Throughout high school, I have been heavily involved in both my school and town community. In school I strive to achieve Honor Roll each semester. After school, depending on the season I participate as Captain of the football Cheerleading team, as well as a teammate on Unified Bocce Ball. I am also involved in clubs and organizations serving as President of National Honor Society, Ecology Club and SGA. In my free time, I coach youth cheerleading, volunteer at the food bank, etc. I have accumulated over 400 hours of service learning in my 4 years of high school. By receiving this generous scholarship, it would make paying for college slightly less difficult. Being a first generation college student, I hope to be the start of a long line of success. Though volunteering, I have learned the importance of helping others when you are able to. And the magnitude of how your help makes a difference in lives. Though whatever you do, you should prioritize the idea of making someones day better, in any way you can, big or small. In the fall, I will be attending The University Of Maryland College Park, and I will be pursuing a degree and career in Real Estate. By becoming an agent, my most prevalent goal is to help people. It is my dream to continuing helping others, like how I have with Unified Sports and at the food bank. Real Estate agents are one of the community servants that are not always seen as so, because the job itself is not directly seen as "helpful" to the community and its under-privileged citizens. When I find myself as a real estate agent, I look forward to assisting all of my community in finding the perfect temporary or forever home. I always remembered the realty employees that helped my mother find the right home for us at certain periods of my life. When she first started as a single mother and needed a slightly larger home for her 3 daughters, but on a strict budget. The agent helped us find this home on a backroad of a small town. Most recently, just a few years ago when she was ready to redo an entire home in a bigger, nicer, more prevalent town in Maryland. No matter who you are, or what town you reside in, finding the perfect home is essential to life. I hope to use my career to help people find their dream home, and the one/s that fit my clients the most. Thank you for your consideration. Sam Jessee

Throughout high school, I have been heavily involved in both my school and town community. In school, I strive to achieve Honor Roll each semester. After school, depending on the season I participate as Captain of the football Cheerleading team, as well as a teammate on Unified Bocce Ball. I am also involved in clubs and organizations serving as President of the National Honor Society, Ecology Club and SGA. In my free time, I coach youth cheerleading, volunteer at the food bank, etc. I have accumulated over 400 hours of service learning in my 4 years of high school. Athletics have always played a significant part in my upbringing. My mom was a Redskins cheerleader in the 90's, and her uniform has been hanging in our family room for my whole life. Although I love cheerleading and have done it my entire life, another sport has my heart even tighter than cheer. Unified Sports. Although I have participated in different branches, including T-ball, soccer, bowling, weight lifting, etc. My school's unified bocce ball team has had the most impact on my life, and more importantly my heart. Due to my involvement in Unified Sports, my entire perspective on sports has been changed. Growing up in a family of athletes, I was unaware of the accessibility challenges faced by individuals in my community and around the world. Being a member of this team taught me the importance of inclusion and accessibility in not only sports but also in everyday life. This experience was more than just playing bocce with my classmates, it left a lasting impression on me and the way that I seek to understand others. We practice weekly as well as traveled to other schools, but this team was different than the ones I had been on before because the individuals on my team had not always been given the same opportunities to be on a team as I had. It has made me realize the privilege of being able to participate on any team. It also made me recognize how teams I had previously participated in had excluded a group of people who are now my teammates. Last season, my team went to the Maryland Special Olympics Unified Bocce competition and placed 5th in the state. While this was a great achievement, I did not realize how big of a moment it was for some of my teammates until one of them commented “This is my first medal, ever.” Being a part of so many “first” moments for my teammates made my time on the unified Bocce team so special. Simultaneously, it ignited my advocacy for inclusion. Everyone should have the opportunity to participate in sports or clubs, regardless of their disabilities. Because of unified sports, I have been able to see not just sports, but society differently. I'll always advocate for those who may not be able to do for themselves. It is easy to say that my experience on the Bocce team was a positive one. I gained lifelong friends, a love for a new sport and a new perspective on inclusion in sports and in our society. Out of the many teams and clubs I have been a part of, the Unified Bocce team has by far been the most impactful. Not only do I have a better understanding of how I can be more inclusive, I realize how overlooked individuals with disabilities are in our society. During college, I plan to continue advocating for accessibility and inclusion in sports and the community I join.

