Growing up as a Latino student in Bartlett, Illinois, I have faced moments where I felt underestimated or overlooked, both academically and socially. Being part of a BIPOC community comes with its own set of challenges, from navigating cultural expectations at home to confronting subtle biases in school. One of the most significant adversities I faced was learning to manage my ADHD while keeping up with school, sports, and community activities. Sitting still, staying focused, and organizing my thoughts was a daily struggle, and at times, it made me feel like I couldn’t keep up with my peers. To overcome these challenges, I relied on multiple strategies and support systems. My 504 accommodations helped me create a learning environment tailored to my needs, and taking ADHD medication improved my focus during school hours. Additionally, having teachers and mentors who understood my learning style allowed me to thrive in ways I never imagined. Outside the classroom, I applied the discipline I learned from playing competitive baseball from age six through my sophomore year. Early mornings, long practices, and teamwork taught me perseverance, resilience, and how to face setbacks with determination. The lessons from sports—handling pressure, working toward a goal, and staying committed even when things get hard—translate directly into my academic and personal life. I also committed myself to giving back to my community. I volunteered by helping younger students with schoolwork and online safety, and I worked to create a welcoming environment where students felt seen and supported. These experiences taught me that overcoming adversity is not just about personal growth but also about lifting others up. I learned the value of patience, empathy, and leadership, and how sharing my journey can inspire others to keep pushing forward. This adversity shaped me by teaching me that challenges are not limitations—they are opportunities to grow. I learned to embrace my differences, advocate for myself, and turn obstacles into motivation. My advice to someone facing similar circumstances is simple: embrace your unique strengths, seek support when needed, and never let others’ expectations define your potential. Obstacles may slow you down, but they don’t have to stop you. Being recognized by the Simon Strong Scholarship would allow me to continue my academic journey with confidence and use my experiences to inspire and uplift others facing adversity. I am committed to making a positive impact in my community and proving that perseverance, drive, and community involvement can lead to success, no matter the challenges we face. With this support, I can push further, work harder, and serve as a role model for younger students who might feel limited by circumstances beyond their control.

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.

From an early age, I’ve been driven by curiosity, innovation, and a desire to make a positive impact on my community. As a competitive swimmer at Bartlett High School and FMC Aquatics, I’ve learned that success requires discipline, resilience, and strategic thinking—all qualities that mirror the entrepreneurial spirit exemplified by Stelios Aktipis. Balancing early morning practices, rigorous training, and academic responsibilities has taught me how to problem-solve under pressure, analyze performance data, and continuously seek improvement—skills that extend beyond athletics into every challenge I face. I also bring curiosity and innovation to my community work. I serve as a swim instructor, teaching children not only technique but confidence and critical thinking in the water. Over the past several years, I’ve developed creative ways to help students understand difficult swimming concepts, adjusting lessons to their learning styles and keeping them engaged. In addition, I’ve completed over five hours of community service at Wheaton Bible Church, supporting youth programs, mentoring students, and assisting with events. These experiences have shown me the power of creative problem-solving and adaptability—finding new ways to connect with children, explain concepts clearly, and provide encouragement that inspires growth. I approach these challenges the way an entrepreneur would: identifying opportunities, testing solutions, learning from feedback, and refining strategies to achieve the best outcomes. Academically, I strive for excellence while embracing challenges. Managing ADHD has required innovative approaches to learning, including utilizing my 504 plan, focusing strategies, and individualized study methods. This experience has strengthened my problem-solving skills and enhanced my ability to think critically and strategically—skills essential for entrepreneurship. I’ve learned to approach obstacles with curiosity and creativity rather than frustration, seeing every challenge as an opportunity to learn and improve. Stelios Aktipis demonstrated that combining scholarly engagement, community service, and entrepreneurial drive can create meaningful, lasting impact. I strive to carry these same values forward: excelling academically while exploring new ideas, serving my community with creativity and dedication, and pushing myself to innovate and solve problems wherever I encounter them. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to continue my education with greater focus and dedication, providing the financial support to pursue opportunities that enhance both my academic growth and community impact. Through athletics, academics, and service, I aim to exemplify Stelios’ values by embracing curiosity, pursuing excellence, and applying creativity to every challenge. Like Stelios, I hope to combine innovation, scholarship, and service to make a meaningful impact on the world around me, leaving a positive mark on both my community and the fields I pursue in higher education.

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.

I learned more about grit from getting sick than I ever did from any race. Over the past eight months I went through one of the toughest periods of my life mentally, emotionally, and physically. As a student athlete at Bartlett High School I have always had to juggle academics and swim training, but nothing tested me more than my junior year and it changed me into a stronger, more focused version of myself. The year started great. I had a 4.0 GPA, was swimming every day with FMC Aquatics, and felt like things were finally coming together. Then October hit and I got seriously sick. For weeks I was in and out of the hospital and barely able to attend class. Assignments piled up, my grades slipped, and my energy disappeared. I felt depressed and frustrated. Every day I prayed to feel better, to get stronger, and to not give up. That low point did not get to define me. I focused on one thing at a time. Even when I was tired and behind I kept showing up. I slowly caught up in my classes and rebuilt my strength. By the end of the semester my grades were not perfect but I had fought for every point I earned. I learned a new side of resilience. It was not about being flawless but about pushing through when things felt impossible. When second semester started I set a goal to get back to a 4.0 and to not let anything stop me. I was back in the pool at 5 a.m. most mornings lifting weights and training hard to get back in top shape. It was exhausting, but I realized I could handle hard situations for the long haul if I stayed focused and disciplined. I also had another goal: qualify for the Illinois Swimming Senior State Championships. I did not care which event, I just wanted to prove I could make it. My high school season did not go as I hoped. I dropped time but still did not hit the cut. After the season I went all in for club regionals because I knew that would be my best shot. Then the 400 yard Individual Medley came. I stepped on the blocks, took a deep breath, and dove in. I swam one of the best races of my life. I dropped eight seconds, took first place, and finally hit the qualifying time. That moment felt huge. All the workouts, early mornings, tired days, and mental work led to this. I realized that the little things like stretching after practice, eating right, getting sleep, and doing schoolwork even when I was wiped out added up. More than the win, what stayed with me was what I learned. I figured out what I am capable of not just in the pool but in life. I can go through tough times, get knocked down, and still come back stronger. I learned how to push myself when things feel overwhelming and how to trust the process even when progress is slow. Now I take pride in being someone others can count on. Whether I am hyping up my teammates before a race, giving advice, or just listening, I like being a source of support. My challenges helped me grow and now I try to lift up the people around me too. I plan to bring this resilience to college where I will study urban planning and use it to design cities and spaces that actually work for the people who live there.

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.