My name is Deshaun Wilson, an 18-year-old high school senior aspiring to work in cybersecurity, however, working as a youth league umpire in Alpharetta, Georgia. Before umpiring, I worked at a farmers market but quickly realized it wasn’t for me. That changed when I discovered that the Alpharetta Youth Baseball Association (AYBA), where I play baseball, was hiring teenage umpires. As a lifelong baseball fan and player, I decided to step into officiating—a path I never expected. I had always dreamed of working in sports but never imagined the thrill and fulfillment umpiring would bring. My favorite umpiring moment came during the Fall 2024 8U Coach Pitch Championship Game. While I enjoy calling balls and strikes in kid-pitch games, coach-pitch games are my favorite. The constant action keeps the energy high, and this championship game was no exception. It was a back-and-forth contest, with both teams giving everything they had. Entering the final half-inning, the home team was down two runs. After a few hits and one run scored, the game reached a pivotal moment. With runners on first and second, the batter hit a grounder to the second baseman, who flipped it to the shortstop for a force out. I made the call—out! Suddenly, the runner from second turned and sprinted home. I quickly moved to clear a throwing lane as the shortstop fired to the catcher. The throw was on target, the tag was applied, and my fellow umpire at home plate made the game-ending call—out! The away team erupted in celebration, having won on a dramatic final play. As we walked off the field for the last time that season, I thought, “This is why we love baseball.” Umpiring has given me a new appreciation for the game and the officials who make split-second decisions under pressure. The speed of the game is incredible, and while umpires at higher levels face scrutiny, they get most calls right because they are the best in the business. Beyond the excitement, umpiring has shaped my character. It has strengthened my confidence, decision-making, communication skills, and ability to stay composed under pressure. Making close calls in front of passionate coaches, players, and parents has taught me to stand by my decisions and communicate effectively. It has also instilled a sense of responsibility and leadership that will benefit me in both academics and my future career. As I head to college, my umpiring journey isn’t over. I plan to attend one of Major League Baseball’s free Umpire Camps, held at Minor League and MLB stadiums. My goal is to earn a spot in an all-expenses-paid development camp, which could open doors to officiating at a higher level. While my focus will be on cybersecurity studies, I hope to continue umpiring, whether as a side profession or a long-term career. Umpiring has deepened my love for baseball and prepared me for the future in ways I never expected. Whether on the field making tough calls or in life making critical decisions, the skills I’ve gained will always be with me.

My name is Deshaun Wilson, and I am an 18-year-old high school senior preparing for an exciting chapter of my life at Columbus State University. I currently attend Innovation Academy, a public STEM high school in Georgia that has allowed me to explore my passion for technology and more importantly cybersecurity. Through rigorous coursework and hands-on experiences, I’ve received the Security+ cybersecurity certification which has built a strong foundation in the field. Now, I am eager to take the next step in my career by pursuing a two-year cyber Nexus degree at Columbus State University. This specialized program will provide me with the skills and certifications I need to enter the workforce quickly and begin making a meaningful impact in the cybersecurity industry which is more important than ever in a world full of hackers and malicious cybercriminals. Beyond my academic interests, I am deeply engaged in my community and strive to balance my pursuits with meaningful activities. Baseball has been a significant part of my life, teaching me discipline, teamwork, and perseverance—qualities that extend beyond the field. To share my love for the game, I work as a youth umpire, helping the next generation of baseball players and having fun while doing it. I also have a creative side, which I channel through writing. Writing allows me to express myself and explore ideas in ways that complement my technical studies and interests. Whether it’s decompressing by writing, writing sports journalism blogs on Medium, or writing an essay for an English class, I’ve always found myself deeply rooted to writing. This passion ultimately led to the co-founding of Hello Legendary Press, a children’s book company I started with my mom. Through our books, we aim to inspire young readers by creating stories that promote healthy habits such as self-care, eating vegetables, and exploring new hobbies. I also volunteer for a mental health institution named Silence the Shame where their mission is to promote and educate mental health practices to all. I’ve been involved in their social media initiatives, mental health panels, and even their secondary volunteer opportunities such as volunteering for homeless shelters on thanksgiving. Receiving the Anthony B. Davis Scholarship would be a huge opportunity for me. Financially, it would alleviate some of the burdens associated with higher education, enabling me to focus more on my studies and less on the costs. This support would allow me to dedicate myself to excelling in my coursework and pursuing internships or other opportunities that align with my career goals. More importantly, this scholarship would be an investment into my future. It would empower me to continue my journey in cybersecurity, where I hope to make meaningful contributions by protecting organizations and individuals from evolving cyber threats. It would also support my broader mission of inspiring others through my varied interests and pursuits, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, it is possible to excel in multiple areas and make a positive impact. In everything I do, from cybersecurity to baseball to children’s literature to mental health advocacy, my goal is to inspire and protect people in positive ways. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship and appreciate your consideration. Thank you for believing in students like me and for providing the support that helps us achieve our dreams.

