Fall 2024 Scholarship Winner

Mackenzie Bright

Mackenzie Bright is a fourth-year college student at West Virginia State University who is passionate about making a difference in her community. After her close friend received a devastating diagnosis, Mackenzie sprung into action and organized a blood drive. Mackenzie’s determination to help others will take her far in her career and in life. She is the embodiment of our scholarship, and we wish her all the best in the future.

Read Mackenzie’s Essay:

My best memory of making a difference within my community is when I hosted a blood drive through the Red Cross while I was in high school. Organizing the event was a significant effort that required careful planning, coordination, and promotion. The day of the drive was bustling with activity as volunteers set up stations and donors arrived to contribute. One of my friends signed up to donate blood, and when he came to donate, the medical team noticed that his hemoglobin was extremely low and advised him to see a doctor. This simple act of donating blood led to a life-altering discovery: my friend was diagnosed with leukemia.

The diagnosis was shocking and overwhelming, but it was also a turning point. My friend began treatment immediately and now takes a daily chemotherapy pill. Despite the challenges and hardships he faced during his treatment, he demonstrated remarkable resilience and strength. His journey through illness and recovery was inspirational to everyone around him. Today, he has overcome his illness and is preparing to welcome his first child into the world. This experience showed me the profound impact that community service can have—not just in the immediate act of helping, but in the life-changing consequences that can follow.

Witnessing the positive outcome of the blood drive reaffirmed my commitment to community service. I hope to always be an active member of my community, lending a helping hand and volunteering whenever I can to support and uplift others. My role as a future educator can guide me along the path to positively impacting children's lives for years to come. Through education, I can inspire students to contribute to their communities, fostering a cycle of kindness, empathy, and support.

In the near future, I hope to initiate programs that address local needs, such as organizing community clean-up days, setting up food drives, or creating after-school tutoring sessions for underprivileged children. These efforts can bring about positive changes, helping to create a stronger, more connected community. By engaging in these activities, I aim to not only provide immediate assistance but also to empower others to take part in community service. The sense of fulfillment and purpose that comes from helping others is immeasurable, and I want to share that experience with as many people as possible.

I believe this type of service is important because it builds a sense of unity and purpose. When we work together to address common challenges, we create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and cared for. Community service fosters empathy, resilience, and a shared responsibility for the well-being of our neighbors. It reminds us that even small actions can have significant, far-reaching effects. For instance, organizing a blood drive, participating in local clean-up efforts, or mentoring a child can all have profound impacts on individuals and the community as a whole.

Hosting the blood drive and witnessing its impact on my friend's life underscored the importance of giving back. It reinforced my belief in the power of community service to transform lives and inspired me to continue seeking ways to make a difference. By dedicating my time and efforts to various causes, I hope to create a positive ripple effect that encourages others to join in and contribute to their communities. Through dedication, compassion, and collective action, we can all contribute to a better, healthier, and more supportive world.

In conclusion, the experience of hosting a blood drive and its subsequent impact on my friend's life has been a powerful reminder of the importance of community service. It has shown me that our actions, no matter how small they may seem, can lead to significant and meaningful changes. As I continue my journey, I am committed to making a positive difference in my community and inspiring others to do the same. Together, we can build a brighter future for everyone.