For me, going to college is more than earning a degree. It represents possibility, generational change, and access to opportunities that were never guaranteed for someone like me. As a Black student pursuing a BFA in Theatre Arts Design and Production with a concentration in Stage Management, college means stepping into spaces where my community has not always been represented and working toward a future where young people who look like me can see themselves reflected in the arts. Growing up, I understood early that talent and passion are not always enough to open doors. In many minority and low-income communities, opportunities in the arts are limited by funding, resources, and access. I fell in love with theatre anyway. I found family in rehearsal rooms, strength through performance, and purpose in storytelling and leadership. But I also knew I would need an education to turn that passion into a sustainable career that could impact others. College has given me the space to learn, grow, and refine my craft. It has introduced me to professional expectations and given me hands-on experience stage managing productions, working with directors, supporting performers, and becoming a leader in creative environments. More importantly, it has taught me how vital representation is in every part of the theatre world. When students see people of color in leadership positions backstage and in the classroom, it expands their sense of what’s possible. My ultimate goal is to become a theatre educator who builds accessible arts programs in under-resourced schools, especially in Black and rural communities. I want to teach students who have been overlooked, underestimated, or denied opportunities simply because of where they come from. I want to show them that the arts are not a luxury reserved for the privileged, but a powerful tool for identity, confidence, and creativity. A degree makes this possible. It gives me the training, credibility, and experience to return to my community and offer young people the guidance I once needed. Attending college has not been easy. As a minority student without significant financial support, I have faced repeated stress about tuition, supplies, housing, and basic needs. I have worked multiple jobs, taken leadership roles, and leaned heavily on my faith to stay focused. Even through the challenges, I know I am building a future that is bigger than myself. Going to college means building a legacy, breaking cycles, and preparing to serve the next generation. With this education, I hope to become a teacher, mentor, and advocate for students whose dreams are just waiting for someone to believe in them. This scholarship would help me continue my journey and bring me closer to creating the change I want to see.

When I think about my future, I think about the kind of teacher, leader, and artist I want to become. I am currently pursuing a BFA in Theatre Arts Design and Production with a concentration in Stage Management at Coastal Carolina University, and my long-term goal is to become a theatre educator who creates accessible, high-quality arts programs in under-resourced schools and communities. I want to make the kind of impact I needed growing up: someone who sees potential in students who may not see it in themselves, and someone who can open doors that often stay closed for minority and low-income youth. My passion for theatre and arts education goes beyond the stage. I have worked in community theatre since I was a child and have spent recent summers serving as a counselor, choreographer, and stage manager for children’s theatre camps. I have watched young people grow in confidence and creativity simply because someone gave them space to try. Many of the kids I’ve worked with come from backgrounds like mine. Their families may not have the money for private lessons, programs, or even transportation. Yet their talent and curiosity shine the moment they are given the opportunity. Seeing that is what pushes me to pursue this field with purpose, because I know how life-changing the arts can be. However, the path to becoming the educator I want to be has not been easy. As a Black student, a transfer student, and someone coming from a family without a lot of financial resources, college has often felt like something I had to fight to access. I have faced semesters where I did not know how I would pay for books, housing, or even necessities. These challenges have pushed me to work multiple jobs, take on leadership roles, and rely on my faith to keep going. Still, the financial strain has been a constant obstacle. This scholarship would not only ease that burden, but it would give me the stability to focus on the training I need to reach my goals. It would help me stay in school, continue building my skills as a stage manager and educator, and move one step closer to creating programs for the next generation of young artists. It would allow me to graduate without being held back by financial barriers that were never the result of a lack of work ethic or ambition. My future is centered on service, representation, and giving students from underrepresented backgrounds a chance to dream bigger. With this scholarship, I will be able to continue my education and use it to build a career focused on opening doors for others just like me.

