitively. It would provide motivation, visibility, and a professional environment that values speed and performance. More importantly, it would allow athletes like me to contribute beyond racing. I would bring energy, leadership, and a builder mentality. I want to help define the culture, engage fans, and show younger swimmers that there is a future worth chasing. Financially, continuing my education and swimming career is challenging. I have completed FAFSA and actively apply for scholarships. I will be responsible for a large portion of my college expenses, including tuition, housing, and training related costs. Any scholarship support directly impacts my ability to stay committed to both academics and elite level swimming. This scholarship would not only ease financial pressure, but reinforce that my ambition and vision are worth investing in. Speed League Swimming is needed now because the sport cannot afford to stay stagnant. Athletes are ready. Fans are ready. The next generation of swimmers wants more than silent grind and limited opportunity. They want a platform that matches their commitment. I am ready to be part of that future. Not just as a competitor, but as someone who believes swimming deserves to grow, evolve, and finally give elite athletes the stage they have earned.

The movie that has had the greatest impact on my life is Ford v Ferrari. While it is often viewed as a racing film, its deeper message about perseverance, learning, and leadership shaped how I approach my education and my goals. What stood out to me most was how the main characters refused to accept limitations placed on them by systems, expectations, or past failures. Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles were not given an easy path. They faced bureaucracy, doubt, and repeated setbacks. Instead of quitting, they focused on constant improvement. They studied their mistakes, adapted their strategies, and kept learning. That mindset changed how I see challenges in my own life. As a student, I have learned that success is not about being perfect from the start. It is about being willing to learn, adjust, and keep moving forward. Watching the characters in Ford v Ferrari problem-solve under pressure reinforced the importance of curiosity and persistence. Every setback became an opportunity to gain insight. That approach mirrors how I now handle school. When something does not come easily, I do not see it as failure. I see it as feedback. The film also highlighted the value of teamwork and leadership. Although Ken Miles was an incredible individual talent, the success of the project depended on collaboration. Engineers, designers, drivers, and leaders had to work together toward a shared goal. This reinforced my belief that education is not only about individual achievement, but about learning how to contribute meaningfully within a group. Leadership means understanding others, communicating clearly, and staying committed to a vision even when obstacles arise. Another reason this movie resonated with me is its focus on passion tied to discipline. The characters loved what they did, but passion alone was not enough. They paired it with preparation, learning, and accountability. That balance is something I strive for in my own education. I want to pursue a bachelor’s degree not only because it opens doors professionally, but because learning itself allows me to grow, think critically, and better serve the communities I am part of. Ford v Ferrari taught me to think long-term. The goal was not simply to win one race. It was to build something meaningful, prove what was possible, and leave an impact beyond a single moment. That lesson influences how I view my future. I want my education to be more than a credential. I want it to be a foundation for leadership, innovation, and positive change. This movie helped shape my mindset during moments when progress felt slow or success felt uncertain. It reminded me that growth comes from persistence, learning, and belief in the bigger picture. That perspective continues to guide my approach to education and my determination to become someone who uses knowledge to make a lasting impact.

