Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Bob Hope was a Broadway legend. Anyone who knew of his extensive career knew that
he was a master of the stage, and he mastered it well. Even though Ive never played in a show
on Broadway, yet, I like to think that Mr. Hope and I have the stage in common.
Throughout all four years of high school, and even in my earlier years, I yearned to
entertain on a stage, just as Bob Hope did. He and his girlfriend Mildred Rosequist worked out a
dance routine and began to perform as a teenage team in vaudeville shows, while I got my start
in drama camps.
In high school, I would perform in each of our productions whether I was on the stage
pretending to be a zany character, or backstage getting ready for the lights to shut off so I could
move the next set pieces into place. My favorite performances to do were Broadway musicals,
because I got to combine dancing, singing and acting into one brilliant and exciting stage
production. My Sophomore year, I played Dragon, Mama Ogre, and a Duloc Dancer in Shrek:
the Musical. Most recently, in my Senior year of high school, I was cast as Terk in Tarzan: the
Musical. I may not have starred in 54 theatrical features like Bob Hope, but no matter what role
I played, I gave my all. I trashed the camp as hard as possible while playing Terk, and sang in
the jazziest style I could while singing Youre Gonna Stay as the Dragon.
I was no stranger to having fun on stage and ad-libbed more often than I should, just as
Bob constantly ad-libbed while performing. Like Bob, the crowd always loved it. However, my
co-stars never threatened to use their shoe to remodel my nose as Ethel Merman did Mr. Hope
on Broadway.
Performing in my schools drama club was just a taste of what I would like to do on the
stage. Its always been a dream of mine to perform on Broadway and follow in Bob Hopes
footsteps so I can entertain audiences and hopefully make their lives a little brighter. I could
never have the same influence that Mr. Hope did, but I would sure love to try.
A certain core value of Bob Hopes that I often find myself drawn to is leadership, which
involves a very hard work ethic and dedication. One does not necessarily need to be elected to a
position to be a leader, and Mr. Hope certainly embodied this value. He led a nation with just his
vivacious personality and sense of humor. He wasnt necessarily the President of the United
States, but you dont need to hold a position such as that to be a leader in our country. Mr. Hope
was a leader of our countrys morale. Particularly during the dark years of World War II, which
was the period in which my grandmother became so enamored of him. It was a sad time for our
country but he brought a bright ray of light to the darkness.
I considered myself a leader of my schools morale when I held the position of Class
President for three years in a row. It took dedication and hard work and I loved every minute. I
never ran for the popularity of it, or so people would know my name. I was often in the shadows
of all our events. I wanted my class to have the best high school experience they could have. It
was tough at times, especially since I was often the one doing all the work for events such as
prom and graduation. However, seeing my peers enjoy themselves and making life-long
memories made all the stressful days worth it.
Not only did I hold leadership positions among my class, but I was also Band President,
Orchestra President, Student Advisory Board Representative, National Honor Society Member,
National Society of High School Scholars Ambassador, as well as a member of several other
executive boards. My friends and teachers started to refer to me as Madam President because I
operated within many important roles among my school. Looking back on all these positions I
was involved with, I wonder if it was a bad idea to be doing so much, but I dont regret any of it.
I loved helping others, listening to ideas, and trying to make the best situations for all the people
I cared about. Even if I didnt necessarily get recognized for my hard work, I knew in my heart
it was all worth it.
Bob Hope was one of the most hardworking members of our great nation. I think I have
this in common with Mr. Hope. I may not have had as wide a range of influence as Mr. Hope,
but I was the hardest working civil servant within my school and I like to think I made a
difference and the halls of my school were a better place once I graduated.
I feel a kindred spirit to Bob Hope in many ways, beginning with the fact that we both
come from humble beginnings and learned how to use humor to see ourselves through difficult
times. Like Mr. Hope, who began selling papers at a very young age to help his family, I have
had to acquire employment in high school, and even before that, to help ends meet. In having to
work to put myself through college, this scholarship would mean the world to me, and I feel as
though all my life experience has prepared me to accept this honor.
Not only would this award assist me greatly, more than you could imagine, it would be
tremendous for my small-town school that has worked so hard to be the first marching band in
Alaska. The music department has given me so many opportunities to lead, to grow, to learn,
and has provided me with a home and a family. I feel like its my duty to help them any way I
can. They still have so many needs and I feel as though I owe them so much, and this is a
beautiful way that I could give back.
I feel so blessed to have this opportunity and want to thank you for a foundation that
gives high school kids, like me, from small beginnings a chance to accomplish great things. I
wont disappoint you.