I have always tried to be there for people when they are going through a rough time. A lot of my friends have struggled with their mental health and I have learned how important it is to just listen. Sometimes it is late night talks when someone feels like giving up or checking in when they start to drift away from everyone. I do not always know what to say but I have realized most people do not need advice. They just need to know someone cares. I try to be that person who will not judge them who will sit there and remind them that they are not alone. Even small things like a text a joke or a quick conversation can mean a lot.That is something I want to carry with me into my future job working on oil rigs. I know that life out there can be tough with long hours bad weather and missing home. It is easy for people to start feeling isolated or burnt out. I want to make a difference by bringing some understanding and support into that kind of environment. I want to be the guy people can talk to when things get heavy or when they just need someone to listen.I plan to use what I learn in my studies to understand how stress and isolation affect people and how to help them handle it better. But even more than that I want to make it normal to talk about what is going on inside. I think that is where real change starts when people realize they do not have to hide how they feel.I know I cannot fix everyone’s problems but if I can make even one person feel a little less alone then it is worth it. I have seen what being there for someone can do and I want to keep doing that no matter where life takes me. Helping people through hard times is something I will always care about whether it is my friends my crew or anyone who just needs to know someone has their back.

One teacher who really changed my life was my high school teacher, Ms. Imbucsh. At first, she just seemed like any other teacher, but over time I realized she was different. She didn’t just care about teaching lessons from a book; she cared about teaching us lessons about life, responsibility, and believing in ourselves. Looking back, I can honestly say that the way I approach challenges, school, and even my future is because of what I learned from her. What made Ms. Imbucsh stand out was the way she balanced high expectations with genuine care. She always pushed me to do better, but she never made me feel like I was failing when I struggled. Instead of just pointing out what I did wrong, she showed me how to improve. If I turned in something that wasn’t my best work, she didn’t let me settle for it. She encouraged me to go back, fix it, and try again. That kind of push taught me that effort matters just as much as talent, and that doing the bare minimum wouldn’t help me grow. I also admired how real she was with her students. She didn’t just tell us what we wanted to hear—she was honest, even when it was tough. If I made excuses, she called me out, but she did it in a way that made me want to do better instead of just giving up. She showed me that people who really care about you will hold you accountable because they see your potential. That’s something I didn’t always understand until I had her as a teacher. The biggest lesson I learned from Ms. Imbucsh was to see challenges as opportunities. Before, if something seemed too hard, I would often give up or avoid it. But she taught me that struggling doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re learning. That shift in perspective has helped me not only in school, but also in my personal life. Whether it’s a tough assignment, a stressful situation, or just figuring out what I want to do in the future, I now try to face it instead of running from it. Because of Ms. Imbucsh, I learned resilience, discipline, and self-belief. She made me realize that I’m capable of more than I thought, as long as I’m willing to put in the work. I know that even years from now, the lessons she taught me will stick with me. She didn’t just change the way I approached school—she changed the way I approach life.

Social media has become a major part of how people connect, share, and express themselves. While it has many positives—like building community and giving people a voice—it also has a serious impact on mental health and self-esteem. For someone like me, who lives with ADD, that impact can be even more noticeable. One of the biggest challenges I face with ADD is staying focused. Social media can make that harder because it is designed to grab attention and keep you scrolling. For me, that often means losing track of time, getting distracted from important tasks, or feeling overwhelmed by the constant flow of information. It’s easy to compare myself to others online and feel like I am not doing enough, especially when people only show the “highlight reel” of their lives. This can take a toll on self-esteem, making me question if I am keeping up academically, socially, or personally. Social media also affects the way I think about myself. With ADD, I already have to work harder than most to stay organized and focused, so seeing others post about their achievements or “perfect” lives can sometimes make me feel like I am falling behind. I know deep down that social media doesn’t show the full picture, but it can still create pressure to measure up to unrealistic standards. That pressure has an impact not just on me, but on many young people who are constantly comparing themselves to what they see online. At the same time, I have learned strategies to manage these challenges and protect my mental health. Setting time limits on apps, stepping away from my phone when I need to focus, and reminding myself that what I see online is not the whole truth have all helped me find balance. I also try to use social media in positive ways, like following accounts that inspire me, educate me, or motivate me to stay disciplined in my academics and athletics. To address the impact of social media on mental health, I believe schools, parents, and communities need to talk openly about it. Young people should be taught how to use social media responsibly, understand the effects it can have, and develop healthy boundaries. Encouraging in-person connections, promoting digital wellness, and reminding youth of their self-worth outside of likes and followers are all important steps. Social media isn’t going away, but the way we use it can change. For me, learning how to balance it with my ADD has been a journey, but it has also taught me discipline and self-awareness. By continuing these conversations and supporting one another, we can turn social media into a tool for growth rather than something that harms our self-esteem.

