Mental health seems to only get worse as time goes on and our country progresses. We reach new technological highs every day and yet still cannot seem to focus on the smallest of tasks. With social media in every part of our lives, we constantly find ourselves in endless pursuit of the next hit of dopamine we can get. It can be difficult to focus and every device yearns for our attention. Tasks like school and work are using the same devices we use to entertain ourselves in our free time, leading to a lack of focus for the things we don't desire to do despite their necessity. I decided that I wasn't going to let technology steal my joy and focus. As a student in high school, I often found myself studying through the laptop the school gave me. In addition, I would have my phone next to me while studying. However, I became easily distracted by my phone and would often pause my studies to check my phone. Even when using music to try to focus, I would catch myself focusing more on enjoying the music than actually studying my school material. This led to me taking exponentially longer on assignments than needed, causing even more stress and deteriorating my mental stamina. I knew something needed to change. So, I identified my problem ... my cell phone. I resolved that I wouldn't keep my phone near me while I was studying so that I could focus, efficiently complete, and retain the material I needed. As soon as I did this, changes became wildly evident. I started finishing assignments much quicker, became more engaged with the material, had better memory retention, and was able to maintain a longer period of study without distraction. I also felt much less stressed with social aspects of my life because I divided it into a different part of my day than my studies. I realized that I was so caught up in what my friends were doing that I would derail myself for minutes at a time in my studies. When I set aside uninterrupted time to study, my social life became simpler. It wasn't that I couldn't talk with my friends, but rather that there is a specific time and place for it. I was able to give my full attention to my social life when it was time for it because I had set aside proper time for it. This method of studying has changed the way I do everything, including how I plan to study in college and for my future. I have a strong desire for Christian ministry and I'm going to attend Anderson University in the fall to get a degree in Christian Studies. Setting aside distractions has made it easier to read the Bible and successfully understand what I'm studying. Putting my mental health first by unplugging distractions has been the biggest positive change I've ever made!

Hey, my name's Walker! I'm a fellow athlete who has played both basketball and volleyball in high school and know all too well about time management. I was in all advanced classes along with AP and Dual Credit classes. There were many nights that I would get home from practice and wouldn't eat dinner until almost nine o'clock. Often, I had to finish my homework while eating and then head straight to bed to rest for the next day. I spent the last two years of my high school career picking up a new sport in volleyball and became a Varsity captain my senior year. But I never lost sight of being a STUDENT athlete as I won the academic award both years I played basketball and finished high school with a 4.5 Weighted GPA. I have spent a lot of time giving to others in the community through service. Most recently, I went to the Dominican Republic for a weeklong missions trip that absolutely changed my life and reshaped my view on gratitude for all God has given me. I got to see people's lives changed and transformed by the power of Jesus and do service work like painting houses and visiting children in schools. I also have spent over 20 hours a school year for the past two years in National Honors Society serving people at Christmasville with dog adoption and donating toiletries for a drive for the homeless and less fortunate. Additionally, I serve on the worship team at my church as a guitarist and singer alongside my family who are also musicians and devout Christians. Sadly, I am also acquainted with similar grief as Kalia's family must be feeling. I lost my sister to a series of strokes when she was just 20 years old. I was only 11. My sister, Kinsey, was born with a congenital heart defect and had 6 open heart surgeries to address the complications. Every day was not promised but every single day was a gift. We had such good times together and I will never forget her loving kindness towards me, her crazy little brother. Her life radically changed mine. In the midst of her loss and navigating grief, I realized just how messed up my life truly was. I was saying and doing things that I knew weren't right. One night, I thought about how much I missed her and ended up in tears. I felt bad for all that I had done against the God who had blessed me with so much, including my amazing sister. So I called my parents who were out of town and they guided me to pray that God would forgive me and ask Jesus into my heart. That night changed everything. I am now living in the freedom of Jesus' forgiveness and I want to share it to others. This is why I am planning to attend Anderson University this fall to pursue a degree in Christian Studies, so that I can share with others what changed my life. Without my sister leaving such a big impact on me, I don't know if I would be where I am at today. This scholarship would help me offset the cost of learning how to better share with others the hope that God has given me and comforting those who mourn, speaking from my experience of the loss of my sister.

