Spring 2024 Scholarship Winner

Ella Sturgis

Ella’s essay provides insight into how a fresh start can be complicated, however, with the right mindset and dedication, anything is possible. We are proud to award her one of two Fresh Start Scholarships for Spring of 2024.

Read Ella's Essay:

I knew from a young age I was interested in a career that would allow me to give back to my community. I come from a family of police officers who have dedicated their lives to protecting those in my city. Over the past few years, witnessing through the media the concerns with law enforcement, a desire to bring the community and law enforcement together has grown strong. Through high school I worked towards this goal and continue this path with college. By obtaining my college degree I will be able to move beyond my limited scope of ability and have a larger impact on making positive change. My degree will provide a fresh start into a professional career where I can successfully make a difference in my community.

I have guided my personal experiences to align with both my academic and career goals. I worked through high school to achieve good grades and utilized advance placement courses and dual enrollment so that I would be successful in my college endeavors. I also was a member of the National Honor Society and the National Society of High School Scholars. I participated and competed in several academic programs and competitions throughout my high school years. Most notably related to law was the first-place recognition in my region for the Future Business Leaders of American, Business and Law award. I began college this fall at Christopher Newport University seeking a bachelor’s degree in political science. I plan to participate in a three plus three pre-law program, which will allow me to utilize my senior year of coursework to count towards my first year of law school with Regent University. Upon completion of my degree, and passing the bar exam, I will begin a fresh start into the working world as a lawyer.

With my future career in mind, I joined the City of Newport News Police Department’s Explorer program and serve as a Lieutenant. I was also the Vice President of the Young Adult Police Commissioners’ program. These programs allow youth to interact with law enforcement, learn about the department, participate in training, and have a voice in matters that are important to the youth of our community. We work to bring the community and law enforcement closer together. I was also selected to participate in the FBI Future Agents in Training Program and the Citizen Police Academy for Youth. These opportunities have enhanced my experience of politics and law enforcement. These programs have provided an opportunity to increase my interest and experience as it relates to my desired profession.

The goals I have set for myself have not been easy and I will continue to have challenges to overcome. The largest challenge I face is maintaining my educational goals, working to develop my networking opportunities, and participating in extracurricular activities while continuing to work part time. Though I have been successful so far, college takes the experience to a higher level of expectation. In addition to my personal challenges, my ability to influence change will meet resistance from others. Change is never easy, and I have witnessed obstacles as it relates to bringing the community together. There are those on both sides of the debate who seem unable and unwilling to work together for the greater good. I have personally experienced negative comments and attitudes about the police force even when people do not have directly related experiences with law enforcement. I have also witnessed those who are strong supporters of law enforcement, refuse to concede that there are needed changes. To make positive change one must be willing to work together and be accepting of multiple perspectives.

Becoming a lawyer with an education in political science will bring a fresh start to increase my ability to bring about change. It will allow me to work in a field where I can build upon the positive change I have already involved with. I will be able to impact legislation and work with those in the system to bring solutions to many of the societal problems that have caused the breakdown between law enforcement and the community. It goes beyond building relationships to really understand the underlying causes that have created the situation. To be successful it is important to understand the full scope of the challenges and be open to all solutions, working together to make the largest impact. It is through steps such as these that a fresh perspective can influence change and have a lasting impact on community.