National Honor Society Application Essay

When I first came to McIntosh High School and stepped on the gym floor for my very first official workout with Coach Dowse, I was a young and overweight fourteen year old girl who loved to play basketball. If someone were to tell me that in just three short years I would become one of the very few African American captains in the history of our girls varsity basketball program, chances are I would have laughed at the assertion. Yet, here I am.
It may appear unfair to others that I am able to justify my desire to be part of the National Honor Society with race, but the truth of the matter is exactly that: it matters, especially in our community. For as long as I can remember, my fellow white classmates have occupied the majority of seats in my academic classes, in addition to claiming the majority of prestigious academic awards as well. In all of my three years at McIntosh, I have never been enrolled in a class with more than three other African Americans. Perhaps this is coincidence. Perhaps this is because people of my skin color opt not to take such rigorous courses. Nevertheless, I am part of a profound minority at McIntosh. Not only am I black. Not only am I black and athletic. Not only am I black, athletic, and a leader, but I am extensively intelligent also. #blackexcellence

At first glimpse, my leadership role in basketball does not appear to be completely sufficient, however this captain position requires great sacrifice.

I have had to make countless unpopular and moral decisions which my teammates did not enjoy and I have come to with terms fact that a great leader cannot please everyone. I have acknowledged that when someone sells herself short at practice or cheats on the court, I am obligated to reprimand them, regardless of who it may be. It is I, who must set the example and do the right thing when no one else is watching. When our team competes, we are not only a reflection of the school and coaches, but a reflection of my leadership as

well.
Although I have not listed any community service in relation to coaching, I thoroughly enjoy sharing my passion and knowledge for the game with younger girls. It excites me to see young girls who are interested in basketball in Peachtree City. The longer I am here, it seems as if the less popular basketball becomes, so I really hope to revive the sport.
I never expected that leading a group of girls who are only within a couple years of my age would turn out to be this onerous and demanding. Then again, I am no stranger to hard work and tend to run towards it when others turn away. I believe that I am a natural-born leader, but I also recognize that successful leadership never comes easy. My involvement in the community may not equate to the lists of others, but I can assure you both that my athletic role in our community is of equal, if not more, magnitude. I remember sitting in the bleachers at age eleven and twelve watching Gabby Seiler and Cassidy Williams compete. It fired me up. I want to ignite that same spark under other girls who love to play basketball