My name is Ryan Cates. I am a senior at Carl Albert High School in Oklahoma. My father is a retired US Army veteran, and my mother has worked in the healthcare field for 25 years as a nurse. I have two older siblings and two nieces. I enjoy playing high school and competitive soccer, video games, and spending time with my family and friends. Upon graduation, I will be attending college at Oklahoma Wesleyan University to pursue a degree in computer science. I am particularly interested in the field of cybersecurity; I am currently completing my second year of a cybersecurity technology program at a local technology center. I am also excited to continue playing soccer at the collegiate level. Throughout high school, I have been actively involved in several extracurricular activities that include completing several hours of community volunteer work. For example, Key Club and National Honor Society are activities that I am passionate about and have voluntarily performed service work by tutoring younger students, volunteering at the regional food bank assembling food packages for families in need, and participating in the JROTC Christmas toy drive for less fortunate kids. One of my favorite service activities at the food bank is assembling food packages for the Backpack Program that serves elementary school children in need. It’s a humbling experience which has shown me the impact of poverty and how small acts of kindness can significantly change someone’s life. As a student from a middle-income family, the cost of tuition would be a challenge, and this scholarship would allow me to focus more on my studies. My experience at Carl Albert High School has been transformative, offering me a strong academic foundation and a supportive environment. My current GPA is 3.88. To prevent the burden of student loan debt after college graduation, I am applying for several academic scholarships for financial assistance. Bullying is a big problem, but as a high school student, there are things you can do to stop it, both at school and online. 1. Be Kind and Include Others: Treat everyone with respect and invite people to join in activities. Simple things like sitting with someone who’s alone can make a big difference. 2. Stand Up for Others: If you see bullying happening, speak up calmly or tell a trusted adult. Your support can stop the bully and help the victim feel less alone. 3. Report Bullying: Use your school’s system or online tools to report bullying. This helps make sure the problem gets dealt with and prevents more harm. 4. Be an Ally Online: Don’t share or engage with hurtful posts. Use social media to spread kindness and speak out against cyberbullying. 5. Support Victims: Listen to people who are being bullied and encourage them to get help. Offer to go with them if they’re scared to talk to an adult. 6. Be a Role Model: Lead by example. Don’t gossip or spread rumors and show others how to treat people kindly. By following these steps, you can help create a safer and friendlier environment for everyone, both at school and online.