RLGSA named our first scholarship recipient at the RLHS Scholarship Ceremony on Wednesday!
Katie Wonders has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to both her education and her passion for softball. Her ten years of dedication on the softball fields of RLGSA are matched only by her outstanding academic achievements in the classroom and beyond. Moreover, her contributions to the community through service activities exemplify the values we hold dear at RLGSA.
Congratulations, Katie, our first recipient of our RLGSA $1000 scholarship!
Katie will be attending York College this fall to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering.
Katie’s essay reads:
RLGSA has influenced my life profoundly. As an eight-year-old learning to properly throw a ball for the first time, I did not know that the game would become an immense part of my life. Softball has helped me learn the art of teamwork, how to build and maintain relationships, and how to believe in my abilities. These valuable lessons have provided me with a sense of discipline that continues to shape my approach to day-to-day challenges
At the beginning of my softball career, I was exceptionally shy and tended to exclude myself from others. My coaches frequently commented on how quiet I was. I always felt like I was behind my teammates’ skills because many of the girls had been playing tee-ball since preschool. I vividly remember struggling to hit the ball for the longest time, and then finally making contact with the ball. Learning to hit gave me an almost indescribable feeling. The excitement from seeing the outcome of my determination made me realize why I had been playing the sport all along.
Over the last decade, I have learned that the softball diamond isn’t just a place to play. Softball has allowed me to become a better individual. The sport has provided me with life-changing guidance regarding commitment, teamwork, and perseverance. As I embark on the next chapter of my life, I carry the friendships, memories, and lessons from the softball field, confident that they will guide me through the challenges and victories ahead.