I've made an impact in my community by consistently giving lots of time and energy to serve others, especially children, seniors, and youth-focused programs. One of the most meaningful experiences has been volunteering over 300 hours at the Tolstoy Foundation Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, located in Valley Cottage. There, I helped organize activities, assisted residents during events, and spent time engaging with seniors who often felt isolated. Through simple conversations and playing the piano for them, I saw how showing up regularly could improve someone’s day and sense of belonging. In addition, I have volunteered every Saturday at my local temple, where I help organize newsletters and community programs. My role includes coordinating schedules, and helping younger students feel welcomed and encouraged. These programs give children a structured, positive environment to develop discipline, teamwork, and confidence. These are the main values that strongly align with youth development and well-being. I am also actively involved in youth sports at my school and community level, participating in an AAU basketball team, football, lacrosse, track, and efforts to support other school clubs. Sports have played a major role in my life. It has shaped my perspective in leadership, work ethic, resilience, and I try to give back by encouraging younger students to stay involved, committed, and confident. Now that I'm a senior in high school, I see firsthand how much the younger classmen connect with others also through youth sports. It keeps students motivated, healthy, and connected to positive role models. Financially, my family has limited ability to support college costs. I am on an H-4 visa, which makes me ineligible for federal financial aid such as FAFSA, and I have not committed to any universities yet, but I mainly plan to apply to as many scholarships as possible, to reduce the costs of the overall expenses. Even with these efforts, tuition remains a significant challenge. The possibility of being waitlisted at my reach schools have single-handedly made scholarships even more critical to my ability to continue my education. Receiving this scholarship would much directly support my goal of pursuing higher education without placing an overwhelming financial burden on my family. I want to pursue a career in healthcare and I'm planning to major in Biology. More importantly, it would allow me to continue the cycle of service that Bob and Joan Miller embodied—using my education to give back to my community and help the next generation succeed.

From a young age, I have been drawn to the idea of caring for others. Over the years, that interest has grown into a clear career goal: I want to become a nurse who specializes in critical care, either as a trauma nurse or eventually as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). For me, nursing is more than a career because it is a calling to serve, support, and advocate for people during their most vulnerable moments. My inspiration to pursue nursing comes largely from my experiences in service. For the past two summers, I volunteered over 300 hours at the Tolstoy Foundation Nursing Home. There, I had the privilege of spending time with residents, helping organize events, and creating moments of joy for people who often felt lonely. I realized that compassion and presence can sometimes mean just as much as medicine. Every conversation, every smile, and every shared activity reminded me that healthcare is about treating the whole person—not just their condition. In addition to my work at Tolstoy, I also volunteer weekly at my temple, helping organize newsletters and supporting the community. Whether guiding children, assisting with programs, or simply offering help wherever it is needed, I’ve learned how meaningful it is to give back. These experiences taught me patience, leadership, and empathy—all qualities that I know will shape the kind of nurse I become. As I look ahead, my goal is to begin my journey by pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Nursing at my rockland community college and then transferring to another college to complete my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. From there, I hope to work in a hospital setting to gain experience in high-pressure environments, like the ICU. Ultimately, I want to continue my education and become a CRNA, specializing in anesthesiology and critical care. I am drawn to this path because it combines advanced medical knowledge with the ability to directly safeguard patients’ lives during surgery and trauma care. Beyond my career goals, I am deeply committed to making a difference in my community. I want to use my skills not only in hospitals but also by giving back through free health awareness workshops, volunteering with local organizations, and inspiring other young people to serve. I believe nurses have the power to bridge communities and healthcare, and I want to be part of that bridge. Although I do not come from a direct military background, I have deep respect for the service and sacrifice of people like Evan James Vaillancourt. His story resonates with me because it reflects the very qualities I strive to live by: courage, compassion, and selflessness. Knowing that this scholarship honors his legacy makes me even more determined to carry those values into my future as a nurse. Nursing is not an easy path, but I embrace the challenge because I know it will allow me to live with purpose. My ambition is to build a career that blends skill, service, and heart—to impact lives in the same way that others, like Evan, have done before me.

My name is Sabarish Avinesh, and I am a senior at Clarkstown High School North in New York. Music has always been an important part of my life, not just as a hobby, but as a way of connecting with others and expressing myself. I have been playing piano for two years and now have earned a Grade 1 piano level achievement from Trinity College in London. While this was only the beginning of my formal training, it taught me valuable lessons in discipline, patience, and persistence. Every note I learned and every piece I practiced reinforced the idea that dedication and hard work can create something beautiful- not only in music, but in life. While I have a deep love for music and the arts, my academic focus is in healthcare, specifically biology, nursing, and anesthesiology. I aspire to work in the medical field because I want to help people through some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. I believe that my background in music will also play a role in how I serve others because music can comfort, heal, and connect us in ways words cannot. Service has always been at the core of who I am. I have volunteered more than 300 hours at the Tolstoy Foundation Center, a nursing home, where I organized events, played music, and engaged with residents to brighten their days. I still remember one afternoon when I played song called golden hour on the piano for a small group of residents. One elderly woman closed her eyes and began to hum along with a smile on her face. In that moment, I realized how something as simple as music could bring comfort, and a sense of peace. That experience has stayed with me and strengthened my belief in combining the arts with service. In addition to my work at the nursing home, I volunteer weekly at my local temple, helping to organize music classes and community events. Through these opportunities, I have learned that giving back doesn’t require big gestures. It’s often the consistent, small acts of kindness that leave the biggest impact. When I earn my degree in the medical field, I plan to integrate my healthcare skills with my love for the arts to create a unique approach to care. Whether it’s playing piano in a hospital lobby, using music as therapy for patients, or mentoring young musicians, I want to inspire hope and healing in my community. Like Jose Montanez, I want to live a life that reflects generosity, and the belief that we can always use our talents to lift others up.

