Solomon Vann Memorial Scholarship

Solomon Vann Memorial Scholarship is sponsored by Bold.org. Supports students in Alabama who have encountered mental illness, pursuing degrees in fields including business, computers, engineering, music, or psychology.

Solomon Vann Memorial Scholarship | Bold.

org For Donors For Applicants Solomon Vann Memorial Scholarship High School, Undergraduate High school senior or undergraduate student Business, computers, engineering, music, or psychology Indirect and/or direct experience with mental illness High school senior or undergraduate student Business, computers, engineering, music, or psychology Indirect and/or direct experience with mental illness Solomon was born in Miami, Florida in 1994 and moved to Alabama at 4 months old.

He spent his whole life in Alabama even though he traveled to several different states during his lifetime. He had numerous interests and was very hard working. He loved people and did whatever he could to help anyone he could.

After graduating high school, he attended junior college and universities studying various interests. He faced challenges due to his mental illness but did not use that as a barrier or excuse. Solomon was a blessing to all he came in contact with.

We are honoring his life by paying it forward to others who live in Alabama and have an interest in Business, Computers, Engineering, Music, or Psychology. This scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Solomon Vann by supporting students in Alabama who have encountered mental illness either themselves, a family member, a friend, or an acquaintance. To apply, please answer the prompt below.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Ambition, Boldest Bold. org Profile High School, Undergraduate Is there a relationship between sleep and mental health?

How does sleep impact a person with a mental illness? Can sleep impact people without a mental illness?

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0 GPA Scholarships Memorial Scholarships April Scholarships University of Alabama Scholarships View all The University of Alabama Auburn University at Montgomery Shades Valley High School University of Alabama in Huntsville University of South Alabama Stanhope Elmore High School Woodlawn High Schoolmagnet University of Alabama at Birmingham Central Alabama Community College University of Alabama in Huntsville University of South Alabama Shelton State Community College Lawson State Community College Booker T Washington Magnet High School Jacksonville State University Chattahoochee Valley Community College Alabama Connections Academy Northside Methodist Church & Academy Coastal Alabama Community College Grand Valley State University Brigham Young University-Provo Vestavia Hills High School University of South Alabama Mary G Montgomery High School Bevill State Community College Carnegie Mellon University The University of Alabama Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School University of Alabama in Huntsville Mountain Brook High School Westminster Christian Academy St Michael Catholic High School Vestavia Hills High School University of Alabama at Birmingham University of Alabama at Birmingham University of Alabama at Birmingham The University of Alabama University of Alabama in Huntsville University of North Alabama University of North Alabama Loyola University New Orleans University of Alabama in Huntsville The University of West Florida Lauderdale County High School University of Alabama at Birmingham University of Alabama at Birmingham Carnegie Mellon University University of North Alabama University of North Alabama University of Alabama at Birmingham The University of Alabama Jefferson State Community College Hewitttrussville High School University of Alabama at Birmingham Gadsden State Community College Saint Clair County High School Spain Park High School Birmingham, AL When the government shuts down, a lot of people think about politics first.

But for people who struggle with mental illness, the impact is much more personal. A shutdown can interrupt access to treatment, medication, and support systems that help people function every day. For someone already dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or another mental health condition, that kind of disruption can be overwhelming.

It can turn an already difficult situation into a crisis. One of the biggest ways a government shutdown affects people with mental illness is by creating instability. Many people depend on programs or services connected to government funding, such as Medicaid, disability support, community clinics, housing help, and food assistance.

Even if some programs continue for a short time, the fear of delays, confusion, and uncertainty can still take a serious toll. Mental health often depends on consistency. When therapy appointments are delayed, medication access becomes uncertain, or families do not know what support will still be available, stress increases quickly.

The impact is not just financial. Money is definitely part of the problem because many people already face challenges paying for treatment, medication, transportation, or basic living expenses. However, the emotional effects can be just as harmful.

A government shutdown can increase fear, hopelessness, and anxiety. For someone already battling mental illness, the added stress can make symptoms worse. It can lead to emotional breakdowns, isolation, relapse, or even dangerous mental health crises.

Families are affected too, because when systems become unreliable, loved ones often have to carry even more of the burden. The effects can also be both short term and long term. In the short term, people may miss appointments, lose access to resources, or feel immediate panic about what comes next.

In the long term, the damage can last even after the shutdown ends. Mental health recovery is not always quick, and even a temporary setback can cause lasting harm. Someone who loses access to care may take weeks or months to get stable again.

