2022 Scholarship Winner: Kirstyn Brantley

Pursuing a higher education means nothing to me. At least, that's the mindset I used to have. My mom never ‘forced’, as most teenagers and young people would say, her kids to attend college. She always just wanted us to be better, to do better. To never follow her steps, which is why I now wish to pursue a higher education, Not only for her sake, but for the betterment of my black community. I believe I deserve this scholarship, so I can give back. Getting this scholarship would help me and my family financially. I've always wanted an opportunity to earn money in order to do something I love, and I think the door has opened for me with this scholarship. I participate in a lot of things around the school. I'm currently in the National Honors Society for having honorary grades throughout all 4 years here.

During my senior year alone, I accomplished quite a lot. I've had my first and sadly my last official year within the Marching Sound Machine Band as a Senior Flag. I have officially been in JROTC since freshman year, making it 4 years since I've first joined. Being in JROTC has taught me a lot about leadership and followership. I know what it takes to be dedicated to something you love and what it means to not give up on something important to you. Getting the opportunity to even be eligible for this scholarship is an eye-opener for my future. My rank is now 1st Lieutenant, since being promoted in December.

I even decided to run for Miss Carroll, but received my title as Miss Blue for the

school year 2021-2022. Being on the royal court means a lot to me and it adds on to my accomplishments and things I was scared to do before. I've obtained a job during my junior and

senior year, proving that I, if given the opportunity, will be able to uphold my responsibilities not

only inside of school, but outside as well. While growing up, I haven't really seen my peers get big opportunities, like full-ride scholarships. But when I do see it, it's only because she or he plays some type of sport. It's never because he's intelligent, or because she wants to become an entrepreneur. I will attend Delta Community College for my Associate's degree in Medical Coding, and then transfer to Jackson State for my Bachelor's in Journalism.

With both degrees, I will give my community many opportunities to succeed in the future . My main goal is to help others get where they need to be . Helping others means the world to me . I am always ready to help any and everyone in need . With me being there for others when they ' re down , it could get them through their hard times . Not only that , I will try to assist them solely based on experiences . I could help more if we have similar ways of thinking or if they went through rough times . I will strive to make a difference , starting with my community . I ' ll come back to the Monroe City School District and press onto them the topic of giving young writers, like myself , an opportunity to show people their works . I a lso wou ld like to help those in hospitals nowadays . There ' s too many young people dying from diseases not being treated or not Oy ta ses being noticed . I want to change that and maybe the world . What does pursuing a higher education means to me ? It means that I can help my community and give future students what wasn't given to me. An opportunity to shine.