A Legacy of Strength, Service, and Purpose My name is Rheanne, and I am a high school senior preparing to take the next big step toward my future. I come from a hardworking, faith-driven family that has taught me to persevere through any challenge. Since I was five years old, I’ve been active in sports, playing basketball, soccer, volleyball, and running track. Sports helped shape my confidence and leadership skills—but my path shifted unexpectedly when I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in high school. Crohn’s is a chronic illness that has made everyday life more difficult than most people realize. From fatigue and hospital stays to monthly infusions and managing my health during school, it has pushed me to be stronger, more disciplined, and more determined. There were days I didn’t think I could keep up. But instead of giving up, I fought harder—for my health, my education, and my future. I learned to advocate for myself, worked to get a 504 education plan in place, and stayed committed to graduating on time with my peers. In addition to handling a chronic illness, I’ve balanced part-time work, volunteer efforts, and academic responsibilities, all while maintaining a GPA above 3.2. I’ve raised over $1,000 for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation through the Take Steps Walk, helping fund research and increase awareness for people just like me. I’ve also volunteered with Unified Sports, school events, and concession stands, finding joy in helping others and giving back to my community. What makes me a strong candidate for the Mark Green Memorial Scholarship is not just the adversity I’ve overcome—it’s the purpose I’ve found in it. Like Mr. Green, I believe education can change lives, especially for those of us who face greater challenges due to health, financial limits, or being underrepresented. I don’t take the opportunity to attend college lightly; it’s something I’ve worked for every day. I plan to major in communications and journalism, with the goal of becoming a storyteller who shines a light on underrepresented voices. I want to help others understand what it’s like to live with chronic illness, to struggle but keep going, and to rise above circumstances. Whether through writing, public speaking, or advocacy, I want to use my voice to uplift others and help build stronger, more understanding communities. Beyond my career goals, I want to be someone who creates generational impact. I will be the first in my immediate family to pursue a degree in journalism, and I plan to use my experience and education to help others—especially young women and youth dealing with chronic illness—find their voice and value. I want to speak in schools, mentor students, and be part of organizations that advocate for equity and access in healthcare and education. Receiving the Mark Green Memorial Scholarship would not only help make college more financially accessible—it would also affirm that the road I’ve taken, as difficult as it has been, is leading somewhere meaningful. I carry the values of resilience, faith, and service in everything I do. Like Mr. Green, I believe in turning hardship into hope and using education as a tool for transformation. Thank you for considering my application. I promise to carry this opportunity with honor and continue to serve and uplift my community, just as Mr. Green did in his extraordinary life.

Rooted in Hope: How Community Inspires My Future Community has always been more than just a word to me—it’s been a lifeline. From growing up in youth sports to volunteering for causes close to my heart, the sense of belonging, support, and shared purpose I’ve experienced has shaped the person I am today. Living with Crohn’s disease, a chronic illness that has impacted every part of my life, could have left me feeling isolated. But instead, it introduced me to a community that gave me strength, purpose, and hope. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s at 15, during what should have been some of the best years of high school. I went from being an athlete playing soccer and volleyball to a patient needing monthly infusions. I had to advocate for myself in school, pushing for my 504 plan to ensure I could keep up with my education while managing my health. It wasn’t easy. But during that time, I found support in unexpected places—teachers who understood, friends who stood by me, and organizations that gave me a platform to be more than just a diagnosis. One of the most impactful moments in my journey came when I joined the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s Take Steps Walk, an event that raises awareness and funds for people living with inflammatory bowel disease. Over the past two years, I’ve helped raise over $1,000 for this cause. I didn’t just walk—I shared my story, rallied friends and family, and connected with others who were fighting similar battles. I saw strangers encouraging each other, survivors mentoring the newly diagnosed, and volunteers pouring their energy into creating an uplifting, judgment-free environment. That experience changed me. It showed me the power of connection and the ripple effect one person can create in their community. I realized that even in struggle, I had something to give—and that sharing my story could give others courage. Being part of a community that centers around compassion and service has strengthened my belief in a better future. It’s made me want to be the kind of leader who listens, includes others, and builds safe spaces where people can be themselves—just like Sweet Hut does in Atlanta. I’ve volunteered in other ways too—helping at school events, working district concession stands, and participating in Unified Sports with students with disabilities. In every moment, I’ve learned that kindness is contagious, and even small acts of service can build bridges between people. These lessons have shaped my dream of becoming a communications and journalism major. I want to use my education to tell stories that matter—stories of hope, resilience, and community. Whether it’s writing for a newspaper, speaking at awareness events, or working with nonprofits to raise their voices, I know that my experiences have prepared me to make a difference. I also work part-time and balance my health challenges with school, which has taught me discipline and time management. Through everything, my community has remained a source of encouragement. They remind me that no dream is too big and that my journey, while unique, can inspire others. Being part of a community has taught me that hope isn’t just a feeling—it’s an action. It’s showing up for others, creating spaces where people feel seen and heard, and working together toward something better. That’s the kind of future I believe in, and it’s the kind of future I want to help build.

