Fall 2025 Winner of the Community Leaders Scholarship

Lauren Scurlark

The many hardships Lauren has faced throughout her life have inspired her to pursue a career in law. Familiar with the feeling of not having a voice, she wants to be an advocate for others who have faced the same challenges she has experienced. Congratulations, Lauren — we look forward to the meaningful impacts you will make!

Read her essay:

This scholarship will be a critical step in helping me achieve my professional goal of becoming a lawyer. Growing up, I experienced more hardship than most could imagine. Losing my mom at a young age, living in an abusive home, and having to care for my siblings—these challenges have shaped who I am today and gave me the resolve to fight for a better future, not just for myself, but for those around me.

I want to pursue a law career because, like the struggles I faced, many others in my community are facing injustices—whether it’s abuse, neglect, or the kind of systemic disadvantages that make it hard for people to break free. Having gone through the toughest parts of life, I know what it feels like to need someone to advocate for you, and I want to be that person for others. I want to give a voice to those who feel silenced, to help them stand up for their rights, and to make sure that no one feels as powerless as I once did.

This scholarship will provide me with the opportunity to further my education and work toward becoming the lawyer I’ve always dreamed of being. It will allow me to attend law school without the overwhelming burden of financial stress, which is a barrier I’ve had to fight against for years. With this support, I will be able to focus on my studies and gain the skills I need to help my community in meaningful ways.

Once I’m able to practice law, my ultimate goal is to give back by providing legal aid to individuals who can’t afford it—especially those who are in situations like the one I grew up in. I know what it’s like to feel like the system isn’t on your side, and I want to be someone who changes that. This scholarship is not just an investment in my future, but an investment in the future of my community—because the more I can do for others, the more we can all rise above the struggles we face.