Being a trailblazer has never meant doing something flashy or public for me. It has meant noticing who is left out, stepping forward without being asked, and committing to serve even when the system makes it difficult. My most meaningful work has come from self-initiated efforts to support marginalized and underserved students, especially those with disabilities or limited access to structured support. One of the most impactful projects I have been involved in is my continued participation in Bartlett Buddies, a student-led organization focused on supporting students with special needs. While the club exists within the school, the responsibility to make it meaningful falls on the students involved. I took initiative by consistently showing up to help plan and run after-school events, social activities, and inclusive programs designed to help students with disabilities feel seen, valued, and included. These students are often underserved socially, not because they lack ability, but because environments are not designed with them in mind. Through this work, I learned how small changes can create access. Adjusting activities so everyone could participate, advocating for inclusion during school events, and simply taking time to build relationships all made a difference. Many of these students struggle to find spaces where they feel comfortable and confident. Creating that space required patience, adaptability, and leadership. It also required empathy, listening, and the willingness to step outside my own comfort zone. In addition to this ongoing commitment, I volunteered at a Huntington’s Disease awareness walk, helping with event setup and organization. While the work itself may seem simple, the purpose behind it was powerful. Huntington’s Disease affects families emotionally, financially, and physically, often without enough public attention or resources. Supporting this event helped amplify awareness for a community that is frequently overlooked. It showed me how grassroots efforts play a critical role in serving marginalized groups when larger systems fall short. As a student-athlete and team captain, I have also taken initiative to support teammates who struggle silently, whether with mental health, confidence, or external pressures. Athletics often reward performance but ignore personal challenges. I made it a priority to check in, offer guidance, and help create a team culture where asking for support was accepted. While this was not a formal project, it was a self-initiated effort to support individuals who felt marginalized within competitive spaces. These experiences shaped how I view leadership and innovation. Innovation does not always mean inventing something new. Sometimes it means rethinking how existing spaces operate and who they serve. It means acting without waiting for permission and addressing needs as they arise. As a low-income, BIPOC student, I understand firsthand how limited access and systemic barriers affect opportunity. That perspective fuels my drive to keep building inclusive spaces and supporting underserved communities. I plan to continue this work in college and beyond, combining education, leadership, and service to help dismantle barriers and create pathways forward. I may not always know exactly where the path leads, but I am committed to leaving one behind for others to follow.

I am a high school senior who has learned the value of commitment, service, and perseverance through both my academics and my involvement in the community. I balance a demanding course load with leadership roles, athletics, and volunteer work, and I take pride in showing up consistently for the people and responsibilities that matter to me. After high school, I plan to attend college, earn a bachelor’s degree, and continue building a life centered on leadership and service. One of the most meaningful parts of my high school experience has been my involvement in community service. I am an active member of Bartlett Buddies, a club that supports students with special needs by helping with after-school activities and school events. Through this experience, I’ve learned how important patience, empathy, and inclusion are. Creating a welcoming space for students who are often overlooked has shown me how small actions can make a lasting impact. I have also volunteered at a Huntington’s Disease awareness walk, helping with event setup and logistics. That experience taught me how community events bring people together to support families facing difficult challenges. In addition, I participate in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, where I focus on leadership, accountability, and serving others. These experiences, combined with my role as a student-athlete and team captain, have shaped who I am. They have taught me responsibility, time management, and how to lead by example. I have learned that leadership is not about recognition, but about service and consistency. If I were given the opportunity to start my own charity, its mission would be to support students from low-income backgrounds by providing access to academic support, mentorship, and extracurricular opportunities. Many students have the motivation to succeed but lack the resources, guidance, or confidence to take the next step. My charity would focus on closing that gap. The organization would serve middle and high school students who need academic assistance, mentorship, or exposure to opportunities such as tutoring, college preparation, or organized activities. Volunteers would help with tutoring, mentoring, organizing community events, and assisting students with goal-setting and planning for life after high school. The charity would also partner with schools and local organizations to ensure students feel supported both academically and personally. This mission reflects the values I try to live by every day. Like Aserina Hill, I believe in giving quietly, consistently, and with purpose. Her story of sacrifice and generosity is inspiring, and it reinforces my belief that education is one of the most powerful ways to create change. This scholarship would help me continue my education and allow me to one day give back in the same meaningful way, supporting others as they work toward their own goals.

