Greetings Learner Committee Panel, My name is Tayden and I want to thank you for your time in reviewing me regarding why I love Math. I graduated High School this past May 2025 with a 4.13 GPA and Summa Cum Laude Honor Status. I have declared a major in Actuarial Science with a minor in Biology. Also, I will declare an additional minor in Statistics. Currently, I am in Honors Calculus at my university and find this class very fascinating! I am thankful that Math comes easy for me and that is why I landed on Actuary Science because you must have a strong foundation in Math and Statistics in order to become a successful Actuary. Moreover, I passed AP Statistics my Junior Year in High School with an A and passed the National Exam. My fascination with numbers started very, very early in my life. I loved playing with calculators early on for some reason my mother told me. Also, my favorite number 8 because of its shape and that it represents "new beginnings" spiritually. And, with my love of numbers Dr. David Blackwell inspired me with his gift and love of Mathematics and Statistics and the pioneering thoughts of “game theory.” It is interesting without knowing much about this Black pioneer, initially, I was drawn to him, and I am an avid Nintendo gamer at heart. When I need to relax--I game. Dr. Blackwell’s “game theory” allows you to always think about the "other move,” and every possible strategy to win. This collectivism and the individualism of game theory and how the two are simultaneously parallel is how we can think about Math and everything around us. It is my hope that I will leave a long-lasting positive impact on society by leading by example. It is one thing to say you will lead, but it is entirely different to lead. I will show no matter who you are, where you are, and regardless of income you can create a better world for others. This better world starts right within your own mind and heart. I will share the tips I have for Math with others in the hopes that I can create a community of Math lovers wherever I go in this world. Lastly, my favorite number of 8, that I mentioned earlier, if turned on its side is the symbol for the infinity sign.

Greetings Reaudi Mills Memorial Scholarship Committee, My name is Tayden Davis and I reside in Arkansas. I'm a Black male of 18 years of age and recently graduated High School at the top of my class! I was ranked 13 out of 300 students and proudly graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.13 GPA and ACT score of 30. I am starting college at Arkansas State University this upcoming Fall 2025 semester in August and I am very worried about financing my education with tuition at over $21,000 annually. My goal is to graduate debt-free and not take out a single loan. I have applied to several "full-ride" programs; however, I was not chosen for any to date. Therefore, this scholarship will be of critical importance to me, if chosen. I will not let not being chosen for a full-ride derail me from my dream of completing my Bachelor's degree in Actuarial Science with a minor in Biology. I have worked very hard to maintain my GPA and will continue with that same mindset in college. It is my hope that I will leave a long-lasting positive impact on society by leading by example. It is one thing to say you will lead, but it is entirely different to lead. I will show no matter who you are, where you are, and regardless of income you can create a better world for others. This better world starts right within your own mind and heart. I am thankful that Math comes easy for me and that is why I landed on Actuary Science, where I will share the tips I have for Math with others. I passed AP Statistics with an A and passed the National Exam. Sharing the knowledge and love that I have for Math and Science and in the hopes that it will create a ripple effect for others to share that same knowledge to create an American generation of learners and thinkers who share the same passions as I do. Silos are not good for our society. However, sharing can break through those silos. Personally, I love creating items from scratch, such as various clay art pieces. I even have my younger family involved in creating clay pieces now and that makes me smile. Perhaps I will start making some clay pieces for children in hospitals, such as St. Jude or adults in nursing homes. Hopefully, I can start my own clay classes online or my own business in the future for my clay pieces. Therefore, I make sure I stay involved in all aspects of Art. Additionally, I completed AP Studio Arts class as well. My plans for the future is to work for an insurance or medical company to assess potential financial risk, which is what an Actuary does with auditing and analyzing data. Ultimately, I plan to start my financial risk assessment business in the future. I know without a doubt I will have greater opportunities with a degree and a scholarship to help offset any financial burdens and I can use my college education at Arkansas State University to create and maintain a positive impact for my family, potential friends, and society. Education will unlock several doors for me, and I must be the key for the door. Thanks again for your time. -Tayden Davis

