Tag: college

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2025 Scholarship Winner Spotlight: Ryleigh Brenamen-Trumbull

Today I’m spotlighting another one of our Build A Better Future Scholarship winners, Ryleigh Brenamen -Trumbull. Ryleigh recently graduated from high school and is currently attending The Ohio State University, where she will be majoring in Marketing and Non-Profit work. She loves being with her family, going to pretty places in nature, and ice cream.

Ryleigh’s project, ALS Awareness Campaign, aimed to raise awareness and support for ALS and ALS research. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive nervous system disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, eventually leading to muscle weakness, decreased or loss of motor control, and paralysis. There is currently not a cure for ALS, but research is being done to better understand this disease and hopefully find a cure.

Ryleigh began her project when her grandmother was diagnosed with ALS. Ryleigh realized that not many people really understood what ALS entails, and she was determined to show her grandmother just how much she cared and how important this cause was to her. Working with her DECA advisor at school, Ryleigh created a plan to advocate for those suffering with this terrible disease. 

Ryleigh conducted research to determine what kind of fundraisers would both engage people and raise the most funds. She hosted several fundraisers, including a Strike-Out ALS bowling tournament, 2 Trivia Nights, a Corn Hole Tournament, an Empathy Dinner, and an Ice Bucket Challenge. Through these events, she educated people about ALS and raised money that was donated directly to Hoenselaar Clinical Trial Program in Detroit, Michigan. Through her fundraising efforts, Ryleigh was able to raise and donate over $29,000 to go toward ALS research! 

Though she has now graduated from high school and moved on to college, she hopes to continue her efforts as much as she can. She writes, “I was accepted into the Advocates for Communities and Education Scholars Program at OSU, so I plan to try to bring this cause to this group to hopefully continue to raise awareness and possibly funds in Columbus. I also would love if my DECA chapter continued the project. Lastly, I am currently working with my family to create a scholarship under my mema’s name that has some kind of special essay based around ALS or other disease related.”

This project has had a significant impact on Ryleigh. She said, “This project had an amazing impact on me and what I want to do with my life. It truly showed me what I’m capable of and how much of an impact I can make at such a young age. It has now changed what I want to dedicate my life to.” She was incredibly lucky to have a great support system that included her mom and dad, step-parents, grandpa, aunts, uncles, friends, her boyfriend, and her DECA advisor. 

What an amazing project for such a critical cause! Through her efforts and donated funds, I’m certain that Ryleigh was able to bless the lives of many who suffer from this terrible disease. We wish her luck as she begins her college experience and as she continues to advocate for ALS awareness and research!

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A Difficult Post

Columbine High School. Robb Elementary School. Sandy Hook Elementary. Santa Fe High School. Marjory Stoneman Douglas High school. Virginia Tech University.

Do any of these sound familiar? These schools are all tied together by one thing— one thing that no school should ever be marked by: senseless acts of violence in the form of mass shootings. 

Today feels heavy. Another school experienced tragedy this morning as it was attacked with a senseless act of violence. More children, teachers, school staff, and families traumatized because of one person’s decision. Their lives will never be the same again, forever marked by this day and its events. 

Hearing about these kinds of tragedies happening is hard, and it never gets easier. I think if it did easier to hear, that would mean we’ve become desensitized and numb to the issue, and I hope we never reach that point. I honestly hope there comes a day when we don’t even have to worry about this kind of stuff happening in our schools. 

It’s horrific to think that our children have to practice shelter in place and active shooter drills at school. No child should ever have to worry about that. But the sad reality is that they do. I’m grateful for teachers who take these drills seriously and who would do anything to keep their students safe in the event of an emergency. It’s a heavy responsibility to place on our teachers’ shoulders, but it’s one that they take on when they choose to become a teacher. 

I was a sophomore in high school when the Columbine High School Massacre happened. I remember being in complete shock and disbelief that something so evil and cruel could happen. It was such a foreign concept to me. I wish it was still a foreign concept. 

While I wish I could say that this sort of thing will never happen again, history has proven to us that that is unfortunately not likely. Even though we cannot control what other people choose to do, we can control ourselves. As teachers, we can create a safe, loving environment in our classrooms. We can prioritize the safety of our students and make sure we have a plan of action that can be quickly implemented if ever the need arise. 