The "ministry of reconciliation" is the single most important calling anyone can ever experience. It is a chance to spread the love of Jesus Christ to the lost, so that they may repent of their sins and believe Jesus is Lord. Unlike everything else I've ever done in my life, the spread of the Gospel has eternal gain and infinite value. I want to pursue ministry because it allows me to fulfill my purpose of glorifying God in everything I do. As a high school junior, I became increasingly more interested in educating myself on Christianity and why it makes sense. I had grown up as a pastor's son and had given my life to Christ in 6th grade, yet if you asked me why I believed in Jesus over anything else ... I had no response to such a question. So I decided to seek out answers for why I believe what I believe and what evidence exists for Jesus that would make even an unbeliever marvel at its accuracy. I was fascinated by the many apologists who were willing to put themselves into the shark tank of philosophy in this world and come out having defended the hope that is within them with great joy. I realized that many people in the modern world have countless questions and misconceptions about Jesus. But a loving and intellectually honest response could make a difference in shaping their view of Jesus, all through the power of the Holy Spirit within me. After all, Paul lived in a time of impactful Hellenistic philosophy where the power of the mind was exalted. Still, he was able to convince several in the Areopagus to believe in Jesus and the resurrection. The Lord Jesus himself says that we are to love the Lord our God with all of our mind, what better way to love God with my mind than to use it to serve His kingdom! In short, I want to evangelize and use apologetics to serve the kingdom of the living God. As for next steps, I know that there is much to be learned about the Word of God. Many have gone before me with the same passion and have a lot of great wisdom to impart, so I must seek it out. I am going to attend Anderson University this fall 2025 semester to pursue a bachelor's degree in Christian Studies with a concentration in Apologetics and possibly theology. I want to also diversify myself by taking wisdom from those involved in missions because my ultimate call is to go and make disciples of all nations. I know that those who have gone before me are being used by God to equip the Church to preach the gospel and I don't want to miss such a monumental opportunity. Receiving a scholarship as generous as this one would give me countless opportunities to serve in my community and better my understanding of the grace of Jesus Christ. Anderson makes it a point to get students involved in ministry opportunities so that the gifts God has given to His children can be stirred up, all to the glory of God. My life is all for Him and I hope to use the blessings He has bestowed upon me in an edifying and impactful way!

Through taking AP and Dual Enrollment classes, I have learned the value of hard work and character by implementing it into every class I take. My classes haven’t always been the easiest, but I have succeeded in them because I have spent countless hours studying and immersing myself in the course content outside of class. I try to make a good impression on my teachers by respectfully reaching out and asking thoughtful questions about the course material. This helps me stay informed about what is expected of me and how I can succeed in the class. I always try to be nice to my teachers by going out of my way to have respectful conversations that interest them and let them know I care about them on a level deeper than just giving me a letter grade for a class. In turn, this builds good rapport with my teachers and makes them more receptive to my questions, as they usually enjoy a student who genuinely wants to learn and do well. My teachers have taught me valuable lessons on how to be a kind individual with group cooperation tasks in class, and have taught me to work hard by giving me an ample workload so that I can be more familiar with the course material. However, my financial circumstances have provided a bit of hindrance to my path to higher education. My middle sister, Kinsey, unfortunately passed away in 2018 at the age of 20. She was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect from birth and had six open-heart surgeries over the course of her twenty years of life, the first one being when she was only a few days old. Kinsey’s wonderful life on this earth took a toll on my parents’ finances as a large amount of money went toward paying her medical bills over those precious 20 years. Although I stand by my parents' decision and regret nothing of them pouring everything they had into the sister I still dearly love and miss, it greatly impacted what my family was able to save for my education. The medical bills over a period of 20 years were high and that situation has indeed caused significant challenges for me when trying to afford higher education. Despite the financial challenges, I’ve learned that hard work and kindness can make a difference in overcoming obstacles. The lessons I’ve learned through my AP and Dual Enrollment classes have not only prepared me academically but have also taught me to value effort, perseverance, and compassion. I am committed to continuing this mindset as I pursue higher education and work toward my goals. While the financial burden of my sister's medical bills has made it more difficult to afford college, it has also given me a deeper sense of gratitude and determination. I’ve seen firsthand the sacrifices my parents have made for our family, and I know that with their support, I will find a way to continue my education. I am driven not only by the desire to succeed for myself but also by the desire to honor the sacrifices my family has made. I am sure the road to higher education won’t be easy, but I am ready to face the challenges ahead with the same dedication, hard work, and kindness that I’ve learned to value in high school.