There is one song that comes to mind when asked this question, and I only have one answer. If this year was a song for me, it would have to be How You Get the Girl. I experienced a painful breakup at the beginning of 2023 with my boyfriend of nearly 5 years, Connor. As you can infer, my heart was broken, and I felt crushed. Like every other girl I know, I turned to Taylor Swift. Especially her album, "Red". Being a typical, dramatic teenage girl, I did not want anyone else, and certainly did not think I would find someone else. Until the summer came, and one boy did all the right things, this is when I met Jack. Although I was completely against being in another relationship, I fell head over heels. As my mom said, "You're really smitten about this guy". Near the beginning of the song, she says "It's been a long six months", this new boy came into my life at just around that six-month mark from my previous breakup. Weird coincidence, right? I was still against dating him, the fear of rejection and getting hurt again was terrifying to me, and if I'm completely transparent, it still is. The first half of the song reminds me of my now ex-boyfriend, who we continue to remain friends. The second half reminds me of my new boyfriend, and how well he treats me. "Broke your heart I'll put it back together". Jack helped mend the heart that he did not break, and helped me pick up the pieces of my life that was a mess he did not make. When he asked me out, he said we could wait. This reminds me of the lyrics, "I would wait forever and ever", I did not see a reason to wait though, as we both had already fallen. Although Taylor as a whole has gotten me through this year, the song How You Get the Girl has resonated with me the most throughout the year. I believe Taylor Swift has a song for everyone. For me, this year, it's How You Get the Girl. For my sister, it's Welcome to New York. For my mother, it's Style. I am curious about what everyone else around me songs are. Taylor Swift has assisted me through one of the toughest years I have had to face, and I'm thankful that I have the privilege to listen to her music. How You Get the Girl will always be one of my favorite songs, and I am excited to see what other songs I relate to from my favorite album, 1989.

Throughout high school, I have been heavily involved in both my school and town community. In school, I strive to achieve the Honor Roll each semester. After school, depending on the season I participate as Captain of the football Cheerleading team, as well as a teammate on Unified Bocce Ball. I am also involved in clubs and organizations serving as President of the National Honor Society, President of the Ecology Club and the SGA. In my free time, I coach youth cheerleading, volunteer at the food bank, etc. I have accumulated over 400 hours of service learning in my 4 years of high school. Growing up, my father was never around. It was always just my mom, taking care of me and my two older sisters, by herself. He has been addicted to drugs and alcohol since long before I was born. The situation my family was in was the hardest thing I have had to go through. At school, my mom would come to see me on Bring Your Dad to School Day, when for everyone else, it was their dad. I have always been so appreciative and thankful for my mom's ability to step up and play both parts. However, part of me wishes I had a dad in my life, that would support me and have a stable, healthy relationship with his three daughters. Since I did not get the picture-perfect family I so desperately wanted, I was told to make the best out of the worst. I needed to use my pain as motivation for success. Instead of complaining or feeling pity for myself, I have used the given circumstances to make myself a stronger, and overall better, more well-rounded person. I have been able to experience life differently than some of my closest friends. This has made me see life from a different perspective than most. Due to my less-than-amazing circumstances, I know I want to help other young people who have experienced events like the ones I have, or in other words, have one or more bad parents. There is a quote I once heard that has stuck with me. "Grow through what you go through". I resonate with this because, I have grown because of what I went through. Although not perfect or customary, I have learned to love my life just the way it is. I have been passionate about not only being proficient academically, but in other fields as well. Like volunteering, I love to help other people who need it, and I will always. I hope to attend the University Of Maryland (College Park), with a major in real estate. I owe part of my success to the adversity I faced growing up. The other parts I owe to my mom and volunteer efforts. I hope to be a successful realtor, and never forget how far my family and I have come. Thank you!