From a very young age, I’ve known that I was created for something more. I was taught to dream boldly, work hard, and never give up—values that were deeply rooted in both my family and the communities that shaped me. Today, those dreams are clearer than ever. I dream of being a woman who uses her voice to bring awareness to the struggles of others. I dream of becoming a communicator, a writer, an advocate—someone who helps change lives through words and action. Living with Crohn’s disease since I was 15 has shaped my journey in ways I could never have imagined. I went from being an active athlete who played soccer, volleyball, basketball, and ran track, to someone who had to navigate hospital visits, infusions, fatigue, and chronic pain. I had to make the heartbreaking decision to step away from the soccer field—something that was more than a sport to me, it was a part of my identity. But instead of letting my illness stop me, I used it as fuel. I became an advocate for myself, pushing for my 504 plan to be accepted so I could continue to succeed in school. I began volunteering and fundraising for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation through the Take Steps Walk, raising over $1,000 in the last two years. Sharing my story publicly was not easy, but I knew it could help others who felt alone, invisible, or discouraged. Through that process, I discovered the power of my voice—and that is what inspired my dream to pursue a career in communications and journalism. I am worth my dreams because they come from lived experience and a heart that wants to serve others. I know what it means to struggle silently, to fight battles others can’t see, and to keep showing up even when it would be easier to give up. These experiences have shaped me into a woman of strength, empathy, and perseverance. And they have also given me a purpose: to use my platform to uplift those whose stories often go unheard. My volunteer work is not just a checkbox on a resume—it is my way of giving back, even when I am not at my best physically. Whether it’s helping raise awareness for chronic illness, working concessions for school sports, I find joy in giving my time and energy to others. Volunteering has taught me that leadership starts with service. And I plan to carry that lesson with me into college and beyond. My dream isn’t just to have a successful career. It’s to live a life that matters—to write stories that touch hearts, to advocate for those in need, and to be a voice that empowers other young women to own their worth and stand tall in their truth. I want to show girls who look like me, or who face the same invisible battles, that they can dream big—and that their dreams are valid, no matter the obstacles. Dr. Marilyn E. Porter’s journey as a woman in ministry and business inspires me. She represents exactly what I aspire to become: a woman who walks in faith and purpose, unafraid to build something powerful, even in the face of challenge. Like her, I want to merge my passions and my pain into purpose. I am worth the dreams I aspire to achieve because I’ve fought for them. Because I’ve lived through challenges and turned them into motivation. And because I will never stop working to make those dreams not only a reality for myself—but a beacon of hope for others.