Faith is a huge part of my life and the foundation for everything I do. It helps me navigate challenges, guides my decisions, and shapes my goals for the future. Without my faith in Jesus, I have no purpose or plan of action. My faith in Christ revolutionized how I thought leadership was supposed to look. It helped me realize that a true leader leads by example and not just by word. Jesus’ example of serving others before Himself has been my biggest inspiration. The one who is the greatest in the room chose to individually care for and love each of His disciples, from doubting Thomas to the very Judas Iscariot who would betray Him. Faith has given me the strength to look past the struggles I go through, such as judging others and doubting God, because faith itself is “the assurance of things not seen.” One time in particular has always stuck with me as a moment of leading others by faith. This year, for my school’s FCA/YCI (Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Youth for Christ International), a multi-school event was put on at our local football stadium. This event, known as “Fields of Faith,” was a time for fellowship, worshipping God, sharing testimonies, and a chance for many to give their life to Christ. There were benches set out so that people could come and pray while worship was going on. During that time, a friend of mine came down to pray. He eventually began to cry profusely and ended up telling me that he had been carrying a heavy burden—the passing of his uncle. His uncle was apparently very grounded in his faith, and my friend felt hurt and lost without him in his life. I decided to stay with him and pray with him during other testimonies and songs until he felt better, repeatedly stating I wouldn’t stop praying with him until he felt okay. After a long time and an immense amount of shed tears later, he eventually went back to sit on the grass of the field to hear the preaching of the gospel. He realized that he wanted to be like his uncle and have the faith in Jesus that he saw around him with his fellow classmates. That night, he prayed for God to forgive him and wash away his sins. Although he afterward had a hard time adjusting, he recently rededicated his life to Jesus and has been walking closer to the Lord than ever. I am so glad God gave me the opportunity to pray with my friend and welcome him into brotherhood through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This experience has forever shaped my view of the future, as I plan to attend Anderson University this fall to pursue a degree in Christian Studies. I firmly believe that God has called me to show others what Jesus has done for them and what putting your faith in Him truly means. My faith has made me realize that I must decrease and Christ must increase for me to truly lead the way He intends me to.

My name is Walker Morgan. I am involved in National Honor Society, FCA, Teacher Cadets, and play basketball and volleyball for my school. I am a guitarist and vocalist and help lead worship at my church, and teach in the kid's department as well. I serve/volunteer a minimum of 20 hours per year at various events in my community and have also served with mission trips both local and abroad. I plan to attend Anderson University (SC) to earn a degree in Christian Studies with a focus on theology and apologetics. Although I don’t yet know which doors will open after I graduate, I pray that I can use my gifts, talents, and knowledge to make a positive impact—first within my small circle, and ultimately, in the world at large. My passion for ministry comes from my own personal faith journey. My whole life changed in sixth grade because I lost my amazing 20-year-old sister, Kinsey. Kinsey was born with a congenital heart defect and DiGeorge Syndrome, which led to many medical complications, including six open-heart surgeries throughout her life. One thing always surprised me about Kinsey - she fought every day of her life to live, and even though she often knew that a procedure, surgery, or stay at the hospital could be her last, she always remained strong in her faith. She knew the risks of every procedure, yet she remained confident and full of peace, fully trusting in God no matter the circumstances; no matter the outcome. When she passed away, I wrestled with questions about life and eternity. I finally realized that my hope was in fully trusting God with my life, just like Kinsey did. One night, shortly after her passing, I surrendered my heart to God. This decision has easily been the best I have ever made in my life. As I have grown in my own faith, my passion has grown to help others and further my education. However, pursuing this calling comes with financial challenges. Kinsey’s wonderful life on this earth took a toll on my parents’ finances as a large amount of money went toward paying her medical bills over those precious 20 years. I wouldn’t change anything about what they did to care for her because every day with her was a gift and she inspired me to spend my life spreading Jesus to all. Still, it has impacted what my family can afford for my education. Receiving this scholarship would relieve some of the financial burden and allow me to focus on my studies rather than worrying about how to pay for school. It would give me the opportunity to deepen my understanding of scripture, strengthen my ability to defend the Christian faith, and prepare me for a future in some sort of ministry. Losing Kinsey has easily been the greatest adversity I have ever faced in my life. Her passing has affected me and my family in a way that is indescribable. Such loss is something I would never want anyone to experience. But, through it all, I found a relationship with God, grew closer to my family, and her life inspired me to pursue the career path that I am now on. I know she would be proud of me and that I will see her again one day. I am grateful for her life because it changed mine.