Hello, Kalia D. Davis Memorial Scholarship Committee. Thank you for taking the time to review my interest in this scholarship. My name is Tayden Davis. I am a Black male student residing in Marion, AR and 17-years-old. I am a very proud Marion High School Senior with a 4.12 GPA and thankful the time has come that I will graduate with the Class of 2025! I completed my first National ACT test, June 2024, and scored 27! My ACT SuperScore is 30 overall and I scored a 35 on the English portion of the ACT exam. I am enrolled in my 4th Advanced Placement (AP) course overall, which is in Studio Arts. In addition, my rank is 17 out of 297 students. Naturally I am introverted; however, I have found myself assisting my Granddad with the Sunday School lesson, which I help him read the scriptures to our attendees and Church members and that allows to spend time with him while also learning about the Gospel. However, my mom drives me to do more and to join clubs so that I can have an even bigger social impact. I am a part of 6 different High School organizations such as, the National Honor Society (NHS), Mu Alpha Theta, and FBLA to name a few. There is not much difference between my current generation and the past generation because as my mom says, "nothing is new under the sun." Generation Z has endured a world pandemic, loss of resources, do more with less with more access, which can point back to the past. Often the older generation had to do more with less, endured various viruses, and struggled economically and yet they made it through as this current generation showed our resilience. I had to record videos during the pandemic and often worked harder to submit my assignments in an online format that I was not used to doing. The feedback I received from my teachers was "Not everyone is doing well online, but you are maintaining quite well, Tayden." I found great comfort that I rose above the pandemic circumstances and kept all A's. Additionally, I draw spiritual inspiration from my mother on how this world has changed from her time, but, most importantly, how she is optimistic about what the future holds if we remain true to our faith that this world will be healed in various ways, such as financial, religious, political, and educational. Although, my mother grew up in a very small town—she believes in my generation that as long as we keep the Faith we will continue to persevere no matter what happens in this world. In the Gospel of Luke, "To whom much is given, much is required." My Generation Z have been given things in life, good and bad, and it is up to us to be able to harness what is good and make it better. Then, what is bad to bring about change for the betterment of society. I have been accepted at Arkansas State University in the Honors College and will begin my studies as an Actuarial Science major with a minor in Biology. I know without a doubt this scholarship will me to stay focus on my studies and not worry about money to help pay for college will indeed be a blessing. I am also in dire need of purchasing a new laptop and that is at the top of my list before I start college. Thank you for your time and may Kalia D. Davis memory forever be a blessing to all. Tayden J. Davis Class of 2025

Dear Gloria Millender Committee, Thank you for taking the time to read over my interest in the Gloria Millender scholarship offer. My name is Tayden Davis a Black Male that is 17 years old. I am a very excited and humble Marion High School Senior with a 4.12 GPA and thankful the time has come that I will graduate with the Class of 2025! I completed my first National ACT test, June 2024, and scored 27! My current ACT Super Score and Composite score is 29. The goal I have set is a 31 or higher score; therefore, I am still striving to reach that goal. I will have completed four Advanced Placement courses, and my rank is 17 out of 297 students. It is my hope that I will leave a long-lasting positive impact on society by leading by example. It is one thing to say you will lead, but it is entirely different to lead. I will show no matter who you are, where you are, and regardless of income you can create a better world for others. This better world starts right within your own mind and heart. However, while what I have described thus far is great—the only reason I am who I am is because Christ is the head of my life! I know He will never leave me nor forsake me! When I was younger, although I do not remember this, my mother told me that she was talking to me one day about how she loves more than anyone. She stated, I stopped in my tracks and pointed to the sky and I said, “He loves more than you.” All she could say in return with a smile was “Amen.” When Jesus is first, the “O” and the “Y” will be added to me and that bring me great J-O-Y! As of October 3, 2024, I have been accepted into Arkansas State University! This decision came quickly since I still had some documents to upload; however, I was informed based on my academic record that I have already met the requirements. Next, it is my hope and prayer to obtain this scholarship that will lessen the financial burden on my family because I know I will need this blessing to offset any tuition expenses because I do not want to take out any loans. Only having to worry about my studies and not money will allow me to fully focus on completing my degree in a timely manner. I know without a doubt I will have greater opportunities with a degree and a scholarship to help offset any financial burden and I can use my college education to create and maintain a positive impact for my family, potential friends, and society. Education will unlock several doors for me, and I must be the key for the door. I may be quiet, but I am NOT ashamed of the Gospel. Thanks again for your time. -Tayden Davis

