Scholarship Winners Using Technology, Science and Healthcare to Improve Lives
Samuel Peterson, Kevin Boyd, Angel Smith, Sydney Culotta
Samuel Peterson
Fueled by a Desire to Help Others
A desire to develop technology to help people is what drives Samuel Peterson, a graduate of The New Orleans Military and Maritime Academy, a charter school in Algiers.
“I’m inspired by the progress humans have made over the past 40 years, and I want to be able to continue that progress to be able to create fun, helpful, easier ways for people to access information with new software. I also want to be able to help people through technology and perform humanitarian efforts with it.”
A focused and serious student, Samuel is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology at Southeastern Louisiana University. He speaks for many when he notes the importance of the support he received from The 431 Exchange. “College is a very helpful experience for many people but it is very expensive, which will steer some people away from being able to pursue it,” he notes. “I’m inspired by the work this nonprofit does in helping young adults start their lives with less worry about student debt.”
Kevin Boyd
Thriving on the Challenge of Pursuing an Engineering Degree
An outgoing and dynamic student, Kevin Boyd is drawn to a challenge. A graduate of McDonogh #35 in New Orleans, he plans to pursue an electrical engineering degree in college and he hopes to walk on to the football team at Jackson State University.
“I want to be an outlier and not a statistic,” Kevin explains. He says many of his peers have chosen not to pursue an education after high school, but “I see more for myself than any of that. Math and science are my favorite subjects, so I am naturally drawn to engineering. Getting my degree in engineering will further my life and allow me to support my family and my family’s dreams.” Additionally, working to walk on to the football team creates the kind of pressure that “pushes me to be great.”
He says he is inspired by The 431 Exchange’s shared appreciation of a college education. “This organization helps students with affording college and furthering their academic careers. That alone is a major accomplishment for the students and the organization.”
Angel Smith
A Commitment to Serve Others through Healthcare
A focused planner with a strong work ethic, Angel Smith is pursuing a pre-med degree at Xavier University. A graduate of Eleanor McMain Secondary School in New Orleans, Angel learned the value of hard work from her mom, a single mother. “I have been inspired by my mother who raised me and taught me to work hard. I have never been without because my mother always found a way,” she says.
Angel was drawn to the healthcare field and had the opportunity, while pursuing a Medical Assistant certificate at the New Orleans Career Center, to shadow medical assistants and doctors. This led to her interest in pursuing a medical degree with the goal of becoming a surgeon or urogynecologist. She plans to continue working as a medical assistant while obtaining her degree. “Understanding that healthcare is essential and not many people are fortunate, because of financial issues, encourages me to push forward,” she says.
Angel shares The 431 Exchange’s dedication and compassion, and desires to make an impact on her community by serving those in need.
Sydney Culotta
A Personal Responsibility to Advocate for Animals
A lifelong love of animals and a calling to help them are what compelled Sydney Culotta to pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine. A graduate of Mount Carmel Academy in New Orleans, she will graduate from LSU with a bachelor’s degree in animal science in 2025 and has been accepted to the School of Veterinary Medicine.
A personable and focused student, Sydney saw the need for this work when volunteering at shelters and working in veterinary clinics. Her goal in becoming a veterinarian is to help animals achieve their best quality of life. “If I can help one animal, I have done my job,” she explains. “I am eager every day to make a difference for these animals because I may be the only person who has the ability to impact their lives.”
Sydney was drawn to The 431 Exchange because it helps students achieve their dreams through education, and contribute to their communities. She says the way The 431 Exchange “lends a helping hand is encouraging. It is heartening to know there are people who want to have a positive impact on the lives of others.”