Scholarship Finalists 2025

1. Madelyn Kate Boyack

The story of kindness I know best is making efforts to connect with people we cross paths with. Too often we miss opportunities to make friends simply because we fear the first step of reaching out. We all start out as strangers; having a relationship that’s anything deeper than just co-existence is a conscious choice.

I recently had an interaction with an older fellow in my neighborhood who dropped off a Christmas gift at my house for my parents. I don’t know him well, but knew his name was Mark. Our short conversation through the doorway was fun, and I instantly was drawn in by his wittiness. Upon finishing our conversation, I said “Thanks Mark!”

I didn’t think anything of it, and bustled about in my own busy life, focusing solely on my own problems. A few days passed, and my dad came to me with a story Mark had told him. My dad said that Mark had told a group of neighbors, including my dad, how impressed he was with my ability to carry a conversation with an adult, and how it made his day when I called him by name.

Mark’s kind compliment made me feel seen and recognized, and gave me hope that the efforts I take to reach out are not in vain. Additionally, it also was a way to uplift my dad in front of our neighbors, and praise the way he has taught his kids.

Our conversation was nothing complicated: just a regular interaction with maybe a little extra effort on both sides. I felt warm after talking to Mark, and I hope he did too. But this small kind act of just a conversation led to something bigger. Mark turned around and gave me a genuine compliment, and made my Dad feel good. Kindness spreads! I’ve learned that kindness and connection are deeply entangled, and when implemented with intention, they are magnetic.

2. Ryan Seyoung Kim

Whenever I interact with people in my community, I always do so with thoughtfulness and care for them. I always make deeper connections with them, whether it be spending time together or having meaningful conversations. It is through my deep connections with people that I developed an ability to pay attention to the smallest details, such as a person’s tone, facial expressions, and body language, which allowed me to feel if “something was off.”

As I was walking into lunch after the church service, I noticed a close friend who was usually energetic had suddenly become quiet and withdrawn. While everyone else was conversing, I sat beside her to check up on her. I gently asked if she was okay, and she suddenly responded that she was fine. There was a minute of hesitation where as I looked into her eyes, I saw that she was deeply troubled. She started to settle down, and she slowly opened up about feeling overwhelmed by her family and academic pressures. I listened carefully, reassuring her along the way. The more I interacted, the more I was able to visualize the mental struggle that she was going through. The tense facial expression she had before disappeared, and I asked if she wanted to study together, and she looked at me with a delighted smile. I continued to check up on her throughout the week, and each time she seemed to gain more confidence to overcome her pressures.

Kindness is not just being nice; it is the definition of connection. It was truly eye-opening to see how one act of kindness can be the turning point for someone's low: with it also follows peace, resilience, and comfort to those around me. In the midst of my community, I want to be the stronghold that can uplift people from their lowest points so that they receive the right care and support they need.

3. Ava Tomcho

“Place all electronics in the bin,” the TSA agent screams, with a sense of urgency. The airport has quickly become a familiar place, with mixed emotions. The routine of boarding an airplane has always given me a sense of security. However, this trip is different; my mom is now in a wheelchair, and instead of boarding with the regular economy, my family and I now board first. My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma, and we travel back and forth to Texas from Pennsylvania to seek intense treatments for her. Radiation and chemotherapy together are taking a severe toll on her body, but it's prolonging her life at this point.

The flight attendant empathetically asks if I would like to take a vacant seat in first class. A big comfy seat, a fancy meal, and warm blankets are very convincing to an eight-year-old. However, I had never sat by myself and had always held Mom’s hand during takeoff. I think to myself, what if the person next to me is scary or doesn't want to talk to me? What will I do without Mom and me watching our favorite movie on her phone? Mom is quick to calm my nerves and reassures me that everything will be ok, as she always does.

Soon after, a man sits next to me, and instead of putting on headphones or giving me a cold shoulder, as I was expecting, he starts talking to me. The man was so compassionate towards me, even offering me his phone to use during the flight. He told me his name is Charlie and said to let him know if I needed anything. As I watched The Parent Trap on his phone, it felt as if Mom was right next to me. I will never forget first-class Charlie. His kindness was so comforting in a stressful situation. His actions inspired me to always show kindness to those around me. After all, I’m now convinced first class isn’t about the comforts, but the people.

4. Lindsey Flounnory

It’s not easy to hear the words “your mother has bladder cancer.” In December of 2024, I was informed that my mother was diagnosed with a high-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma, a form of cancer that causes abnormal growth on a person’s bladder. My life began to change after hearing this single statement. As the oldest daughter, I had to step up and take responsibility for my younger sister while my mother was in and out of the hospital. I found myself helping around the house more often than I used to in an attempt to keep a sense of normalcy. With my father away working two jobs to provide for the household, I stepped up and became another parent for my sister in a time of uncertainty.