A person who experiences a crisis during that time may continue to suffer long after the government reopens. There are solutions that could help lessen this impact. First, mental health services should be protected as essential, even during a shutdown.

People should not lose access to therapy, medication, crisis support, or disability-related care because of political disagreement. Second, the government should create emergency backup funding for mental health and public assistance programs so vulnerable people are not left without support.

Third, schools, churches, nonprofits, and local organizations should work together to provide safe spaces and mental health resources when federal systems become unstable. Finally, leaders need to treat mental health as a real and urgent issue, not something that can be placed on hold. Overall, the impact of a government shutdown on people with mental illness is much deeper than finances alone.

It affects emotional well-being, access to care, and long-term stability. Mental health support should never be seen as optional, because for many people, it is necessary for survival. If we want to build a stronger and more compassionate society, then we must make sure the people who are already struggling are not hurt even more during times of political conflict.

The University of Alabama Decatur, AL Homeschooled Gardendale, AL Auburn University at Montgomery Prattville, AL I remember a time when everything felt uncertain, and even small changes made things harder to handle. When routines break and support isn’t always there, it can feel like everything starts to fall apart. That’s why situations like a government shutdown can hit people with mental illness much harder than most people realize.

At first, it may seem like the biggest issue is money. During a government shutdown, people may not get paid, and programs that help with therapy, medication, or support can slow down or stop. For someone already dealing with anxiety, depression, or another mental illness, financial stress can make everything worse.

Worrying about bills or losing access to care adds another layer of pressure that can be overwhelming. But the impact is not just financial... it’s emotional and mental too.

People who struggle with mental health often depend on routine and consistency. Therapy sessions, support groups, or even just knowing help is available can make a huge difference. When a shutdown disrupts those systems, it can feel like losing stability.

That loss can lead to increased anxiety, isolation, or even falling back into unhealthy patterns. These effects are not always short-term either. Even after the shutdown ends, the damage can last.

Missing weeks of support or dealing with high stress doesn’t just disappear overnight. It can take time to rebuild stability, and for some people, things may get worse before they get better. This shows that government shutdowns can have long-term effects, especially for those already struggling.

Clear communication is also important. People need to know what services are still available so they don’t feel lost or abandoned. In addition, communities can step in by creating local support systems that are not fully dependent on government funding.

In the end, government shutdowns are about more than politics or money. For people with mental illness, they can affect stability, emotional health, and overall well-being. While financial stress is part of the problem, the deeper issue is the disruption of support systems people rely on.

By protecting access to mental health care and planning ahead, we can reduce the harm and better support those who need it most. Oakwood University Huntsville, AL Woodlawn High Schoolmagnet Birmingham, AL Alabama A & M University Mobile, AL I am Destinee' Jackson. I am a rising junior psychology major with a minor in human development and family studies, hailing from Mobile, Alabama.

With the degree that I am pursuing, I plan to get my Master’s following my bachelor’s degree. My active goal is to become an adolescent therapist and proceed to open my own private practice for low-income families. For children, they watch influencers and aspire to be the people they watch.

They want the clothes, jewelry, shoes, and use the dialect the influencers use. Children express their desires to their parents. Sometimes parents are able to fulfill their children's desire, other times they cannot.

When these desire cannot be met, children go to school among other students whose families could afford the desires. This creates low self-esteem in those children. They feel that they cannot measure up to social standards which can cause depression and anxiety.

For the parents who cannot afford the desires, they can feel like they are not providing for their children as well as they should, which effects their mental states. University of Alabama at Birmingham Bessemer, AL Carnegie Mellon University Tuscaloosa, AL My battle with depression felt like I was trapped in a never-ending storm, with no clear way out.

Before gaining admission to college, I struggled deeply with my mental health, which affected my self-esteem and outlook on life. High school was a time when I felt immense pressure to excel academically and socially, yet I never felt like I was enough. My struggles were hidden beneath the surface, and it wasn’t until I reached out for help that I realized how much my mental health had been compromised.

The University of Alabama Chunchula, AL however it also has many negative impacts like cyber bullying. Students on the internet constantly have to wary of internet trolls, people on the internet who have nothing better to do than attempt to hurt other people. there is FOMO, the fear of missing out, which can cause people to develop mental illness due to not being able to do what others can.