I plan to create a legacy by building something that lasts beyond me and helps people see opportunity where they once saw limits. For me, entrepreneurship is not about becoming wealthy or chasing status. It is about solving real problems, creating access, and using leadership to improve lives in practical ways. My interest in entrepreneurship grew from my own experiences navigating systems that were not built with everyone in mind. Growing up in a low-income household, I learned early that resources are not evenly distributed and that success often depends on who understands the system and who does not. I saw how small gaps in access, information, or support could completely change someone’s path. That awareness shaped how I think about business. I see it as a tool to close gaps, not widen them. I hope to one day start a business focused on community-centered development, combining business strategy with data, planning, and service. I am especially interested in entrepreneurship connected to urban planning, local development, or sports-based programs that provide structure and mentorship to young people. I want to build an organization that creates opportunities through smart planning, sustainable growth, and ethical leadership. Whether that means helping communities design better spaces, supporting youth programs, or creating systems that make services more accessible, my goal is to build something that serves people first. Volunteer work has played a major role in shaping this vision. Through my involvement in programs that support students with special needs, community events, and service-based organizations, I have seen how leadership and organization can transform an experience for others. These roles taught me how to listen, adapt, and step up when something needs to get done. They also showed me how much impact can come from consistent effort, even when resources are limited. Those lessons directly influence how I approach entrepreneurship. I believe strong businesses are built the same way strong communities are built, through trust, responsibility, and long-term commitment. I shine my light by showing up with discipline, energy, and purpose. As a student-athlete, leader, and volunteer, I take pride in doing the work others may not see and staying committed even when things get difficult. I do not wait for perfect conditions to act. I work with what I have and look for ways to improve systems from within. That mindset is central to how I plan to lead as an entrepreneur. My legacy will not be defined by a single achievement, but by the opportunities I help create for others. I want people to look at what I build and see possibility, access, and forward movement. This scholarship would support my education and give me the foundation to turn vision into action. I am committed to using that opportunity to create something meaningful, lasting, and rooted in service.

Jack Terry’s story inspires me because it represents the strongest form of perseverance I can imagine. He lost his family, his home, his education, and his sense of security at an age when most children are still protected by others. Despite unimaginable trauma, he rebuilt his life from nothing, committed himself to learning, served others, and chose hope over bitterness. His life proves that adversity does not have to define the limits of who we become. It can instead become the foundation for growth, purpose, and service. While my challenges are not comparable in scale, I have faced adversity that deeply affected my educational journey. I have lived with a learning disability that made school feel overwhelming for much of my life. I often worked harder than my peers just to keep up, and there were times when I questioned my intelligence and my future. I struggled with confidence and motivation, especially when my effort did not always show in my grades. For a long time, school felt like something I survived rather than something I believed I could succeed in. That began to change when I found swimming. The discipline and structure of the sport gave me something school never had before: belief in myself. Swimming taught me that progress is not instant and that consistency matters more than talent alone. I learned how to set goals, handle setbacks, and stay committed even when improvement was slow. Those lessons transferred directly into the classroom. Over time, I became more organized, more confident, and more resilient. Last year, I earned a 4.0 GPA, something I once believed was impossible for me. Now, as a senior, I am taking dual credit and AP courses and pushing myself further academically than ever before. What I have learned from my adversity is that success is not about starting ahead. It is about refusing to quit. Like Jack Terry, I have learned to adapt, persevere, and keep moving forward even when the path is difficult. My challenges shaped my work ethic and taught me empathy for others who struggle quietly. They also gave me a strong desire to give back. Through my studies, I plan to serve others by pursuing a degree that allows me to combine leadership, athletics, and education. I hope to mentor young athletes and students who face learning challenges or self doubt, helping them realize that their circumstances do not define their potential. Whether through coaching, education, or community involvement, I want to create environments where students feel supported and capable, just as I once needed. Jack Terry devoted his life to learning and to sharing hope with others. His story reminds me that adversity can be transformed into purpose. I carry that lesson with me as I continue my education and work toward a future focused on service, resilience, and impact.