My name is Walker Morgan, and I’m a senior at Rock Hill High School in Rock Hill, South Carolina. I’m passionate about the Bible, sports, music, and the outdoors, and I plan to use my time, talents, and experiences to make a lasting, positive impact on the world. I believe the best way to influence the world for good is to start by serving your local community. That belief has shaped how I live now—and how I intend to live in the future. I'm currently involved in the National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and Teacher Cadets, and I play both basketball and volleyball for my school. I’ve received academic and coach’s awards in athletics and currently serve as the captain of the varsity volleyball team. Music is also a big part of my life—I play guitar and sing in my school’s Honors Ensemble and Concert Choir. At church, I help lead worship, volunteer in the youth ministry, and teach in the children’s department. Service is at the heart of how I want to impact the world. Through National Honor Society, I volunteer a minimum of 20 hours each year, participating in community events, festivals, literacy programs, and activities for children with special needs. I’ve also served at the local food pantry, with Samaritan’s Purse, and through many other local outreach efforts. Each summer, I take part in “Backyard Missions,” a weeklong event through my church youth group where we help local families—especially the elderly—with yard work, home repairs, and everyday tasks they can’t manage on their own. Listening to their stories afterward is my favorite part. Their wisdom and life experiences are powerful reminders of the importance of compassion and connection. A very personal part of my service journey began after the loss of my sister Kinsey, who passed away when I was in sixth grade. In her honor, I’ve helped support “Project Comfort and Joy,” a program my mom started that delivers handmade blankets to children in the hospital. Making and delivering those blankets has allowed me to give back to the place that cared for her and to bring comfort to others in hard times. I’ve also participated in mission trips, both locally and internationally. Most recently, I traveled to the Dominican Republic to help rebuild churches and support local ministries. That experience inspired me to continue studying Spanish in college so I can return, speak the language fluently, and possibly serve as an interpreter on future mission trips. Every one of these experiences has shaped my commitment to a life of service. Whether it’s in my neighborhood, my church, another country, or one day in my career, I want to keep finding ways to lift others up. I truly believe the words of the Bible: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Living by that truth, I plan to use my gifts, education, and heart for others to make the world a better place—one act of service at a time.

"Who am I?" That’s the question we all seek to answer, one that permeates and shapes every aspect of our lives. For a long time, I thought I was many things: the good church kid who could do no wrong, the pastor’s son, the obedient student, the one who could be "good enough." I grew up with great parents, supportive siblings, a stable home, and all my needs met. Raised in church under my father’s guidance—he’s still our pastor today—I was taught Christian values and put a lot of faith in my ability to keep the rules, hoping it would outweigh any wrong I’d done. But life has a way of changing your perspective, and preconceived notions quickly fade when reality shocks you. One of my two older sisters, Kinsey, was diagnosed with a heart defect from birth. She endured many medical challenges, including six open-heart surgeries—the first one at just seven days old. For 20 years, she fought hard, embracing life and family all the way through. She passed when I was in 6th grade. It was heartbreaking, but I had no doubt she was in heaven. She had trusted in Jesus and lived for Him, so I knew she was there. But then the question came: “Would I be there too?" Shortly after Kinsey’s passing, my parents flew to California to grieve, spend time with friends, and receive comfort from those they love. One night while they were gone, I left the living room where my grandmother and I were and lay down in my parents' bedroom. As I lay there, I wondered, "Where is Kinsey now?" Again, the same calming thought reassured me—she was in heaven because she was good and trusted in Jesus. But then I started questioning myself: "How good was I?" "Would I see her again?" Instantly, the Ten Commandments came to mind—a collection of God’s moral laws and standards for people to uphold. As I compared my life to those commandments, I realized that despite any good I had done, I was still a sinner who had betrayed an infinitely holy God. I was at a loss. I didn’t know what to do. All I knew was that I needed Jesus. So, I called my parents, the ones I knew followed Him. The tears began to flood my eyes as I told them how bad I felt about the sin I had committed and the weight of my guilt. I wanted to change and have Jesus forgive me. They explained that Jesus died on the cross to pay for my sins and rose again from the grave to defeat death. He offers everyone in the world salvation from sin and eternal life if they believe in what He did and if they ask Him for forgiveness. I realized this was what I’d been missing all along. All the “good” I had done in my life couldn’t erase my sin—only Jesus could. I have been given a new identity: I am a "Son of God," and that is who I am. Now, I live to please and honor Christ out of love and gratitude, by living holy—not burdened by a law I cannot keep. This assurance of who I am has given me the confidence to live without fear. Without Jesus, I am truly nothing. So, "Who am I?" The answer is, "I am His!” And, from this realization of my true identity, I want to spend the rest of my life serving Him. As I have grown in my faith, my passion has grown to help others find the same truth and hope that forever changed me. This fall, I plan to attend Anderson University (SC) to earn a degree in Christian Studies with a focus on theology and apologetics. I want to serve the church in whatever way I can, equipping believers with the knowledge they need to grow in their faith and helping unbelievers come to know Christ. I find the calling of defending the faith of Christianity and learning more about who God is to be the motivation for this path. Studying theology and apologetics will provide me with the tools necessary to defend Christianity, share the gospel effectively, and make an eternal impact in people’s lives. However, pursuing this calling comes with financial challenges. Kinsey’s wonderful life on this earth took a toll on my parents’ finances as a large amount of money went toward paying her medical bills over those precious 20 years. I wouldn’t change anything about what they did to care for her because every day with her was a gift, and she inspired me to spend my life spreading Jesus to all. Still, it has impacted what my family can afford for my education. Receiving this scholarship would relieve some of the financial burden and allow me to focus on my studies rather than worrying about how to pay for school. It would give me the opportunity to deepen my understanding of Scripture, strengthen my ability to defend the Christian faith, and prepare me for a future in some sort of ministry. With the support of this scholarship, I will be able to deepen my knowledge of Christianity, enabling me to share the gospel of Jesus Christ more effectively. This investment is eternal, impacting lives at a level words cannot express. My goal is to be a part of God’s work, and this scholarship will help make that possible. Losing Kinsey has easily been the greatest adversity I have ever faced in my life. Her passing has affected me and my family in a way that is indescribable. Such loss is something I would never want anyone to experience. But, through it all, I found a relationship with God, grew closer to my family, and her life inspired me to pursue the career path that I am now on. The support and guidance of my family, church, and community have also been instrumental in my decision to pursue college and ministry. They have encouraged me every step of the way, helping me see the importance of using my gifts and education to make a difference in the world. I know Kinsey would be proud of me and that I will see her again one day. I am incredibly grateful for her life because it changed mine.

