Thank you for the opportunity to share how cancer has impacted me in a positive and negative light and how it has changed my perspective and motivated me to bring awareness. I understand the challenge of evaluating applicants based solely on words on a page, just as I recognize the difficulty in fully capturing who I am and who I strive to become within those same limitations. I was raised in a teaching and coaching family that sacrificed comfort so others could have opportunity. I have witnessed firsthand what it means to serve something greater than yourself. In my short life cancer has been surrounded all around me, the list so long of individuals who have been affected almost as long as the list of those who have shaped who I am today. The most meaningful thing, my grandad. A man who I couldn’t even find an adjective to describe him cause he’s Santa clause, easter bunny, friend, deacon, comedian, stoic, most amazing human alive. As a retired vet for the United States Airforce and Agent Orange causing him cancer through out his body. It was terrible what it did to the strongest man I've known, in taking his body, energy and outlook on life from him. Cancer inspired me. Cancer brings out the fight, a new level I had never seen. A deepness that I never thought possible. But in the same frame it showed how fragile, and humiliating it can be. I wished I could say that I have a story of financial downfalls and struggles that I am fighting against due to cancer. But the truth is, my family of teachers and coaches have lived with so little and work so hard for next to nothing, I have learned to really not wish for things that I don’t have, but be thankful for what I do have. Cancer has taught me with my grandad is to fight for those that need protection and need an America that can support them when they need it. Through conversations with mentors, family, and friends, I have been challenged to consider how I can best lead, serve, and protect the values instilled in me. That reflection led me to a clear purpose: to serve in the United States Air Force. By attending the United States Air Force Academy as a dual-sport athlete, I will surround myself with individuals who are driven, disciplined, and committed to excellence. In that environment, I will not only grow as a leader but also contribute to the development of others and honor my grandad and all the cancer patients that Agent Orange has put on those that have served their country. Following my education, I intend to become a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. In doing so, I will dedicate my life to protecting those who cannot protect themselves and to leading alongside individuals who share a commitment to something greater than personal success. To help protect a country in its fight against Cancer. Your scholarship will help in honoring not just my journey to fight against cancer, but extend the value of your scholarship cause of my passion to let cancer survivor's know that they will live in a country that will look after them as we fight against it. My goal is simple: to lead by example, to serve with purpose, and to leave a lasting impact on the people and world around me. This scholarship would not only support my journey, it would invest in a life committed to service, leadership, and excellence.

Thank you for the opportunity to explain through these three prompts why I am a worthy recipient to your scholarship honoring Ava Wood who I feel I know already through reading her description. I fully understand how difficult it is to read a black and white piece of paper and decide who is worthy of such a prestigious scholarship, and equally how difficult it is for me to write something on that paper that lets you see inside my soul and not just explain the fabric of who I have become over these past 19 years. I chuckle because I feel that Ava would have struggled with writing these prompts but yet these examples are what make me who I am as well as makes her. A kindness in action was this past May 18th, when a Tornado hit my community and destroyed the entire athletic facilities of the school and damaged 33 homes. In the midst of an historic playoff run in Baseball and Track and despite my own personal house being one of the 33 homes, I worked from sunrise to sunset helping everyone other than myself. What seemed to be rebuilding structures, it was an important moment because it was the selfless act of putting everyone else before myself that helped inspire the team and the community to tighten up. Thus leading to a State Championship run in baseball, football, basketball, and track. Being unapologetically me might actually be the most important thing about who I am and the reason for both personal and impactful thing I have been able to do. I have been blessed with athletic ability and able to be ranked number one in my graduating class as a target on me to not be myself. To show weakness and reason to devalue the standards in which I have strived to be and accomplish. My faith in God is deeply rooted with my seriousness in grades, training, and character. In a small town it's easy for kids of all sorts of backgrounds to hang out and be involved with each other in social circles. To be strong for myself is easy, but on multiple occasions those circles peer pressure those that might not be strong enough to resist for themselves. I have found that being bold is being able to speak up for those who can’t, and help give them the feeling of being unapologetic for who they are, knowing that I am doing the same. Creating a connection has probably been the easiest thing I have been able to do. Gordon is a town of 500 in Texas. It's not in my nature to boast or show my accomplishments as an individual. But as a leader of the school on both the academic and athletic levels, our community has become the number eight ranked school in all classifications of Texas sports. Bringing with it a community of 500 that carried 12,000 people to its state championship game. That watched national television and companies like Nike, Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, and more, bring our community together. Your scholarship would help support me and help my family who struggles financially and refuses to not let me go without. This scholarship would lessen that burden on me, hence lessening that burden on them.