Jack Terry’s story is one of unimaginable loss, extraordinary resilience, and unwavering hope. To lose one’s entire family, survive the horrors of concentration camps, and still find the strength to build a life filled with purpose is deeply inspiring. What resonates with me most is not just his survival, but his determination to rise above adversity—to learn, to grow, and to give back. His story reminds me that no matter the struggle, we each have the power to persevere and create something meaningful from our pain. Like Jack, I have faced challenges that have tested me emotionally, physically, and mentally. At the age of 15, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, a chronic and often invisible illness that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. Overnight, my life changed. The active high school athlete who had played soccer, basketball, track, and volleyball since age five suddenly found herself too sick to do the things she loved. Between hospital visits, medications, and monthly infusions, I had to give up soccer—something that had been a huge part of my identity. The physical toll was only part of it. Trying to manage school while battling fatigue, pain, and side effects from treatment was overwhelming. Despite qualifying for a 504 plan to receive accommodations in school, I had to fight for it to be recognized and respected. I advocated for myself so I could have the chance to succeed, and I learned how to speak up for my needs, even when it was difficult or uncomfortable. Through these experiences, I discovered strength I didn’t know I had. I learned that asking for help is not weakness—it’s a sign of courage. I learned that being different doesn’t mean being less. I learned that resilience isn’t about avoiding struggle; it’s about showing up every day, no matter how hard it is, and trying again. Like Jack, I decided that my pain would not define me—it would drive me. Instead of hiding my diagnosis, I’ve used it to make a difference. Over the past two years, I’ve helped raise over $1,000 for the Take Steps Walk, a fundraiser that supports Crohn’s and Colitis awareness and research. I’ve shared my story with others to help reduce the stigma of invisible illnesses and encourage those who feel alone in their battles. These moments have shown me the power of using our struggles to lift others up. Jack Terry turned his suffering into service. He didn’t just survive; he thrived—and then he gave back by sharing his story with others. That’s exactly what I want to do. I plan to study communications and journalism in college so I can become a voice for people who don’t always feel heard. I want to advocate for those with chronic illnesses and disabilities, and use my writing to bring awareness, spark change, and share stories of hope and resilience—just like Jack did. Jack’s journey reminds me that our past does not limit our future. If a boy who survived the Holocaust with no family, no education, and no English could become a doctor, a soldier, an athlete, and a storyteller—then there’s no limit to what any of us can achieve, no matter where we start or what we face. In honoring Jack Terry’s legacy, I will carry forward the message that strength grows through struggle, and healing often begins when we use our stories to help others. I am committed to turning my challenges into something greater—something that creates awareness, inspires hope, and gives others the courage to keep going.

Overcoming Challenges: My Path to College and Graduation Living with Crohn’s disease has been one of the biggest challenges of my life. The constant fatigue, abdominal pain, and uncertainty of how I’ll feel each day have shaped not only my health but also my educational journey. Despite these obstacles, I have worked hard to not only manage my illness but also to excel academically. My experience with Crohn’s disease and the fight to secure a 504 plan have inspired me to pursue college, demonstrating that persistence, resilience, and the support of others are critical in overcoming difficulties. When I was first diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, I was just 15 years old. It was a sudden and life-altering change, and it quickly became clear that my health would affect every aspect of my life, including school. The fatigue and pain were often overwhelming, making it hard to focus, attend classes, and complete assignments. As someone who had always been driven to succeed academically, this was a huge blow. I was an athlete, involved in extracurricular activities, and determined to graduate with honors, but my body wasn’t cooperating. As I struggled to balance my health and my schoolwork, I realized that I needed to ask for accommodations to help me stay on track. That’s when I began the fight for my 504 plan. A 504 plan is meant to ensure that students with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed in school. However, getting approval for the plan wasn’t as easy as I had hoped. I had to advocate for myself, explaining how Crohn’s disease impacted my daily life and how accommodations like extended time on tests, breaks during the day, and a quiet place to work would help me succeed. It was a difficult and at times frustrating process, but I never gave up. I learned the importance of speaking up for myself and advocating for the support I needed. Once my 504 plan was approved, it became a game-changer. It allowed me to focus on my studies without worrying as much about missing classes or falling behind when I was too sick to attend. I could take breaks during the day, rest when needed, and not feel guilty about the days when my body needed extra care. The accommodations gave me the flexibility I needed to continue my education while managing my illness, and it was through this experience that I realized the importance of advocating for myself, both in and outside of school. This experience with my 504 plan has inspired me to pursue higher education. Throughout high school, I’ve learned how to balance my health and academic responsibilities, and I am now ready to take on the challenge of college. I want to study and pursue a career that allows me to use my experiences with Crohn’s disease to help others. Whether that’s in healthcare, psychology, or another field where I can make a difference, I am motivated to continue my education because I know that despite my challenges, I can succeed. My experience with difficulty and challenge has shaped my outlook on life. I have learned that success is not always about being the best or overcoming every obstacle on the first try. Instead, it’s about persistence, resilience, and finding the support and resources you need to keep moving forward. This mindset has been crucial in helping me stay focused on my goal of graduating from high school, despite the difficulties I faced along the way. It has also made me more determined to continue my education and pursue my dreams, knowing that challenges will come, but they are not insurmountable. In conclusion, my journey with Crohn’s disease and my fight for a 504 plan have played a significant role in shaping who I am today. These challenges have not only inspired me to pursue college but have also taught me the importance of resilience and self-advocacy. As I continue my education, I carry with me the lessons I’ve learned about perseverance, the power of asking for help, and the strength to overcome even the most difficult obstacles. These experiences have prepared me for the challenges ahead, and I am confident that I can achieve my goals, no matter what comes my way.

