My name is Samantha Curry, and I am an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in sports Health to become an athletic trainer at the University of Delaware. I've always been passionate about being able to help others, and over time, the passion has evolved into a deep commitment to healthcare– specifically working with individuals to support their physical well-being with recovery as well as confidence as an athlete. My interest in healthcare began at a young age through volunteering. I spent years helping my grandma at local community centers, distributing school supplies, and helping families in need. As I grew older, that commitment continued through my involvement at kids and culture camp, where I served as a counselor in training and later took on more leadership responsibilities. I also volunteered through my National Honor Society, tutoring Elementary School students, helping at school events, and participating in community activities. Thesee experiences taught me how valuable service is. Makingg sure that you're patient and are okay with meeting people where they are. What solidified my wanting to work in the healthcare field with my experience shadowing my High School athletic trainer. I was able to attend sporting events and help observe injury assessment, Rehabilitation techniques, and emergency response that opened my eyes to how impactful the behind-the-scenes Healthcare professionals really are. I saw how the athletic trainer not only treated injuries but also was able to reassure athletes emotionally, motivate athletes, and educate athletes on so many different aspects that affect their performance. Like making sure you're confident, how to deal with stress making sure eating properly. Being an athlete, getting this type of reassurance only made me want to be able to do this for other athletes in the future. I've let a training with something that really caught my eye because it's a combination of physical health, education, and being able to build a relationship. Like occupational therapy, it focuses on helping individuals regain function, prevent future injuries, and return to activities that they love so dearly. I admire Healthcare professionals who take time to understand who their patients are beyond the diagnosis that they get or come in with. I strive to bring compression and attentiveness in the future to whatever job t can get. Christina Taylese Singh’s story is very motivating. Her dedication to occupational therapy and her commitment to helping others remind me why Healthcare is such a beautiful field. Although her journey was tragically cut short, her passion lives on through students like me who are committed to serving others through healthcare. Her ambition and motivation inspire me to strive for the same level of motivation in my educational pursuits. Looking at her story, it shows me that you should never take the opportunity to learn and grow for granted. I plan to use my degree to work with athletes and active individuals, particularly in schools and Community settings, where access to healthcare resources may be limited. My goal is to support not only physical recovery but also confidence, mental health, and well-being, and the overall long-term health of athletes. This scholarship would help alleviate the financial burden of my education, allowing me to focus fully on my academic and chemical training while continuing to volunteer and serve my community.

Community service has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My earliest experience was when I was helping my grandma volunteer at her local community center. I would help hand out school supplies to kids who were often the same age as me, and even as a child, I would see the joy and relief it brought to families. At the time, I didn't fully grasp how those moments were planting a seed for the person that I would become today. They taught me that giving back is not just an action that you do, it's about making sure you're making a connection, a commitment, and care into what you're putting into the world. As I got older, those lessons stuck with me. I began volunteering at the kids and culture camp, serving as a counselor and trainer. I returned year after year, helping God's children through learning activities, games, and cultural lessons. This experience showed me a lot of patience, leadership tools, and the power of positive role models in a person's life. It also helped me understand that service should be something that is consistent and intentional, not just something you do when it's easy to do. In my senior year of high school, I expanded my service a little bit more by joining the National Honor Society. This opens doors for a lot of opportunities, such as helping with my community's Labor Day festival, volunteering at local elementary schools, tutoring younger students on Monday, and working with the gardening club every Wednesday to beautify the grounds of their school. These activities allow me not only to make an impact but also to connect with these younger students and show them that they can do whatever they dream of doing. This also connected me with people across different ages and backgrounds, helping me understand my community a little bit more. Throughout all of these experiences, I learned that community service is not just about giving your time; it's about creating a space where others can grow, learn, and feel supported. I've seen firsthand how something as simple as just helping a child with their homework or planting a cucumber plant outside of school can foster a sense of belonging, pride, and hope. My passion for service has also been tied to my career goals. I've decided to pursue a degree in athletic training. This goal was greatly inspired by shadowing my school's Athletic trainer. I've learned that athletic trainers don't just help athletes recover from injuries– they support their confidence, mental health, and ability to keep going towards their goals. I plan on using my degree to serve athletes and all communities, especially underserved ones where access to sports medicine is limited. I want to combine my skills in education and mentorship to help people overcome challenges and reach the potential that they were always supposed to have Bishop Ron O. Beazer Sr. is an example of a service-driven leader, and his legacy inspires me to keep giving my best to my community and the people who are surrounding me. If i'm selected for this scholarship, I will continue to honor those values using my education, my skills, and my love for service to lift up others and show them that they are able to do whatever they put their mind to. You can achieve more than you think..