Throughout my life, I have learned that obstacles never disappear just because you want them to. They wait for you, and eventually you have to face them. The challenges I have carried whether financial instability, transferring schools, or trying to find my place as a Black student in the arts have shaped the person I am becoming. They have forced me to grow, to take myself seriously, and to hold on to my purpose even when everything around me felt uncertain. I fell in love with theatre when I was young, but I also learned early that access to the arts is not equal. In many Black and rural communities, resources are limited and creative opportunities are often the first to disappear. Knowing that shaped me long before college. It is one of the reasons I am earning my BFA in Theatre Arts Design and Production with a concentration in Stage Management at Coastal Carolina University. I want to understand every part of this field so I can one day help students who come from the same kinds of communities that raised me. My path toward this degree has been far from easy. When I transferred from North Carolina A&T State University, I had to rebuild everything academically, financially, and emotionally. I balanced rehearsals, multiple classes, leadership roles, and jobs, all while trying to create stability in a new environment. Every semester came with financial pressure that made it difficult to focus on school. There were weeks when I genuinely did not know how I would afford basic necessities or continue working toward graduation. On top of that, being a Black artist in a largely white field often made me feel like I had to prove myself not just once, but constantly. Even so, I refused to quit. I learned to ask for help when I needed it. I learned to work even harder when doors felt closed. And most importantly, I leaned on my faith to get me through moments when I felt overwhelmed or overlooked. This past summer reminded me why all of this matters. I worked as a stage manager and counselor for a children’s theatre camp, and I watched young kids light up when they discovered what they were capable of. Many of them came from backgrounds like mine. Seeing their joy and growth confirmed the direction of my life. I want to become a theatre educator who builds programs in under-resourced schools and communities. I want to create safe spaces where students feel seen, supported, and encouraged to dream bigger than what they have been told is possible. The obstacles I have faced have taught me resilience, empathy, and a commitment to service. They have shaped me into someone who wants to lift others as I climb. This scholarship would not only ease my financial burdens. It would help me take another step toward making sure the next generation has opportunities I had to fight for.

This past summer was one of the most challenging seasons of my life, and it revealed just how deeply I depend on God for strength, provision, and direction. As a full-time college student from an underrepresented background, I already balance a heavy load. Classes, rehearsals, and leadership roles, but this summer brought unexpected financial pressure that I could not have prepared for. I was working as a stage manager and counselor for a children’s theatre camp, a job that I love and feel called to. However, the pay alone was insufficient to cover my living expenses, academic costs, and transportation needs throughout the summer months. I reached a point where I genuinely did not know how I was going to make ends meet. Every bill felt heavier, every choice felt more urgent, and there were days when I questioned how I would continue pursuing my education without falling behind financially. In that moment of uncertainty, I leaned completely on my faith. I committed at the beginning of the summer to pray first, rather than panic first. I asked God not only for provision, but also for peace. Peace to keep serving Him through my work with children, peace to continue showing up with joy, and peace to trust that what I could not carry, He would. Slowly, God made a way. Opportunities opened that I hadn’t expected. Friends offered support when I didn’t ask for it. A few small but meaningful financial breaks appeared at exactly the right moments. Every time I felt like I was running out of options, something shifted. It wasn’t dramatic or instant, but it was consistent. Enough small blessings that I could only attribute them to God’s hand over my life. More than anything, this summer strengthened my belief that faith is not just something I practice on Sundays. It is what carries me through the practical and painful parts of life. God taught me to be patient, to trust His timing, and to remember that He sees my needs even when I feel unseen. Relying on God this summer did more than help me survive a financial hardship. It reminded me why I want to serve others through theatre and education: because faith and community can transform lives. Just as God showed up for me, I want to show up for the young people and communities I work with, offering support, encouragement, and hope the same way I received it.