Hank Aaron, most known for being a legendary baseball player but also a civil rights advocate, has inspired me not only as an athlete but as an African American who broke barriers in his time. As someone who grew up in Atlanta, it was impossible not to recognize him as a local hero. And as a baseball player myself, I find his journey deeply personal and motivating, not only because of his remarkable achievements on the field but also for his transformative impact and humility off it. Hank Aaron’s story is one of triumph over adversity. Born into poverty in Mobile, Alabama, during the peak of segregation and the Jim Crow era, he faced overwhelming challenges from an early age. Despite these obstacles, he developed an extraordinary talent for baseball and pursued his dreams with determination. Although his journey to Major League Baseball began after Jackie Robinson had broken baseball’s color barrier, it was anything but smooth. Yet, he never allowed racial discrimination to diminish him and instead let his performance on the field do the talking. He went on to break Babe Ruth’s home run record in 1974, one of the most prolific achievements in all of sports and African-American history. He achieved this milestone while enduring relentless racism and death threats. This courage and resilience remind me that perseverance and focus can overcome even the hardest challenges. As a young baseball player who grew up watching the Atlanta Braves, I look up to Hank Aaron’s commitment to excellence. He didn’t just play the game—he mastered it through consistency, leaving a legacy that redefined greatness. His 755 career home runs, a record that stood for decades, spoke to his skill and dedication. Yet, his greatness extends far beyond statistics. Aaron’s ability to maintain composure and professionalism is a lesson in integrity that I strive to embody both on and off the field. Living in Atlanta, a city deeply connected to Hank Aaron’s legacy, I often feel the echoes of his contributions. From the Hank Aaron Terrace at Truist Park to stories shared by fans who witnessed his greatness, his impact resonates across the city. Being part of this community adds a personal dimension to my admiration for him. It feels as though his story is intertwined with my own journey, pushing me to aim higher and remain steadfast in the face of challenges. However, Hank Aaron’s impact wasn’t confined to baseball. Off the field, he used his platform to advocate for civil rights and support underserved communities across Atlanta. Through his philanthropic efforts, such as the Chasing the Dream Foundation, he provided resources and opportunities for young people to pursue their aspirations. His dedication to giving back reminds me of the importance of using whatever influence or privilege I have to uplift others. Reading The Last Hero: A Life of Henry Aaron by Howard Bryant further deepened my admiration. The biography highlights Hank Aaron’s life after baseball and his commitment to empowering minorities. The author, Howard Bryant, captures his character so vividly that readers feel as though they’ve known him personally. All in all, Hank Aaron’s life symbolizes resilience, humility, consistency, and excellence. He inspires me to dream big, work hard, and give back, no matter what. As I navigate my own path as an athlete and a member of my community, he serves as a role model, reminding me of the power of determination and the lasting impact of integrity.

Throughout my whole life I've been fortunate enough to be surrounded by adequate STEM education. From an early age, these experiences enabled my curiosity, developed my skills, and inspired me to pursue a STEM major, specifically in cybersecurity—a path influenced by my uncle and stepdad, whose insights inspired my career choice. Early on, in elementary school, I attended a charter school that promoted STEM education. We were exposed to chrome books and worked on projects to address nature's biggest challenges. Using TinkerCad's 3D software, we created shelter designs for farm animals, with each class nominating a design that would be narrowed down to one for the whole grade. This experience taught us how technology can change the world. As I transitioned into middle school, my interest in technology gained momentum when we received personal devices to explore. We used these for projects aimed at solving global problems, including an Earth Science project where we created animations on various topics. This experience elevated my understanding of technology's potential to make a significant difference. Currently, I attend Innovation Academy (IA), the first public STEM school in my county. Encouraged by my middle school counselor, I was accepted into the inaugural class graduating in 2021. IA offers a unique two-year cybersecurity course—one of the few in the county. Here, I've gained hands-on experience breaking down computers, simulating cyber-attacks, and designing network and security systems. Looking to the future, I plan to continue my studies in cybersecurity at Columbus State University. Their two-year Nexus degree offers a direct path into the cyber industry, allowing me to quickly transition into a professional role where I can make a difference. The program's emphasis on computer science skills and real-world applications will help me tackle challenges in our technology-driven world. Being in the STEM field isn't about advancing my career but rather advancing the world. I hope my contributions to cybersecurity can protect individuals, businesses, and systems in a world corrupted by unethical hacking. By combining the knowledge I've learned with skills from Columbus State, I aim to fortify the digital world and protect critical infrastructure from emerging cyber threats. I'm excited about the opportunities ahead and eager to make a meaningful impact in the cybersecurity field.