Dear Chris Ford Committee, Thank you for taking the time to read over my interest in the Chris Ford Scholarship offer. My name is Tayden Davis a Black Male that is 17 years old. I am a very excited and humble Marion High School Senior with a 4.12 GPA and thankful the time has come that I will graduate with the Class of 2025! I completed my first National ACT test, June 2024, and scored 27! My current ACT Super Score and Composite score is 29. The goal I have set is a 31 or higher score; therefore, I am still striving to reach that goal. I will have completed four Advanced Placement courses, and my rank is 17 out of 297 students. It is my hope that I will leave a long-lasting positive impact on society by leading by example. It is one thing to say you will lead, but it is entirely different to lead. I will show no matter who you are, where you are, and regardless of income you can create a better world for others. This better world starts right within your own mind and heart. As of October 3, 2024, I have been accepted into Arkansas State University! This decision came quickly since I still had some documents to upload; however, I was informed based on my academic record that I have already met the requirements. Next, it is my hope and prayer to obtain this scholarship that will lessen the financial burden on my family because I know I will need this blessing for supplies such as books or a laptop. Only having to worry about my studies and not money will allow me to fully focus on completing my degree in a timely manner. Socially, I am involved in various clubs at my high school such as the National Honor Society (NHS) where I must volunteer 10 hours a semester and maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA. NHS focuses on academics, leadership, and service and being a part of this organization helps me to continue to contribute to society in a positive and meaningful way. Moreover, I volunteer at my Church to help my Grandad, who is 74, read the Sunday School scriptures, which allows me to contribute to my community because of my faith and the extra-added bonus of spending time with my Grandad. In addition, I am a member of the National Society for High School Scholars (NSHSS), Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Art Club, Mu Alpha Theta, and Esports Club. Sharing the knowledge and love that I have for Math and Science in the hopes that it will create a ripple effect for others to share that same knowledge to create an American generation of learners and thinkers who share the same passions as I do. Silos are not good for our society. However, sharing can breakthrough those silos. My plan upon graduating is to work for an insurance or medical company to assess potential financial risk, which is what an Actuary does with auditing and analyzing data. My ultimate goal is to start my own financial risk assessment business. I know without a doubt I will have greater opportunities with a degree and a scholarship to help offset any financial burden and I can use my college education to create and maintain a positive impact for my family, potential friends, and society. Education will unlock several doors for me, and I must be the key for the door. Thanks again for your time. -Tayden Davis

Hello, Rev. Herman A. Martin Scholarship Committee. Thank you for taking the time to review my biography. My name is Tayden Davis. I am a Black male student residing in Marion, AR and 17-years-old. I am a very proud Marion High School Senior with a 4.12 GPA and thankful the time has come that I will graduate with the Class of 2025! I completed my first National ACT test, June 2024, and scored 27! My ACT SuperScore is 29 overall, and I am also striving for an even higher score. I am enrolled in my 4th Advanced Placement (AP) course overall, which is in Studio Arts. In addition, my rank is 17 out of 297 students. I am naturally introverted; however, I have found myself assisting my Granddad with the Sunday School lesson, which I help him read the scriptures to our attendees and Church members and that allows to spend time with him while also learning about the Gospel. However, my mom drives me to do more and to join clubs so that I can have an even bigger social impact. There is not much difference between my current generation and the past generation because as my mom says, "nothing is new under the sun." Generation Z has endured a world pandemic, loss of resources, do more with less with more access, which