Supporting my Community by Saylor

Supporting my Community by Saylor - December 2016 Scholarship Essay

My freshman year, I was accepted into the West Albany High School leadership class. Leadership does various activities within the community and plans many school events. Events include, the school Red Cross blood drive, a Thanksgiving food drive, raking leaves for those who are not able to do so themselves, and planning dances and assemblies. My junior year, I was fortunate enough to be a chair for our blood drive. After months of planning and anxiety, we were able to pull off a successful drive, collecting enough blood to save around 200 lives. Junior year was also the year I was awarded the School and Community Service Award. One boy and one girl earn it from each class and it is given for recognition of the hours spent assisting the community and leading the school. This award was unexpected, but overwhelmingly appreciated. Of all the accomplishments in my high school career, this award meant the most because of the meaning behind it.
I am from an extremely athletic, sport-minded family. Summers were spent in a gym, traveling to tournaments, and had little time for socialization or work in the community. Ending my sophomore year, I decided to stop the traveling for club basketball, and focus on academics, leadership, and only high school sports. This was the toughest decision of my life, because basketball was the way I would pay for college. I knew with hard work in the classroom and dedication in serving the community, I would be able to pay for college by waiting tables, and filling out scholarships. I began spending more time doing homework and signing up for more community service opportunities, such as volunteering at elementary school carnivals, keeping score for children's basketball games at our local Boys and Girls Club, and helping prepare the freshman for their first year in high school. When the school's awards assembly was coming up, I was notified that I would be receiving the School and Community Service Award, and I had never felt so proud; there could be success outside of a gym. This award will always be special because it has shown me there are other ways to be victorious without hitting the game winning shot.
As my high school career comes to an end, I think back to the day I stopped following my path to collegiate basketball. I feel I have made the right choice in pursuing leadership, and I hope to minimize college expenses as a result of my decision. Not only has leadership helped me become more involved in school, it has shown me the person I strive to be when entering college and eventually the real world.