Charlie has over 240 volunteer hours with good grades, but only a 23 ACT. She is the Drum Major and class Vice President at Sweet Water High School in

Marengo County, Alabama.

     Her mother died when she was in the 9th grade and she

has been raised by her father who is a disabled Vietnam Vet. Charlie desires to

attend the University of West Alabama to study in the Pre-Vet program and transferto Auburn to obtain a Masters in Veterinarian Medicine, fulfilling her life's dream to become a vet. Charlie helps care for her Dad who forgets to eat or take his meds unless she or her stepmother cares for him.      She lives on a small farm and stacks lumber, mows grass, works in the garden and "makes sure the "vermin" cannot get into the pen to harm the chickens. (One reviewer, a High School teacher commented on how surprised he was to see a student actually use the word vermin in an essay.) Her essay is real life at its best. "I have been told that my assistance to the family is important in everyone's life that is affected by my work. My stepmother could not keep up with her work without me, my brother would be swamped with all the dirty work, and my Dad would be hungry and bored. I am proud of the effect I have on my family because of my help to them."