Growing up in Bartlett, Illinois, I’ve had the privilege of interacting with a diverse range of people through school, sports, and community activities. My dad’s family is deeply rooted in Mexican culture, and spending time with them has given me firsthand experience of traditions, language, and family dynamics that are different from my own day-to-day environment. From celebrating Día de los Muertos to learning traditional recipes and listening to stories about my grandparents’ lives in Mexico, I’ve seen how culture shapes values, communication, and relationships. These experiences taught me to approach people and situations with curiosity and respect, understanding that each individual’s perspective is shaped by their cultural background. As a competitive swimmer at Bartlett High School, I’ve also traveled to meets across the Midwest, meeting athletes from a wide variety of cultural, economic, and social backgrounds. One encounter that stands out was a teammate whose family immigrated from Brazil. Through conversations about their traditions, holidays, and approach to teamwork, I gained insight into how culture shapes behavior, motivation, and collaboration. I realized that to truly understand others, I needed to look beyond surface differences and engage with their lived experiences. This combination of personal and social exposure sparked my interest in anthropology, which I see as the key to deepening my comprehension of human diversity. Anthropology’s holistic approach—connecting culture, history, language, and social structures—offers tools to analyze society in ways that are both empathetic and practical. For example, learning how social norms influence behavior can help communities address issues like educational inequality or promote inclusivity in schools and recreational programs. At Bartlett, my community involvement has reinforced the importance of cultural understanding. Volunteering at local youth programs, I’ve observed how children from different households respond uniquely to guidance and encouragement. Applying anthropological insights allows me to adapt my approach, fostering positive relationships while respecting each child’s cultural context. Looking ahead, I envision using an anthropology education to address challenges in public health and community engagement. Understanding cultural differences can guide effective health campaigns, improve accessibility to resources, and create inclusive programs that reach those who are most marginalized. Whether through urban planning, public service, or youth education, I aim to apply anthropological methods to solve real-world problems while honoring the diversity that makes our communities strong. Receiving the Katherine Walter Scholarship would support my pursuit of an anthropology degree and help me continue developing the skills needed to understand, connect with, and serve people from all walks of life. By combining my experiences, curiosity, and dedication, I hope to make a tangible difference in the world through cultural understanding and informed action.

From an early age, I’ve been passionate about learning, serving my community, and creating safe spaces for others—both online and in person. As a competitive swimmer at Bartlett High School, I’ve spent countless hours training with discipline and resilience. Beyond athletics, I’ve been a swim instructor for several years, teaching children how to swim while building confidence, responsibility, and teamwork skills. Through this role, I’ve learned how much a positive environment can impact a child’s development, and it has inspired me to extend that sense of safety beyond the pool. Gaming and social media have been a significant part of my life for years, giving me insight into both the opportunities and challenges of the digital world. I’ve seen firsthand how quickly online interactions can turn negative, and I’ve made it a priority to use my platforms responsibly. I moderate group chats, encourage positive interactions, and mentor younger players on how to handle conflicts online. I’ve shared strategies for blocking harassment, reporting inappropriate behavior, and fostering supportive communities. These experiences have taught me how to recognize harmful behaviors and respond proactively, helping younger students feel safe and respected in virtual spaces. Academically, I have managed ADHD with a 504 plan and medication, allowing me to stay focused and organized despite challenges with impulsivity, test anxiety, and attention. These experiences have strengthened my problem-solving skills, patience, and perseverance—qualities I bring to every community project I participate in. My approach is always hands-on: I work directly with children, guiding them to make safe, responsible choices and helping them understand the impact of their words and actions online. Financially, attending college is a significant challenge for my family. Coming from a low-income background, every scholarship makes a meaningful difference in my ability to pursue higher education while continuing to serve my community. This support would allow me to focus on learning, mentoring, and expanding programs that promote safety and positivity for children and teens. In my community, I am committed to preventing bullying and cyberbullying by modeling respect, patience, and inclusivity. Whether teaching swimming lessons, mentoring younger students online, or assisting with youth programs at Wheaton Bible Church, I strive to empower children to stand up for themselves and others while cultivating environments where everyone can feel valued. Receiving the Matthew E. Minor Memorial Scholarship would not only ease financial pressures but also help me expand my impact, promoting safety, positivity, and awareness in both digital and real-world spaces for the next generation of youth.

