NEWARK, DE – One of my dreams in life has always been to create something bigger than myself—something that leaves an everlasting mark of positivity in an often hostile world. When I first started Inspire Youth and accomplished just that, I never imagined that my work would one day be recognized on a national stage. I would have never known that what began as a small idea of starting a Key Club at my high school would turn into owning a 501(c)(3) organization that grew to be successful across my home state.
This past week, I was honored to receive an Honorable Mention in the 2025 Milton Fisher Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity by the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven. This award is presented to students who excel as creative problem solvers and utilize innovation to make a positive impact. Being included among such inspiring fellow students across Connecticut and the New York City metropolitan area is an experience I’m truly grateful for and very proud to be a part of.
Personally, this recognition feels less about the title itself, but more about the bigger picture it represents: you can truly do anything as long as you put your mind to it. I’d be lying if I said I never had doubts or obstacles in the way of creating Inspire Youth. Starting at 17, I faced many roadblocks in the formation process. However, with the help of a grant from the Haughey Brothers Landscaping company based in Cranford, NJ (huge shoutout to Ethan and Devin Haughey), and pro-bono legal assistance from Reed Smith LLP with NYLPI, we were able to start our journey as a 501(c)(3).
This award goes to show that you are the only person who can dictate your success. As long as you have a dream you’re passionate about, anything is possible; the sky is the limit.
I want to thank the Milton Fisher Scholarship committee for recognizing the value in my story, and I also want to congratulate the incredible winners and fellow honorees. I would also like to thank all the Inspire Youth NJ team members for their help in forming IYNJ and its subsequent growth to new heights. You can read CFGNH’s official announcement at https://www.cfgnh.org/articles/2025-milton-fisher-scholarship-for-innovation-and-creativity-winners. Keep an eye out for the guy in an orange shirt at the top right corner!
This recognition motivates me to keep pushing forward, dreaming bigger, and finding new ways to make a difference. I’m looking forward to what the future brings me.
Keep on dreaming!
-Gavin