As a senior in high school reflecting on the past four years, I can confidently say that one teacher, Dr. Bolling, stands out from the rest for the lasting impact he has had on me. I first met Dr. Bolling during my sophomore year when I took his year-long Government and Economics course, and the way he conducted class greatly surprised me. He was a calm and respectful teacher who truly cared about what students had to say and what we thought about government actions, international relations, and personal political insight. Never once did I feel afraid of being looked down on by Dr. Bolling or by other students for what I said or how I learned the material. He showed virtually no bias when using political figures as illustrations to relate to the subject matter. He always gave the facts and let us decide how we viewed things, never imposing an idea upon us. Dr. Bolling’s perseverance impressed me. He has had many setbacks in his life, yet he has never allowed them to stop him. After a painful divorce, he found himself a single dad, raising his daughter alone. After a long day at work, he would come home and play dolls for hours with his daughter just to make her happy. He shared with us about losing his father - his lifelong mentor - and how that loss deeply affected him. His dad always encouraged him to go back to school to get his doctorate, but he never got around to it. After his father passed, in honor of his dad, he went back to school and earned that doctorate - hence the name “Dr. Bolling”. In addition, Dr. Bolling exhibited admirable character that should be followed. He took any chance he could to tell me and the other students about how great his current wife is, how much he loved his daughter, and was always willing to talk to us and strike up a conversation. His story of overcoming teenage cancer and heart complications struck a deep chord with me, as my older sister suffered from a congenital heart defect which plagued her for all of her life. Sadly, she passed away at the age of twenty when I was in the sixth grade and her loss impacted my life greatly. Dr. Bolling showed me that grit and determination can bring you through the toughest of struggles and that valuing your time on Earth with those you love is what matters most in this life.

If I could start a business with my sister Kinsey, it would be something creative and meaningful—something that reflects both of us. Kinsey was studying to be a graphic artist before she passed away at the age of 20 when I was in sixth grade. She was incredibly artistic and had a real talent for design. I’ve always loved music, helping others, and finding ways to give back, so I’d want our business to combine her creativity with my heart for service. I think we’d call it “Comfort & Joy Designs”, after a blanket ministry my mom started in Kinsey’s honor. The ministry, called "Project Comfort and Joy", is all about bringing comfort to kids in the hospital by giving them handmade blankets. Each one is made with care and love, and it’s a simple way to remind kids they’re not alone. I’ve helped make and deliver several of them myself, and it’s been a really special way to keep Kinsey’s memory alive. Our business would carry that same spirit—creating uplifting artwork like cards, posters, prints, and even children’s books, and donating a portion of what we made to children’s hospitals and families going through tough times. We’d also design things like scripture cards and coloring books to give away to kids in hospitals, just to brighten their day. Working with Kinsey would’ve been amazing. She had a way of making people feel loved through her creativity, and I like to think I do that through the ways I serve and lead. This kind of business would let us do that together—use what we’re good at to bring hope, comfort, and joy to people who need it most. Even though she’s not here anymore, I still feel her impact. This kind of business would be my way of carrying her heart forward into the world.