My name is Zacharius Wilson-Payne, and I am a performer, designer, and aspiring theatre educator. I am currently earning my BFA in Theatre Design and Production at Coastal Carolina University, but my journey with theatre began long before I ever stepped into a college classroom. My story starts in Greenwood, South Carolina, where I was raised by teen parents and supported heavily by my grandparents. My mom had me while still in high school. I was born just as my dad was preparing for his football state championship. That story has always stuck with me. It’s shaped how I see resilience, sacrifice, and strength. My upbringing taught me early on what it means to work hard with limited resources and to lead with heart, even when the odds feel stacked against you. Growing up in a financially challenged household meant that access to extracurriculars wasn’t always guaranteed. At one point, sports became too expensive, and I had to give them up. That loss opened the door to something much bigger: theatre. I joined a local theatre program, and for the first time, I found a space where I could be myself, fully, loudly, and unapologetically. Theatre became more than a hobby. It became a lifeline. I found not only creativity and confidence but also a sense of belonging. I wasn’t just acting; I was discovering who I was and who I wanted to be. Since then, I’ve taken on over a dozen leadership and creative roles in theatre, from playing Mufasa in The Lion King to choreographing Willy Wonka Kids at Greenwood Community Theatre. I’ve been a camp counselor, an assistant choreographer, a props designer, and a costumer. These roles have taught me practical skills like time management, collaboration, and adaptability, but more importantly, they’ve deepened my belief that theatre can change lives. For young people like me, having access to the arts can be the difference between surviving and thriving. That’s why I’ve dedicated myself to becoming a high school theatre teacher in a Title I or underfunded district. I want to build a program that does more than stage plays. I want to create a space where students can tell their stories, find their voices, and grow into leaders, artists, and change-makers. I believe theatre is a tool for building soft skills that last a lifetime, but I also believe it can help students process trauma, build cultural pride, and imagine bigger futures for themselves. In addition to teaching, I have long-term plans to develop community outreach programs that bring Black professional artists and theatre educators into our schools. I want to start a traveling theatre initiative that brings performances and workshops to rural areas and schools that don’t have arts funding. I hope to collaborate with local theatres, universities, and nonprofits to provide mentorship and exposure to students who might not otherwise see the arts as a possible career path. Representation matters deeply, and I want students to see someone who looks like them and shares their story leading a classroom and creating something beautiful on stage. This scholarship would not only support my education but also fuel my mission. It would allow me to focus more on my work, both in the classroom and in my community, and less on the financial strain that so many first-generation students carry. With your support, I will continue to grow as a leader, artist, and advocate, using theatre not just to entertain, but to educate, empower, and uplift.

Throughout my entire life, I’ve been a very creative person. From a very young age, I’ve been very animated and have had a “larger than life” personality. My parents and family recognized this, and my uncle recommended that I get into theatre. This was possibly one of the best decisions anyone has ever made for me. My first show was at the Greenwood Community Theatre and was Beauty and the Beast Jr. This show took place in September 2012, and I was only five years old. Being one of the youngest actors in the cast was very challenging, but fun. In the show, I was in the ensemble. This experience opened many doors for so much more pertaining to theatre. In April 2015, I was cast in Mulan Jr. In that show, I was ensemble again. That show was one of the first true experiences where I learned how to properly work with adults while remaining a child. During the process of this show, I truly understood how important each member of the creative team is and that each person is there for a reason. That lesson sticks with me as an actor and a person today because that was a wonderful life lesson. My next GCT show was Annie Jr, in the spring of 2016. That was also under the direction of Mrs. Tracie. That was my first supporting role, and I was cast as Bundles. Although I was a supporting role in this show, I often felt overlooked by the director. I would never be used for special things and never was rewarded while watching everyone else around me be rewarded, while I was not. I am grateful for this experience because it showed me that the spotlight didn’t have to always be on me. After this, my next project was Peter Pan Jr, at GCT. In this show, I was cast as an ensemble member. This show was one of my first opportunities to get to work under another one of my mentors, Mr. Ryan Hewitt. This show was my first experience with quitting a show. This taught me a very valuable lesson on commitments and proper time management. A few shows and years later, I was cast in my first leading role at GCT. That was Harsha in Madeline’s Christmas during the 2019 season. Earning this role was monumental in my theatre journey. That was the role that allowed me to realize that this is what I want to do with the rest of my life. This past March, I was blessed to be cast as Mufasa in The Lion King Jr., which was directed by Mrs. Anna Lyle-Lethco. Over the years, I’ve been grateful to be bestowed with many leadership roles such as Dance Captain for Cinderella, and The Lion King Jr, and Assistant Choreographer for The Jungle Book Kids, Aladdin Kids, and Annie Kids. This fall, I will be attending North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University to start my B.F.A. in Professional Theatre. Without GCT and their staff, I would be nowhere near where I am today. I have to thank my many mentors in theatre like Wendi Wimmer, Dr. David Sollish, and Myra Greene. Without these people and their many influences on my life and my skills, I’m not sure where I would be today, what type of person I would be, and what career I would be going into.