One of my favorite community events that I’ve participated in is the Take Steps Walk, a nationwide fundraising event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis research. This event is deeply meaningful to me as someone who lives with Crohn’s disease. It has provided an opportunity to connect with others facing similar challenges and work together to create positive change in our community. When I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 15, my life changed dramatically. I had always been active, especially in soccer, but suddenly I was dealing with severe abdominal pain, fatigue, and uncertainty about what each day would bring. Although Crohn’s disease presented many obstacles, I’ve always refused to let it define me. Instead, I’ve focused on raising awareness and supporting others, which led me to participate in the Take Steps Walk. Two years ago, I joined the Take Steps Walk to raise funds and awareness for Crohn’s and Colitis. The event allowed me to connect with others who also live with these diseases, and I saw firsthand the power of community. Over the past two years, I raised over $1,000, but the most meaningful part was sharing my story with people who didn’t know the impact of Crohn’s disease. The event became a platform to educate others, helping them understand the realities of living with an invisible illness. The Take Steps Walk has positively impacted both me and the community. It has sparked conversations about Crohn’s and Colitis, conditions that many people don’t fully understand. Through this event, more people are becoming aware of the struggles faced by those living with these diseases. It also brings together individuals and families who share a common goal of raising awareness and finding a cure. This sense of unity is powerful, and it strengthens our collective resolve to make a difference. What makes the Take Steps Walk especially meaningful is the hope it brings to people with Crohn’s and Colitis. For many, it’s a reminder that they’re not alone in their struggles. The funds raised support vital research, and the event offers a space for individuals to come together, advocate for better treatments, and raise awareness. For me, the walk represents more than just a fundraising event—it’s a symbol of the fight against chronic illness and the hope for better days ahead. Looking to the future, I hope to see the Take Steps Walk continue to grow in my community. I would like to see more people learn about Crohn’s and Colitis and become involved in supporting research. Beyond that, I hope the event helps reduce the stigma surrounding chronic illnesses. When people become more informed about these conditions, it can lead to greater understanding and support for those living with them. In addition, I believe events like the Take Steps Walk can help create a more inclusive community for people with chronic illnesses. A community where individuals feel safe sharing their experiences and receiving support from others who understand their challenges. Raising awareness through these events not only helps those directly affected by Crohn’s and Colitis but also brings attention to the importance of addressing the needs of all individuals with chronic illnesses. The Take Steps Walk has been a meaningful event in my life, providing an opportunity to raise awareness, connect with others, and support vital research. It reminds us of the power of community and the impact we can have when we work together for common causes. I believe that, through continued support and participation, we can create positive change and a more inclusive community for everyone living with chronic illness.