And while I know that there isn’t a one-and-done, super easy solution to this epidemic, we can do our best to treat one another with kindness, respect, and love. We can teach our children to do the same. We can and must stand up against violent, senseless acts, because our children deserve that from us. 

So today, take a minute to hold your loved ones a little closer and a little longer. Teach them to be kind. Teach them to respect others and to stand up for what is right, even if no one else does. 

This world we live in today is anything but easy, but we can do our best to face it with courage and strength. And to those who have personally been affected by these terrible, senseless acts, I send my love and share your heartache. May you be lifted and carried as you grieve. 

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2025 Scholarship Winner Spotlight: Maria Avila-Silva

Today I’m spotlighting another one of our incredible Build A Better Future Scholarship awardees, Maria Avila-Silva. Maria’s project, called Pathfinders, was founded with the goal to help immigrant and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students like herself build confidence and find access to the resources needed for post-high school education.

Maria resides in Florida, where she recently graduated from high school. She also completed two semesters of the Innovation Academy Program at the University of Florida. She will be attending Santa Fe College this fall, with plans to major in economics on the pre-med track. Maria and her family immigrated to the United States from Venezuela when she was in middle school, and her favorite treat is Cri-Cri, which is a chocolate bar from Venezuela. 

When Maria and her family moved here to the US, she remembers feeling isolated, alone, and unseen. She didn’t know the language and felt intimidated. Because of her experience, she had the desire to help other immigrant students so they did not feel the same isolation and confusion she did. She told me, “I didn’t want anyone to feel as unseen or unsupported as I once did. I wanted to make sure that every student, no matter where they came from or what their background looked like, could have a fair and equal chance at going to college and pursuing something they love. I knew that without guidance, that dream could be out of reach for many so I became the person I once needed.” Thus, the idea of Pathfinders was born. 

Maria began by speaking with teachers to get their feedback, then researched strategies on how to teach and motivate students. She wanted to create a safe space for the students who would come through her program. While her project didn’t have any large expenses, there were some costs that needed to be covered. Maria wrote, “I… covered the costs myself, from snacks to materials, using money from a part-time job. I wanted students to know someone believed in them enough to invest in them personally.”

Projects like this don’t come without their difficulties. For Maria, that meant trying to balance her project with her own academic responsibilities. She quickly learned strong time management skills, learned to prioritize, plan ahead, and ask for help when it was needed. 

As she learned to balance it all, the project grew and so did its impact. Not only did Pathfinders make a difference for immigrant and ESOL students, the general student body began to take notice, bringing more understanding and respect for the immigrant ESOL students. The students involved with Pathfinders became more confident— asking questions, getting involved, and finding a place in their school community. With Maria’s guidance and help, students in Pathfinders were able to apply for (and some even received) scholarships, apply to college, and find the resources they needed to be successful. This program created a family of students, who came together from different backgrounds, all with a common goal— to feel seen, included, and successful.

Though she is preparing to begin her college courses, Maria plans to maintain contact with her students, and to continue to be available to answer their questions about college, scholarships, and housing, or to simply talk through their concerns. Maria’s goal was to help students find their way and purpose, and in doing so, she also found hers. She said, “I made lifelong friendships and learned the true value of showing up for others. It taught me that action speaks louder than words, and that change doesn’t have to come from a big organization or a massive budget, it can start with one person deciding not to stay silent. It deepened my love for community work and affirmed that my purpose lies in using my voice to empower others. If I had the chance to do it all over again, I would, a thousand times over.”

What an amazing project, Maria! I have no doubt you made an incredible and lasting impact on the students you worked with and helped. Thank you for sharing your talents and passion with the students involved in Pathfinders, and for allowing us to get a glimpse into the amazing and powerful change you brought. We wish you the best of luck as you move forward with your college career!