Throughout my entire life, I’ve been a very creative person. From a very young age, I’ve been very animated and have had a “larger than life” personality. My parents and family recognized this, and my uncle recommended that I get into theatre. This was possibly one of the best decisions anyone has ever made for me. My first show was at the Greenwood Community Theatre and was Beauty and the Beast Jr. This show took place in September 2012, and I was only five years old. Being one of the youngest actors in the cast was very challenging, but fun. In the show, I was in the ensemble. This experience opened many doors for so much more pertaining to theatre. In April 2015, I was cast in Mulan Jr. In that show, I was ensemble again. That show was one of the first true experiences where I learned how to properly work with adults while remaining a child. During the process of this show, I truly understood how important each member of the creative team is and that each person is there for a reason. That lesson sticks with me as an actor and a person today because that was a wonderful life lesson. My next GCT show was Annie Jr, in the spring of 2016. That was also under the direction of Mrs. Tracie. That was my first supporting role, and I was cast as Bundles. Although I was a supporting role in this show, I often felt overlooked by the director. I would never be used for special things and never was rewarded while watching everyone else around me be rewarded, while I was not. I am grateful for this experience because it showed me that the spotlight didn’t have to always be on me. After this, my next project was Peter Pan Jr, at GCT. In this show, I was cast as an ensemble member. This show was one of my first opportunities to get to work under another one of my mentors, Mr. Ryan Hewitt. This show was my first experience with quitting a show. This taught me a very valuable lesson on commitments and proper time management. A few shows and years later, I was cast in my first leading role at GCT. That was Harsha in Madeline’s Christmas during the 2019 season. Earning this role was monumental in my theatre journey. That was the role that allowed me to realize that this is what I want to do with the rest of my life. This past March, I was blessed to be cast as Mufasa in The Lion King Jr., which was directed by Mrs. Anna Lyle-Lethco. Over the years, I’ve been grateful to be bestowed with many leadership roles such as Dance Captain for Cinderella, and The Lion King Jr, and Assistant Choreographer for The Jungle Book Kids, Aladdin Kids, and Annie Kids. This fall, I will be attending North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University to start my B.F.A. in Professional Theatre. Without GCT and their staff, I would be nowhere near where I am today. I have to thank my many mentors in theatre like Wendi Wimmer, Dr. David Sollish, and Myra Greene. Without these people and their many influences on my life and my skills, I’m not sure where I would be today, what type of person I would be, and what career I would be going into.

Throughout my entire life, I’ve been a very creative person. From a very young age, I’ve been very animated and have had a “larger than life” personality. My parents and family recognized this, and my uncle recommended that I get into theatre. This was possibly one of the best decisions anyone has ever made for me. My first show was at the Greenwood Community Theatre and was Beauty and the Beast Jr. This show took place in September 2012, and I was only five years old. Being one of the youngest actors in the cast was very challenging, but fun. In the show, I was in the ensemble. This experience opened many doors for so much more pertaining to theatre. In April 2015, I was cast in Mulan Jr. In that show, I was ensemble again. That show was one of the first true experiences where I learned how to properly work with adults while remaining a child. During the process of this show, I truly understood how important each member of the creative team is and that each person is there for a reason. That lesson sticks with me as an actor and a person today because that was a wonderful life lesson. My next GCT show was Annie Jr, in the spring of 2016. That was also under the direction of Mrs. Tracie. That was my first supporting role, and I was cast as Bundles. Although I was a supporting role in this show, I often felt overlooked by the director. I would never be used for special things and never was rewarded while watching everyone else around me be rewarded, while I was not. I am grateful for this experience because it showed me that the spotlight didn’t have to always be on me. After this, my next project was Peter Pan Jr, at GCT. In this show, I was cast as an ensemble member. This show was one of my first opportunities to get to work under another one of my mentors, Mr. Ryan Hewitt. This show was my first experience with quitting a show. This taught me a very valuable lesson on commitments and proper time management. A few shows and years later, I was cast in my first leading role at GCT. That was Harsha in Madeline’s Christmas during the 2019 season. Earning this role was monumental in my theatre journey. That was the role that allowed me to realize that this is what I want to do with the rest of my life. This past March, I was blessed to be cast as Mufasa in The Lion King Jr., which was directed by Mrs. Anna Lyle-Lethco. Over the years, I’ve been grateful to be bestowed with many leadership roles such as Dance Captain for Cinderella, and The Lion King Jr, and Assistant Choreographer for The Jungle Book Kids, Aladdin Kids, and Annie Kids. This fall, I will be attending North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University to start my B.F.A. in Professional Theatre. Without GCT and their staff, I would be nowhere near where I am today. I have to thank my many mentors in theatre like Wendi Wimmer, Dr. David Sollish, and Myra Greene. Without these people and their many influences on my life and my skills, I’m not sure where I would be today, what type of person I would be, and what career I would be going into.

