From the moment I stepped into my church’s sanctuary as a kid, I always admired everything from the music to the microphones and how it came together to create a meaningful experience. For years, I sat in the audience with my mom, unaware that one day I would become a part of the team behind it all. When I was sixteen, the church's audio technician left for another congregation, and our community suddenly needed someone to step into the role. I didn't have much experience at the time, but the sense of belonging I felt at church motivated me to volunteer. I wanted to give back to the same community that had supported and shaped me for so long. That decision became one of the most impactful commitments I’ve made. For the last two years, I have volunteered every Sunday from 11am to 1-2pm, managing sound for worship services and events. The role challenged me from the very beginning. I had to learn how to operate complex audio equipment, balance music with vocals, troubleshoot glitches in real time, and make split-second adjustments based on the energy of the room. At first, the technical side felt overwhelming, especially when things went wrong in the middle of a service, but those challenges taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of staying calm under pressure. Beyond the technician skills, I learned how to collaborate with musicians, singers, and the church’s pastor. Clear communication is essential as every team member relies on me to create a smooth and uplifting experience for the congregation. I also discovered the artistic side of audio, by understanding how subtle adjustments can change the atmosphere and make people feel more connected and engaged. Being able to enhance someone’s worship experience, even though they may never see me behind the booth, made me realize the impact of service done quietly but wholeheartedly. This work has shaped my character and strengthened my desire to stay involved in my community. In the future, I plan to mentor young volunteers who might want to learn audio technology, just like I did. I want to share my knowledge so others feel confident taking on leadership roles. I also hope to use my technical skills to support local events, youth programs, and community projects that could benefit from reliable audio support. More than anything, I want to continue building connections through services, through teamwork, and through the willingness to step up when my community needs me. Volunteering as an audio technician taught me that positive impact doesn't always come from being in front of the crowd, but sometimes it comes from working behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly. It has allowed me to grow, contribute, and stay grounded in the community that raised me, and I plan to continue giving back for many years to come.

Hello my name is Zaire, and I am a senior in Ardsley high school with a 3.2 GPA and four years of dedication to the sport of Track and Field. Over the years, this sport has taught me not only the importance of hard work and consistency but also the value of perseverance, determination and leadership. Competing as a sprinter for the past years, I have gained many achievements and accomplishments such as becoming a Nike National Champion, earning All-State, 2x County Champion, 3x All-County, 3x All-Section, and 8x League Champion in the 100m, running a personal best of 11.15 seconds, and a 23.11 in the 200m. These accomplishments did not come easy, but they came through discipline, early mornings, late practices, and the determination to improve myself every day. Track and Field has been more than a sport to me; it’s been a foundation of my identity. Working as hard as I can, I have struggled many times, but I never allowed myself to give up because I’ve been through worse. I come from a single-parent household, where my mother works tirelessly to support me and my siblings. Her strength motivates me to chase my goals relentlessly. Every race I run is not just for me but for her sacrifices and for the future I am striving to build. Through challenges, injuries, and competition, I’ve learned how to push past limits and face adversity with confidence, which is a lesson that applies far beyond the track. Outside of athletics, I take pride in serving my community. I volunteer as an audio technician at my church, where I manage sound for services, ensuring the message is heard clearly by everyone in attendance. This experience taught me responsibility, focus, and teamwork, as the smallest mistake can affect the entire audience’s experience. I mess up many times while volunteering as an audio technician, but it’s a learning experience due to this being my second year helping out the Church and my community. Additionally, I dedicate time to helping families affected by Congenital Heart Defect through a local foundation. There, I supervise and distribute food to families who have lost loved ones to the disease. Giving back has shown me that leadership is not only about personal success but also about uplifting others. I have been doing community service for two years of being in the Congenital Heart Defect, and I am grateful to volunteer and do community service to provide help and assistance for the church and the foundation. Looking ahead, I want to make a positive impact in my community through youth sports, especially Track and Field. I plan to mentor young athletes who may not believe in themselves or have access to proper training. Track taught me discipline, time management, and the importance of settling goals and skills that go far beyond competition. By starting youth clinics and volunteering as a coach, I hope to inspire kids to see their potential, not just as athletes but as leaders. I want to create an environment where effort is celebrated as much as talent and where every young person feels supported regardless of their background. My goal is to give back the same motivation that once pushed me forward, to show others that no matter where you start - success is possible through dedication, consistency, and belief in yourself.

