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REALIZED THAT I , AND MANY OTHERS , WOULD NOT HAVE THE STRENGTH AND DETERMINATION TO BE WHO WE ARE IF IT WERE NOT FOR THIS COMMUNITY . ”
constantly helps where she can . These women work extremely hard to uplift our community and create a safe environment .
Lastly , we have my parents : Ryan and Laketta Mason . They continually strive to help our community . Whether by working with the Anderson Black Expo or volunteering , my dad aims to make a change . My mom is a registered nurse who works with both the senior and mother / baby populations and constantly volunteers and helps where she can . They introduced me to the world of service , helping me recognize the value of the community .
I ’ ve learned how the Black community of Madison County nurtured me and formed me into the young lady I am today . From all the programs and the leaders , I realized that I , and many others , would not have the strength and determination to be who we are if it were not for this community . I found a safe haven to learn , to make mistakes , to practice and to finally become myself .
In addition to learning and growing , I hope that our future generations will prosper by joining the programs that I have participated in . In the same way that I have grown , I hope that my community will continue to progress . •
Anderson High School senior Ryan Mason has been deeply involved in sports , student government and leadership programs at school and in multiple community organizations as a volunteer . She is a recipient of the 2023 Lilly Scholarship .
2023 Diversity Magazine 5