I am lucky to have known Betelhem since her freshman year of high school and have continually watched her blossom into a thoughtful, compassionate individual. As a student, she is truly exemplary. From the moment I met her, Bethy has always risen to the occasion regardless of whatever task or assignment is put in front of her. She strives to challenge herself academically, enrolling in honors and AP classes throughout her high school career. From my perspective as her English teacher, her writing is poignant and thought provoking, well beyond any text we have read together. Her in-depth thinking sets a high standard for her peers and constantly raises the bar of status-quo expectations. Within the classroom, she is a natural leader, frequently approaching her peers and teachers with a paramount level of maturity. In addition to her academic prowess, Betelhem’s willingness to put others before herself, from a lens of equity, might be her greatest attribute. As a first-generation student from Ethiopia, she has a unique point of view in regard to overcoming adversity from both a racialized, academic, and socioeconomic perspective. She has taken on extracurricular and leadership roles that allow her to be a mentor and a sounding guide for young Black females with similar backgrounds. Most notably, Betelhem founded Black Sisters Forum, inspiring women to become empowered through finding their voice and identity. She also currently serves in leadership roles in both Key Club and National Honors Society here at Smoky Hill High School. Betelhem always strives to be a powerful representation of her community, helping underrepresented people in society find their passion in life, as she emulates through her unwavering dedication.