My name is Walker Morgan, and I’m a senior at Rock Hill High School in Rock Hill, South Carolina. I’m passionate about the Bible, sports, music, and the outdoors, and I plan to use my time, talents, and experiences to make a lasting, positive impact on the world. I believe the best way to influence the world for good is to start by serving your local community. That belief has shaped how I live now—and how I intend to live in the future. I'm currently involved in the National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and Teacher Cadets, and I play both basketball and volleyball for my school. I’ve received academic and coach’s awards in athletics and currently serve as the captain of the varsity volleyball team. Music is also a big part of my life—I play guitar and sing in my school’s Honors Ensemble and Concert Choir. At church, I help lead worship, volunteer in the youth ministry, and teach in the children’s department. Service is at the heart of how I want to impact the world. Through National Honor Society, I volunteer a minimum of 20 hours each year, participating in community events, festivals, literacy programs, and activities for children with special needs. I’ve also served at the local food pantry, with Samaritan’s Purse, and through many other local outreach efforts. Each summer, I take part in “Backyard Missions,” a weeklong event through my church youth group where we help local families—especially the elderly—with yard work, home repairs, and everyday tasks they can’t manage on their own. Listening to their stories afterward is my favorite part. Their wisdom and life experiences are powerful reminders of the importance of compassion and connection. A very personal part of my service journey began after the loss of my sister Kinsey, who passed away when I was in sixth grade. In her honor, I’ve helped support “Project Comfort and Joy,” a program my mom started that delivers handmade blankets to children in the hospital. Making and delivering those blankets has allowed me to give back to the place that cared for her and to bring comfort to others in hard times. I’ve also participated in mission trips, both locally and internationally. Most recently, I traveled to the Dominican Republic to help rebuild churches and support local ministries. That experience inspired me to continue studying Spanish in college so I can return, speak the language fluently, and possibly serve as an interpreter on future mission trips. Every one of these experiences has shaped my commitment to a life of service. Whether it’s in my neighborhood, my church, another country, or one day in my career, I want to keep finding ways to lift others up. I truly believe the words of the Bible: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Living by that truth, I plan to use my gifts, education, and heart for others to make the world a better place—one act of service at a time.

My name is Walker Morgan, and I’m a senior at Rock Hill High School in Rock Hill, South Carolina. I’m passionate about the Bible, sports, music, and the outdoors, and I strive to use my time and talents to make a difference in my community and beyond. I’m involved in the National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and Teacher Cadets, and I play both basketball and volleyball for my school. I’ve received academic and coach’s awards in athletics and currently serve as the captain of the varsity volleyball team. Music is another big part of my life—I play guitar and sing in my school’s Honors Ensemble and Concert Choir. I also help lead worship at my church, where I teach in the children’s department and volunteer with the youth ministry. Service is very important to me. Through the National Honor Society, I volunteer a minimum of 20 hours each year, participating in community events, festivals, literacy programs, and activities for children with special needs. I've also helped at the local food pantry, with Samaritan’s Purse, and through many other local efforts. Each summer, our church youth group hosts a “Backyard Missions” week, where we serve local families—mostly elderly—by doing yard work, home repairs, and other simple tasks they can no longer do themselves. My favorite part is sitting with them after the work is done and listening to their stories. There is so much wisdom to be gained from those conversations. My sister, Kinsey, passed away when I was in sixth grade at the age of 20. That loss shaped me tremendously. I have been able to give back to the children’s hospital that took care of her through a program my mom started called “Project Comfort and Joy.” They provide handmade blankets for the kids who are in the hospital. I have made several myself and had the privilege of delivering them in my sister’s honor. I’ve also had the opportunity to serve on mission trips, both locally and internationally. Most recently, I traveled to the Dominican Republic to help rebuild churches and support local ministries. This trip really inspired me to continue studying Spanish throughout college so that I can return, speak the language fluently, and possibly act as an interpreter on my next trip. These experiences have shaped who I am and have confirmed that service will always be part of my life. I truly believe the words of the Bible: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” I’ve seen that truth lived out through every opportunity to serve, and I’m committed to continuing to make my community stronger—both now and in the future.

