Sherman S. Howard Legacy Foundation Scholarship

I have been a part of my Pentecostal church, Victorious Church of God in Christ, since I was three years old. When I was younger, when I would go to church the only things that stuck with me and that I understood were taught in Sunday school. As I got older, I was faced with more responsibility to be more involved with the church. Being involved was not just about going to church on Sundays, it was about expanding my knowledge and being a part of every event I could. Youth conventions, prayer conferences, bible bowls, vacation bible school, and many other events are brought to our attention in the church. Everyone in the church is encouraged to attend these events and advise others in our community to as well. A lot of people in the community near the church have big families and are not able to make it to church. Being a long-time member of the church, I am always eager to share information about what's going on and how anyone can be a part of our family. I have promoted our VBS program each summer to the community. It gives those parents with big families a chance to get their kids involved in the church and also take a load off their backs during the day. During the holiday season, there are lots of people in the community who are not as fortunate as others to provide their family or themselves with a nice Thanksgiving dinner. Once a month at the church we have a mobile food pantry come to our church and distribute free food and groceries to the community. Other members of the church and I were advised of the dates and then spread this information around the community. This continues to warm my heart because of the relief and happiness of the people coming to collect food. They are so grateful and the fact that we have the means to do this each month is amazing because they will always have someone to go to. During Christmas, people are working overtime to be able to put gifts under the tree for their children. In December, Me and my family, as well as other members of the church, buy toys and donate them to children of the community around us. This is something I'm extremely passionate about because seeing that huge smile on a child's face is so heartwarming. Encouraging everyone in the church to participate, even if it's just one toy each, makes all the difference. Each year the amount of toys grows, exceeding our expectations. Being involved in my church has helped my community out tremendously and I am continuing to come up with more ideas to help the people around us. My church is open to anyone coming in and being a part of our family. We are open to helping anyone, regardless of if they are involved in the church. Everyone has a story we don't know about. God loves everyone and encourages us to do the same. Helping out the people around me, regardless of whether I know them or not, has become a part of my values because of my church and I am forever grateful for that.

Nurturing Community Through Faith: My Involvement in the Local Church The Sherman S. Howard Legacy Foundation Scholarship presents a unique opportunity for me to reflect on the profound impact of my involvement in the local church and its instrumental role in shaping my commitment to community service. As a dedicated member of my church community, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of faith-driven service and its lasting effects on the well-being of our local community. Active participation in my local church has not only deepened my spiritual convictions but has also instilled in me a sense of responsibility toward serving others. Through various church-led initiatives, including community outreach programs and volunteer opportunities, I have been able to channel my faith into meaningful action. These experiences have provided a platform for me to extend a helping hand to those in need within our community. One of the key ways my involvement in the church has contributed to community service is through organized outreach events. From food drives to clothing donations, our church community actively engages in initiatives that directly benefit the less fortunate. This hands-on involvement has taught me the importance of empathy and the value of lending support to those facing challenges. Additionally, my church has been a catalyst for collaborative community projects. By partnering with local organizations and charities, we have been able to amplify the impact of our service efforts. Through teamwork and shared values, we have tackled issues such as homelessness, education disparities, and access to healthcare. These collaborative ventures have broadened my perspective on community needs and fostered a spirit of unity among diverse groups. Furthermore, my involvement in church-led youth programs has allowed me to connect with and mentor younger members of the community. Through activities like tutoring, mentorship, and leadership development, I have had the privilege of contributing to the personal and academic growth of local youth. These experiences have reinforced my belief in the power of education as a tool for empowerment and community upliftment. Receiving the Sherman S. Howard Legacy Foundation Scholarship would not only recognize my commitment to community service but also provide the financial support needed to continue making a positive impact. This scholarship would enable me to pursue higher education and, in turn, equip me with the knowledge and skills to contribute even more effectively to the well-being of my community. In conclusion, my involvement in the local church has been a guiding force in my dedication to community service. It has been a source of inspiration, fostering a sense of compassion and a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others. The Sherman S. Howard Legacy Foundation Scholarship represents an opportunity to further align my academic pursuits with my passion for community service, creating a lasting legacy in the spirit of Sherman S. Howard. Thank you for considering my application.