There's unrealistic standards, where people post only the perfect lives and perfect everything which cause students to believe they are inferior by comparing themselves to the fictitious side of the internet. Finally there is addiction. Students spends an exorbitant amount of time on their phone and the internet, where they struggle to live lives outside of it and struggle to maintain In person relationships.

During COVID people were forced to spend most of their time in their home which led to higher digital connections. However, studies have shown that for everyone, especially younger people, this has led to struggling with their real life interpersonal relationships. People are now more likely to flake on plans.

Due to the amount of time students spends on their phone they are not developing social skills at an expected rate. These all lead to minors and students having a negative mental view on their body and mind, believing they are not qualified to be anything in life, that they do not deserve what they have and they do not belong. These can lead to many mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts.

Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School Hoover, AL University of Alabama in Huntsville Athens, AL University of Alabama at Birmingham Harvest, AL I had my first panic attack when I was in elementary school. I was already struggling with ADHD which was a side effect of brain surgery. But Anxiety was different.

It had no warnings. I couldn’t control it no matter how hard I tried. I cried and felt afraid going to places that had large crowds of people, even if it was somewhere I wanted to go, including my basketball games.

Because I never knew when I would be stricken with Anxiety, I had a hard time focusing. I often overthought everything which made things worse. This made it difficult to know how to ask for help.

The one person who knew how to talk to me whenever I was overwhelmed was my Mom. My Mom’s genuine support and her teaching me how to advocate for myself have been pivotal in my Mental Health stability and compassion for others. She was my Mental Health Peer Advocate who taught me how to advocate for mental health awareness.

By growing up in church and volunteering in the community, I learned the importance of trusting God while letting go of religious traditions. This meant being open to Therapy. Unfortunately within the Black community, sometimes culture and religious traditions place healing on a person’s ability to attend church, be strong, and salvation alone.

These concepts often keep Black people from seeking essential help for mental health issues outside of church. However, faith without advocacy does nothing. Because my Mom believed in God and was determined to help me receive the right care that was best for my health, she normalized Therapy and Emotional Awareness.

The Church and its Leaders must do a better job of supporting the Black Community and its members when dealing with mental health issues. Inclusive resources for awareness, healing, and application should be provided. Discussions on mental health advocacy and help should be within the church building.

Choosing to go to therapy does not mean that a person is absent from God. This mentality has to change. Now that I am a freshman in college, I see the impact of having learned how to advocate for my Mental Health as a young black child.

My Mother’s ongoing support shaped my life. Talking to school counselors when I felt stressed out about my grades and was having really bad days helped me when I could not talk to my Mom or my regular Therapist. I believe onsite Trained Licensed Counselors should be made available in Inner City Community Organizations as well as Black Churches.

I also benefited from being on a school team that allowed us to have “round table discussions. ” This allowed us to share our emotions in a safe space. Facilitated small groups that focus on mental health should be offered in more safe spaces along with resources from each state’s National Alliance on Mental Illness Organization information.

This will teach people how to advocate for themselves and hopefully become a Peer Mental Health Advocate for someone else. University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL Auburn University Brewton, AL I know first hand about the struggles of mental heath problems. Personally I have struggled with extreme generalized anxiety and social anxiety.

I began to struggle around the age of nine. I changed schools when I was ten and struggled so bad with the change. I didn't like change plus I struggled to make friends.

I barely slept. Finally halfway through that year my parents took me back to my old school and got me counseling. The counseling helped me tremendously.

Eventually I was able to make the school change and be successful. Not only have I struggled, but I have saw my mom's struggle with very debilitating anxiety. Medication and counseling has made all the difference for her.

She is so happy and lives her life to the fullest now. It's amazing what treatment for a mental disorder can do in the life of a person. It can greatly improve their life as well as those around them.

Black communities face many challenges with mental health. Two of those being the way it is stigmatized and the lack of accessible treatment. The stigma on mental health in the black community has caused them less likely to admit they are suffering and less likely to reach out for help.

Black young adults face higher rates of mental health problems than older white and black adults. One reason there is a stigma on seeking treatment is the distrust of the medical community. African Americans have been midiagnosed at higher rates than white patients.

The medical community has also exploited the black community in the name of medical advancement. Also, sadly during slavery it was thought that slaves weren't sophisticated enough to experience mental health disorders. This lead many to ignore their mental health problems or dismiss them as just being tired or stressed.

Also, through the years in our country all ethnicities were taught that having a mental illness was a sign of weakness. This causes people to keep quiet about their mental pain and never seek help. Unfortunately there is also less access to medical insurance in the black community.

