Holly Dowling

As an undergraduate student in my child psychology internship, I worked with children who had been through the juvenile justice system. Witnessing firsthand how trauma shaped their behaviors, emotions, and opportunities deeply impacted me. I saw their resilience and the barriers they faced in building a better future. This experience inspired me to intervene earlier in children's lives—before adversity takes hold—so I can help provide the guidance, support, and stability they need to thrive.

It's impossible to choose just one, but one moment stands out. After a parent-teacher conference, a parent returned to the room in tears. She told me, "I have never seen my child's work hanging on the wall at school." She shared that I had not only motivated him but also truly seen him—recognizing his strengths and making sure he felt included, no matter what.

With $25,000, I could make a significant impact on my school. As a new principal, I've seen that my students crave experiences beyond the classroom that foster a sense of community and belonging. I would organize family field trips, expand our after-school programming to include more enrichment opportunities like chess and robotics and invest in the necessary resources to sustain these programs. Lastly, I would allocate a portion of the funds to our musical program, ensuring its longevity.