STLF Scholarship Essay (Riya) One of the most meaningful ways I have been involved in serving my community is through consistently volunteering with children who are growing up in difficult and unstable environments, including those impacted by prostitution. What started as simply helping out turned into something much more intentional over time. As I continued to show up each week, I realized that these kids didn’t just need occasional help they needed consistency. Because of that, I began taking more initiative in helping organize parts of the time we spent with them. I helped plan simple activities like games, art projects, and small group time that would give them a safe space to relax, express themselves, and just be kids. Art, especially, became something I leaned into because it gave them a way to communicate without needing the right words. I also made it a point to build relationships with them individually. Instead of just leading activities, I wanted them to feel known. That meant remembering details about their lives, checking in with them, and being someone they could trust over time. It wasn’t always easy, and sometimes progress felt slow, but it made a difference. Through this experience, I’ve learned that leadership doesn’t always look like being in charge it often looks like being consistent. It’s choosing to show up even when it’s not convenient, and caring about people enough to invest your time in them. I’ve also seen how one person’s commitment can influence others. When you take service seriously, it encourages those around you to do the same. Leadership through service is important because it focuses on others instead of yourself. In a world where a lot of people are focused on personal success, service reminds us that impact comes from how we treat and support others. It shifts the focus from “what can I gain” to “how can I help.” For me, this mindset has shaped how I approach my future. As I plan to go into the medical field, I don’t just want to focus on the technical side of medicine. I want to be someone who truly cares for people, especially in moments when they feel vulnerable. The same mindset of showing up, listening, and being present applies just as much in a hospital as it does in my community now. Serving others has taught me that small, consistent actions can have a lasting impact. Leadership isn’t always loud or obvious it’s often quiet, steady, and built over time. That is the kind of leader I want to continue becoming.

Ethel Hayes Scholarship Essay (Riya) My understanding of mental health has been shaped mostly through someone very close to me; my uncle. Growing up, I have seen him struggle with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, and it has deeply impacted both him and our family. There were times when he would be full of energy, hopeful, and completely present. He would talk about plans, ideas, and things he wanted to do with his life. But then there were other times when everything shifted. He would become withdrawn, quiet, and at his lowest points, even suicidal. As a kid, it was confusing to see someone you love change so drastically. I didn’t fully understand what was happening, but I could see the pain it caused. It also affected our family in ways that weren’t always talked about. There were moments of fear, uncertainty, and helplessness wanting to help but not always knowing how. At times, mental health felt like something people didn’t openly discuss, which made it harder to process what we were going through. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to understand more. I’ve learned that mental health is just as real as physical health, and that it deserves the same level of attention, care, and compassion. It has changed the way I see people. I’ve learned not to judge someone based on what I see in a moment, because there may be so much more going on beneath the surface. One of the most meaningful parts of this journey is where my uncle is today. He is now celebrating two years of sobriety, and I’ve seen a real difference in him. He is more focused, more present, and more like himself again. That doesn’t mean everything is perfect, but it has shown me that change is possible. It has given me hope. This experience has shaped my relationships by making me more patient and more aware of others. I’ve learned the importance of being there for people, even when it’s not easy or when I don’t fully understand what they’re going through. Sometimes the most important thing you can do is simply not walk away. It has also influenced my future goals. I plan to go into the medical field, and this experience has made me more aware of how important it is to treat the whole person, not just the physical side of things. Mental health is a huge part of someone’s overall well-being, and I want to be someone who recognizes that and treats people with both care and understanding. Most importantly, this has shaped how I see the world. It has made me realize that a lot of people are quietly struggling, even if it’s not obvious. It has also shown me that there is still a stigma around mental health, especially in certain communities, and that needs to change. My uncle’s story is not just one of struggle, but also one of growth and resilience. Watching him fight through some of his darkest moments and come out stronger has impacted me in ways I will carry with me for the rest of my life. It has taught me to have empathy, to stay hopeful, and to understand that people are more than their hardest days.