Thank you for the opportunity to share how cancer has impacted me in a positive and negative light and what I hope to accomplish in education and career. I understand the challenge of evaluating applicants based solely on words on a page, just as I recognize the difficulty in fully capturing who I am and who I strive to become within those same limitations. I was raised in a teaching and coaching family that sacrificed comfort so others could have opportunity. I have witnessed firsthand what it means to serve something greater than yourself. In my short life cancer has been surrounded all around me, the list so long of individuals who have been affected almost as long as the list of those who have shaped who I am today. The most meaningful thing, my grandad. A man who I couldn’t even find an adjective to describe him cause he’s Santa clause, easter bunny, friend, deacon, comedian, stoic, most amazing human alive. As a retired vet for the United States Airforce and Agent Orange causing him cancer through out his body. It was terrible what it did to the strongest man I've known, in taking his body, energy and outlook on life from him. Cancer inspired me. Cancer brings out the fight, a new level I had never seen. A deepness that I never thought possible. But in the same frame it showed how fragile, and humiliating it can be. I wished I could say that I have a story of financial downfalls and struggles that I am fighting against due to cancer. But the truth is, my family of teachers and coaches have lived with so little and work so hard for next to nothing, I have learned to really not wish for things that I don’t have, but be thankful for what I do have. Cancer has taught me with my grandad is to fight for those that need protection and need an America that can support them when they need it. Through conversations with mentors, family, and friends, I have been challenged to consider how I can best lead, serve, and protect the values instilled in me. That reflection led me to a clear purpose: to serve in the United States Air Force. By attending the United States Air Force Academy as a dual-sport athlete, I will surround myself with individuals who are driven, disciplined, and committed to excellence. In that environment, I will not only grow as a leader but also contribute to the development of others and honor my grandad and all the cancer patients that Agent Orange has put on those that have served their country. Following my education, I intend to become a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. In doing so, I will dedicate my life to protecting those who cannot protect themselves and to leading alongside individuals who share a commitment to something greater than personal success. To help protect a country in its fight against Cancer. Your scholarship will help in honoring not just my journey to fight against cancer, but extend the value of your scholarship cause of my passion to let cancer survivor's know that they will live in a country that will look after them as we fight against it. My goal is simple: to lead by example, to serve with purpose, and to leave a lasting impact on the people and world around me. This scholarship would not only support my journey, it would invest in a life committed to service, leadership, and excellence.

Thank you for the opportunity to share how I intend to make a positive impact on the world through my education and career. I understand the challenge of evaluating applicants based solely on words on a page, just as I recognize the difficulty in fully capturing who I am and who I strive to become within those same limitations. I was raised in a teaching and coaching family that sacrificed comfort so others could have opportunity to achieve and reach their dreams of building their futures. I have witnessed firsthand what it means to serve something greater than yourself, and those things have led to me living that example while becoming ranked number one in my graduation class and achieving numerous individual and state awards in both academics/athletics. While my teammates and I have achieved success that will be remembered, it is not the victories that define us, it is the discipline, accountability, and selflessness required to earn them. Those lessons are the foundation of who I am. Through conversations with mentors, family, and friends, I have been challenged to consider how I can best lead, serve, and protect the values instilled in me. That reflection led me to a clear purpose: to serve in the United States Air Force. By attending the United States Air Force Academy as a dual-sport athlete, I will surround myself with individuals who are driven, disciplined, and committed to excellence. In that environment, I will not only grow as a leader but also contribute to the development of others. Following my education, I intend to become a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. In doing so, I will dedicate my life to protecting those who cannot protect themselves and to leading alongside individuals who share a commitment to something greater than personal success. My goal is simple: to lead by example, to serve with purpose, and to leave a lasting impact on the people and world around me. This scholarship would not only support my journey, it would invest in a life committed to service, leadership, and excellence. One of the misconceptions is that the due to the fact I am attending the Academy where only 1% of those that apply will be accepted, that scholarship help is not needed. Quite the opposite as there is many cost outside the current Academy that can enhance to education and the opportunities for me to impact those around me and build a better platform to make positive impacts.