Hello my name is Samantha curry. I am a freshman at the University of Delaware studying Sports health. In my high school career I was a dedicated student who was also an athlete with a passion for helping others. I maintain a 4.0 GPA throughout High School while taking a challenge and course load. filled with AP classes, honors, and dual enrollment courses. I was a very active member in the National Honor Society at my school as well as earned multiple awards and achievements in music for playing the violin in the viola. Being able to balance academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities has shown me how important time management is as well as discipline and perseverance. finding my major in athletic training came very easily to me. I was given the opportunity to shadow my school's athletic trainer. I was able to attend many sporting events, observe injury assessments and learn how an athletic trainer's role in the prevention of injuries as well as recovery for athletes. This experience showed me what this career could look like, where I could easily combine my love for sports with my interest in health science as well as helping others. Outside of the classroom, I am a person who volunteers with my community. I volunteered with after school programs at a local elementary school helping tutor with English math and science. as well as volunteering with the local gardening club helping students learn how to make their own produce. I believe in making a positive impact wherever I can, and following the examples of the people who supported me along my journey to get where I am today. This scholarship would help me tremendously by using the financial burden of pursuing a higher education. As someone who is determined to excel academically and professionally, I would like to devote all of my time, energy and focus into my studies, experience clinically, and continuing being involved with my community. it would allow me to honor the values I live by : hard work, kindness, and resilience–principles that align with Kalia D. Davis’s legacy of excellence.Kalia’s Story resonates with me. Like her, I would like to be able to give my best in every area of life, whether it's academics, sports, or relationships with my peers and family. Her dedication to goals, service center community, and her overall ability to inspire the people around her are qualities that I admire and aspire to take with me wherever I go. Being chosen for this scholarship not only would support my educational journey but also motivate me to carry forward her spirit of Living, Loving, Laughing, Learning, and leaving a Legacy. With support, I will be able to continue working towards my dream of becoming a certified athletic trainer, helping athletes recover, prevent injuries and reach their Highest Potential just as I have inspired been to do

Breast cancer has been something that I've seen all of my life– it's been personal, real, and very emotional. My maternal grandmother is a survivor. My aunt is a survivor. And I recently learned that my paternal grandmother has also been diagnosed. For as long as I can remember, I've lived with breast cancer in my life. But I've always known that women are strong and resilient, and the strength that they carry will help them push through. Growing up, I participated in the Race for the Cure with my mom and grandmother, not as a spectator, but as someone who actively raised money for the cause that touched my family. I remember the sense of unity at those events– survivors, families, and supporters coming together with a shared purpose. Even as a child, I understood that breast cancer wasn't just something that happened to “ other people.” It was my family's reality. This journey has not been easy. Although I was young, I saw my family watch the women we love go through surgeries, chemotherapy, and moments of doubt. But I've also seen their strength, the refusal to let cancer win. Each diagnosis brought fear, but it also brought my family together. To prevent and detect breast cancer early, we need to talk openly about family history. My family's experiences have taught me the importance of staying informed and getting screened regularly. I've learned to advocate for myself and others, especially when it comes to exams that help detect cancer early. Simple tools like getting mammograms and self-exams are so important. These simple yet powerful tests can make a difference between catching cancer early and facing it too late. Genetic testing is also a critical part of prevention. Although I haven't been tested yet, I'm playing too. Knowing whether I carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations could guide my health choices and allow me to take preventive steps. Genetic testing in the Powers families to get– because when it comes to cancer, knowledge is power I believe I deserve this scholarship not only because of my connection to breast cancer but because I've already committed myself to being part of the solution. Whether it's fundraising, spreading awareness, or supporting my loved ones in their recovery period, I've seen this hardship and turned it into action. I carry with me the stories of the strong women in my family– women who have fought, survived, and inspired me to stay informed, advocate, and never give up. Breast cancer has changed my life, but it has never broken me. It has shaped me into somebody who understands the value of health, the strength of community, and the importance of early detection. I'm determined to continue this fight– not just for my family, but for all families. Receiving a scholarship would help me further my education and continue to make a difference. So I can make a lasting impact as women have impacted me.

