Rotary Scholarship Applications

• Service Above Self
• Merit
• Bigelow

From a young age, I was taught that real leadership begins with service. My journey as a student, athlete, and volunteer has been driven by the desire to give back—whether that’s mentoring a teammate, supporting a younger student, or uplifting someone in need. Service is not a checklist for me; it’s a lifelong mindset. My most enduring service has been through the Shriners "Run for a Child," an event I’ve participated in for seven consecutive years. Not only have I run every year, but I’ve also raised over $7,500 to support Shriners Hospitals for Children. This annual tradition is more than a race—it’s a personal commitment to helping children and families in need of critical care. I’ve also volunteered for other Shriners events, including the Central Oregon Jingle Bell Run, where I helped decorate and operate the parade float, and promoted their mission in my community. Through my church, I’ve served as an usher and volunteered as a counselor for Friday Friendzy, a Christian youth group. These experiences have allowed me to grow spiritually while also creating safe, welcoming spaces for younger children. I’ve also found joy in supporting local organizations like Abby’s Closet, where I helped with outreach and promotions to ensure teens in need could access free formal wear and feel confident and celebrated. As a varsity athlete and academic mentor, I’ve made service part of my everyday life. I volunteer at Lakeridge Youth Softball Camps, coaching young girls not only in softball technique but also in confidence, sportsmanship, and teamwork. I also support younger students in their academics by serving as a mentor in Biology, GeoScience, and PreCalculus. Whether it's on the field or in the classroom, I strive to be someone others can count on. My commitment to service also led me to intern at the Oregon Outpatient Surgical Center, where I supported staff, prepared facilities, and tracked quality assurance data—gaining experience in healthcare while contributing to a system that serves the community. These acts of service have shaped my identity and strengthened my belief in giving more than you take. The Rotary Club’s core value—Service Above Self—aligns deeply with how I live my life. I hope to continue leading with compassion, expanding outreach programs for young girls in sports and STEM, and creating spaces where others feel seen, supported, and inspired to serve.

A significant labrum tear in my hip was more than just a physical injury—it was a defining moment that derailed my Division 1 softball recruitment and forced me to confront a painful reality. Years of training, sacrifice, and dreams seemed to vanish overnight. But rather than let the injury define me, I redefined what strength, perseverance, and leadership looked like in my life. Recovery wasn’t easy. I dedicated countless hours to physical therapy, cryotherapy and electrostimulation treatments. Every session tested my endurance, both mentally and physically, but I pushed through the pain with one goal in mind: to return to the circle and pitch again. That return wasn’t only a personal victory—it was a powerful reminder of what determination and discipline can achieve. This journey of healing also gave me an opportunity to redirect my energy into something equally meaningful: mentoring young athletes. I volunteered at summer softball camps, not just to teach the fundamentals of the sport, but to inspire the next generation of female athletes. Through my role as a counselor and mentor, I introduced campers to the powerful intersection of sports and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). What started as simple coaching evolved into a hands-on learning experience. I integrated physics into pitching drills, discussed the engineering behind sports equipment, and highlighted how to use data tracking to improve performance. I arranged for guest speakers—women in STEM fields—to share how science and technology influence everything from nutrition to injury prevention. My work has been rooted in a simple but powerful belief: that young girls can be strong athletes and curious scientists at the same time. I’ve seen firsthand how their confidence grows when they realize they can master both. I believe I am uniquely qualified for this scholarship through my demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity, a commitment to community impact, and a passion for empowering young women through education. The values of the Rotary Club—leadership, service, academic excellence, and perseverance—deeply resonate and align with my personal mission. It would be an honor to represent these ideals as a scholarship recipient. With your support, I hope to expand my efforts, continue mentoring, and one day create initiatives that combine sports and STEM—ensuring that more young girls see themselves not just as athletes, but as future engineers, scientists and leaders.

1. What is your status with respect to applications for admission to colleges and universities?
I have completed the college application process and am currently preparing for enrollment.

2. To which schools have you applied?
I applied to several institutions with strong aerospace engineering programs, including Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University.

3. Where have you been accepted?
I have received admission offers from several universities, including the University of Colorado Boulder, Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, Penn State, Arizona State University (Honors Program), and the University of Maryland. After careful consideration, I have chosen to attend Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, where I have been accepted into the Aerospace Engineering Honors Program. I plan to pursue a double major in Spacecraft Design and Rocket Propulsion.

At this time, I have not received any full tuition scholarship or grant. I am actively applying for scholarships and financial aid opportunities to help support my education.