I'm a black seventeen-year-old male who has been involved in the world of music for as long as I can remember. Growing up in a Black Southern Baptist church choir led by my grandmother, who is the choir director, music has been an integral part of my life from the very beginning. The harmonies, the syncopation of rhythms, and the melodies have all shaped my identity and cultivated my musical gifts in great ways. In addition to my involvement in the church choir, I've been a dedicated member of my school chorus' since the second grade. Singing with my peers, learning new pieces, and performing in concerts have been highlights of my academic journey, fueling my love for music and strengthening my sense of belonging within my school community. This semester, I had the opportunity to take AP Music Theory, which has deepened my understanding of music in ways I never thought possible. From analyzing intricate compositions to exploring complex harmonies, the course has not only expanded my musical knowledge but also challenged me to think critically and creatively about the art form I hold dear to my heart. As I look ahead to the future, I'm committed to using my talents and passion for music to make a positive impact on the world around me. One thing I'm particularly passionate about is using music as a vehicle for social change and empowerment, especially within minority communities like my own. I plan to receive my BFA in Professional Theatre from the illustrious North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in the Spring of 2028. Following that, I want to work in theatre all around the world, specifically in Black roles and areas. After being a professional performer, I would like to settle down in a primarily-black area and become a Musical Theatre Educator. Training the next generation of Black performers is very near and dear to my heart. If there's one thing I could do in my community right now, it would be to establish a music program that provides accessible and inclusive opportunities for young people to explore their musical potential. Whether it's offering free music lessons, organizing community concerts, or providing mentorship and support to aspiring musicians, I want to create a space where everyone feels welcome and empowered to express themselves through music. Thank you for allowing me to share my story and my vision for making a difference through the arts. I'm excited to continue pursuing my passion for music and using it as a catalyst for positive change in the world.

Growing up, I had a unique experience that has profoundly influenced my life choices – my mom had me when she was still in high school. It's a story that's shaped who I am in ways I couldn't even begin to describe. November 30, 2006. The night I was born. It was a cool Thursday and the day before the football state championship. While my father was preparing for his state championship, my mother went into labor. My mother had me on Thursday, and on Friday, my father won the state championship. It's one of those crazy stories that sounds like something out of a movie. My mom was a cheerleader in high school. Growing up I always wanted to be a cheerleader because I saw my mother doing it. Being a boy, that wasn't necessarily allowed and my parents turned my ideas down. Luckily, in my freshman year of high school, after lots of convincing, my parents allowed me to pursue my dream to be a cheerleader. Now, I'm a two-time global champion and two-year captain for all-star cheer, and the football head captain for school sideline cheer. For a while, I even wanted to go to the same university she did – Winthrop University. I guess you could say being close in age with my mom has shaped my personality and who I am today. Everything I am today, I owe to her because she did it first. Growing up, I saw firsthand the challenges and responsibilities that come with teen parenthood. But I also saw my mom push through those challenges with grace and determination. She pursued her education, chased her dreams, and never let anything hold her back. Her resilience and strength inspired me in ways I can't even put into words. Now, as I'm figuring out my own path in life, I can't help but feel grateful for the lessons my mom taught me. Hard work, strength, and perseverance. It's influenced my life choices in ways I never imagined. Maybe one day I'll find a way to support and empower young mothers and their children, just like my mom did for me. Or maybe I'll blaze my own trail and break barriers, just like she did. But no matter what I do, I know I'll always carry with me the legacy of my mom's love and strength. She's not just my mom; she's my hero. And everything I do, I do it to make her proud.