That was when our neighbors stepped in with a kindness we never expected. From the time we moved into our home, our next-door neighbors have been nothing but kind to us. Each time they take a trip overseas, they bring back souvenirs for my sister and me to share, so it wasn’t unusual for them to knock on our doors, checking in on us. When they spoke their usual “how are you,” I informed them of the news of my mother. Immediately, they began asking how they could help. I told them that we were fine, and I was waiting for my father to take us shopping. Even so, they went out of their way to go shopping for us, smiling like it was the most natural thing for them to do. They never made us feel like a burden or like they were doing us a favor.

Their generosity meant much more than just filling our pantry. When my mother was unable to provide for us, their kindness became a reminder that a community can be found anywhere. Knowing that there were people who cared lifted a heavy weight off my mother’s shoulders, giving her the comfort that her children would be taken care of. This allowed us to focus on what mattered most–taking care of her.

5. Eve Kalinowski

It was a cold December night, snow was in the forecast, and I went to bed knowing the next day was going to be a snow day. I had my day planned, and was excited to have the day off, sleep-in, take my younger sister to play in the snow, and make us hot chocolate.

The next morning, I was awakened earlier than expected by my parents asking if I would go out and shovel. I got bundled up and went outside to get to work. I shoveled and salted my driveway and sidewalk. I was finishing up and about to go inside, but then I noticed across the street, my retired neighbor from another block was shoveling for younger families that weren’t home. I thought to myself, that’s so nice of him! A lot of these people were at work like my family or elderly and unable to shovel themselves. I started working my way up the block shoveling for several neighbors. As I was doing this more neighbors came out to help as well!

Even though, shoveling and waking up early was no where in my plan for a snow day, I ended the day feeling proud and accomplished that I was able to help my neighbors! They won’t ever know who shoveled their sidewalks, and I wasn’t doing it for recognition, I was doing it because it was the right thing to do. Seeing my retired neighbor shovel, not only inspired me, but inspired others to take some time from our day to help each other in the neighborhood.

6. Avery Austin

Growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, I have been surrounded by its unparalleled lively and historic culture my whole life. Unfortunately, I have also encountered its devastating homeless population. Whether on the street or driving under a bridge, homeless people can be found at any time of day.

During my younger years, while driving downtown, I watched as someone rolled down their window and passed a bottle to a homeless person. I was amazed by their generosity, but also struggled to understand this reality. Feeling swirls of sympathy, sonder, and curiosity about every homeless person I passed, I wondered, “Did they grow up homeless?” “What was their life like?”, and “How did they end up here?” After multiple family discussions, I decided that something had to be done. It started small, with me giving my snack and water to every person holding a sign I passed, but it grew into a need for more. My parents noticed my passion and scheduled a time for us to volunteer.

On the way there, I was ecstatic, feeling I could finally make an impact. For a few hours, my family and I prepared, packaged, and handed out dinner plates to the less fortunate. My excitement topped the brim, and I naturally wore my best smile as I greeted and passed out plates. I received so many compliments on my cheerful personality, and it felt amazing.

Thanks to that opportunity, I continue to volunteer every chance I can. Whether that is making care kits with my leadership programs, dropping off supplies at shelters during the holidays, or still giving anything in my car, I have developed a strong passion for addressing homelessness. Watching someone spread kindness through a small act has taught me that while I cannot solve homelessness overnight, I can create change through daily compassion and action. I can make changes that benefit others, one decision, act, and life at a time.

7. Alexa Apiyo

Once a week, for just one hour, I help teach STEM subjects to elementary school students. It’s fast-paced, noisy, and usually full of raised hands and excited guesses. That day, one student sat near the back, shoulders hunched, eyes fixed on his worksheet. When a math problem became confusing, he pushed the paper away and muttered, “I’m just not good at this.” It was more so the kind of comment that comes from feeling embarrassed, not lazy.

I started to walk over to his table, but before I could say anything, a little girl beat me to it. “You helped me last week, so I can help you now,” she said gently. They worked through the problem together slowly, whispering and double checking each step. When they finally got the answer, both of them smiled. The little boy I saw who had been shutting down was now sitting up straighter and trying again.

The kindness was so natural and pure that it took me by surprise. No one told her to help. She just noticed someone struggling and chose to care. Even though I only see these students once a week, moments like that show me how much small actions matter. It reminded me to always try to help others too, whether that is tutoring, listening, or simply being patient when someone feels overwhelmed. As someone who wants to work in medicine, this moment stays with me. People are often scared or unsure when they need help. Sometimes what makes the biggest difference is not having all the answers, but being kind enough to sit with someone and not make them feel alone.