For as long as I can remember, I have had pressing questions in the back of my young mind. I recently turned 18, and I now feel that I am at the age where things start making sense. Some of my questions have been answered, however, others leave me wondering, and thinking about our universe. Where did everything come from? What have I been taught that is untrue? Why are things so unfair? Which religion best suits me, and which one is the most accurate, if any? And so on. The one thing I am sure of is my belief in the importance of helping others when able. I have accumulated over 400 service learning hours, and I cannot help but wonder "why", when it comes to certain aspects. "Why", are so many people at the food bank hungry and lacking in human necessities? "Why" are so many children left with heartbreaking physical and/or intellectual disabilities in unified sports? "Why", how, did I end up with the most perfect mom, and the worst possible dad, who was never there? I don't know the answers, but I wish I did. These are just some of the many questions I have that have been pressing my mind since I was ten. Being a first-generation college student, I hope to explore these topics further, and possibly gain a better understanding of the surrounding universe. One topic that has always perplexed me is aliens. Personally, I believe in them, 100%. And I wonder, how could others not? Wouldn't it be rather selfish of us to think we, as humans on Earth, are alone? I find it hard to believe that the life forms we know on this planet (humans, animals, plants), are the only ones, ever. There has to be something/someone else, not identical to us, but maybe similar. Mandela effects, I used to watch YouTube videos about them, and some have stuck with me. Like SKETCHERS, or SKECHERS. Which one do we remember? Do we remember it that way, or is something in our mind influenced, or just plain wrong? The mental aspect of us, as humans is also bizarre. Mental illness, and what influences our minds, is so confounding to me. Why are some people anxious, some depressed, some both, and some neither? I wish I knew the answers to these questions, and how I could make a difference, to better the world. In college, while studying, I hope to continue exploring these and other questions that are relevant to my life and our universe.

Throughout high school, I have been heavily involved in both my school and the local community. In school, I strive to achieve proficient grades, and Honor Roll each semester. After school, depending on the season I participate as Captain of the football Cheerleading team, as well as a teammate on Unified Bocce Ball. I am also involved in clubs and organizations serving as President of the National Honor Society, Ecology Club and SGA. In my free time, I coach youth cheerleading, volunteer at the food bank, etc. I have accumulated over 400 hours of service learning in my 4 years of high school. Post graduation, I am planning to attend the University Of Maryland with a major in Real Estate and a minor in communications, I will also be cheerleading in college. I have hopes of becoming a successful real estate agent once I graduate. Being granted this scholarship will greatly help me start college, and eventually achieve my dreams. I come from a one-parent household, and I am expected to pay for my own college. Being awarded the Valiyah Young scholarship will help me minimize the amount of money I have to borrow at the expense of my education. One of my volunteer efforts is with my local food bank, and a company called Care Packs. On one Saturday every month, myself and others hand out food to anyone who comes by and is in need of some food, and/or other necessities. This experience has greatly impacted me. It has made me more aware of the severity of the hunger problem, especially right where I live. It has also made me even more grateful for the life I have, and all the things I have. In addition to the food bank, one of my favorite things I have been involved in is Unified Sports. Many people are unaware of what this is, and how much it impacts those involved. Unified Sports is any sport, played with both people with a disability, and people without disabilities. Through this, I am able to help kids who have not had the chance to experience sports the way I and others have our whole lives. I find great importance in everyone experiencing inclusion, no matter the circumstance. At my high school, in the Winter we do strength and weight lifting. In the Spring, we do Bocce Ball, and last year placed 5th at states, which was a great deal the the players, and brought immense amounts of joy. Volunteering and being involved in many ways is my purpose, it is my favorite thing and brings me the most peace and happiness. I believe that when you can, you should take advantage of that and use it to help other people.

Throughout high school, I have been heavily involved in both my school and town community. In school, I strive to achieve the Honor Roll each semester. After school, depending on the season I participate as Captain of the football Cheerleading team, as well as a teammate on Unified Bocce Ball. I am also involved in clubs and organizations serving as President of the National Honor Society, President of the Ecology Club and Executive President of SGA. In my free time, I coach youth cheerleading, volunteer at the food bank, etc. I have accumulated over 400 hours of service learning in my 4 years of high school. I'm passionate about my extracurriculars for a multitude of reasons, but mainly for the difference it makes in others' lives. Volunteering at the local food bank handing out food brings me a great sense of gratitude for all I have. I am passionate about helping those in need, providing them with necessities hoping to get themselves into a better, less trying situation. Also, When coaching youth cheerleading, I am inspiring the next generation of athletes to be the best they can be in the sport. Whilst working hard and enjoying it. I have the privilege of watching children not only love the sport, but also grow and excel in various skills. I love making a difference in young athletes' lives! In addition, being involved in Unified Sports has taught me so much, especially about equality and equity in not only sports, but in society as well. Many people are unaware of the inequalities those with disabilities face every day, wanting to join in, but not being able to. I have listened to my teammates on unified sports, and the feeling of being able to experience inclusivity on a team means everything to them. Feeling like I have helped them get to this point drives me. My passion is driven by striving for inclusivity and success for those with a disability. I will always fight for those who are unable to stick up for themselves, as it is our civic duty to do so. Without volunteers like me, students, who are my peers, with physical or intellectual disability would not be able to experience sports, and being on a team the way myself, and many other people have. The activities I am involved in make a difference to individuals, which positively impacts my community. I am thankful that I have been able to be so involved and help those around me. I'm most passionate about making a difference to individuals and making their lives better!