Advanced courses like AP, and Dual Enrollment have been prime examples of the Giles family motto. Take AP Human Geography, for instance. It wasn't just about memorizing maps and facts; it was about learning the world's complexities, understanding different cultures, and appreciating the nuances of human interactions. It taught me more than just geography; it taught me the value of hard work. During my time in AP Human Geography, I didn't have the best teacher. We didn't even finish all seven units. This required me to work harder to learn and master all of the material near the end of the course. And then there's AP Music Theory, which was amazing. Learning about chords, scales, and partwriting wasn't always easy, but every breakthrough felt like my whole world was flipped. Through late nights harmonizing given melodies, sight-singing, and endless practice sessions, I honed not only my understanding of music but also my resilience and determination. But it wasn't just about hitting the books. These courses also brought me closer to my peers. Whether we were cramming for exams together or laughing over our mistakes, there was a sense of camaraderie that made the journey more enjoyable. We supported each other through the toughest assignments and celebrated each other's successes, creating an environment of kindness and collaboration that went beyond the classroom. Now, let's talk about the financial side of things. Growing up in a family where every penny counted, the cost of AP exams and study materials wasn't just a number; it was a real concern. I remember having to budget carefully and make sacrifices to afford the resources I needed to succeed. But despite the financial strain, my family always emphasized the importance of education, instilling in me the determination to overcome any obstacle in my path. And sure, there were moments when the financial stress felt overwhelming. Balancing a part-time job with coursework and many extracurricular activities, in which I held leadership roles, was no easy feat. There were times when I questioned whether it was all worth it. But learning the Giles family motto – "to be nice and hardworking" – I've realized that those two traits have helped me tremendously. Because here's the thing: no matter what challenges we face, there are always people and resources willing to help us along the way. Scholarships, financial aid, counselors, and advisors – they're all part of the support system that has helped me pursue my dreams despite the odds. And as I continue on this journey, I know that the values of kindness and hard work instilled in me by my family and my studies will guide me forward, no matter what obstacles lie ahead.

I'm a black seventeen-year-old male who has been involved in the world of music for as long as I can remember. Growing up in a Black Southern Baptist church choir led by my grandmother, who is the choir director, music has been an integral part of my life from the very beginning. The harmonies, the syncopation of rhythms, and the melodies have all shaped my identity and cultivated my musical gifts in great ways. In addition to my involvement in the church choir, I've been a dedicated member of my school chorus' since the second grade. Singing with my peers, learning new pieces, and performing in concerts have been highlights of my academic journey, fueling my love for music and strengthening my sense of belonging within my school community. This semester, I had the opportunity to take AP Music Theory, which has deepened my understanding of music in ways I never thought possible. From analyzing intricate compositions to exploring complex harmonies, the course has not only expanded my musical knowledge but also challenged me to think critically and creatively about the art form I hold dear to my heart. As I look ahead to the future, I'm committed to using my talents and passion for music to make a positive impact on the world around me. One thing I'm particularly passionate about is using music as a vehicle for social change and empowerment, especially within minority communities like my own. I plan to receive my BFA in Professional Theatre from the illustrious North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in the Spring of 2028. Following that, I want to work in theatre all around the world, specifically in Black roles and areas. After being a professional performer, I would like to settle down in a primarily-black area and become a Musical Theatre Educator. Training the next generation of Black performers is very near and dear to my heart. If there's one thing I could do in my community right now, it would be to establish a music program that provides accessible and inclusive opportunities for young people to explore their musical potential. Whether it's offering free music lessons, organizing community concerts, or providing mentorship and support to aspiring musicians, I want to create a space where everyone feels welcome and empowered to express themselves through music.