One teacher who has had a profound impact on my life is Ms. Mitchell, my 11th grade English teacher at Clarkstown High School North. I walked into her class expecting another standard year of essays, vocabulary quizzes, and reading comprehension exercises. Instead, I stepped into a learning environment that was filled with curiosity and laughter. From the very first week, it was clear that Ms. Mitchell was not the kind of teacher who simply followed the textbook. She saw learning as an opportunity to challenge her students’ thinking, inspire creativity, and encourage us to approach problems from angles we had never considered before. One of the most impactful experiences I had in her class was when she asked me to rewrite a personal essay so that it was more funnier. At first, this made no sense to me. Humor in an academic piece? I had always assumed school writing had to be formal and rigid, with little room for personality. But Ms. Mitchell encouraged me to experiment, and weave in some creativity. That process changed the way I viewed not only writing, but problem-solving in general and this showed me that blending opposite qualities can often produce the most memorable results. Her teaching style goes far beyond teaching us the content. She challenges us to question our assumptions and the assumptions of others. Instead of giving us the “right answer,” she asks questions that force us to think deeper. She has introduced us to literature, art, and ideas that make us think more and she also made us engage in discussions where differing opinions are valued rather than shut down. Through her, I have learned that education is not about memorizing facts—it is about learning how to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and connect ideas in ways that can lead to real change. Because of her influence, I now see life with more curiosity and openness. I’ve carried this mindset beyond the classroom, especially in sports, volunteering, or planning for my future career in healthcare. I look for indirect solutions so I can think creatively under pressure, and value perspectives that are different from my own. David Foster inspired students to see the world differently, and to embrace bold thinking. Ms. Mitchell has done the same for me. Her boldness as a teacher has given me the courage to be bold as a student and as a person. I will carry her lessons with me for the rest of my life, applying them to every challenge and opportunity that comes my way.

My name is Sabarish Avinesh, and I am a rising senior at Clarkstown High School North in New York. From a young age, I have believed in the power of service and living each day with purpose. As I read about the life and legacy of Kalia D. Davis, I felt a connection to her story and not only because of her accomplishments as a scholar and athlete, but because of her commitment to giving her best in everything she did, like her dedication to serving others, and her ability to inspire the people around her. Academically, I have consistently challenged myself and maintained an 88–90% GPA while balancing a wide range of extracurricular commitments. Like Kalia, I have been involved in multiple sports, including basketball, football, lacrosse, and track and field. Sports have shaped me into a disciplined and resilient person. They have taught me how to push through exhaustion, work seamlessly with a team, and rise again after lessons that extend far beyond the field. I have also learned leadership and community service as main parts of who I am. Service has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey. I have volunteered for over 300 hours at the Tolstoy Foundation Rehabilitation & Nursing Center at Valley Cottage, New York, where I helped organize events, engaged residents in meaningful conversations, and worked to brighten their days. I also volunteer at my local temple every Saturday, offering ideas for events. These experiences have given me the chance to meet people from all paths of life, listen to their stories, and encourage them just like how Kalia was known for uplifting her peers. My future goals center around the healthcare field. I have a strong passion for biology and nursing, and I am especially interested in anesthesiology. I want to dedicate my career to providing skilled care to people in moments when they are most vulnerable. I know that medicine is not only about treatment—it’s about trust, empathy, and commitment to excellence. These are values Kalia clearly lived by in her life. However, as I'm on an H4 visa, I face significant financial and eligibility limitations. I am not able to receive federal financial aid, and many scholarship opportunities are closed to me. This makes funding my education one of my greatest challenges. Receiving the Kalia D. Davis Memorial Scholarship would not only help me fight the financial burden of college, but it would also be deeply meaningful because of what Kalia stood for. It would motivate me even further to carry her legacy forward in my academic, athletic, and personal pathways.