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What I Wish I’d Known: College Edition

Remember when you were younger and you used to think about what life would look like after you graduated high school? You’d dream about setting up your college dorm, hanging out with your roommates, and living your best college life. You could hardly wait for the day to come! It seemed like you’d be stuck in high school for ever, but looking back now, it went by in the blink of an eye. And that day you so anxiously anticipated? It’s almost here. In fact, reality might be starting to set in as you get closer to your first day of college. It’s new and exciting, but also maybe a little bit scary. And that’s okay. You’ve never done this before, so of course there are going to be some hesitations and uncertainties.

But you know what? You can do this! You’ve got lots of people cheering you on and wanting you to succeed. Everyone’s college experience will be different and unique to them, but somewhere along the way, everyone needs help figuring out this new stage of life. Here are a few tips I wish I would have known before starting college!

1- It’s okay if you don’t know what you want to major in!

Start with your generals, and maybe take a class or two that focus on a couple of areas of study you are leaning toward. It’s also okay to switch your major part way through your schooling. I went into college thinking I wanted to be an elementary or early childhood educator, then switched to nursing, and then, ultimately, I decided secondary education was the best fit for me. Did it take me a tad longer to get through my degree because of that? Yep. But I don’t regret it one bit; I graduated knowing that I was getting a degree in what I wanted. I had explored other options, realized they weren’t for me, and found what was. 

2- Learn how to manage your time.

You’re an adult now— you’ve got to figure out a time management system that works for you. If you need to get a planner to organize assignments, study times, and social events, then get a planner. If you know you study best in the morning, make sure to set aside time for that. If you get going along and discover that something isn’t working for you, make adjustments as needed. Make sure you are getting enough sleep so that your mind is clear and ready to learn and focus. Balancing school, work, social, and other life responsibilities can be tricky. Be sure to prioritize what you need to and fill in the remainder of your time with the rest. But one thing is sure— don’t forget to schedule time for some self care and fun. You’ll burn yourself out if you hide away and only do school work. Your studies are important, but so are you— take time to take care of yourself!

3- Create a support system.

This is especially important if you have moved away from home to attend college. Find yourself a group of people who can support you and help you. You might have different groups for different needs— perhaps you will find one group of friends from within your major, and you all study together and help each other learn the content. Maybe you will find friends who are your go-tos during down time and fun times. Whatever the case may be, make sure you have people to lean on, and equally as important, make sure that you are that person for someone else! 

4- Have fun!

College is such a fun time of life. You have the chance to meet so many new and interesting people. Invest in relationships that will last a lifetime. Set boundaries for yourself and make sure you are safe in all the ways. Take time to slow down and relax when you can. Don’t be so focused on school that you forget how beautiful life is. Maintain your hobbies the best you can, and cultivate friendships with people you can do those hobbies with. Figure out who you are and where you stand with important political, social, and ethical issues. Get out and explore the area around you. Remember that your experience is what you make it— so make it a good one!

This is an exciting time of life for so many reasons. Take the chance, make the memories, and do your best— life is so much richer if you do!

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Trade Schools– Anything but an Easy Out

I was talking with my friend and a teen girl in our neighborhood the other day, and the topic of jobs came up. My friend mentioned that her brother worked for our city doing various things such as snow plowing, clearing water lines, driving the city’s bigger trucks, etc. The young girl who was with us misunderstood and thought that meant he was also a garbage truck driver. Her immediate response was, “Ew! I wouldn’t want to do that!” We clarified that he didn’t drive the garbage trucks, explained again what it was that he did, then talked about how important all jobs are. Can you even imagine a world without our garbage workers, snow plow drivers, and sewer technicians? I don’t even want to think about what things would be like without hard working people who do those jobs. 

There are so many kinds of jobs out there— there is something for everyone— and not every job requires a bachelor’s degree or higher. Colleges and universities offer a wide selection of degrees and areas of study. While traditional colleges are great for some, they aren’t great for everyone. So what do you do if you want an education, but don’t really want to attend a traditional college or university? Perhaps a trade school might be a good fit!