There is also a lack of financial means for many in the black community. This leads to this community not getting the mental health treatment they so desperately need. It is my hope that the black community will seek out mental health care and be able to receive it when necessary.

There are different ways that there access to mental health care can be improved. One way that our country can take away the stigma in mental health care in the black community is by talking about it in our public schools. When kids learn about something from a young age they are more likely to accept it and realize that they can get help.

It makes it more normalized. Children are so understanding and accepting. Another way to promote mental health care and take away the stigma in the African American community is to bring the information to them at community events.

Doctors and their staff can reach them by going to them and showing them they care. By doing this they can form relationships and build trust. This will therefore save many lives.

Loyola University New Orleans Spanish Fort, AL Oakwood University Huntsville, AL For someone who has experienced mental health issues, not myself but my mom, which affected me indirectly. Because at my early age I had to look for options to help my mom without her getting mad at me but until today, it's been impossible to make her seek for help or follow a treatment.

So, I know how difficult could become a situation like that not only because is hard itself but because there's no resources to treat it. And I'm so glad that I am applying for this scholarship because this list of caucuses can help me a lot to get some help for my mom and make her see live from a different perspective and not like living is a "hell".

I would say that improving prevention and early intervention should be the first caucus on the list. By focusing on strategies that stop mental health problems from developing or worsening, we can potentially save many lives from long-term negative consequences and reduce the overall burden on the mental health system.

The second caucus on the list should be increasing access to evidence-based mental health treatment and common-sense solutions. This way, we can ensure that people have access to effective treatments and be aware of how different their lives can turn once they complete treatments successfully. The third caucus that should be enhancing the nation's crisis response services.

Again, providing immediate support and intervention can save many lives during mental health emergencies. Many people don't know who to rely on when they are having a mental health emergency. So, it is crucial to improve the capacity, coordination, and accessibility of crisis response services to ensure timely and appropriate care for individuals suffering mental health issues.

Lastly, expanding the country's mental health professional workforce is in this place because it is based on the understanding that without adequate prevention efforts, access to treatment, and crisis response services, simply increasing the workforce may not address the larger systemic challenges.

However, it should be acknowledged that a well-trained and sufficient mental health workforce is vital to support the delivery of quality mental health services. In conclusion, it is essential to recognize that different perspectives and experiences may lead yo different prioritization orders.

Some might argue that expanding the mental health professional workforce should be higher on the list, recognizing the need for more providers to meet the growing demand for mental health services. Others might argue for placing crisis response services higher due to the immediate and lifr-saving nature of THEIR interventions.

Ultimately, the prioritization order should be determined through robust discussions and considering various stakeholders' opinions. University of Alabama in Huntsville Birmingham, AL 1. Prevention and Early Intervention Efforts: At the forefront of priorities stands prevention and early intervention efforts.

This is not just a chronological necessity but a strategic imperative. By investing in awareness programs, community education, and early intervention initiatives, we can address mental health challenges proactively. For students like me, who face the stresses of academia, these initiatives can create a supportive environment that fosters mental well-being from the outset.

2. Mental Health Professional Workforce Expansion: Expanding the mental health professional workforce takes second place, not due to diminished importance but as a complementary step. With an increased understanding and recognition of mental health issues, the demand for mental health professionals surges.

By bolstering the workforce, we ensure that individuals across Alabama, including students, have access to the guidance and support necessary to navigate their mental health journeys. 3. Crisis Response Services Enhancement: Crisis response services come next in priority.

In moments of acute need, having an effective crisis response system is critical. This prioritization ensures that those in immediate distress receive timely and appropriate assistance. For students balancing the challenges of academics and potential mental health struggles, a reliable crisis response mechanism can be a lifeline.

4. Access to Evidence-Based Mental Health Treatment: The fourth priority is increasing access to evidence-based mental health treatment. Once prevention, workforce, and crisis response mechanisms are in place, ensuring that individuals can readily access proven and effective treatment modalities becomes paramount.

This prioritization is a logical progression that completes the comprehensive mental health support system. While these priorities form a robust foundation continuous assessment and adaptation based on the evolving needs of the community ensure that the mental health support framework remains dynamic and responsive.

As we advocate for these priorities, let us be mindful of the individual stories and challenges, recognizing that each student in Alabama is a unique thread in the rich tapestry of our collective well-being. Personally I come from Gadsden Alabama where i was raised by a single mother with an older brother.

