To the committee members of the Harry D. Thomson Memorial Scholarship, Throughout high school, I have put forward my best efforts academically while also finding the time to give back to our community. Through my community service, I found ways that would benefit younger students, helping them get better at swimming. Becoming involved in DECA and Girl-Up spoke to me because of the way they benefit our community. I always knew I wanted to help people since I was little, always doing chores for my sister that she didn't want to do, which made me happy. Regis College has a great Dental Hygiene program I knew I wanted to go to after touring the clinic. I plan to study Dental Hygiene and work in pediatric dentistry. DECA provides real professional experience while also providing ways to give back to our school community with various fundraisers. Girl-Up is an organization that gives back to people: raises money for domestic violence, and getting supplies for families in need. Also, funding our annual prom dress drive- an event held at the school for girls who can't afford prom dresses. Watching the girls now able to have a dress made me feel happy I could contribute to an organization that makes a positive impact. I started volunteering at the local YMCA, working with kids, and coaching the swim team. Seeing them push through their fears and watching them excel at the end of the season, knowing I was a part of it was very rewarding. I've learned techniques to help calm children down when they are afraid. I wanted to continue my education for a career to make an impact in healthcare. Working at a pediatric dental office I can use these skills to show children that they don't need to fear the dentist.

To the committee members of the John F. Puffer, Sr. Smile Scholarship, Throughout high school, I have put forward my best efforts academically while also finding the time to give back to our community. Through my community service, I found ways that would benefit younger students, helping them get better at swimming. At my school, there were clubs I found interesting to join: DECA and Girl-Up; two clubs that spoke to me. I always knew I wanted to help people since I was little, always doing chores for my sister that she didn't want to do. This made me happy because I was helping my big sister out. S.M.I.L.E, the acronym, speaks to me in the way my acts of service have motivated me to lead children by providing them with life skills, while also being involved in school. DECA provided real-life experience marketing a product and being professional while also providing ways to give back to our school community by babysitting children during town meeting events. Girl-Up is an organization that gives back to people seeking help in either their home life or in general. The club inspired me to join for the reasons it is an all women's group that raises money for domestic abuse help, getting toys, clothes, shoes and more for families in need, and mostly donating and funding our annual prom dress drive. This event is held at the school for women who cannot afford prom dresses, to be able to get one for their prom night. Watching the girls put on their dresses made me feel so happy that I could contribute my time to an organization that makes a difference in the lives of these women. Working at the YMCA has afforded me many opportunities to work with children and help them achieve their goals. I like working with kids and would like to continue this in my career. During my time at the Y, I helped to coach the swim team and enjoyed it very much. I always wanted a career that involves helping others. I started volunteering at the YMCA, working with kids, and coaching the swim team where I once swam. I wanted to give the students the same greatness my coach gave me once. It was a boost to my self-esteem and motivating me to return as a coach was a way for me to give back. It was a big time commitment, but seeing them excel and watching their smiles at the end of the season, knowing I was a part of it was very rewarding. It can be easy to tell yourself that you are too busy, but when you can help others and make a difference, the time and effort are so worth it. When teaching the swim team, some of the kids were very frightened when they went to swim meets or competed. By working with these scared kids, I've learned techniques to help calm them down when they are afraid. I wanted to continue my education and be able to shine in a career where I will make an impact in our healthcare. I will be studying dental hygiene in the Fall, working toward my bachelor's to work at a pediatric dental office. I can use these skills to show children that they don't need to fear the dentist. I think I can make a difference in the dental health of the patients I work with, whether children or adults.