David Foster Scholarship Essay (Riya) One teacher who has had a lasting impact on my life is Mr. Carlucci, my English teacher and high school soccer coach. What makes him different is not just how he teaches, but how much he truly cares about his students and pushes them to be their best. In the classroom, Mr. Carlucci never allows you to settle for average. He challenges you to think deeper, write better, and actually care about the work you’re doing. At the same time, he leads with kindness and respect, which makes you want to rise to those expectations. He doesn’t just teach material he invests in his students. This year, I chose to write my senior paper on kindness and its impact on others. A 20 page paper, and it was one of the most challenging assignments I’ve ever taken on. Throughout the process, Mr. Carlucci met with me multiple times, giving feedback, asking questions, and pushing me to go deeper in my thinking. He didn’t let me take the easy route, but he also supported me every step of the way. What made this even more meaningful is that the topic of my paper was inspired by him. The way he treats people with consistency, encouragement, and high expectations showed me what real kindness looks like. It’s not just being nice in the moment, but choosing to invest in people over time. That example became even more real to me during my sophomore year when I tore my ACL. Being injured and away from the field was difficult, but Mr. Carlucci was one of the people who continued to check in, encourage me, and remind me to stay focused. He showed the same kindness and support that I was writing about in my paper. Last week, I turned in that paper and received the highest grade in the class. In a couple of weeks, I will defend it in front of a board, and I feel prepared not just because of my work, but because of how Mr. Carlucci guided me through the process. His influence has changed how I approach life. He has shown me that you can challenge people while still caring about them, and that real impact comes from consistency, not just one moment. Because of him, I try to approach my work and my relationships with more intention, pushing myself to be better while also showing kindness to others. Mr. Carlucci didn’t just help me succeed in a class he changed how I think, how I work, and how I treat people.

Valerie Rabb Scholarship Essay (Riya) I am a senior at StoneBridge School, where I have worked hard to balance academics, athletics, and serving in my community. I have maintained a 4.0 GPA while being involved in multiple sports, including soccer, cross country, track, and swimming. Being a student-athlete has taught me discipline, time management, and how to stay committed even when things are challenging. One of the biggest adversities I have faced was tearing my ACL during my sophomore year while playing soccer. In one moment, everything changed. I went from being constantly active to being sidelined, facing surgery and a long recovery process. It was frustrating and discouraging at times, especially not knowing if I would return to the same level I had before. Recovering from that injury took months of physical therapy, patience, and perseverance. There were days when progress felt slow, but I had to keep going. That experience taught me resilience and helped me grow mentally just as much as physically. It showed me how to push through challenges and not give up, even when things don’t go as planned. That experience also played a big role in shaping my future goals. After going through surgery, I became interested in the medical field, specifically anesthesiology. I remember how the anesthesiologist made me feel calm and safe during a stressful time. That moment stayed with me, and it made me realize that medicine is not just about knowledge, but about how you care for people. I want to be able to provide that same sense of comfort to others one day. Outside of school and athletics, I have been involved in serving my community, especially working with children in difficult and unstable environments. This has had a big impact on me. It has taught me the importance of showing up consistently and treating people with compassion and respect. These experiences have strengthened my desire to go into a career where I can help others in a meaningful way. In the future, I plan to use my career in medicine to make a positive impact by not only providing care, but by being someone who truly sees and values each person. I want to serve others, especially those who may not always have access to the support they need. I believe that my experiences, both the challenges I have faced and the opportunities I have had to serve others, have prepared me for what is ahead. I am committed to continuing to grow, work hard, and use my life to make a difference in the lives of others.