Health and wellness have played a major role in shaping both my personal life and my future career goals. As someone who has been involved in sports and has recovered from Sports injuries, I've come to understand that Health isn't just about physical strength – it is about balance, care, and perseverance. Please guide me as I prepare for my studies in Sports Health at the University of Delaware, where I plan to become an athletic trainer dedicated to helping others live healthier and more confident lives. My interest in health and wellness began through sports, but it deepened after I experienced my physical setbacks. Dealing with injuries while still wanting to stay active was tough, and it changed my perspective as well as challenged me both totally and emotionally. However, it also emphasized the importance of proper recovery. The values of supportive care, and how deeply connected our physical health is to our overall well-being. I started asking questions– not just about how to heal faster but how to prevent injuries, stay mentally strong, and take care of the body. This curiosity soon turned into a passion. As I learned more, I became inspired to share this with others. While I volunteered at an elementary school, I saw a student become so enamored by Athletics and just learning. I saw how powerful it is to support young people in their Journeys in all ways, especially health. Whether it was helping them with physical education activities or encouraging them to stay active and believe in themselves. I realize that this could have a real impact. I stayed involved with the kids and culture camp, where I served as a counselor-in-training and continued mentoring young children through fun educational activities that are based on wellness. Health and wellness have shaped my belief that everybody deserves care, support, and knowledge about their bodies. It happens too often that communities, especially black and brown communities, don't have the resources or education needed to take control of their health. I want to be a part of the solution. I believe that meeting people where they are, listening to their stories, and being someone they can trust during their recovery and growth is important. That's why I want to become an athletic trainer– not just to help athletes, but to build a healthier and stronger community. After college, I plan to work with professionals, schools, youth programs, and communities where I can bring my skills to those who need them most. I want to promote injury prevention, offer wellness shops, and eventually build an Empire where physical training and mental health support are combined to help our younger generations. I'm also passionate about representing black women in the health and fitness field. People need to see themselves in their care providers, and I want to be that person who shows up with empathy, scale, and dedication, just like Reggie Jackson Jr. did. Reggie’s story reminds me of the kind of professional and human being I strive to be: someone who uses their gifts to uplift others, who makes people feel seen and supported, and who treats every person like family. This scholarship would not only support my education, but it would help carry Reggie’s legacy forward through the lives I hope to impact in the years to come.

