My first year at Brandywine High School was like stepping into a new country. It takes a
little time to fin it. As freshmen, we are the smallest and the youngest. I wasn't quite
comfortable there and was nervous and shy. I joined Key Club only because it was easy. In
my sophomore year, I became more comfortable and more involved. I again joined Key Club
and I joined the baseball team. Playing baseball has been a part of me since kindergarten and
although we haven't had any championship seasons, I have been proud to be a part of the
team and to represent my school.
If I should be the scholarship winner, I will use the money towards my tuition at the
University of Delaware. I will be pursuing an Associate of Arts degree at the Wilmington
campus and plan on moving on to main campus in two years to earn my Bachelors degree I
the field of science. My family and I were counting on the SEED scholarship to help with the
cost of my education, however, we have already been told that the state does not have the
money to award scholarships to all of us who are eligible. As the third child to be going to
college from my family, I understand the meaning of "every little bits helps". Being awarded
this scholarship will be a great way to start this new chapter on my life.
Daniel
Essay Scholarship Winners for 2011
While my brother was attending medical school, I had the thrillling opportunity to visit his
Gross Anatomy class. I will never forget seeing firsthand the intricate working of the human
body. This intriguing experience sparked my interest in the study of biology and
neuromedicine. Studying the biological sciences is more than simply memorizing mere facts
from a textbook. I find it especially appealing because it is an engaging discipline that
teaches us to ask questions, make observations, evaluate evidence, and solve problems.
The hands-on aproach to challenging labs associated with biology, biochemistry, and
neuroscience will provide an enriching opportunity to enhance my educational experience.
While pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree at Duke University, I look forward to
conducting independent research under the direction of leading professors in the field. A
degree in biology or neuroscience will provide me with a solid foundation and excellent
preparation in achieving my goal of attending medical school and devoting my life to
helping others. As a physian I plan to specialize in sports orthopedics, cardiology, or
anesthesia.
Over the past four years, I have had the opportunity to spread my love for figure skating by
volunteering with Special Olympics skaters. My involvement with the Special Olympics
program has helped many disabled children gain a sense of belonging and achievement. On
the ice, their limitatons disappear, and many develop like every other beginner skater.
Helping the Special Olympic skaters has been extremely gratifying. Nothing is more
rewarding than seeing smiles spread across their faces when mastering new elements. It is
inspiring to watch my students accomplish things they never dreamed possible. Witnessing
the joy and excitement in my students' eyes as their parents beam with pride is a truly
fulfilling experience. Skating is my passion, and I feel blessed to be able to share my love for
the sport with others. With the recent economic downturn, many families in the area are
unable to secure employment and affordable housing. Consequently, more people are
seeking assistance from charitable organizations. Overall, donations are declining. As a
result, resources have been strained to the point that it is difficult to fulfill the community's
needs. I saw the struggles and challenges these organizations are facing as an opportunity
to become involved and help make a difference. As President of Brandywine's National
Honor Society and Vice President of Key Club, I organized and led several efforts to help
charitable groups meet their needs and overcome these difficult times. Under my leadership,
Brandywine's National Honor Society teamed up with Shoes to Share, a non-profit
organization providing on-going footwear relief to children and families in need. By placing
barrels around school, making posters, and raising awareness through announcements, we
were able to collect a substantial amount of new and gently used shoes. Over the past two
years, I have had the pleasure of working with the Salvation Army through its Red Kettle
Bell Ringing Campaign. Last year, I volunteered as an individual and raised over $2000. I
found the experience to be extremely rewarding and wanted to help this year on a larger
scale. This holiday season, I worked with the Major of the Wilmington, Delaware of the
Salvation Army and arranged a schedule for fellow Key Club memebers to participate with
the Red Kettle Campaign. As a result of my efforts, eleven Key Clubmembers joined as bell
ringers fo the first time. With high unemployment in the area, an increased number of people
are relying on food banks for assistance. Consequently, the food banks' supplies are nearly
depleted. to help re-stock shelves, I spearheaded a canned food drive at the Skating Club of
Wilmington. Throught he efforts of fellow skaters, coaches, parents, and staff, a total of
1580 cans were collected and presented to a local food bank.
As a student at Brandywine High, I have exemplified school spirit through my active
participation in a variety of school activities. To support the class of 2011, I have taken part
in several car washes and repeatedly contributed to my class's homecoming floats. In
addition, I am involved in many clubs at Brandywine, including National Honor Society, Key
Club, and National Spanish Honor Society. In an effort to lead Brandywine students, I ran
for multiple office positions and am currently President of NHS and Vice President of Key
Club. Receiving the BHS Alumni Association Scholarship wouldbe extremely meaningful to
me as it would help reduce the loans neede to further my education at Duke.
Kelsey