Robin Irving Scholarship Essay (Riya) My decision to pursue a degree in science, specifically in the medical field, comes from both my experiences and the way I’ve learned to see people and the world around me. I have always been drawn to science because it is both challenging and purposeful. It requires focus, problem-solving, and attention to detail, but it also has a direct impact on people’s lives. For me, it’s not just about understanding how things work it’s about using that knowledge to help others in real and meaningful ways. My passion for medicine became more personal during my sophomore year when I tore my ACL in a soccer game and had to go through surgery. That experience was difficult, but it also gave me a new perspective. I remember feeling nervous and unsure before the surgery, but the anesthesiologist took the time to explain everything and made me feel calm and safe. That moment stuck with me. It showed me that medicine is not just about skill, but also about how you care for people in moments when they are most vulnerable. That experience is what led me to pursue becoming an anesthesiologist. I want to be able to give someone else that same sense of peace during a stressful time in their life. I want to combine scientific knowledge with compassion and awareness, understanding that every patient is more than just a procedure. Outside of academics, my experiences serving in my community have also shaped my passion. I have spent time working with children in difficult and unstable environments, and through that, I have seen how much people can struggle without support. It has made me more aware of the need for not just medical care, but compassionate care, especially for those who may feel overlooked. As I continue into college and beyond, I plan to use my education in science to serve others, especially those in underserved communities. I want to be someone who not only provides excellent medical care, but who also takes the time to see and value each person. My faith has also played a role in this. I believe that we are called to care for others and to use what we’ve been given to make a difference. Pursuing science and medicine is one way I can live that out. Science, to me, is not just a subject it is a way to make an impact. It is the opportunity to step into someone’s life at a critical moment and help them. That is what drives me, and that is why I am committed to this path.

Why I Am Passionate About My Degree (Riya) My interest in pursuing a degree in the medical field, specifically to become an anesthesiologist, did not come from just a classroom or a textbook. It came from one of the hardest moments in my life. During my sophomore year, I tore my ACL in the middle of a soccer game. One second I was playing like normal, and the next I knew something was seriously wrong. Soccer had always been a huge part of my life, so the injury was not just physical, it was emotional too. I knew right away that recovery was going to be long, and that surgery would be part of that process. Leading up to the surgery, I was nervous. I had never experienced anything like that before. There were a lot of unknowns, and I didn’t fully understand what was going to happen. But what stood out to me the most during that entire experience was the anesthesiologist. I don’t remember every detail of that day, but I clearly remember how calm and kind they were. They took the time to talk to me, explain things in a way I could understand, and most importantly, made me feel safe. In a moment where I felt out of control, they gave me a sense of peace. It wasn’t just about the medical side of what they were doing it was about how they treated me as a person. Even after the surgery, I kept thinking about that moment. Out of everything that happened—the injury, the recovery, the physical therapy that interaction stayed with me. It made me realize that medicine is not just about procedures or knowledge. It is about people. It is about being there for someone in a moment when they are vulnerable and helping them feel safe. That experience is what sparked my interest in anesthesiology. The idea that I could one day be that person for someone else, that I could bring comfort and calm in a stressful and uncertain moment is something that means a lot to me. It would be an honor to be trusted in that way. At the same time, my passion for medicine has also been shaped by my experiences serving others. For several years, I have been involved in working with children in my community who are growing up in difficult and unstable environments, including those impacted by prostitution. Through this, I have seen how much people can be going through that others may not even realize. Those experiences have given me a deeper sense of compassion and awareness. They have taught me that every person has a story, and that how you treat someone matters more than you may think. In many ways, those moments of simply showing up, listening, and being present are just as important as anything else. As I think about my future in medicine, I don’t just want to focus on the technical side. I want to be someone who truly sees people and cares about them. I want to serve those who may not always have access to the same level of care or support. My goal is not just to succeed in a career, but to use that career to make a difference in the lives of others. My faith has also played a role in shaping this calling. I believe that we are called to serve others and to use the gifts we’ve been given to make an impact. For me, pursuing medicine is not just about a job, it is about living that out in a real and meaningful way. The journey that started with an injury turned into something much bigger. What felt like a setback at the time became something that gave me direction and purpose. It showed me what kind of person I want to be and how I want to use my life. Becoming an anesthesiologist is not just about the career itself it is about the opportunity to step into someone else’s moment of fear or uncertainty and bring them peace. It is about combining skill with compassion. And it is about serving others in a way that truly matters. That is why I am passionate about the degree I am pursuing.