My name is Sabarish Avinesh, and I am a rising senior at Clarkstown High School North in Congers, New York. As a non-immigrant on an H4 visa, I have faced unique challenges growing up in the United States especially when it comes to accessing higher education. Even though I cannot apply for federal financial aid or work legally due to my immigration status, I never let that stop me from staying active in my community, working hard in school, and doing my best to make a difference in the lives of others. One of the most meaningful ways I get involved in the community is through my volunteer work. I’ve contributed over 300 hours at the Tolstoy Foundation Nursing Home in Valley Cottage, New York, where I organized events, played music, and brought smiles to the faces of the elderly residents. Every Saturday, I volunteer at my temple, where I provide ideas to improve their experience. At school, I’m part of multiple clubs that focus on kindness and communication such as the Kindness Crew, Chaos Newspaper Club, Robotics, and Multilingual ENL support (even though I’m not an ENL student myself). I’ve also been involved in various sports like football, basketball, lacrosse, and track and field, which has helped me build leadership and teamwork skills. My financial need is significant. Since I’m unable to receive federal aid and my family cannot afford expensive tuition, I am only considering affordable, in-state colleges that I can commute to from home. I work hard every day in school and in life to ensure that I have a future where I can reach my goal of working in healthcare or technology fields that can make a huge difference in people’s lives. A big part of why I’m applying for this scholarship is because I care about the safety and well-being of young people especially in today’s digital world. At school and in my community, I try to be someone, whom younger students can trust and talk to. I believe in kindness, not just in person, but online as well. To keep children and youth safe, I lead by example. by promoting awareness in clubs and social circles about how dangerous cyberbullying can be, and I encourage people to pause and think before they post or comment online. Receiving the Matthew E. Minor Memorial Scholarship would not only take off a financial burden from my family, but it would also help me continue being someone who stands up for what’s right and supports others in all areas of life. Thank you for your consideration.

My name is Sabarish Avinesh and I'm 16 years old. I am an immigrant living in Congers, New York. My journey has not been easy, but it has shaped me into someone who values hard work, service, and compassion over everything. As a student on an H4 visa, I’ve grown up in a system that does not offer the same support, flexibility, or financial aid that many of my friends receive. I cannot legally work, vote, or apply for federal scholarships. Yet, I’ve never let these obstacles define me. Instead, they have ignited a fire inside me to become someone who leaves a meaningful amount of service through a career in healthcare. From a young age, My family and I go to temples. My mom & I are active volunteers at our local Hindu temple every weekend. While it may not be a Christian church, it functions in much the same way: as a center for community, prayer, and selfless service. At the temple, I help coordinate newsletter plans, and give ideas to improve the temple. What started as a simple commitment to help out turned into a leadership role where I now play an active part in shaping the experience for the people. I’ve learned to be patient, communicative, and generous with my time and most importantly, I’ve learned the joy that comes from serving others. That joy only deepened when I began volunteering at the Tolstoy Foundation Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, where I’ve dedicated over 300 hours across two summers. Many of the residents don’t have regular visitors, and I’ve been impacted by how much of a difference just being there, playing music, leading games, listening to stories can make. I’ve helped run activities, and one-on-one conversations that made the residents much happier. One woman, who used to be a violinist, cried when I played her favorite piece, called golden hour on the piano and sat with her. Moments like that changed my entire view of what I wanted to do in life. I’ve realized that I want to pursue a career that blends science and service. I want to enter the medical field not just because I love biology and problem-solving, but because I’ve seen how critical compassionate care is. I've injured myself. I tore a ligament in my hand last year — and I remember the fear of surgery, the way my school nurse reassured me, and the sense of peace I felt from her presence. I want to be that kind of presence for someone else, especially for those who don’t often receive that kind of care– immigrants and elderly patients. Even though my path has been filled with obstacles legally and financially, I've kept going. Because of my visa status, I can’t apply for federal financial aid, and private scholarships are my only way forward. My parents work hard, but money is tight. And yet, I refuse to let money decide whether I can help people or not. That’s why this scholarship would mean so much to me because it would not just support my education; it would help me lift others up. My goal is to attend a university where I can study biology or health sciences and then go on to a nurse anesthetist program. I want to eventually work in hospitals or surgery centers that serve high-need populations. I also want to return to places like the Tolstoy Foundation, volunteering even after I become a professional, and someday creating an outreach program that sends medical professionals to nursing homes to provide comfort. Because I believe healing is more than medication– it’s also kindness, attention, and love. Beyond academics and career goals, I’ve also tried to be a leader in my school and community. I’ve been involved in robotics, Kindness Crew, Chaos Club (school newspaper), and I’m trying to start a basketball club to give students a space to grow in discipline and teamwork. I also participate in track and field, lacrosse, and football — not just because I love sports, but because I’ve found that teams are where character is built. I’ve had to learn how to lead, how to take responsibility, and how to stand up when I fall. This is what “Grace in Action” means to me: doing your best even when no one’s watching and serving others without expecting anything in return, and turning your pain into purpose. My immigration story, my volunteer work, and my future plans all point in one direction– which is toward becoming someone who helps people through life, not just with science, but with empathy. I’m not the child of a pastor, but I do come from a spiritual and service-minded household. I’ve been raised to honor where I came from, respect all faiths, and believe in God who always sees the person’s honesty, humility, and hard work. I hope that with the support of this scholarship, I can continue walking this path with grace in my heart. Thank you for considering my application.