Over the past several years, I’ve learned the value of hard work, discipline, and perseverance through both academics and athletics. As a student-athlete at Bartlett High School and a swimmer with FMC Aquatics, I balance rigorous swim practices, early morning workouts, and a full academic schedule. Swimming has taught me consistency, focus, and the importance of giving my best effort, even when it’s exhausting or challenging. These lessons extend beyond the pool and into all areas of my life, shaping the way I approach school, relationships, and my community. I also dedicate myself to helping others. I work as a swim instructor, teaching children water safety, proper technique, and confidence in the pool. Beyond the pool, I’ve completed over five hours of community service with Wheaton Bible Church, where I assist with events, youth programs, and mentoring younger students. I take pride in being someone others can rely on, whether it’s cheering on a teammate, helping a student improve, or contributing to my community. I’ve learned that encouragement, patience, and support can make a real difference in someone else’s life, and I try to carry that mindset into everything I do. Academically, I’ve faced my own challenges. I have ADHD, which makes it difficult to stay focused in class, manage impulsivity, and handle test anxiety. My 504 plan and ADHD medication help me succeed, and I’ve developed strategies to stay organized, disciplined, and persistent. Learning this about myself has taught me resilience, and it has helped me push through obstacles both in school and in life. I’ve discovered that even when learning feels overwhelming, consistent effort, preparation, and patience allow me to succeed. Coming from a low-income background, I understand the value of opportunity and the importance of financial support. Scholarships like this one allow students like me to focus on growth, education, and leadership, rather than worry about the cost of college. Attending a private university is my next step, and receiving this scholarship would provide critical support to help me continue my education without additional financial burden. This scholarship would not only help me pursue my academic goals but also reinforce the values that Kalia Davis embodied—excellence, hard work, and service to others. I strive to carry those same values forward in everything I do, whether in sports, school, or my community. Being recognized with this scholarship would honor Kalia’s legacy while empowering me to continue working toward my goals and making a positive impact on those around me.

I’ve learned that life doesn’t hand out easy paths. School has never come naturally to me because of my ADHD and my 504 accommodations. Sitting through long classes, keeping my attention focused, and completing tests under pressure is exhausting. I often feel like I’m swimming upstream while everyone else is drifting with the current. I have had to learn strategies to manage my focus, break tasks into manageable pieces, and advocate for myself to make sure I can succeed. Mental health and perseverance have been a part of my journey too. Seeing friends struggle with stress, anxiety, or feeling isolated has taught me the importance of support and understanding. Even when I was struggling to keep up in school, I tried to lift others up—whether it was encouraging a teammate during swim practice, helping younger swimmers gain confidence in the water, or listening to friends who needed someone to talk to. Those experiences showed me that challenges are not just personal obstacles—they are opportunities to connect with others and make a difference. Swimming has taught me resilience in a very tangible way. Training six days a week, waking up early, and pushing through tough practices has taught me that progress comes through effort, consistency, and determination. I’ve learned to embrace discomfort and use it as fuel, a lesson that applies to every part of my life. My family has also shaped my understanding of perseverance. My dad battled cancer and has been cancer-free since 2018. Watching him face treatment and recovery showed me the power of hope, patience, and endurance. It has inspired me to face my own challenges head-on and to help those around me who are struggling. While I am not LGBTQIA+ myself, I understand the importance of community, acceptance, and advocacy. Everyone deserves to feel safe and supported while navigating personal struggles. I am committed to being someone who listens, encourages, and stands with others as they persevere through challenges, whether in academics, athletics, or life. Receiving the Elijah’s Helping Hand Scholarship would allow me to continue focusing on my education and personal growth while supporting those around me. It would help me invest in my future and in the communities I care about. More than anything, it would allow me to continue embodying the values of resilience, empathy, and perseverance that this scholarship honors. I have faced my own battles, and through them, I have learned how to persevere, how to support others, and how to turn challenges into opportunities. I hope to carry those lessons forward, honoring the spirit of Elijah by helping others rise stronger than they were before.