The stress on my mother was too much to handle and with laws restricting assess to the Prozac medication she had to take my mother was pushed towards an addiction to meth. My girlfriend has also had many struggles with mental health some leading her to be hospitalized and admitted to a mental ward to help her recover.

though i dont have many problems with mental health myself I have been surrounded by loved ones who struggle with it everyday, and i do everything i can to help ease their burdens. Delta State University Pelham, AL University of Alabama at Birmingham Mccalla, AL I was diagnosed with ADHD last week. Last week.

The journey hasn't been easy to get here, and now that I'm at the top of this proverbial mountain, medicated and experiencing what it's like to feel... okay, I think, okay, maybe, it makes me contemplative. While I'm relieved that I've reached this peak, I feel grief for the younger me that suffered in the not-knowing, because I was a hyperactive little girl who couldn't focus, and that was just....

normal. But now I know it wasn't normal-- my undiagnosed mental illness gave me depression when I couldn't function right, and severe, crippling anxiety that my future was over before it even began. Now, I can say that my mental illness did that to me, and I have a little folder of $900 papers to prove it.

But... America IS facing a mental health crisis. We're experiencing a new age in many different ways; mental health, of course, being a very notable example.

There are stigmas around mental health that debilitate those already suffering, and there is no support out there that can give back the safety, comfort, and optimism for the future that the world has taken from them. Yes, we are in a crisis. But that is not the end.

Semicolons exist in lieu of periods for a reason; and so too does the phrase, "this is not over," to follow a grim story. At a national level, change is already happening. One can look at the way the conversation has shifted around mental illness over the last few years.

It's not perfect, but people seem to care more than they used to. But, caring is not the only important aspect-- national funding of mental health services to specifically help those in need would be so crucial to help those who are struggling with mental health, and could lessen the social stigma that needing help is something to be ashamed of.

At a state level, Alabama would need to implement or support affordable mental health services in areas with higher minority populations, as they are certainly underserved and, considering the nature of racism in not just America, but the South, they certainly deserve to have access to such a vital component of healthy living. School is tricky.

It seems these days that anything too "woke" is shot down, and certainly, they might feel the same about any suggested mental health curriculums-- it would be hard to get it to practical stages. But.. Perhaps, just because something is hard, doesn't mean it's not worth doing.

Maybe I wouldn't have needed to wait 21 years to feel okay with myself if I had known more about what I was struggling with. I am certain it would help other children with that, too. For community, family, even, we need only follow through on the promise of the name.

Community. Having compassion for those around you. Building and fostering support networks for those who feel lost.

We're so isolated these days-- I don't know my neighbor's names. And, perhaps similar could be said of our families; sometimes I'm afraid to tell them when I struggle. But what is family for if not to catch us when we stumble?

I apologize to myself a lot. For things I say to myself now, and for things I say about my younger self, who didn't know any better. The world can be cruel, but we need not help it in this grim duty.

Mental illness is not your fault. Try to treat yourself with the grace you would show your favorite person in the world. Oakwood University Huntsville, AL Education is vital and it can help enhance my knowledge to be able to teach other people about mental health.

Education is important to me because it reminds me of the story of Malala and how she was unable to get access to education as a girl in her country and she fought for education until she got the approval of doing so. My parents believe in getting an education as it enhances us as individuals and makes us a greater part of society.

Some challenges I faced were teachers not believing in me and I thought because they didn’t believe in me, I couldn’t believe in myself. I plan to debunk their beliefs and do everything I can to the best of my ability. Working with adults who have mental illnesses has allowed me to be more aware of others around me and to be grateful.

I know of many people who have and still currently are facing mental health crises. On a national and state level, I believe politicians can speak on the importance of mental health and provide resources for people to access health providers so people can access them. My high school monthly spoke about the importance of mental health and the resources but didn’t make the resources available in front of our eyes.

I think the schools should have posters to talk about who to call or message when they are going through certain things. I believe that they should also have people who are certified for others to access in the schools so students can speak to them. Students need things right in front of their faces to know they can get help and access it.

On a community level, people can be kind to their neighbours. The Bible speaks about being kind to one another and treating others with respect. I believe also having someone readily available to speak to is important.

With the community and recreation centres, there should be posters and mental health advisors. After working in my local community center, I realized that a lot of students after school come and cause trouble. After speaking with some of them, they avoid wanting to go home.

Knowing that there is someone to talk to and cares about them, is important. On a family level, I believe it is important that our family members listen to us