In His Words

Mason Ingram | Bellevue West Scholarship Recipient

I would like to start by stating how grateful I am for the opportunities the Bellevue Public School district has blessed with me throughout my journey thus far! Your classiness and investment in your students, staff, and the community go unmatched. The funds you have provided will go to use immediately, as I am currently enrolled and participating in my Firefighter 1 and Hazardous Materials Operations courses through Metropolitan Community College. 

This scholarship will assist in payments to accomplish my degree and fulfill my ultimate dream of becoming a firefighter in the near future. Metropolitan Community College was the prime option for myself to provide the best experience, lessons and satisfaction to better myself for the bumpy road ahead! I believe and have discovered that MCC is the best commencement for myself due to my time in the high school career academy. I have come to realize that this institution does a phenomenal job bringing forth individuals who excel in their profession to educate the next generation. Following the accomplishment of achieving my associates degree I will attend the University of Nebraska-Omaha to attain my bachelor’s degree. 

Throughout my four years in high school I have acquired several lessons I can profit off of to better myself and individuals around me. One of those being that each person has a perception on distinct situations, you don’t always have to agree with their reasonings but you must respect their opinion. I’ve especially learned that people come from different walks of life. Not everyone has the blessings of health, financial stability, and family values on their side. Growing up having these blessings in my life I couldn’t be more thankful but by giving back to the community, to individuals who deal with deprivation everyday is gratifying. This is a significant reason in my interest in the fire service due to being a role model in the community and an individual who puts citizens above themselves. 

I would like to finish by praising God for gifting me with resources, physical and mental strength, and individuals who continue to lead me in the correct direction to exceed in life. I would like to thank my mom and dad for accepting nothing but effort and hard work from my sister and I, as well as demonstrating love, excellence, respect, and professionalism. My grandparents for supporting and encouraging my future endeavors, and my friends for never permitting each other to head down the wrong path and holding each other accountable for our actions. I love you all, and I will continue to pray for you as this journey continues. I would also like to acknowledge my past and present teachers, thank you for the time and diligence you supply to your students. The endless grind you strive through doesn’t go unnoticed! 

I hereby would also like to announce I understand that by accepting this scholarship I am not only representing myself and my family but also the Bellevue Public School district. I promise to commit myself to accepting nothing less than respect, excellence, and hard work. I thank you again for investing in my future and God bless!