8. Kyndall Michelle Flowers

At fifteen, I was introduced to a world I never imagined I would see, and I learned that true recovery involves more than just regaining physical abilities. After my dad suffered four strokes, I spent hours watching him struggle with movements that once came without thought. As he relearned how to walk, dealt with double vision, and went to DayNeuro daily, I started to understand that recovery wasn’t just physical. The hardest part was the mental toll. Someone who had always been seen as strong became extremely emotionally vulnerable, and progress felt painfully slow.

One physical therapist, Kendall, really stood out to me. She never rushed through sessions or treated my dad as just another patient on her schedule. Every day, she asked how he was feeling, both emotionally and physically. On days when his frustration was obvious, she quietly adjusted exercises so he could still feel the joy of accomplishment. She celebrated every victory, no matter how small. Improved balance or standing for thirty seconds versus twenty-five was treated like a major win, because it was.

When my dad felt embarrassed about needing help, Kendall responded with patience and respect. Most importantly, she never made him feel reduced to his limitations. None of this was required. There was no chart measuring positivity or a treatment plan specifically outlining compassion. Her kindness was intentional and consistent, offered without recognition. She made sure my dad was seen as a whole person, not just someone she was paid to help.

Watching her changed how I understand kindness and how I approach everyday life. I learned that it isn’t always dramatic or attention-grabbing. Sometimes it comes from consistency, empathy, and choosing to meet people where they are, even on their hardest days. Since then, I have tried to carry that approach with me, being more attentive, patient, and willing to show up even when no praise follows.

Even if Kendall never realized the impact she had on me, I did. In a room filled with slow progress and hard days, her kindness is what I remember most.

9. Josh Peterson

This past year of medical school was a relentless gauntlet of exams and clinicals,learning new things daily while caring for my patients. However, one morning, the emotions from this massive pressure were instantly replaced when I received the call that my father had passed away. The demands that had, before, been all-consuming were instantly replaced by profound grief. As I grappled with loss, I felt isolated and was struggling to balance the relentless demands of school with this devastating loss. The clinical rotations and study materials felt insignificant against the backdrop of my sorrow.

The next few days after his passing, I did not reach out to anyone for support. I was simply trying to survive and get past the overwhelming numbness. Then, one evening, there was an unexpected knock at my door. It was a classmate who had driven over without warning. She did not ask questions or offer condolences. Instead, she just sat with me, offering a silent presence that was a great comfort in my loss.

Before leaving, she handed me a gift: a beautiful stained glass art piece. It was a gorgeous scene with brilliant tones of gold capturing the sun rising over majestic sapphire mountains.

My dad loved the mountains. When I was growing up, his car always had a sticker that said “The mountains are calling and I must go." So, the sight of this sunrise scene felt like a direct connection to him. Seeing his favorite place transformed into this striking, tangible art was overwhelming. It was a beacon of hope reminding me that even when life feels broken and darkness permeates everything, sunrise is coming and, with it, the hopes and promises of every new day.

This deeply personal gift was a powerful act of kindness to me during that challenging time. The stained glass still hangs in my window today, and whenever the light streams through its colors, it serves as a daily, comforting affirmation that I seek to share with my patients: the promise of a new, bright day is always waiting, even if not yet visible.

10. Kimberly Dobroski

In sixth grade, I was still learning who I was. Twice a week, I left my classroom to attend a gifted program at a different school. While it was meant to be an opportunity, it often felt like a burden. I struggled to enjoy it, and when I returned, I sensed the shift in my classroom. My classmates and even my friends would say it was more fun when the “gifted kids” were gone. I began to feel out of place everywhere.

One day during recess, my teacher noticed. She gently pulled me aside and asked to speak with me privately. Away from the noise of the playground, she looked me in the eyes and told me something I had never believed about myself before. She told me I was beautiful and smart. Not in a rushed or casual way, but with sincerity, she said I had “beauty and brains.” It was as if she wanted those words to stay with me long after the bell rang.

That moment was brief, but it changed everything. At a time when I felt misunderstood and small, her kindness made me feel seen. She didn’t have to say anything. She could have assumed I would figure it out on my own or brushed aside what she noticed. Instead, she chose to care, and that choice meant more to me than she could have known.

She was my favorite teacher in sixth grade, and she is still the one I remember most. She was the teacher who told stories, who listened without judgment, and who made her classroom feel safe. Yet that single act of kindness stayed with me more than any lesson plan or story ever could. It taught me how powerful words can be when they’re sincere, and how even a small moment can leave a lasting impact.

Years later, I still think about that conversation. It reminds me that kindness doesn’t have to be grand to matter. Sometimes it’s just a few honest words, the willingness to show that you care, and the courage to let someone know they are seen.

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