can point back to the past. Often the older generation had to do more with less, endured various viruses, and struggled economically and yet they made it through as this current generation showed our resilience. I had to record videos during the pandemic and often worked harder to submit my assignments in an online format that I was not used to doing. The feedback I received from my teachers was "Not everyone is doing well online, but you are maintaining quite well, Tayden." I found great comfort that I rose above the pandemic circumstances and kept all A's. Additionally, I draw spiritual inspiration from my mother on how this world has changed from her time, but, most importantly, how she is optimistic about what the future holds if we remain true to our faith that this world will be healed in various ways, such as financial, religious, political, and educational. Although, my mother grew up in a very small town—she believes in my generation that as long as we keep the Faith we will continue to persevere no matter what happens in this world. In the Gospel of Luke, "To whom much is given, much is required." My Generation Z have been given things in life, good and bad, and it is up to us to be able to harness what is good and make it better. Then, what is bad to bring about change for the betterment of society. I have been accepted at Arkansas State University and will begin my studies as an Actuarial Science major with a minor in Biology. I know without a doubt this scholarship will me to stay focus on my studies and not worry about money to help pay for college. I know one thing that no matter where I am and even among the unbelieving no one can ever stop me from praying. My mind is stayed up on Him. Thank you for your time and may Rev. Martin memory forever be a blessing. Tayden Davis Class of 2025

Hello, Nabi Nicole Grant Memorial Scholarship Committee. Thank you for taking the time to review my biography. My name is Tayden Davis. I am a Black male student residing in Marion, AR and 17-years-old. I am a very proud Marion High School Senior with a 4.12 GPA and thankful the time has come that I will graduate with the Class of 2025! I completed my first National ACT test, June 2024, and scored 27! My ACT SuperScore is 29 overall, and I am also striving for an even higher score. I am enrolled in my 4th Advanced Placement (AP) course overall, which is in Studio Arts. In addition, my rank is 17 out of 297 students. I am naturally introverted; however, I have found myself assisting my Granddad with the Sunday School lesson, which I help him read the scriptures to our attendees and Church members and that allows to spend time with him while also learning about the Gospel. However, my mom drives me to do more and to join clubs so that I can have an even bigger social impact. There is not much difference between my current generation and the past generation because as my mom says, "nothing is new under the sun." Generation Z has endured a world pandemic, loss of resources, do more with less with more access, which can point back to the past. Often the older generation had to do more with less, endured various viruses, and struggled economically and yet they made it through as this current generation showed our resilience. I had to record videos during the pandemic and often worked harder to submit my assignments in an online format that I was not used to doing. The feedback I received from my teachers was "Not everyone is doing well online, but you are maintaining quite well, Tayden." I found great comfort that I rose above the pandemic circumstances and kept all A's. Additionally, I draw spiritual inspiration from my mother on how this world has changed from her time, but, most importantly, how she is optimistic about what the future holds if we remain true to our faith that this world will be healed in various ways, such as financial, religious, political, and educational. Although, my mother grew up in a very small town—she believes in my generation that as long as we keep the Faith we will continue to persevere no matter what happens in this world. In the Gospel of Luke, "To whom much is given, much is required." My Generation Z have been given things in life, good and bad, and it is up to us to be able to harness what is good and make it better. Then, what is bad to bring about change for the betterment of society. I know one thing that no matter where I am and even among the unbelieving no one can ever stop me from praying. My mind is stayed up on him. Thank you for your time. Tayden Davis Class of 2025