My name is Walker Morgan. I am involved in National Honor Society, FCA, Teacher Cadets, and play basketball and volleyball for my school. I am a guitarist and vocalist and help lead worship at my church, and teach in the kids’ department as well. I serve/volunteer a minimum of 20 hours per year at various events in my community and have also served with mission trips both locally and abroad. I plan to attend Anderson University (SC) to earn a degree in Christian Studies with a focus on theology and apologetics. Although I don’t yet know which doors will open after I graduate, I pray that I can use my gifts, talents, and knowledge to make a positive impact—first within my small circle, and ultimately, in the world at large. Faith is a huge part of my life and the foundation for everything I do. It helps me navigate challenges, guides my decisions, and shapes my goals for the future. I have a deep passion and a strong call to spend my life helping others know the truth and experience the peace and hope that God has given me. My passion for ministry comes from my own personal faith journey. My whole life changed in sixth grade because I lost my amazing 20-year-old sister, Kinsey. Kinsey was born with a congenital heart defect and DiGeorge Syndrome, which led to many medical complications, including six open-heart surgeries throughout her life. One thing always surprised me about Kinsey - she fought every day of her life to live, and even though she often knew that a procedure, surgery, or stay at the hospital could be her last, she always remained strong in her faith. She knew the risks of every procedure, yet she remained confident and full of peace, fully trusting in God no matter the circumstances, no matter the outcome. When she passed away, I wrestled with questions about life and eternity. I finally realized that my hope wasn’t just in being a good person, but in fully trusting God with my life, just like Kinsey did. One night, shortly after her passing, I surrendered my heart to God. This decision has easily been the best I have ever made in my life. As I have grown in my faith, my passion has grown to help others find the same truth and hope that forever changed me. Losing Kinsey has easily been the greatest adversity I have ever faced in my life. Her passing has affected me and my family in a way that is indescribable. Such loss is something I would never want anyone to experience. But, through it all, I found a relationship with God, grew closer to my family, and her life inspired me to pursue the career path that I am now on. The support and guidance of my family, church, and community have also been instrumental in my decision to pursue higher education. They have encouraged me every step of the way, helping me see the importance of using my gifts and education to make a difference in the world. I know Kinsey would be proud of me and that I will see her again one day. I am incredibly grateful for her life because it changed mine.

Losing my amazing sister, Kinsey, has shaped me in ways that words cannot accurately express and the loss quite literally changed my life. Kinsey was sweetness personified. If you spent time with Kinsey, you always left feeling encouraged. She had that affect on people. I'm the baby of the family. My oldest sister, Micaela, is 11 years older than me, and Kinsey was 9 years older than me. Between the two of them and my mom, I definitely grew up with three mommies! Even though Kinsey was nine years older than me, we were very close and spent a lot of time together. From watching Disney movies endlessly to listening to the music we both enjoyed, time with Kinsey was always meaningful and fun. She was an incredible person. The reason was simple yet profound: her unwavering faith. Kinsey was born with a congenital heart defect and DiGeorge Syndrome; both tested her health every single day. She underwent six open-heart surgeries in her lifetime and fought for 20 difficult years before passing in 2018. However, Kinsey was never worried about her mortality. My father once shared that as a little girl, before very serious surgeries, she would tell him, "Don’t cry if something happens to me, because I’m going to go be with Jesus!" This childlike assurance rocked me to my core. How could anyone be so assured of their life and the life to come when death was near to every breath? She fought through many hospitalizations, surgeries and challenges throughout her life with a sweetness and grace that was, well, just “Kinsey”. On her last day with us, I remember saying goodbye to my warrior sister. I was 11 years old. It was hard. She looked like a reflection of the battle she had been through and the unspeakable suffering she had endured. But I vividly remember telling her, “Kinsey... YOU WIN!” She had won the fight and she was where she always wanted to be - with Jesus. In the wake of Kinsey’s death, my parents were away from the house and only me and my grandma were there. I remember being bored and tired. So, I went to lay down on my parent’s comfortable bed. As I lay there, my mind rushed to where Kinsey was. I knew she was in heaven with Jesus. Why? Because she clearly put her faith in Him and lived a life that honored Him. Then, I thought about myself. If I were to die, would the same be true for me? Every memory of everything wrong I had ever done came flooding through my mind. I felt bad and wanted to change. I didn't know what to do, but I knew Jesus could help me. I called my parents and they prayed with me. From that moment on, I found my purpose and identity. I’m no longer living just to die; I’m living to tell others about my faith. In the fall, I am planning to attend Anderson University (SC) to major in Christian Studies (theology and apologetics) with hopes to serve in ministry in some way and on the mission field as well. I’ve been able to talk to friends who are grieving, and I can relate to their pain. Kinsey’s influence in my life has allowed me to show others that God is the One to turn to in times of hurt—not someone to be despised in our sorrow. Kinsey left an impact on my life that is beyond words or even this life and she will always be loved and remembered!