Growing up in a low-income home has shaped the person I am today. My mom became a single parent at seventeen and has worked diligently to raise four children on her own. Watching her struggle but never giving up taught me the true meaning of strength and determination. Her sacrifices give me a drive to work hard every day to create a better life—not just for myself, but for my family. My goal is to carry us out of financial hardship and build a successful, stable future through promising education and perseverance. I've learnt the importance of hard effort in the classroom and on the track as a senior in high school with a 3.2 unweighted GPA. I've learned consistency, discipline, and focus from running track and field. During my four years of high school, I've learnt to be coachable, to never give up, and to persevere through any obstacle. Both my personal and academic lives gained value. I intend to major in either criminal law or finance in college. Both paths connect with my desire for justice and personal development. I want to provide a foundation of knowledge in finance so that families like mine may learn how to invest, manage money, and create wealth for coming generations. I want to use criminal law to improve justice and public safety while advocating for equity and fairness, particularly for people of color. I understand the experience of having to put in twice as much effort to be seen and heard since I am a BIPOC student. I always wanted to travel as a child but never had the opportunity, so I decided to leave New York and start over in a place like North Carolina or Florida. Both of them also provide warmer climates, more cheap housing, and chances to create a pleasant life for my future family. My goals are to get married, start a family, and establish a secure house free from financial worries. I want to demonstrate to my future children that anything is achievable with perseverance and faith. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial pressure on my mother, allowing me to focus fully on my studies and involvement in extracurricular activities without worrying about whether my education is affordable. It would also help achieve my academic and career goals, which center on making a positive impact in my community and society as a whole. Ultimately, this scholarship represents more than just financial support, it is a stepping stone toward building a better life for myself and my family while honoring the sacrifices my mother has made. I am ready to continue working hard, leading by example, and using every opportunity to build a better life. With the help of this scholarship, I can take the next step toward turning my dreams into reality—not just for me, but for my family and everyone who believes in me. This is my story so I hope this represents people who are in need and have strong desire

Growing up in a low-income home has shaped the person I am today. My mom became a single parent at seventeen and has worked diligently to raise four children on her own. Watching her struggle but never giving up taught me the true meaning of strength and determination. Her sacrifices give me a drive to work hard every day to create a better life—not just for myself, but for my family. My goal is to carry us out of financial hardship and build a successful, stable future through promising education and perseverance. I've learnt the importance of hard effort in the classroom and on the track as a senior in high school with a 3.2 unweighted GPA. I've learned consistency, discipline, and focus from running track and field. During my four years of high school, I've learnt to be coachable, to never give up, and to persevere through any obstacle. Both my personal and academic lives gained value. I intend to major in either criminal law or finance in college. Both paths connect with my desire for justice and personal development. I want to provide a foundation of knowledge in finance so that families like mine may learn how to invest, manage money, and create wealth for coming generations. I want to use criminal law to improve justice and public safety while advocating for equity and fairness, particularly for people of color. I understand the experience of having to put in twice as much effort to be seen and heard since I am a BIPOC student. I always wanted to travel as a child but never had the opportunity, so I decided to leave New York and start over in a place like North Carolina or Florida. Both of them also provide warmer climates, more cheap housing, and chances to create a pleasant life for my future family. My goals are to get married, start a family, and establish a secure house free from financial worries. I want to demonstrate to my future children that anything is achievable with perseverance and faith. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial pressure on my mother, allowing me to focus fully on my studies and involvement in extracurricular activities without worrying about whether my education is affordable. It would also help achieve my academic and career goals, which center on making a positive impact in my community and society as a whole. Ultimately, this scholarship represents more than just financial support, it is a stepping stone toward building a better life for myself and my family while honoring the sacrifices my mother has made. I am ready to continue working hard, leading by example, and using every opportunity to build a better life. With the help of this scholarship, I can take the next step toward turning my dreams into reality—not just for me, but for my family and everyone who believes in me

Growing up in a low-income home has shaped the person I am today. My mom became a single parent at seventeen and has worked diligently to raise four children on her own. Watching her struggle but never giving up taught me the true meaning of strength and determination. Her sacrifices give me a drive to work hard every day to create a better life—not just for myself, but for my family. My goal is to carry us out of financial hardship and build a successful, stable future through promising education and perseverance. I've learnt the importance of hard effort in the classroom and on the track as a senior in high school with a 3.2 unweighted GPA. I've learned consistency, discipline, and focus from running track and field. During my four years of high school, I've learnt to be coachable, to never give up, and to persevere through any obstacle. Both my personal and academic lives gained value. I intend to major in either criminal law or finance in college. Both paths connect with my desire for justice and personal development. I want to provide a foundation of knowledge in finance so that families like mine may learn how to invest, manage money, and create wealth for coming generations. I want to use criminal law to improve justice and public safety while advocating for equity and fairness, particularly for people of color. I understand the experience of having to put in twice as much effort to be seen and heard since I am a BIPOC student. I always wanted to travel as a child but never had the opportunity, so I decided to leave New York and start over in a place like North Carolina or Florida. Both of them also provide warmer climates, more cheap housing, and chances to create a pleasant life for my future family. My goals are to get married, start a family, and establish a secure house free from financial worries. I want to demonstrate to my future children that anything is achievable with perseverance and faith. Receiving this scholarship would ease the financial pressure on my mother, allowing me to focus fully on my studies and involvement in extracurricular activities without worrying about whether my education is affordable. It would also help achieve my academic and career goals, which center on making a positive impact in my community and society as a whole. Ultimately, this scholarship represents more than just financial support, it is a stepping stone toward building a better life for myself and my family while honoring the sacrifices my mother has made. I am ready to continue working hard, leading by example, and using every opportunity to build a better life. With the help of this scholarship, I can take the next step toward turning my dreams into reality—not just for me, but for my family and everyone who believes in me