I have always had to work harder than most to keep up in school. Since early on I have had a 504 plan because of struggles with reading, writing, and test-taking. Sitting through long tests can be overwhelming, and my ADHD makes it hard to stay focused or sit still. There have been times when I knew the information but could not show it on the test, and it felt like I was failing even when I was trying my hardest. Over time I learned how to adapt, ask for help, and approach challenges differently. I use one-on-one teaching sessions, breaks when needed, and specific study techniques that help me focus. Those strategies have not only improved my grades but also taught me perseverance and problem-solving, skills I carry into everything I do. Swimming has been another teacher of resilience. I have been on the Bartlett High School swim team for four years, training six days a week. Early mornings, exhausting practices, and the pressure of competition could have been discouraging, but they became lessons in discipline. I have learned that showing up, even when it is hard, is what drives real improvement. One of the moments I remember most is coaching kids during swim lessons. Seeing a child finally float on their own after weeks of struggling reminds me that patience, encouragement, and consistent effort really do make a difference. Teaching others has helped me become more patient, adaptable, and confident in my abilities. My family has also shaped who I am. My dad battled cancer and has been cancer-free since 2018. Watching him go through treatment and stay strong taught me about resilience and hope. His journey inspires me to keep moving forward, even when I feel challenged in school or in other parts of my life. Looking ahead, I want to become an urban planner. I am fascinated by how cities are built, how neighborhoods connect, and how public spaces can be designed to improve daily life. I hope to create communities that are safe, accessible, and supportive for everyone. The persistence I’ve developed through school, swimming, teaching, and overcoming learning challenges will help me tackle the complexities of urban planning. This scholarship would help me focus on my education and gain experiences that bring me closer to my goal. It would allow me to continue learning, growing, and using the skills I have developed to make a positive impact on the world. My journey has taught me that challenges are not obstacles but opportunities, and I am ready to use everything I have learned to build a future where I can make a real difference.

My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer around 2016. After radiation and treatment he has been cancer free since 2018. The medical bills piled up, my parents’ hours at work changed, and we suddenly had less money for basic things like housing, textbooks, and dress code clothes for my private school, St. Isidore elementary in Illinois. Living through that taught me things no classroom could. It showed me what sacrifice looks like and how important financial security can be. Because of that I started working and taking responsibility early. I work as a swim instructor and I put in community service at Wheaton Bible Church. Balancing early morning practices, lessons, school, and work taught me time management and how to lead by example. I am not gonna lie it was hard, but seeing my dad go through treatment gave me a purpose. I wanted to do more than help at home. I wanted to build a future where my family did not have to worry every time illness showed up. Charles Bowlus built something from risk and grit. That idea resonates with me. I plan to major in business because I want the tools to create stable solutions, not just for my family but for people who face the same type of financial shock my dad and I experienced. I want to learn how to start and run a company that provides steady jobs, affordable services, or financial assistance programs for families dealing with cancer and other crises. My experiences have shaped how I approach problems. When I missed school during my junior year because of family strain I focused on one task at a time and kept showing up. That focus turned into a 400 yard Individual Medley qualifying time at regionals after months of early mornings and long workouts. That same approach applies to business. Small consistent actions add up to big results. Working while studying taught me how to budget, how to be accountable, and how to communicate with different people. Teaching swim lessons gave me experience leading, planning, and keeping someone else safe. Volunteering at church grounded me in service and stewardship. These are practical skills I will apply in an entrepreneurship program and later in the real world. This scholarship would give my family breathing room and let me focus on business classes, internships, and starting a small pilot project while in college. It would lessen financial stress and let me invest in the training I need to turn these ideas into impact. I want to build something that honors my dad’s fight, supports families like mine, and follows the spirit of risk and service that Charles Bowlus showed in his life.