Growing up, I had a unique experience that has profoundly influenced my life choices – my mom had me when she was still in high school. It's a story that's shaped who I am in ways I couldn't even begin to describe. November 30, 2006. The night I was born. It was a cool Thursday and the day before the football state championship. While my father was preparing for his state championship, my mother went into labor. My mother had me on Thursday, and on Friday, my father won the state championship. It's one of those crazy stories that sounds like something out of a movie. My mom was a cheerleader in high school. Growing up I always wanted to be a cheerleader because I saw my mother doing it. Being a boy, that wasn't necessarily allowed and my parents turned my ideas down. Luckily, in my freshman year of high school, after lots of convincing, my parents allowed me to pursue my dream to be a cheerleader. Now, I'm a two-time global champion and two-year captain for all-star cheer, and the football head captain for school sideline cheer. For a while, I even wanted to go to the same university she did – Winthrop University. I guess you could say being close in age with my mom has shaped my personality and who I am today. Everything I am today, I owe to her because she did it first. Growing up, I saw firsthand the challenges and responsibilities that come with teen parenthood. But I also saw my mom push through those challenges with grace and determination. She pursued her education, chased her dreams, and never let anything hold her back. Her resilience and strength inspired me in ways I can't even put into words. Now, as I'm figuring out my own path in life, I can't help but feel grateful for the lessons my mom taught me. Hard work, strength, and perseverance. It's influenced my life choices in ways I never imagined. Maybe one day I'll find a way to support and empower young mothers and their children, just like my mom did for me. Or maybe I'll blaze my own trail and break barriers, just like she did. But no matter what I do, I know I'll always carry with me the legacy of my mom's love and strength. She's not just my mom; she's my hero. And everything I do, I do it to make her proud.

Throughout my entire life, I’ve been a very creative person. From a very young age, I’ve been very animated and have had a “larger than life” personality. My parents and family recognized this, and my uncle recommended that I get into theatre. This was possibly one of the best decisions anyone has ever made for me. My first show was at the Greenwood Community Theatre and was Beauty and the Beast Jr. This show took place in September 2012, and I was only five years old. Being one of the youngest actors in the cast was very challenging, but fun. In the show, I was in the ensemble. This experience opened many doors for so much more pertaining to theatre. In April 2015, I was cast in Mulan Jr. In that show, I was ensemble again. That show was one of the first true experiences where I learned how to properly work with adults while remaining a child. During the process of this show, I truly understood how important each member of the creative team is and that each person is there for a reason. That lesson sticks with me as an actor and a person today because that was a wonderful life lesson. My next GCT show was Annie Jr, in the spring of 2016. That was also under the direction of Mrs. Tracie. That was my first supporting role, and I was cast as Bundles. Although I was a supporting role in this show, I often felt overlooked by the director. I would never be used for special things and never was rewarded while watching everyone else around me be rewarded, while I was not. I am grateful for this experience because it showed me that the spotlight didn’t have to always be on me. After this, my next project was Peter Pan Jr, at GCT. In this show, I was cast as an ensemble member. This show was one of my first opportunities to get to work under another one of my mentors, Mr. Ryan Hewitt. This show was my first experience with quitting a show. This taught me a very valuable lesson on commitments and proper time management. A few shows and years later, I was cast in my first leading role at GCT. That was Harsha in Madeline’s Christmas during the 2019 season. Earning this role was monumental in my theatre journey. That was the role that allowed me to realize that this is what I want to do with the rest of my life. This past March, I was blessed to be cast as Mufasa in The Lion King Jr., which was directed by Mrs. Anna Lyle-Lethco. Over the years, I’ve been grateful to be bestowed with many leadership roles such as Dance Captain for Cinderella, and The Lion King Jr, and Assistant Choreographer for The Jungle Book Kids, Aladdin Kids, and Annie Kids. This fall, I will be attending North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University to start my B.F.A. in Professional Theatre. Without GCT and their staff, I would be nowhere near where I am today. I have to thank my many mentors in theatre like Wendi Wimmer, Dr. David Sollish, and Myra Greene. Without these people and their many influences on my life and my skills, I’m not sure where I would be today, what type of person I would be, and what career I would be going into.

