2025 Scholarship Recipients

Lily Gladowski’s Essay

“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.”
– John F. Kennedy

“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives,” President John F. Kennedy’s words about thanking those who make a difference resonate deeply with my own experiences. His call for civic engagement echoes his broader emphasis on personal responsibility, both locally and nationally. This spirit of service, central to Kennedy’s vision, inspires us not only to appreciate the positive influences around us but also to actively become those positive influences for others. My own civic engagement experiences, inspired by Kennedy’s legacy, have shaped my aspirations and solidified my commitment to a future of helping others.

My journey, inspired by Kennedy’s legacy of service, has been a collection of formative experiences. Developing leadership skills as a Civil Air Patrol cadet at Joint Base Cape Cod instilled discipline and teamwork, while also providing opportunities for community service, such as placing wreaths on the graves of fallen soldiers during the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony. This experience instilled in me a deep respect for those who served our country and the sacrifices they made. Furthermore, participating in search and rescue training exercises with the Civil Air Patrol highlighted the importance of preparedness and quick thinking in critical situations, skills I know will be valuable in any future career. Delivering meals to elderly residents with Meals on Wheels showed me firsthand the isolation some face and the tangible difference a warm meal and a friendly conversation can make in their lives. It taught me the importance of human connection and the power of small acts of kindness to combat loneliness and improve well-being. My current internship at Cape Cod Hospital, working alongside dedicated healthcare professionals, has ignited a passion for medicine and solidified my commitment to a healthcare career. Observing the compassionate care provided by doctors and nurses has reinforced my desire to make a difference in people’s lives through healing and support.

As I prepare to graduate with honors from the heath tech program at Cape Cod Regional Technical High School this year, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the individuals who have supported me along the way. My teachers, mentors, the healthcare team at Cape Cod Hospital, and my family have all played a vital role in my success. Their guidance, encouragement, and unwavering belief in me have shaped who I am today. In the spirit of President Kennedy’s quote, I express my sincere appreciation for these individuals who have made a difference in my life. Their contributions have not only helped me achieve my goals but have also inspired me to follow in Kennedy’s footsteps and dedicate my life to serving others.
These experiences, combined with Kennedy’s inspiring legacy, have shaped my aspirations. I envision a future dedicated to serving others in healthcare, utilizing my skills, compassion, and leadership abilities to positively impact my community. Just as others have made a difference in my life, I strive to be that positive influence for others, carrying forward the spirit of service that Kennedy championed.

Niev Witnauer’s Essay

John F. Kennedy’s words are a reminder to appreciate the forces that change us for the better. In my case, this is a quiet force, one that has changed my life in the sure, steady way in which I hope to change others’.

I have loved books since long before I could read them myself, and by no coincidence, I have grown up in libraries. Since elementary school I have volunteered with the children’s librarian at Wellfleet Public Library in my spare time, giving me a unique understanding of the work that goes into creating a place of education, community, and most importantly, connection. We are encouraged to move quickly, always looking forwards. I plan to pursue Latin and Classics, focusing largely on what has come before me, but I see libraries as paths to a more positive future. Organizing summer reading events, or sharing favorite books with children in the playroom, allows me to become a part of a larger cycle, helping others to become engaged and educated citizens. Being thanked for my small part in this larger difference inspires me to set my own bar higher. In my time at public libraries, I have learned that gratitude, when given, often comes back around. John F. Kennedy said that a strong nation relies on both good books and public libraries, and neither would be readily available to our communities without dedicated library volunteers and staff. I am deeply grateful for their efforts, and proud to be a small part of that difference.