Lincoln High School's Kids Making Miracles Club by Kylla

Lincoln High School's Kids Making Miracles Club by Kylla - November 2019 Scholarship Essay

During my four years at Lincoln high school, I have been involved in movements, walkouts and celebrations that thrive off the open mindedness of the Portland community. I am truly a part of a special city that welcomes and accepts new ideas, experiences, languages and backgrounds. My outstanding teachers have taught me to look beyond my bubble of privilege and comfort, and direct that power towards making change where others can't. My education has really advanced my views on the world as a whole and pushed me to start a club at Lincoln High School.
Since I was seven, I have had a strong connection with Doernbecher Children's Hospital. Raising money through church to support clean water initiatives in Haiti sparked my interest to help a cause closer to my community. My small "Hot Chocolate for Charity" fundraisers turned into a tradition within my neighborhood, and only continued to grow as I transitioned into high school. I started the Kids Making Miracles club at Lincoln high school out of a goal to expand and enhance the impact of my club within the organization. Kids making miracles is an organization through Doernbecher Children's hospital that works with high schools to fundraise for family housing, medicine and research costs; my passion for this cause pushed me to share it with the Lincoln community. As my club grew within the school, my fundraisers accelerated. In the last 10 years the annual donation of $200 has grown to over $800. The leadership role I possess through 4 years of running my club has challenged my patience, commitment, accountability and creativity. Kids Making Miracles is something I hope to implement and continue throughout my college career. As for my High School, Kids Making Miracles has brought together students from all grades and groups and has transformed this club into an inclusive circle. Tuesday lunch meetings have always been the highlight of my week; we all come together, build friendships, discuss fundraiser plans and make cards for the hospital.
I desire to continue spark change through involvement in clubs and celebrations, and to welcome new experiences with open arms. I have developed the values of acceptance, investment, imagination and kindness and I strive to reflect these morals throughout my career. The open heartedness of the KMM community I have built at Lincoln High School is truly one of a kind and I believe it has positively impacted our student body.