Hello, and thank you for taking the time to review my essay. My name is Tayden Davis, a Male Black student in Marion, AR. I am currently a Junior in High School with a 4.04 GPA and will graduate with the Class of 2025. It is my hope that I will leave a long-lasting positive impact on society by leading by example. It is one thing to say you will lead, but it is entirely different to actually lead. I will show no matter who you are, where you are, and regardless of income you can create a better world for others. This better world starts right within your own mind and heart. I am involved in various clubs at my high school, such as National Honor Society (NHS) where I must volunteer 10 hours a semester and maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA. NHS focuses on academics, leadership, and service and being a part of this organization helps to continue to contribute to society in a positive way. I am in the process of volunteering with my Grandad at a local nursing home within my community and I hope that I can momentarily bring a smile to someone’s face while I am there. I will share the knowledge and love that I have for Math and Science and hope that creates a ripple effect for others to share that same knowledge to create a generation of learners and thinkers who share that same passion for Math and Science related areas. I am thankful that Math comes easy for me and I will share the tips I have for Math with others. Also, I love creating items from scratch, such as various clay art pieces. I even have my younger family involved in creating clay pieces now and that brings me great joy. Perhaps I will start making some clay pieces for some of the nursing home residents. Hopefully, I can start my own clay classes online or my own business in the future for my clay pieces. Therefore, I make sure I stay involved in Art Club to learn new techniques. My Dad is great at creating things from scratch as well, such as building custom raised garden beds from wood. In addition, I have joined Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and I am excited to see how I can contribute and learn from my FBLA experience and share those experiences with others and society. In addition, being in these clubs helps me socially because I am otherwise an introvert. I plan to enroll in a public or private 4-year university with a full-ride scholarship and receive a Bachelors in Biomathematics, Actuarial Science, Biology, Engineering or a similarly related major. I will declare a minor in Business because it’s important to know the business side of any process. My mother is working on her Doctoral degree and she has set a great example for me to follow. She knows the academic side and that gives me the confidence I need of having a mother that can help me navigate the college process. Not sure how far I want to venture out, but I am hoping to apply to several universities and receive several acceptance letters, and from there I will pick out my top three and decide with my family. I know without a doubt I will have greater access with a degree and I can use my college degree to create and maintain a positive-impact for my family, potential friends, and society as a whole. College will definitely unlock several doors for me.

Hello, My name is Tayden. I hope that when you read this that you will have a renewed sense of the good that is yet to be unlocked from my generation. I am 16 years old and often wonder what will be my mark on the world. My mother is the one who pushes me to be the best version of myself. She is an advocate for Education having completed her Masters degree and is adamant about me not taking out loans out to finance my education like she did. She states, "you have even more resources than I did and I will make sure you use those resources." I am thankful that I have her or I would not be as involved as I am now. I am a loner who goes to school and put my best foot forward and I come home. I guess what sums me up personally is that I do my job (which is school) and I come home. However, my mom drives me to do more and to join clubs so that I can have an even bigger social impact. There is not much difference between my current generation and the past generation because as my mom says, "nothing is new under the sun." Generation Z has endured a world pandemic, loss of resources, do more with less, but with more access, which can point back to the past. Often the older generation had to do more with less, endured various viruses, and struggled economically and yet they made it through as this current generation showed our resilience. I had to record videos during the pandemic and often worked harder to submit my assisgnments in an online format that I was not used to doing. The feedback I received from my teachers was "Not everyone is doing well online, but you are maintaining quite well, Tayden." I found great comfort that I rose above the pandemic circumstances and kept all A's. Also, I draw inspiration from my Grandaddy, 73 years old, on how this world has changed from his time, but, most importantly, how my grandad is optimistic about what the future holds if we remain true to our faith that this world will be healed in various ways, such as financial, religious, political, and educational. Although, my grandaddy grew up in a segregated society he believes in my generation that as long as we keep the Faith we will continue to persevere no matter what happens in this world. In the Gospel of Luke, "To whom much is given, much is required." My Generation Z has been given things in life, good and bad, and it is up to us to be able to harness what is good and make it better and what is bad to bring about change. Thank you for reviewing my essay. Tayden Davis Class of 2025