Returning to my community has always been a part of who I am. As a young African American woman who grew up in Prince George's County, Maryland, I've seen firsthand the difference it makes when people take time to support each other. Whether it's volunteering, mentorship, or just showing up to allow somebody to be seen and validated, community service has always been how we build each other to be better and make our world better. . One way that I give back is through my long-standing involvement in Kids and Culture, a culturally enriched summer program that I first joined as a camper and that I then continued as a counselor-in-training. Now I continue to contribute to the Camp's mission of educating and inspiring young children by helping them through learning activities and providing them a safe and comforting smile whenever they need it. It's been an honor to be able to see this next generation of Learners grow and help Foster their love for Learning and their love for just being in this world. In addition, I spent time volunteering at a local elementary school where I assisted with tutoring and classroom activities. I enjoy working with these kids and helping them discover their confidence and potential. I've learned that sometimes it only takes somebody believing in these students to inspire them to better themselves and to believe in what they truly can do. These experiences have helped me develop patience, empathy, and Leadership, a skill that I will bring with me as I move into this next chapter of my life. This fall, I will be getting Sports Health at the University of Delaware, where my goal is to become an athletic trainer. I chose this career because I want to continue supporting people, especially young athletes, through healing and growth. I see athletic training as a way to serve others, helping individuals take care of their bodies, rebuild after injuries, and understand the importance of wellness. I'm especially passionate about bringing this kind of career to underserved schools and neighborhoods where access to Quality Health and resources can be limited. After college, I plan to stay connected with my community through mentorship, education, and outreach. I want to work with local sports program recreation centers and schools to offer training, entry-prevention education, and mental health support. I also hope to start to partner with nonprofit organizations to help with youth Wellness by using Sports and physical activity as a tool to empower our youth and allow them to learn discipline and positive self-expression. Just like Diego C. Clapp, I believe that education and Community involvement are the keys to changing lives, not just academically but emotionally and spiritually as well. Beyond my professional work, I want to continue to volunteer in youth programs and organize Health workshops for both students and parents. I want to provide a space where people feel seen, safe, and cared for. Most of all, I want to be a kind person who uplifts others in the way that so many people have done for me to get to where I am right now. Receiving the Sunshine “DC” Memorial Scholarship would not only support my journey—it would help me carry forward the legacy of someone who believed in the power of kindness, learning, and giving back. I am committed to that legacy and honored to be considered.

When I was younger, I didn't understand why writing was so hard for me. When my classmates field pages with ease, with neat handwriting, I would stare at the paper struggling to find the words, organize my thoughts, and physically write them down. For a long time, I thought it was just me– that I wasn't smart enough or that something was wrong. The hardest part wasn't even the academic challenges; it was constantly being told that there was” nothing different” about me. I felt invisible and alone in my struggles, and that feeling affected not just my performance in school, but also my self-esteem and mental health. It wasn't until the middle of my junior year that I was finally diagnosed with this dysgraphia. This diagnosis changed everything. It gave me the clarity I had been searching for and helped me realize that my brain just processed information differently. Around the same time, I began working more closely with my school special ed team and I was given a 504 plan that included the support I needed. Things like extra time access to typing instead of handwriting and tools to help me with my organization. Through working with my team I learned that asking for help is not a weakness– it's a strength. I began to see how accommodations weren't about giving me an easy way out they were about giving me a fair chance to succeed.  Some of the teachers and support staff weren't always as helpful but the people who were directly a part of my Special Education team were amazing. They helped me improve my grades they helped me see my potential.  For the first time, I felt understood and supported. This experience has inspired me even more to pursue a career in college that involves helping others. I plan on becoming an athletic trainer, where I can work with people who are recovering from injuries– both physically and emotionally. What draws me to this field isn't just the science of the body, but the opportunity to help people push through difficult moments and come out stronger than they were before. My experience with this dysgraphia and anxiety has given me a deeper understanding of what it feels like to face something that other people might not be able to see. The empathy is what I want to bring to people that I work with especially young athletes who may be struggling with confidence after an injury or who feel like they've been left behind. Outside of academics, one of the most meaningful things I've done is volunteer with younger students at Magnolia Elementary through their active school program. I hope kids with reading many of whom were also struggling. At first, I was nervous, what if I wasn't good enough to help? But over time, I realized that I didn't need to be perfect; I just needed to be patient and kind. Because I knew what it felt like to struggle, I was able to connect with these students in such a strong way. Watching them improve–and watching their confidence grow–Reminded me how far I had come as well. The truth is I faced a lot of challenges academically emotionally and when it comes to figuring out how we're going to pay for college. But each of these challenges has taught me something important. I've learned resilience by continuing to work hard even when things feel impossible. I've learned the courage to speak up for myself and ask for when I need help. I've learned compassion by seeing the same struggles in others and wanting to help them through it just the way my special ed team did at my school. This scholarship would be a huge help for me and my family. College is something that I've worked very hard for, but it's also something I know will be a financial stretch. Still, I'm determined to make it happen. I want to take everything that I've learned from my experience in being involved with special education and use it to build a future where I can give back whether it's working with injured athletes mentoring younger students, or simply being a kind person who allows other people to feel seen, understood and supported. Rick Levin’s legacy as a Special Education teacher who led with Humility, patience and kindness reminds me a lot of the people who helped write my 504 plan and change my path completely. if given this opportunity I would like to carry the Same Spirit forward and everything that I do as well.