Trade schools are so valuable! They provide education and opportunities to many people, and the jobs they train and educate people for are essential jobs in our society. Trade schools offer a wide variety of career training options— such as skilled trades, medical, business, automotive, digital arts, and more. These career fields are crucial! We need people who can properly and safely install the electrical wiring in a new building. We need nurse assistants and dental hygienists. If it weren’t for auto mechanics, a lot of us would be in heaps of trouble when our cars stopped working correctly. Imagine the chaos that could happen if your water lines burst— thank goodness for plumbers! Welders are crucial for creating the steel infrastructure of large buildings. Cosmetologists keep us looking our best. I’m especially thankful for HVAC techs who come fix my air conditioning when it breaks in the middle of a heat wave! 

Not only do trade schools provide the necessary education for these important jobs, they also provide hands on training and experience. Many offer apprenticeships, allowing students to dive right into the nitty-gritty of their chosen field. Experience is truly the best educator. I know I certainly wouldn’t be too excited about having a phlebotomist attempt to draw my blood without any prior practice, nor would I trust someone to properly install electrical wiring and components in my home who hasn’t had hands-on experience doing so. 

Other kinds of jobs have their own specific “trade” schools. Police officers, pilots, and others have specialized schools and academies that only offer instruction that is very specific to that particular career field. These schools are often separate from other programs and colleges. 

Traditional colleges and universities are valuable in their own right, and so are trade schools. They each have their value and place. It truly is an amazing thing to have so many kinds of education at our fingertips. There really is something for everyone. Trade schools are every bit as important as a four year college, master’s program, or doctorate program. They each provide specialized instruction for many career areas and allow for people of all walks of life to gain the necessary education for their interests. 

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New Logo, Who Dis?

The time has come to unveil the new branding for our scholarship! As I stepped into the role of scholarship chair and content writer, I began noticing some variations in the way that those who came before me referred to the scholarship. The original name for our scholarship was the Design A Better Future scholarship (which I’m assuming came from the fact that the projects needs to be based on the design thinking cycle). But as the years went on, it also started being referred to as the Build A Better future scholarship and both titles started being used interchangeably.

In order to *hopefully* limit future confusion, I decided to update the scholarship logo and declare one title to be the official title from now on. The HGU scholarship will henceforth be known as the Build A Better Future scholarship. I felt as though using the verb “design” was too passive and wasn’t giving our applicants enough credit. Yes, they are using the design thinking cycle but they are also going above and beyond to bring their designs to life.

design a better future scholarship high school seniors

In addition to updating the logo and title, the website has been updated with all the information needed for our 2023 scholarship! I look forward to seeing how the next group of applicants works on building a better future for their communities. If you or anyone you know is a high school senior that will be graduating in 2023, you can find more information regarding the scholarship here and here. Please email scholarship@honorsgraduation.com with any questions. Good luck!

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Introducing Mia Gregory: A 2022 Scholarship Winner

This is part of a series of blog posts introducing you to our 2022 Build A Better Future scholarship recipients and their projects. We hope you will find their stories as inspiring as we do! For information on our scholarship, click here.

It’s time to introduce another scholarship awardee! When Mia Gregory was in the 8th grade, she really began noticing the homeless community in her neighborhood. Instead of feeling sorry for them, she decided to take action. She explained the motivation behind her project as follows:

“I knew that I could never solve homelessness directly, but to me, it was more about making them feel loved despite their hard situations. I didn’t like the awkwardness of turning your head from them as if they weren’t human. I wanted them to know that I saw them and that they deserved care.”

And love them she did.

Pass It On bags became Mia’s way to serve the displaced people in her area. Each bag contains food, water, hygiene products, socks, and a pamphlet to connect them to a church organization that provides shelter for the homeless. All throughout high school, she kept a bag or two in her car to hand out to those who needed them. She wrote down her thoughts and feelings about what she was seeing and shared it with her peers. Her words encouraged others to donate supplies and many decided to keep bags of their own to pass out.

Mia has also started connecting with local churches and organizations to raise more awareness for her project; ensuring that bags are still being created and shared after she leaves for school. She is hoping that once word gets out, more donations will come in and more people will be inspired to pass out bags and interact with those who are so often ignored. She will be attending Lipscomb University and is already researching the area and brainstorming ways to network with the university’s mission program to establish Pass It On bags within the Nashville community.

“It’s time to take action, love them anyway, and pass it on.”