I grew up learning to value hard work and community. I am a Christian, a first Christian college generation college student, and a Latinx student from Bartlett, Illinois. I swim for Bartlett and for FMC Aquatics and I am used to waking up before sunrise to put in the work. My faith, my family, my church at Wheaton Bible Church, and my teammates taught me what it means to serve others and to be a good steward of the gifts I have been given. Junior year tested all of that. In October I got seriously ill and spent weeks in and out of the hospital. I lost energy, missed classes, and watched my grades slide. For the first time I worried I might not be able to finish the season or keep my grades. I am not gonna lie it hurt, but I kept showing up. I prayed and asked God every night for strength and I focused on one thing at a time. I slowly rebuilt my health, caught up in school, and relearned how to trust the process. I knew through God, his strength would keep me thriving and ultimately knew I would be okay through his love for me in this journey. That season taught me the value of resilience. I learned that faith without action does not move you forward and that prayer needs to be paired with work. I came back to the pool at 5 a.m., I lifted, I studied, and I pushed myself to qualify for the Illinois Senior State Championships. At regionals I swam the 400 yard Individual Medley, dropped eight seconds, took first place, and hit the qualifying time. That race showed me that consistent effort, even when it is painful, leads to results. Outside the pool I have put in more than five hours of community service and I work as a swim instructor. At Wheaton Bible Church I help with youth activities and serve where it is needed. I mentor younger swimmers, tutor teammates, and teach lessons to kids learning to swim. Those roles taught me responsibility and how to lead by example. Being paid to teach swim lessons also taught me how to manage my time, communicate clearly, and care for others in practical ways. I believe I deserve this scholarship because I will use support to make a real impact. I faced a medical setback, fought to catch up in school, and still returned stronger for my team and my community. I lead by example in practice and at church. I help younger students in youth group and I show up to serve. This scholarship would help me continue that path. I plan to attend a private college and study urban planning. I want to design streets, parks, and services that actually work for the people who live there. Paying for a private school is a real challenge for my family. Tuition, housing, textbooks, and a laptop add up quickly. This money would cover part of those costs so I can focus on learning, serving at church, and joining community projects without constant financial stress. Acts chapter 20 teaches that it is more blessed to give than to receive. If I am chosen I will honor that idea by being a careful steward. I will use the funds for tuition and essentials, and I will be transparent about how the money is used. I will continue volunteering, mentoring younger students, and supporting my teammates. When I graduate I plan to use the skills I learn to help neighborhoods like mine, improving infrastructure and creating opportunities for young people. More than anything I want this scholarship because it will let me keep serving while I study. It will let me stay active in my church and my community and it will give my family breathing room as we invest in my education. I do not see this as just financial help. I see it as an investment in someone who will give back. With this support I will keep working, keep serving, and keep building a future that honors my faith, my family, and the community that raised me.

What first interested me in swimming wasn’t the competition. It was the calm. I remember being seven years old, struggling with anxiety and finding it hard to express myself. But the moment I slipped into the water, something changed. It was quiet, weightless, and peaceful. Swimming became a space where I felt safe, focused, and confident. As I got older, that calm turned into drive. I discovered that the same sport that helped me feel centered could also push me beyond my limits. Now, as a high school senior and four-year varsity swimmer at Bartlett High School, swimming has become one of the most defining parts of who I am. I’ve spent hundreds of early mornings training, grinding through dryland workouts, and working toward personal bests. But swimming has taught me far more than just how to race. It taught me how to lead by example. As a junior and senior team captain, I’ve mentored underclassmen, supported teammates through mental blocks, and helped build a culture where hard work and encouragement go hand in hand. More importantly, swimming taught me how to keep going when life gets hard. My junior year was one of the toughest times for me mentally, physically, and emotionally. I dealt with burnout, personal challenges, and the pressure of balancing school, sports, and college prep. There were days I didn’t want to jump in the water. But I did anyway. Just showing up and swimming through the doubt helped me learn how to face challenges in and out of the pool. Like in swimming, I learned to take a breath, focus forward, and keep going even when it hurts. The sport has also given me chances to give back. I’ve helped coach youth swimmers during summer league and volunteered at stroke clinics for younger kids. Seeing them grow not just as athletes but as confident people reminded me how much of a difference one coach, one teammate, or one encouraging voice can make. That’s something I want to keep doing. I want to give back to the sport that gave me so much. Swimming didn’t just make me a better athlete. It made me a stronger student, a better leader, and a more resilient person. I plan to carry those lessons into college and beyond, whether I keep competing or help teach the next generation how to swim with confidence and courage, just like Cynthia Browne Vino did. This scholarship would help support my journey as a student-athlete and a leader who wants to make waves not just in the pool, but in my community too.