Over the next 5 years, I plan to create a positive environmental impact in both my local and Global communities by promoting wellness and sustainability through the lens of health and hospitality. As a future athletic trainer and somebody who is very invested in supporting others, I believe that there is a large connection between human well-being and the environment is essential– that Young leaders like myself must be at the forefront of taking action to reshape how our communities approach health, sustainability, and access. As I study sports health at the University of Delaware, I will use my education to advocate holistic wellness practices that support people and the planet. One of my goals is to bring more awareness to the environmental impact of fitness, sports programs, and the nutrition choices that people are making. For example, athletic facilities often use a large amount of energy to dispose of material. By working with local schools and youth programs, I hope to help Implement Greener practices, such as reducing waste from single-use plastics, encouraging compost reusable Hydration Stations, and supporting more plant-focused meals and options that are healthier and better for the environment. My experience volunteering at elementary schools and working with youth through Kids and Culture Camp has taught me that education is the starting point for long-term change. I plan to use my experiences to lead Wellness workshops that teach children not only how to take care of their bodies but also how to make choices that will help the environment. I'm already starting to do this by working with Magnolia Elementary's after-school program by doing gardening club planting and getting the youth into making food for themselves. On a much wider scale, I want my career in sports Health to support underserved communities– especially little girls and boys who look just like me– who often don't have access to Quality Health Care or Wellness resources. by possibly putting together community events, eco-friendly fitness challenges or even mental health days that help the youth get connected with nature, I want to make sure the space is inclusive and brings people together while uplifting themselves and helping our environment. Being a young black woman entering the field in sports health, I also see the power of representation. I want my journey to show other students who look like me that it is possible to pursue a meaningful career while standing up for equality, wellness, and the environment. The scholarship will not only support my education– it will empower me to become a leader who inspires others to take care of themselves in the world around them.

Resilience is often about pushing through challenges and maintaining a positive mindset, even when circumstances make it difficult. As a camp counselor working with 3 to 5-year-olds, I quickly learned how easy it is to have your emotions exposed. When I tore ligaments in my ankle due to a sports injury, I faced one of the biggest personal challenges I had ever dealt with. That injury was supposed to keep me out for the rest of the season, and while the physical pain was excruciating, the emotional toll was even greater. I was disappointed in myself—not only for getting injured but for having it happen before the season had even started. I dreaded having to explain what happened over and over again to concerned people. Despite this major setback, I still had to wake up each morning, put on my camp shirt, and be the cheerful counselor these kids had grown to love and trust. The first day back at work was one of the hardest. I struggled with frustration because I wasn’t able to run and play with the kids as I usually did. Having to repeatedly explain my injury to adults was exhausting, but even more so was answering the endless questions from curious three to five-year-olds about why I was wearing a big boot or why I couldn’t run. At first, their constant questioning was overwhelming, but then I realized something—this was an opportunity to teach them that challenges don’t necessarily define who we are or what we can do. Even though I was in a boot, I was determined to continue being the counselor they knew and loved. I wanted to show them that just because I was injured, it didn’t mean I couldn’t still participate, lead activities, and bring joy to their camp experience. I made sure they saw that I could still do crafts just like everyone else and that my injury wasn’t stopping me from giving my best effort. Even with a limp, I found ways to play with them, climb on the jungle gym, and ensure they still had fun. I refused to let my injury define me. What I didn’t expect was how much my resilience would affect them. Seeing their faces light up when they realized