Some teachers teach subjects. Others teach standards. Mike Reed taught belief — and that belief changed my life. From the time I was young, he never allowed me to think small. He didn’t just talk about goals; he spoke about preparation, discipline, and sacrifice long before success ever showed up. What made his influence different was that he never separated expectations from love. He demanded excellence, but you always knew it came from a place of wanting you to become everything you were capable of becoming. He taught me that talent is common — commitment is rare. In high school, when moments got hard physically or mentally, he never let me default to excuses. He taught me that adversity is a gift if you choose to see it that way. Whether it was early mornings, long practices, or the pressure of big games, he constantly reinforced that the standard doesn’t change based on how you feel. That mindset carried me further than any motivational speech ever could. It built mental toughness. More importantly, he modeled what consistency looks like. He didn’t just preach discipline — he lived it. Showing up every day. Being prepared. Treating every practice like it mattered. He showed me that leadership isn’t about volume; it’s about example. Watching him operate with integrity and purpose made me realize that success isn’t accidental. It’s built quietly over time. What impacted me deeply was how he balanced pushing me with believing in me. There were moments when I doubted myself, but he never did. Even when I fell short, he corrected me without diminishing me. That difference matters. It taught me that mistakes are part of growth, not proof of limitation. Because of him, I learned to respond to failure with work instead of fear. He also taught me that identity is bigger than performance. Wins and stats were celebrated, but character was prioritized. How you treat teammates. How you respond to officials. How you carry yourself when no one is watching. He made it clear that who you are will always outlast what you accomplish. That perspective grounded me. It kept success from becoming entitlement and setbacks from becoming excuses. Another powerful influence was how he approached belief. He spoke about goals like they were already possible. He didn’t limit vision based on background, school size, or circumstance. He made it clear that where you come from doesn’t determine where you can go. That mindset gave me confidence to chase opportunities that might have felt out of reach otherwise. What I appreciate most is that his influence wasn’t temporary. The lessons extend beyond high school. Discipline, resilience, preparation, humility — those are tools I carry into every new challenge. Whether in athletics, academics, or life, I hear his voice reminding me to stay focused, stay grateful, and stay hungry. Mike Reed didn’t just coach me. He shaped how I think about work, leadership, and responsibility. He raised the standard and refused to let me lower it. Because of that, I achieved things that once felt distant. And more importantly, I became someone capable of achieving even more. I'm thankful that Mike Reed is my favorite school teacher/coach but was also my dad at home.

Few films have shaped the way I see education, leadership, and young people the way Dead Poets Society has. It is more than a movie to me; it is a mirror, a challenge, and a reminder of why influence matters. Every time I watch it, I walk away reflecting on the kind of mentor, leader, and father I want to be. At its core, the film is about courage — the courage to think independently, to live intentionally, and to reject fear as a guiding principle. John Keating, portrayed so powerfully by Robin Williams, does not simply teach poetry; he teaches his students to see differently. “Carpe Diem” is not presented as reckless abandon, but as a call to make your life count. That message resonates deeply with me because so much of leadership — whether in a classroom, on a field, or in life — is about helping young people understand that their time and gifts matter. What impacts me most is the tension between tradition and transformation. The school in the film values structure, reputation, and conformity. Keating values passion, authenticity, and self-discovery. Watching that clash forces me to examine my own approach to leadership. It challenges me to ask: Am I encouraging creativity? Am I empowering young people to find their voice? Or am I unintentionally reinforcing systems that prioritize compliance over conviction? The movie also reminds me that influence is powerful — and fragile. A teacher’s words can ignite purpose or create pressure. Keating believed in his students before they fully believed in themselves. That belief changed them. It reinforces my conviction that young people rise to the level of expectation and trust placed in them. When they know someone sees greatness in them, they begin to see it too. Another reason the film has had such a lasting impact on me is its honesty about consequences. It does not offer a fairy-tale ending. Growth, independence, and conviction sometimes come with resistance and sacrifice. That realism matters. It reminds me that standing for something meaningful is not always comfortable. Leadership is not about popularity; it is about purpose. Perhaps most significantly, the final scene — when the students stand on their desks and say, “O Captain! My Captain!” — represents the lasting imprint a mentor can leave. True leadership is not about control; it is about inspiration. It is about helping others see farther than they could on their own. That scene reminds me that the ultimate measure of influence is not what people do while you are watching, but what they carry with them long after you are gone. For me, Dead Poets Society has shaped how I view education, mentorship, and legacy. It calls me to lead with passion instead of fear, to challenge complacency, and to encourage young people to think boldly. It reminds me that every interaction is an opportunity to either confine or expand someone’s world. Most of all, it pushes me to live — and lead — in a way that would make someone one day stand up and say, “He helped me see differently.”