Growing up in a single-parent household has shaped me in ways that go far beyond my circumstances. My mom’s passing at a young age left me with my dad as the main source of support and guidance. While this has not always been easy, it has taught me lessons about resilience, independence, and perseverance that continue to guide me today. Living in a single-parent household meant learning responsibility earlier than most. I became more aware of the challenges my family faced, from managing finances to balancing school and personal life. Instead of seeing these challenges as setbacks, I’ve used them as motivation. I knew I had to push harder in school, in sports, and in everything I committed myself to because my future depends on the effort I put in now. Athletics have been one of the outlets that helped me navigate those challenges. Wrestling and jiu-jitsu gave me discipline and structure when life sometimes felt unpredictable. On the mat, I learned that every struggle comes with an opportunity to adapt and grow. Those lessons mirror my personal life: setbacks are temporary, and persistence can overcome even the hardest obstacles. Academically, I’ve challenged myself to stay focused and push past limitations. As a high school senior, I’ve taken two college-level courses to prepare for the rigor of higher education. Doing this while living with ADD and balancing athletics taught me time management and accountability. It also showed me that I can rise to the challenge of college-level work despite the obstacles I face. These experiences have shaped my career aspirations. Coming from a single-parent household has made me determined to pursue a career that allows me to build stability, not just for myself but also for my future family and community. I want to use my education as a way to create opportunities and break cycles, showing others who may come from similar backgrounds that their circumstances do not define their potential. My ultimate goal is to have a career where I can give back—whether through mentorship, community involvement, or simply being an example of what perseverance can achieve. Financially, the path to higher education is not easy. With only one parent supporting me, the costs of college are a significant challenge. This scholarship would not only ease that burden but also allow me to focus on my studies and career goals without being weighed down by financial stress. Living in a single-parent household has taught me resilience, independence, and determination. Those qualities have become the foundation for my aspirations, and with the support of this scholarship, I am ready to continue building a future defined by perseverance and purpose.

My name is Sidney Frierson, and my story is one of resilience, discipline, and growth. I grew up learning to adapt to challenges, and those experiences have shaped me into the person I am today. One of the biggest turning points in my life was losing my mom at a young age. That loss changed everything for me. It was incredibly hard, but it also gave me a reason to push forward. I carry her memory with me every day, and she continues to motivate me to work hard, stay disciplined, and build a future she would be proud of. Wrestling and jiu-jitsu are two of my biggest passions. They have given me an outlet to test myself physically and mentally, while also teaching me lessons that go far beyond the mat. These sports have taught me what it means to be consistent, focused, and resilient. Every practice requires discipline, and every match pushes me to adapt and keep fighting even when things get tough. Those lessons have carried over into the rest of my life—helping me manage challenges in school, in my personal life, and in how I approach new opportunities. Academically, I’ve always been determined to challenge myself. As a senior in high school, I’ve already taken two college-level courses, which gave me a chance to see what it feels like to learn at the next level. Balancing those courses with athletics and my responsibilities at school wasn’t easy, especially because I also live with ADD. Staying focused and organized has never come naturally to me, but over time I’ve learned strategies that help—like breaking assignments into steps, creating routines, and holding myself accountable. ADD might make things harder at times, but it has also taught me persistence and problem-solving, qualities that I know will serve me well in college. Looking ahead, I aspire to continue my education and use it as a way to create new opportunities for myself and for others. I want to build a future that reflects the discipline I’ve gained through sports, the resilience I’ve learned through personal loss, and the determination I’ve developed in the classroom. Education, to me, isn’t just about getting a degree—it’s about honoring the sacrifices made for me and building a path where I can make a difference. Who I am today is a reflection of where I’ve been: a student, an athlete, and someone who has learned how to keep going no matter what. My story is still being written, but with the lessons I’ve learned and the motivation I carry with me, I’m confident that the future will be one where I can continue to grow, achieve, and give back.

