Firstly, I want to thank the Wheaton North Alumni Association for this honor, and I am extremely proud to be a recipient of this scholarship. Throughout my four years at Wheaton North, the staff alongside my peers have tremendously impacted my development as a person. When I first entered high school as a freshman, I felt heavily disconnected from everyone due to the pandemic. I struggled to find an academic interest and activities to partake in, but thanks to the wonderful faculty and encouragement from friends, I began to participate more than ever. The highlight of my time at North was the Theater program, which drastically improved my confidence and public speaking ability. Additionally, I joined PAWS and Key Club, which allowed me to make a direct, positive impact throughout my community. I learned the valuable lessons of hard work, dedication, and teamwork through these activities, and I will continue to use them in my everyday life. I am extraordinarily thankful for my experiences at Wheaton North, and especially for my teachers who have helped me find my academic passion in Psychology. I plan to attend the University of the Pacific where I will pursue my Psychology degree. Thank you for aiding my further education, and I am eager to use the invaluable skills Wheaton North has provided me in university and beyond.

I would like to begin by saying being selected as one of the 2024 Wheaton North Alumni Association Boost Scholarship recipients is a great honor. Wheaton North High School has had a tremendous impact on me, it’s the place where I grew not only as a student but as a person. Going into my freshman year I was heavily introverted and liked to keep to myself. As my journey through high school progressed I started meeting new teachers and people that helped me step outside of my comfort zone, and for that I will always be grateful. Being part of our school’s Black Student Alliance Club from my freshman year through my senior year helped me find my voice in the school and allowed me and my classmates to make a difference in our community. Becoming Secretary of this club my junior year helped reinforce what the school and club taught me from the start which was the meaning of responsibility, determination, and integrity. Next fall I will be studying to become a Dental Hygienist. I chose this profession because it gives me the opportunity to make a positive impact on the health of others.

Thank you Wheaton North, for helping me become the person I am today and guiding me towards a better future. And thank you to The Wheaton North Alumni Association for helping me achieve my dreams with this scholarship as I continue my education at Loyola University in Chicago. At Wheaton North, I started my freshman year virtually, therefore moving into my sophomore year, I was nervous about making friends. Little did I know, I didn’t have to worry, because Wheaton North is a great community where I made friends and didn’t have to “fit in.” I also didn’t know what I wanted to pursue, but as I took classes, my interest sparked leaning more toward science-related classes. In addition, I like to help others. I have made many great relationships with the teachers and students and had so many opportunities to be involved in school. As an immigrant coming from a very small country with a not-great education system, this scholarship will help me start off my college career on a high note. Being the first person in my family to attend college with the help of Wheaton North is very rewarding. I will be attending Loyola University in Chicago and will be majoring in Nursing. I am hoping to become a nurse so that I can go back to my home country, Myanmar, and be able to volunteer at places where there is no access to medical help. Thank you again to The Wheaton North Alumni Association for rewarding me with this scholarship to help me pursue my dream and passion.

I really enjoyed my time at Wheaton North. My favorite moments would have to be all the time spent playing football. Especially on Fridays. Next year I will be attending The University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. Currently I am undecided on what I want to major in but I am strongly considering finance or business. I am very honored to meet the requirements and characteristics needed for the award.

I want to start by thanking the Wheaton North Alumni Association for this amazing scholarship which will help to launch my education at Purdue University, where I will be studying Aerospace Engineering.

I know I would not have the amazing opportunities I have had without the strong foundation of Wheaton North High School and the Wheaton community. From the start of my highschool career I found a strong community in the countless teams and clubs at Wheaton North. Throughout all four years I have been a member of the COOP Swim Team where I have built skills in leadership and teamwork which led me to become the Varsity Team Captain. Later into my highschool career I found interest in the field of aerospace and was able to assist in founding the aerospace club which really sparked my interest for the field of study and my desire for lifelong learning. Over the summer of my junior year I was able to take the engineering knowledge I gained from this club and get an internship through the school’s work based learning program. This opportunity allowed me to find my belonging in engineering and in the workplace environment. I am so grateful for the wonderful opportunities that I have gained at Wheaton North, from an engineering internship to my lifelong friends I have received so much. At Purdue University I will be able to take advantage of the many opportunities and connections in the aerospace field and hope to delve into research and development through the John Martinson Honors College. I look forward to continuing my education while keeping up with hobbies as I move into this next chapter. I appreciate this scholarship and am so grateful for the amazing Wheaton North Alumni Association.

As I reflect on my experience at Wheaton North, I recognize how profoundly it has influenced my development. When I came into high school, I was eager to make a meaningful contribution and to leave with a sense of pride in my accomplishments. This school, along with its exceptional staff, coaches, and resources, provided an environment that encouraged me to pursue my passions and explore new areas of interest. The teachers not only instilled ambition and confidence in me, but were always committed to pushing their students to be hardworking learners, even when we couldn’t recognize that all the time. I am deeply grateful for mentors like Mr. Pribaz, whose guidance taught me how to extend my hand to those in need and always do what is right. This culminated in an opportunity for me to Co-Found the Senior Leadership Council, a collaborative initiative born out of a shared commitment to create lasting change and foster a sense of responsibility & community among the student body. Through sports at North, I’ve learned that leadership involves more than personal achievements, but a dedication to mentorship and service. Establishing the Senior Leadership Council has been an extension of this commitment, allowing me to lead a project with a broader influence on my community. Without the phenomenal faculty and staff at Wheaton North, I would have never developed into the outspoken leader I am today.

This fall, I’ll spend the next chapter of my academic journey at the University of Arizona studying Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Management. I view college as the ideal environment to continue my journey, surrounded by like-minded individuals who share my enthusiasm for learning and goal to make an impact. I am immensely thankful for Wheaton North and everyone who has played a role in the past four years, including classmates, friends, club members, teachers, and coaches, together with the Wheaton North Alumni Association for recognizing my accomplishments and funding the endless opportunities that lie ahead.