Raising Awareness, One Step at a Time Living with Crohn’s disease has been a journey of resilience, courage, and determination. It’s a disease that’s often invisible to others, but for those who experience it, the pain and challenges are real. For me, Crohn’s disease has shaped much of who I am—not just in terms of my health but in how I connect with others and use my story to make a difference. One way I’ve done this is by volunteering and raising funds for the Take Steps Walk, a nationwide event that raises awareness and funds for Crohn’s and Colitis research. When I was diagnosed with Crohn’s at age 15, it felt like everything changed. I had always been active in sports, particularly soccer, but suddenly I was dealing with severe abdominal pain and fatigue. Despite the challenges, I refused to let the disease define me. Instead of letting it hold me back, I decided to channel my energy into raising awareness for Crohn’s and Colitis. Two years ago, I participated in the Take Steps Walk, a fundraising event aimed at finding cures for these chronic illnesses. This event wasn’t just a walk for me—it was an opportunity to make an impact. I wanted to show others that, even though I faced my own health struggles, I could still take action and help raise awareness about the disease. In the past two years, I’ve raised over $1,000 for the Take Steps Walk. While the money raised is important, it’s the opportunity to make a real difference that has meant the most. Fundraising involved reaching out to family and friends and sharing my story, which many people in my community hadn’t heard before. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. Each dollar raised and every person who listened to my story reminded me that I was part of something bigger than myself. Through this experience, I’ve learned that making a difference doesn’t always require monumental efforts; sometimes, it’s the small actions that count. Whether it’s raising money or simply speaking about my experience, I’ve seen firsthand how one person can spark change. Through my efforts, I not only raised funds but also helped raise awareness, starting conversations about the reality of living with Crohn’s disease. Most importantly, I realized that no matter the challenges I face, I can still make a meaningful impact. The Take Steps Walk has become a symbol of hope for me. It represents the fight against Crohn’s disease and the possibility of finding better treatments and eventually a cure. More than that, the event brings people together—patients, families, friends, and supporters—united by a common cause. It’s a reminder that while Crohn’s disease is part of my life, it doesn’t define me. What defines me is my ability to keep pushing forward, to keep fighting, and to continue giving back. As I move forward in life, I plan to keep volunteering, raising awareness, and making a difference. Each year, the Take Steps Walk brings me closer to my goal of supporting the Crohn’s community. This is just the beginning. I am determined to continue raising awareness and funds in any way I can, one step at a time.

What is a Coach to Me? To me, a coach is more than someone who stands on the sidelines calling plays or running drills. A coach is a mentor, a motivator, and often a second parent. A coach is someone who pushes you past your limits while reminding you that your worth isn’t just tied to performance. For me, that definition started forming at the age of five, when I first stepped onto the court with the RS Tigers Youth Sports organization. Since then, through basketball, soccer, track, and volleyball, I’ve had the honor of being coached by many, but no coach has impacted me more than my dad. Growing up, my dad coached every team I played for. He wasn’t just teaching me how to pass the ball or improve my footwork—he was teaching me how to lead, how to show up for others, and how to believe in myself when things got hard. He always expected my best, not because he was tough, but because he believed in what I could be. When you’re coached by your parent, especially someone like my dad, you learn early on that showing up with discipline, heart, and humility matters just as much as any win. Playing sports from such a young age shaped who I am. Being part of a team taught me how to communicate, support others, and push through challenges—on and off the field. I carried those lessons into high school, where I played on the girls soccer team at William J. Brennan High School. I was proud to wear that jersey and represent my school, knowing that I was part of something bigger than myself. But then life threw me a challenge I couldn’t simply outrun or outplay. After being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, I began monthly infusion treatments that took a toll on my body and energy. As much as I wanted to keep playing the game I loved, my health had to come first. Walking away from the soccer team wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. Despite no longer being able to compete, the lessons I learned from my coaches—especially my dad—never left me. Coach Ortiz’s legacy reminds me of everything that’s good about sports and coaching. He wasn’t just respected because he built fast runners or strong athletes—he was loved because he built up people. He poured into his students not just as athletes, but as individuals with dreams, struggles, and potential. That’s what a coach does. A coach sees the whole person and helps them grow through wins and losses, on and off the field. Even though I no longer wear a uniform or run onto the field for games, I carry the spirit of an athlete with me every day. I’m still part of a team—in my school, in my family, in my community—and I continue to lead and serve the way my dad and other coaches showed me. Whether it’s encouraging classmates, volunteering, or balancing academics while managing my health, I try to show up with grit, positivity, and heart. To me, a coach is someone who teaches you to keep going even when life gets hard. A coach sees something in you before you see it in yourself. A coach changes your life—and sometimes, becomes one of the reasons you believe in yourself at all. Coach Ortiz did that for many. My dad did that for me. And because of them, I hope to do the same for others in whatever path I take next.