If I had to explain why I should be considered for this scholarship, I would point to how I have chosen to use my time, my opportunities, and the challenges I’ve faced to grow into someone who is both driven and committed to making an impact. Throughout high school, I have worked hard to maintain a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking rigorous classes and staying actively involved outside of the classroom. I am a member of the National Honor Society, and I take my academics seriously because I know they are preparing me for my future. My goal is to become an anesthesiologist, a career that requires discipline, focus, and a strong educational foundation. For me, school has never just been about getting good grades—it has been about preparing for a purpose. Outside of academics, athletics have played a huge role in shaping who I am. I have competed as a multi-sport athlete in soccer, cross country, track, and swimming, but soccer has been the biggest part of my life. Through years of training and competing at a high level, including participation in the Olympic Development Program and international play, I have learned what it means to be disciplined, to handle pressure, and to push myself beyond what feels comfortable. During my sophomore year, I faced one of the biggest challenges of my life when I tore my ACL. In a moment, everything changed. I went from constantly being active and competing to being unable to play the sport I loved. The recovery process was long and difficult, both physically and mentally. There were days when progress felt slow and discouraging, and I questioned whether I would ever fully return to where I had been. That experience forced me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. I had to learn patience and perseverance in a deeper way. I had to keep showing up to physical therapy, even when it was hard, and stay committed even when no one else could see the effort I was putting in. More than anything, it taught me resilience. Coming back from that injury was not just about returning to the field—it was about proving to myself that I could overcome something difficult and not let it define me. Another major part of my life has been serving in my community. For several years, I have consistently volunteered working with children who are growing up in difficult and unstable environments, including those impacted by prostitution. This experience has had a lasting impact on me. It has taught me that many people are facing challenges that are not always visible, and that even small acts of consistency can make a difference. Through this work, I have learned how to build trust, how to listen, and how to show up for others in a real way. It has changed how I see success. Success is no longer just about personal achievement—it is about the impact I have on others and the way I choose to use what I’ve been given. My faith has also been a foundation in my life. Growing up in a Christian home and attending a Christian school has shaped my values and the way I approach both success and challenges. I have been taught that my life is meant to have purpose beyond myself. During difficult moments, especially during my injury, my faith helped me stay grounded and trust that there was growth happening even when I couldn’t see it right away. Financially, college is a significant commitment for my family. While we are committed to making it work, this scholarship would help ease that burden and allow me to focus more fully on my education and future goals. It would give me the opportunity to continue pursuing my dream of working in the medical field without as much financial pressure. As I look ahead to college, I plan to continue the same mindset I’ve had throughout high school—working hard, staying involved, and continuing to serve others. I want to grow not only academically, but also as a person who can make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. I am not defined by one achievement, but by consistency. Whether it is in the classroom, on the field, or in my community, I have chosen to show up, work hard, and keep moving forward even when things are difficult. I believe that is what truly sets me apart. Receiving this scholarship would not just support my education—it would invest in someone who is committed to using her experiences, her faith, and her opportunities to make a difference.

One of the most significant issues I have stepped up to address is the lack of stability, support, and safe connection for children growing up in environments impacted by prostitution and neglect in my community. I first became aware of this issue through a local outreach, and what impacted me most was not just the environment these children were in, but how invisible they often felt. Many of them lacked consistent adult support, and trust did not come easily. I realized that while I could not fix everything, I could choose to show up—and that mattered. What motivated me to take action was the understanding that change often begins with presence. I committed to serving weekly, building relationships with the children, and creating a space where they felt seen and valued. Over time, I focused on consistency—learning names, listening to their stories, and engaging in simple activities like drawing or conversation. These small moments helped build trust, and I began to see changes in their willingness to connect and engage. So far, my impact has been relational rather than measurable by numbers, but it is meaningful. I have learned that for many of these children, consistency is rare, and simply showing up each week creates a sense of stability. That has shaped how I define leadership—not as position, but as commitment. In the future, I hope to expand this work by helping create more structured support systems, such as mentorship opportunities and access to educational resources. As I pursue a career in medicine, I also want to advocate for vulnerable populations and address the long-term effects of instability and trauma. This experience has taught me that even small, consistent actions can create lasting impact—and it is work I am committed to continuing.