My story has been shaped by resilience, perseverance, and the determination to keep moving forward despite obstacles. One of the greatest challenges I have faced was losing my mom when I was younger. Her passing left a hole in my life, but it also gave me a reason to push harder and live in a way that honors her memory. She remains my greatest motivation, and everything I do—whether in the classroom, on the wrestling mat, or in my personal life—is fueled by the lessons she instilled in me. Another challenge I have faced is living with ADD. It has often made school more difficult, from staying focused in class to keeping track of assignments and deadlines. There were times when I felt frustrated, like I was working twice as hard just to keep up. But instead of giving up, I leaned on the support of my IEP, teachers, and strategies I’ve developed over time—breaking tasks into smaller steps, setting routines, and holding myself accountable. Wrestling and jiu-jitsu have also helped me manage ADD by teaching me structure, discipline, and the importance of consistency. Overcoming these struggles has not only made me stronger, but it has also shown me that challenges can be turned into strengths with enough determination. Education has always been important to me. As a senior in high school, I’ve already taken two college courses to push myself academically and prepare for what lies ahead. Those experiences gave me confidence that I can succeed at the college level, even while balancing athletics and personal challenges. I see education as the path to building a better future for myself and making an impact in my community. Financially, however, the road ahead is not easy. My family circumstances have made it difficult to afford the rising costs of higher education. While I am determined to attend college and pursue my goals, the support of this scholarship would make a meaningful difference. It would ease the financial burden, allow me to focus fully on my studies, and open the door to opportunities that might otherwise feel out of reach. My journey so far has taught me that obstacles do not define me—how I respond to them does. Losing my mom, living with ADD, and pushing through academic and athletic challenges have shaped me into someone who is resilient, disciplined, and motivated. With the support of this scholarship, I will continue to move forward on my education journey, striving to make my mom proud and to build a future defined by hard work, perseverance, and purpose.

My name is Sidney Frierson, and I am a senior in high school who has worked hard to balance academics, athletics, and personal growth. Wrestling and jiu-jitsu have been important parts of my life, teaching me the value of discipline, perseverance, and leadership. Alongside sports, I have challenged myself academically by enrolling in two college courses while still in high school. These experiences reflect my commitment to personal excellence and my determination to prepare for the demands of higher education. Community involvement is also an important part of who I am. Through my athletics, I have mentored younger teammates by helping them learn skills, develop confidence, and build discipline both on and off the mat. I know what it feels like to struggle, and I want others to feel supported in their journey. Whether it is encouraging someone at practice, helping peers with schoolwork, or being a positive influence in my friend group, I strive to make an impact in my community through actions that reflect kindness, respect, and accountability. As I prepare for college, I face significant financial need. My family situation has shaped me in many ways, including losing my mom at a young age. Her passing taught me resilience, but it also left me with fewer resources as I move toward higher education. I am determined to pursue my goals, but I know I will need financial assistance to afford tuition, books, housing, and other costs of college. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to focus on my academics and future career without the constant stress of financial limitations. Another area that matters deeply to me is the safety of children and youth in my community. I believe it is important to create safe environments where young people can grow without fear of bullying, whether in-person or online. In my daily life, I do this by setting an example—treating others with respect and stepping in when I see someone being mistreated. Online, I encourage younger peers to use technology responsibly, remind them to protect their personal information, and talk openly about how to handle negative experiences like cyberbullying. Sometimes even a simple act—listening to someone who feels alone—can make a difference in their safety and confidence. Ultimately, I see myself as someone who has faced challenges but continues to move forward with resilience and purpose. My experiences in athletics, academics, and personal life have prepared me to be a leader in my community and a role model for others. With the support of this scholarship, I will be able to continue pursuing my education and making a positive impact both on campus and in the community around me.

Living with ADD has been one of the greatest challenges of my academic journey. It has affected the way I learn, focus, and manage my responsibilities in and out of the classroom. There have been times when staying organized felt overwhelming or when focusing on assignments took much longer than it might for others. While ADD has made school difficult at times, it has also taught me the importance of persistence, self-awareness, and developing strategies that work for me. One of the biggest challenges I faced with ADD was learning how to manage distractions and stay consistent with my work. For a long time, it was frustrating to feel like I was trying my best but still falling behind. However, with the support of my IEP and teachers who were willing to help, I learned how to break assignments into smaller steps, use tools like planners and timers, and ask for help when I needed it. These strategies helped me turn what once felt like a weakness into a challenge I could navigate with confidence. Another challenge has been balancing school with my other commitments, such as wrestling and jiu-jitsu. ADD can make it difficult to juggle multiple responsibilities, but athletics has actually helped me build discipline and focus. The structure of training, the need for consistency, and the push to keep improving have taught me skills that carry over into my academics. What I once thought of as a barrier has become something I can manage by leaning on the routines and lessons I’ve gained through sports. Through it all, my biggest motivation has been my mom. Losing her at a young age was one of the hardest experiences of my life, but her memory continues to inspire me to persevere. Whenever I feel like giving up, I think about the strength she showed and the lessons she left me with. She always believed in me, and I carry that belief with me as a reminder to keep moving forward. Continuing my education is one of the ways I honor her memory—by striving to achieve goals that she would be proud of. What motivates me most is knowing that ADD does not define what I am capable of. I may have to work harder than some people to stay focused, but I have learned that resilience and determination can overcome challenges. With each step forward, I remind myself that I am not just working toward my future for myself, but also to carry on the legacy of my mom’s strength and love.

