Congratulations to this year’s Herren Project high school scholarship winners! These winners exemplified Herren Project’s mission through leadership in their communities, finding ways to bring awareness to the disease of addiction, and modeling why it’s important to focus on overall wellness to prevent substance misuse. We received a historic number of submissions from across the country by many well-deserving applicants. It’s awe-inspiring to see so many students committed to making an impact in their communities!
“As a person, Keira is an individual of high moral character with a warm, engaging personality. As a student, Keira is every teacher’s dream! She is personable, articulate, funny, highly intelligent, hard working, and most importantly, kind. She is well-respected and absolutely LOVED by peers and faculty alike. She carries a demanding course load and excels in all upper-level and AP courses, even while balancing a demanding extracurricular schedule. Outside of the classroom, Keira is a talented athlete and valued member of our soccer, track, and cross country teams.”- Rose Austin
Keira Dempsey
From: Haddon Township High School
SCHOLARSHIP AWARD: $500
Essay Submission:
“I came here today to talk to you guys about something called healthy coping mechanisms. Has anybody heard those words before?” I delivered this rehearsed line excitedly to a room full of fifth graders whose wide-eyed blank expressions were my only response. “Well, that’s alright!” I exclaimed, filling the awkward silence, “Because we’re going to talk about them today,”.
Being back in the same fifth-grade classroom where I first remember recognizing the presence of an inner voice, one that relentlessly reiterated the belief that I was too loud, annoying, and not good enough, I expected to feel small and weak, but on the contrary, I couldn’t have felt more powerful. There’s a large misconception that power corresponds with arrogance; however, the truth is real power is witnessed in humility, and true strength is found through intentional acts of service. I was reminded of this exact sentiment when I was allowed to take part in a passion project in which I went back to my own Elementary School to teach students about healthy ways of coping with stress. As someone who grew up with an alcoholic parent, I witnessed firsthand the destruction that comes as a result of lacking self-confidence, healthy coping skills, and, oftentimes, a strong support system. I decided my sophomore year of high school that my family’s history with addiction would not become my own, instead, I was going to find a way to transform my family’s pain into an outlet for myself and others to find help: whatever it took. This outlet was formed in a passion project, one which entailed reading about and demonstrating healthy coping mechanisms to kindergarten through fifth-grade classes using age-appropriate lesson plans and materials. To emphasize the importance of self-confidence and recognize the role that a strong sense of identity plays in a person’s mental health, fourth and fifth graders took part in an affirmations activity. Similarly, kindergarten through third-grade classes learned about what coping with stress can look like and witnessed some real-life examples. The most meaningful moment from this experience took place not during my passion project itself, but a week afterward when I received a letter from my old elementary school. The envelope I was given contained over forty letters from the fourth and fifth graders I spent time speaking with, but one in particular struck me deeply. It read,
“Dear Keira, Thank you for teaching me about affirmations. I used to be mean to myself whenever I made a mistake, but now I remember to talk to myself like a friend. From Miriam”.
This small card, written in crayon on purple construction paper, is displayed on the wall across from my bed and means more to me than any outward recognition I could receive. I have witnessed firsthand through my work volunteering with organizations such as YoungLives, where I provide childcare for teen moms, or Herren Project Club meetings at my school, which advocate for sobriety and self-confidence, that change happens in the individual relationships we create in our communities.
“Aleyah’s commitment to mental health awareness, particularly within Hispanic culture, speaks volumes about her personal values and her desire to effect meaningful change. She is acutely aware of the nuances and challenges that exist within her community, and she approaches these with both sensitivity and a proactive mindset. Her involvement in the Mayor’s Teen Council reflects her dedication to community improvement and her ability to engage effectively with diverse perspectives.”-SaLillian McDaniel
Aleyah Palomo
From: Cedar Hill Collegiate High School
SCHOLARSHIP AWARD: $500
Essay Submission:
When I was five years old, I stood frozen at the front door as my mother, pale and struggling to stay conscious, screamed from the hallway, “Open the door and scream 9-1-1!” Scared and confused, I shouted back, “I can’t remember the order of the numbers!” Luckily, a neighbor on a jog overheard the chaos and called for help. That day, my mom overdosed on opioids. It wasn’t the last time her substance use disorder put me in a dangerous situation.
Eventually, my mother’s addiction caused her to lose custody of us and disappeared from our lives. Her life became consumed by drugs, but it didn’t start that way. Her addiction began when she was prescribed opioids for pain management after a spinal injury. Watching her spiral from a place of pain into addiction taught me that substance use doesn’t just affect a singular person, but all surrounding loved ones. Instead of letting it define me, I’ve used it to fuel my mission to help others.
As I grew older, I became deeply committed to ensuring no other child’s put through the hard aftermath of drug addiction. Through leadership roles in my school and city, I’ve found ways to advocate for prevention and support of healthier choices.
As a member of the Mayor’s Teen Council, I contribute to events that focus on youth empowerment and awareness. I’ve made it a priority to suggest initiatives focused on substance abuse prevention and bring more youth-oriented mental health resources to our city. Additionally, I helped promote initiates like “Stay Clean at Prom”, to encourage students to commit to celebrating safely. It helped the youth understand that fun and sobriety can be done together and one decision can have lasting consequences.
As the Proletarian Officer in Student Council, I’ve also made a point to promote drug awareness. I’ve worked to bring in speakers to discuss addiction recovery and the long-term impact. I also collaborate with my peers to create safe spaces for open conversations and emphasize positive coping mechanisms. I encourage students to choose success, health, and purpose over making risky decisions.
Additionally, I volunteer extensively in my community and mentor young students. I reinforce the importance of wellness and making good choices. Every leadership position I take gives me a chance to make a difference and support others. Real change starts from consistent actions and compassion.
The Herren Project’s mission to prevent substance misuse and promote wellness deeply aligns with my life story. I’ve lived the consequences of substance abuse and am committed to changing the story. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue my mission through my education and future career in psychology, where I can support others affected by addiction. I want to be the person I needed when I was younger, someone who listens, understands, and helps others find a better path. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue that journey and expand the impact I’ve already started to make.