The personal achievement I am most proud of is my commitment to consistently showing up for others, even when it is uncomfortable or difficult. For the past several years, I have had the opportunity to serve weekly with a team that reaches children growing up in environments impacted by prostitution, instability, and neglect. What began as a simple act of volunteering quickly became something much more meaningful. I realized early on that this was not a place where quick solutions or temporary effort would make a difference. What mattered most was consistency. At first, I didn’t always feel prepared. I questioned whether I had the right words to say or enough experience to truly help. But over time, I learned that presence matters more than perfection. Week after week, I showed up. I began to build relationships with the children—learning their names, listening to their stories, and earning their trust slowly. One moment that has stayed with me was when a child who had been distant and withdrawn finally chose to sit down and draw with me. It was a small moment, but it represented something much bigger—trust. That experience helped me understand that impact is not always loud or immediate. Sometimes it is found in quiet, consistent acts of care. Through this experience, I have developed a deeper sense of empathy and awareness. I have learned how to meet people where they are, rather than expecting them to meet me where I am. I have also learned the importance of patience, resilience, and compassion—qualities that cannot be taught in a classroom, but must be lived out. This achievement has significantly shaped my future goals. I plan to pursue a career in medicine and become an anesthesiologist. In that field, patients place an immense amount of trust in the hands of someone they may have just met. My experiences serving others have prepared me to carry that responsibility with care. I want to be someone who not only provides technical skill, but also brings a sense of calm, trust, and dignity to every person I encounter. What I am most proud of is not a single moment, but the decision to keep showing up. There were times when it would have been easier to step back or focus only on my own responsibilities, but I chose to remain committed. That choice has shaped my character and strengthened my sense of purpose. This experience has changed how I define success. Success is no longer just about personal accomplishments or recognition—it is about the impact I have on others. It is about being present, consistent, and willing to serve, even when no one is watching. The lessons I have learned through this journey will stay with me far beyond high school. They will guide how I pursue my education, how I approach my future career, and how I choose to live my life.

Art has always been a place where I can slow down, breathe, and simply create. In the middle of a busy life filled with academics, athletics, and responsibilities, drawing has become something steady for me. It is not something I do for recognition or competition—it is something I do because it allows me to think, reflect, and express myself in a way that words sometimes cannot. When everything else feels fast-paced, art gives me space. As a student-athlete balancing multiple sports and a rigorous academic schedule, I have learned how important it is to have an outlet. Drawing has become that outlet for me. Whether I am sketching something detailed or just letting my mind wander on paper, it allows me to reset and refocus. It has taught me patience, attention to detail, and the ability to stay present in the moment—skills that carry over into every other area of my life. Art has also shaped how I see the world around me. It has helped me notice details I might otherwise overlook—expressions, movement, and small moments that tell a bigger story. This perspective has influenced how I interact with others. Through my experiences serving children in difficult and vulnerable environments, I have found that creativity can be a powerful way to connect. Even something as simple as drawing alongside someone can create a sense of comfort, trust, and normalcy. As I prepare for college, where I plan to pursue a degree that will lead me into the medical field as an anesthesiologist, I know that art will continue to play an important role in my life. While my academic focus will be science-based, I believe it is essential to remain a well-rounded person. I plan to continue drawing in my free time and look for opportunities to engage in creative communities, whether through clubs, informal groups, or personal projects. More importantly, I hope to carry creativity into how I care for others. Medicine is not only about knowledge and precision—it is also about understanding people. Art has helped me develop a deeper sense of awareness and empathy, and I believe those qualities are just as important as technical skill. Being able to see people as individuals, not just patients, is something I value deeply. I believe I should be awarded this scholarship not because art is the center of everything I do, but because it is a meaningful and consistent part of who I am. It is something I have held onto in the midst of a full and demanding life. It has helped shape my perspective, supported my growth, and given me a way to both express myself and connect with others. Art may not be my career, but it will always be part of my life. It is where I go to create, to reflect, and to stay grounded—and that is something I will carry with me wherever I go.