To me, Black excellence is the celebration of resilience, achievement, and pride in the face of adversity. It is about breaking barriers, overcoming challenges, and creating opportunities not only for oneself, but also for the generations that follow. Black excellence is not just about achieving success on a personal level, but also about representing strength, perseverance, and possibility for the broader community. It means standing tall despite circumstances that may try to hold us back, and proving that our culture, history, and contributions are invaluable. I embody Black excellence in my life by embracing the challenges I have faced and using them as motivation to grow. Losing my mother at a young age was a defining moment that could have broken my spirit. Instead, I chose to honor her memory by striving to be disciplined, focused, and determined in everything I do. That resilience has guided me in both my academic and athletic pursuits, where I have worked to show that perseverance can turn hardship into strength. As a wrestler and jiu-jitsu athlete, I live Black excellence by demonstrating discipline, grit, and commitment. These sports demand consistency and the ability to keep going even when things get tough. Every time I step onto the mat, I remind myself that my success is not just personal, but also a reflection of the values I carry with me—hard work, determination, and self-respect. Through sports, I push myself to embody excellence and inspire others who may face similar struggles. In academics, I also strive to represent Black excellence by taking initiative and exceeding expectations. As a high school senior, I have already completed two college-level courses. I wanted to prove to myself that I could succeed in more challenging academic environments while balancing my responsibilities as a student-athlete. Those experiences have prepared me for the rigor of higher education and reinforced my belief that excellence is achieved by going beyond what is required. Finally, I embody Black excellence through the way I connect with others. While I may keep to myself at first, I become more extroverted once I build trust and relationships. In those spaces, I strive to encourage, uplift, and bring positive energy to those around me. For me, Black excellence is not only about personal success, but also about contributing to a community where others can thrive. Black excellence means turning resilience into achievement, honoring the legacy of those who came before me, and striving to create opportunities for those who will come after me. In my everyday life—through my discipline, determination, and perseverance—I work to live out that definition.

Throughout my life, I have learned that strength is not only measured by physical ability, but also by the capacity to overcome challenges and remain determined in the face of adversity. As a senior in high school preparing for the future, I have worked to build a foundation of resilience, discipline, and ambition. My journey has been shaped by athletics, academics, and personal experiences that continue to motivate me toward success. Wrestling and jiu-jitsu have been central parts of my life, teaching me lessons that extend far beyond the mat. These sports demand consistency, focus, and an unwavering work ethic. Every practice requires me to push through both physical and mental barriers, and every match challenges me to adapt quickly and stay composed under pressure. The discipline I have gained through these sports has also guided my academic journey, where persistence and preparation are just as important as in competition. Academically, I have always sought to challenge myself. While finishing high school, I enrolled in two college courses to test my abilities at a higher level. Taking on advanced coursework while still in high school was not easy, especially while balancing athletics and other responsibilities, but it showed me that I can rise to demanding expectations. This experience strengthened my confidence in my academic potential and confirmed my readiness for the rigor of college. Beyond sports and academics, my personal life has deeply influenced who I am today. I lost my mother when I was younger, and while this loss was incredibly difficult, it also taught me valuable lessons about resilience, responsibility, and perspective. I carry her memory with me in everything I do, and it serves as a constant reminder to persevere and make the most of the opportunities before me. While I am naturally someone who keeps to myself at first, I have also learned the importance of building connections. Once I become comfortable, I reveal a more extroverted side that allows me to form strong bonds with others. This balance has helped me work well both independently and in group settings, making me adaptable in academics, athletics, and personal relationships. Looking ahead, I see myself as someone who is prepared to embrace new challenges with determination. The discipline from wrestling and jiu-jitsu, the academic preparation from early college courses, and the resilience shaped by my personal experiences have all prepared me to succeed at the next level. With the support of this scholarship, I am confident I can continue to grow academically and personally, while working toward a future where I can make a meaningful impact.