Dear Scholarship Committee Member, I can only imagine that choosing among hundreds of nominations for such prestigious scholarship as the Proverbs 3:27 Scholarship is not an easy task. Determining, from a black-and-white piece of paper, who will have the honor of representing this scholarship will Christian actions is a tremendous responsibility. I am grateful for individuals like you who are willing to place yourselves in positions that can be life-changing for people you may not personally know. Thank you for your time and consideration in reading how I would use this scholarship. To begin, I believe transparency is very important. I will be attending the United States Air Force Academy, where I will play football as a running back and compete as a decathlete on the track team. After many hours of discussion with Academy staff, coaches, and current cadets, I have learned that there are substantial expenses outside of what the Academy directly provides. Any scholarship funds I am awarded can be applied to my account and used for additional training courses and academic resources to further strengthen my coursework and development. I aspire to become a pilot and earn a degree in Management. Each summer will present additional educational and leadership opportunities, including training assignments in other parts of the country and potentially overseas. Any educational or developmental opportunities beyond my core academic requirements will require supplemental financial support. Again, I am sincerely grateful for your time and consideration. It would be an incredible honor to represent Proverbs 3:27 and I would ensure that the generosity is used to its fullest potential. In turn paying it forward is what I have watched my family do as educators my whole life. I am honored and blessed to watch them give so little of what they have to those in need. That is a big reason why I want to put myself in a position to make an even bigger impact on others lives by starting my own business, where I can financially give back to the communities and individuals who struggle in various ways. Our school, my house, and 33 other houses were hit by a tornado on May 18th 2025 in Gordon, Tx. I can not even find the words of the selfless individuals who have gotten our community back on its feet. I too was inspired to wake up early and help the needy and pay it forward with sweat and blisters. I will use this scholarship to make sure I reach my dreams to prepare my foundation so it is not just sturdy enough for my family. But others as well and make sure you are proud of the individual you are blessed with this gift. I have learned through the Fellowship Christian Athletes (FCA) that a Christian life has to be one of works. I have worked the past four years at the local food pantry every month to make sure as a leader of my school and community that I carry the values that my Lord and Savior asks of me. I am proud in the picture to show you that FCA has allowed me to share my faith infront of lots of coaches, who I am confident in turn spreads the word even more. Thank you for your consideration

Dear Scholarship Committee Member, I can only imagine that choosing among hundreds of nominations for such prestigious scholarship as the Mathew Hoover Scholarship is not an easy task. Determining, from a black-and-white piece of paper, who will have the honor of representing Coach Hoover who was in education to which my own family has dedicated 26 years of their lives coaching at the 1A level is a tremendous responsibility. I am grateful for individuals like you who are willing to place yourselves in positions that can be life-changing for people you may not personally know. Thank you for your time and consideration in reading how I have balanced sports with schoolwork at the 1A level. I am thankful for coaches and teachers that understand that playing four sports at the highest level imaginable while trying to get recruited for athletics and academics to set myself up for a bright future. I was able to achieve good school work (in class as well as dual credit college classes) because I would use the end of class periods where I completed my work and not socialize during the class time and complete future or past classwork. It really was that simple , do the work now and focus ahead to never be behind. I was blessed to play for 3 state football state championships, state basketball, State track for four years and state baseball. I have been lucky to have great teammates that have allowed my get many individual accolades. But the best awards are like this one, where I represent amazing individuals and strive harder to make their family proud. I believe transparency is very important. I will be attending the United States Air Force Academy from a class A school, where I will play football as a running back and compete as a decathlete on the track team. After many hours of discussion with Academy staff, coaches, and current cadets, I have learned that there are substantial expenses outside of what the Academy directly provides. Any scholarship funds I am awarded can be applied to my account and used for additional training courses and academic resources to further strengthen my coursework and development. I am honored to be considered for such a scholarship to represent Coach Hoover, I know the impact that a coach can have on students and I was thankful to have some great ones along the way. Thank you for your consideration

Dear Scholarship Committee Member, I can only imagine that choosing among hundreds of nominations for such prestigious scholarship as the Summer Chester Memorial Scholarship is not an easy task. Determining, from a black-and-white piece of paper, who will have the honor of representing Summer who was going to get into education to which my own family has dedicated 26 years of their lives is a tremendous responsibility. I am grateful for individuals like you who are willing to place yourselves in positions that can be life-changing for people you may not personally know. Thank you for your time and consideration in reading how I would use this scholarship. To begin, I believe transparency is very important. I will be attending the United States Air Force Academy, where I will play football as a running back and compete as a decathlete on the track team. After many hours of discussion with Academy staff, coaches, and current cadets, I have learned that there are substantial expenses outside of what the Academy directly provides. Any scholarship funds I am awarded can be applied to my account and used for additional training courses and academic resources to further strengthen my coursework and development. I aspire to become a pilot and earn a degree in Management. Each summer will present additional educational and leadership opportunities, including training assignments in other parts of the country and potentially overseas. Any educational or developmental opportunities beyond my core academic requirements will require supplemental financial support. Again, I am sincerely grateful for your time and consideration. It would be an incredible honor to represent Summer and I would ensure that their generosity is used to its fullest potential. In turn paying it forward is what I have watched my family do as educators my whole life. I am honored and blessed to watch them give so little of what they have to those in need. That is a big reason why I want to put myself in a position to make an even bigger impact on others lives by starting my own business, where I can financially give back to the communities and individuals who struggle in various ways. Our school, my house, and 33 other houses were hit by a tornado on May 18th 2025 in Gordon, Tx. I can even find the words of the selfless individual's who have gotten our community back on its feet. I to was inspired to wake up early and help the needy and pay it forward with sweat and blisters. I will use this scholarship to make sure i reach my dreams to prepare my foundation so it is not just sturdy enough for my family. But others as well and make sure you are proud of the individual you blessed with this gift.