Being the "new kid" opened up so many doors, and granted me so many opportunities that I would not have had before. Freshman year, I moved counties and schools. While I was nervous at first, I am so thankful my mom and I made the decision. The school I previously attended was small, with around 100 kids in the class of 2024. Now, at my current school, my class is around 400 people! I was always told I was a "big fish in a small pond" at my old school, and I agree. I have a big personality, with a lot of ideas. I was not able to express myself in the way myself and my family wanted me to at a smaller, more isolated school in the middle of a cornfield. When beginning at my new school, I decided to take every opportunity I could. This involved new sports, clubs, an honor society, and SGA. I tried out for track my freshman year, which I had never done. I ended up making varsity and going to regionals! I found a new love for running that I was unaware of before. I joined the ecology, yearbook, and creative writing clubs, meeting new people and keeping busy in the little spare time I had. I applied for the National Honor Society chapter, and got in! I quickly became President of that as well. I have been elected class president several times, and this year (my senior year), Executive President of SGA! Some of these accomplishments I would have been able to do at my old school, but they would not mean as much as they do now. Being recognized all over school for my efforts and involvement is one of the best feelings. There are many negative connotations surrounding entering a new school, and being dubbed "the new kid". I realized early on, take it, and use it to my advantage. If I could give advice to someone like me when moving schools, I would tell them directly- put yourself out there, meet new people, join all the organizations your school has to offer, and you will be just fine! You will never have as much fun staying isolated and alone. I have been able to have the best possible experience in high school, it has easily been the best, most exciting and fun 4 years of my life, and I'm sorrowful that it is all coming to an end in May. I am grateful that I once held the title of "new kid", and I hope others take it as a positive thing, and make the best out of their unique situation.

Throughout my life, and high school especially, I have devoted over 400 hours to volunteering, and serving my community. From helping children with disabilities play sports, to delivering food at my local food bank, I am committed to creating a better, more accepting environment for everyone. I have acquired several leadership positions in high school, including Executive President of SGA, President of NHS, Varsity Cheerleading Captain, and President of the Ecology Club. I believe being appointed to these positions has helped me become a better listener, advocate, and member of my community. Through unified sports, myself and others are able to give children with various physical and/or intellectual disabilities the chance to be on a team, and experience high school sports at the varsity level, like everyone should be able to. I have been lucky enough to see children prosper, in sports like Bocce Ball and Weight Lifting. I have seen tears of joy, when receiving 5th place medals at states. I have been involved with cheerleading and other sports my entire life, yet I was never aware of those who were not able to join in or participate, the way I always had the privilege of doing. Just being a small part of a Unified team brought me to the realization that there is so much room for inclusion and growth that needs to be made not only in sports but in our society. I was ignorant and unaware of the fact that the sports world was not quite inclusive until I listened to my teammates and their experiences. I will forever be grateful for my time on unified sports teams. I aspire to continue my efforts in unified sports, with hopes of sports being more inclusive to all. Everyone, disabled or not, deserves a chance to be a part of a team, and experience athletics the way they desire, and equally with others. I have found that organizations like Unified Sports are not always taken as seriously as they should be. I hope to be a part of the change of that point of view. I will always advocate for those who may not be able to do it for themselves, and forever devote myself to creating a more equal environment. Not only in sports, but in society as a whole. Unified sports have changed my outlook on life, I now am aware of the injustices done within society to people who are different. I hope to run a unified sports program or coach a unified sports team in the future. The equality I am searching for for these children with disabilities will create positive impacts all around.