Throughout my entire life, I’ve been a very creative person. From a very young age, I’ve been very animated and have had a “larger than life” personality. My parents and family recognized this, and my uncle recommended that I get into theatre. This was possibly one of the best decisions anyone has ever made for me. My first show was at the Greenwood Community Theatre and was Beauty and the Beast Jr. This show took place in September 2012, and I was only five years old. Being one of the youngest actors in the cast was very challenging, but fun. In the show, I was in the ensemble. This experience opened many doors for so much more pertaining to theatre. In April 2015, I was cast in Mulan Jr. In that show, I was ensemble again. That show was one of the first true experiences where I learned how to properly work with adults while remaining a child. During the process of this show, I truly understood how important each member of the creative team is and that each person is there for a reason. That lesson sticks with me as an actor and a person today because that was a wonderful life lesson. My next GCT show was Annie Jr, in the spring of 2016. That was also under the direction of Mrs. Tracie. That was my first supporting role, and I was cast as Bundles. Although I was a supporting role in this show, I often felt overlooked by the director. I would never be used for special things and never was rewarded while watching everyone else around me be rewarded, while I was not. I am grateful for this experience because it showed me that the spotlight didn’t have to always be on me. After this, my next project was Peter Pan Jr, at GCT. In this show, I was cast as an ensemble member. This show was one of my first opportunities to get to work under another one of my mentors, Mr. Ryan Hewitt. This show was my first experience with quitting a show. This taught me a very valuable lesson on commitments and proper time management. A few shows and years later, I was cast in my first leading role at GCT. That was Harsha in Madeline’s Christmas during the 2019 season. Earning this role was monumental in my theatre journey. That was the role that allowed me to realize that this is what I want to do with the rest of my life. This past March, I was blessed to be cast as Mufasa in The Lion King Jr., which was directed by Mrs. Anna Lyle-Lethco. Over the years, I’ve been grateful to be bestowed with many leadership roles such as Dance Captain for Cinderella, and The Lion King Jr, and Assistant Choreographer for The Jungle Book Kids, Aladdin Kids, and Annie Kids. This fall, I will be attending North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University to start my B.F.A. in Professional Theatre. Without GCT and their staff, I would be nowhere near where I am today. I have to thank my many mentors in theatre like Wendi Wimmer, Dr. David Sollish, and Myra Greene. Without these people and their many influences on my life and my skills, I’m not sure where I would be today, what type of person I would be, and what career I would be going into.

I'm a black seventeen-year-old male who has been involved in the world of music for as long as I can remember. Growing up in a Black Southern Baptist church choir led by my grandmother, who is the choir director, music has been an integral part of my life from the very beginning. The harmonies, the syncopation of rhythms, and the melodies have all shaped my identity and cultivated my musical gifts in great ways. In addition to my involvement in the church choir, I've been a dedicated member of my school chorus' since the second grade. Singing with my peers, learning new pieces, and performing in concerts have been highlights of my academic journey, fueling my love for music and strengthening my sense of belonging within my school community. This semester, I had the opportunity to take AP Music Theory, which has deepened my understanding of music in ways I never thought possible. From analyzing intricate compositions to exploring complex harmonies, the course has not only expanded my musical knowledge but also challenged me to think critically and creatively about the art form I hold dear to my heart. As I look ahead to the future, I'm committed to using my talents and passion for music to make a positive impact on the world around me. One thing I'm particularly passionate about is using music as a vehicle for social change and empowerment, especially within minority communities like my own. I plan to receive my BFA in Professional Theatre from the illustrious North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in the Spring of 2028. Following that, I want to work in theatre all around the world, specifically in Black roles and areas. After being a professional performer, I would like to settle down in a primarily-black area and become a Musical Theatre Educator. Training the next generation of Black performers is very near and dear to my heart. If there's one thing I could do in my community right now, it would be to establish a music program that provides accessible and inclusive opportunities for young people to explore their musical potential. Whether it's offering free music lessons, organizing community concerts, or providing mentorship and support to aspiring musicians, I want to create a space where everyone feels welcome and empowered to express themselves through music. Thank you for allowing me to share my story and my vision for making a difference through the arts. I'm excited to continue pursuing my passion for music and using it as a catalyst for positive change in the world.