that "Miss Sam" wasn’t just going to sit and watch but would get up and interact with them was one of the most rewarding moments I’ve ever experienced. Their excitement and encouragement lifted my spirits. Instead of seeing my boot as something that limited me, they treated it like a badge of honor—a symbol of strength rather than weakness. Their energy fueled me, not only to push through the summer but also to recover faster so I could still play my volleyball season. This experience taught me that resilience isn’t just about enduring hardships—it’s about how we respond to them. Instead of letting my injury ruin my summer or hold me back, I used it as an opportunity to inspire and uplift those around me. I showed the kids that obstacles don’t have to define us, and in return, they reminded me of the power of encouragement, imagination, and determination. What started as a personal challenge became a lesson in perseverance—not just for me but for my campers. Their belief in me helped me push forward, even on tough days when my ankle hurt and frustration crept in. They reminded me that positivity and determination can make any obstacle seem smaller. Ultimately, I realized that resilience isn’t just about personal strength—it’s about using that strength to inspire others and create a lasting impact.

I am passionate about pursuing a degree in kinesiology or exercise science to become an athletic trainer because it allows me to combine my love for helping others and sports. From a young age, I have been involved in Athletics specifically dance, and then later on in life volleyball. For many years, I spent hours practicing dance perfecting my technique, and trying to continue to be passionate about it. However, I was frequently injured and did not allow myself to heal. I soon lost my love for dance and had to battle with the fact that I no longer had a clear path of what I wanted to do. I felt very lost without the structure that dance had given me. As I was navigating this uncertainty, I was constantly bombarded with suggestions from adults about what I should pursue. It was always a lawyer, a doctor, or even an actor. While these were all professions that were admirable, none of them were anything that I was truly interested in. I genuinely wanted to find something that not only made me happy to wake up and say that I did it but also that gave me a sense of purpose. I was soon given this Clarity at one of my first High School football games that I attended when I saw our athletic trainer Rush onto the field. She was a small woman compared to this 6-ft football player who was on the ground but you could feel the power behind her presence. This wasn't my first time seeing her in action but for some reason, this sparked my interest in her profession. From that moment on I was so eager to figure out what she was doing. I started researching what athletic training was, started going to sports medicine camps and even asked that athletic trainer to Shadow her which I did and I got the clarity that I needed. Without hesitation, I immediately knew that this was something that I wanted to do. In all of these Newfound experiences that I was able to have in shadowing this athletic trainer, I realized that a degree in kinesiology or exercise science is not just about treating injuries- it's about being able to connect with the athletes and a reliable source of support for them. It's about not only helping when athletes are injured and making sure they know they will be okay but also preventing injuries and preventing further harm. And showing that they're going to be safe when they get back on the field and helping them do what they love. I am the type of person who thrives in a fast-paced environment and I love the critical thinking that I have to do when being on the field and being an athletic trainer. That at the moment problem solving that comes with each athlete in each injury is something that fuels me to want to gain more education about the career. And most importantly I found so much fulfillment and knowing that I can make a direct impact on not only one person but a team and not only the team but fan base in keeping an athlete safe Pursuing this degree is not only something that for me is a career choice it's also almost a calling. Not only is this me taking in the suggestions that I was given by those adults at a younger age, it's also me putting a Different Twist to it. I can be in the medical field but also be surrounded by Sports and continue to help others. Every opportunity that I get to learn and grow in the field has given me nothing but reassurance that I'm on the right path. And getting this degree would solidify that I am doing exactly what I meant to be and I'm going to go far with this degree.