Losing my amazing sister, Kinsey, has shaped me in ways that words cannot accurately express and the loss quite literally changed my life. Kinsey was sweetness personified. If you spent time with Kinsey, you always left feeling encouraged. She had that affect on people. She was nine years older than me and loved me deeply. From watching endless Disney movies together to listening to the music we both enjoyed, time with Kinsey was always meaningful and fun. The reason for her amazing character was simple yet profound: her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. Kinsey was born with a congenital heart defect and DiGeorge Syndrome; both tested her health every single day. She underwent six open-heart surgeries in her lifetime and fought for 20 difficult years before passing in 2018. However, Kinsey was never worried about her mortality. My father once shared that as a little girl, before very serious surgeries, she would tell him, "Don’t cry if something happens to me, because I’m going to go be with Jesus!" This childlike assurance rocked me to my core. How could anyone be so assured of their life and the life to come when death was near to every breath? She fought through many hospitalizations, surgeries and challenges throughout her life with a sweetness and grace that was, well, just “Kinsey”. On her last day with us, I remember saying goodbye to my warrior sister. It was hard. She looked like a reflection of the battle she had been through, but I vividly remember telling her, “Kinsey... YOU WIN!” She had won the fight and she was where she always wanted to be - with Jesus. In the wake of Kinsey’s death, my parents went to California to process and share with trusted friends. Only me and my grandma were in the house one night and I remember being bored and tired. So, I went to lay down on my parent’s comfortable bed. As I lay there, my mind rushed to where Kinsey was. I knew she was in heaven with Jesus. Why? Because she clearly put her faith in Him and lived a life that honored Him. Then, I thought about myself. If I were to die, would the same be true for me? Every memory of lying, stealing, cheating, dishonoring my parents, and hating others came flooding through my mind. I felt bad and wanted to change. I didn't know what to do, but I knew Jesus could help me. I called my parents and they prayed with me. From that moment on, I found my purpose and identity. I’m no longer living just to die; I’m living to tell others about the One who defeated death and saved the souls of all who believe. In the fall, I am planning to attend Anderson University in South Carolina to major in Christian Studies and pursue theology and apologetics with hopes to serve in ministry in some way and on the mission field as well. I’ve been able to talk to friends who are grieving, and I can relate to their pain. Kinsey’s influence in my life has allowed me to show others that Jesus is the One to turn to in times of hurt—not someone to be despised in our sorrow. Kinsey left an impact on my life that is beyond words or even this life and she will always be remembered!

As a student-athlete who has played basketball and volleyball for my school, I have had a busy but awesome high school experience. Sports have given me an outlet where I can do something I love every day and express my hard work in a way that others can enjoy watching. They have given me the opportunity to work hard and strive for the things I want to accomplish, such as being a starter, performing consistently throughout the season, and even being a captain—like I was for volleyball my senior year. Sports have enhanced my life far beyond what I ever thought possible. While in athletics, I have learned that nothing is handed to you for free. Everything you earn is worked for, and if you don’t work hard every single day, someone else can easily take your role. This has encouraged me to play every game like I was fighting for my life, giving me the competitive edge I needed to out-hustle my opponents and keep rallies alive in volleyball. Sports have also given me a strong sense of community and brotherhood. I am still in contact with many of my teammates, and we try to get together to work on our game as a group. Having good teammates has pushed me to be better, knowing that those around me are working just as hard as I am. It has also allowed me to trust my team to do their best to get the win. However, sports are not the sum of my entire identity. In fact, I have a strong interest in music that has been a constant part of my life. I grew up in church with a family where everyone could sing—my mom plays the piano, and my dad plays bass and drums. I have been surrounded by music all my life, and it shows in my love for singing and playing the guitar. I have committed to playing every Sunday for my church as well as singing in my school choir, which means I often have to balance that with sports. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world, because sports gave me what I needed to succeed elsewhere. I used to be quite an awful singer, but the perseverance I learned from sports allowed me to grow in my desire to improve. I sought out the best resources I could find to get better and continue to become a stronger singer every day! I think sports have impacted my life in a way nothing else could. In sports, there is never a peak of perfection that someone can stay at forever—there is always room for improvement, and the ceiling is limitless. Likewise, I think this mindset applies to the future. In whatever career I choose, I know that the discipline and communication skills I have learned from sports will carry me further than I ever could have imagined.