Brianna Rott of Pipersville, PA, Winner of the 2022 Plum Cares Academic Scholarship (PCAS)
Brianna Rott of Pipersville, PA, has been selected as one of the winners of the Plum Cares Academic Scholarship (PCAS). The one-time scholarship of $5,000 was evenly distributed and awarded to Rott and her co-winner and will be devoted to their respective studies in college. Rott will be attending Northeastern University and intends to study cybersecurity and criminal justice.
This year is the 5th annual PCAS, where each year, Plum, a leading online retailer of gymnastics apparel and accessories, opens its application process to gymnasts across the country. This year’s scholarship was different than previous years as Plum permitted themselves to select two winners of equal standing in which they will distribute the scholarship winnings evenly. The scholarship was made available to graduating high school seniors who identify as competitive gymnasts within one of the following disciplines: artistic, rhythmic, acrobatic, tumbling, or trampoline.
Rott is a recent graduate from Central Bucks High School East, where she participated in multiple clubs and organizations, including but not limited to the Central Bucks High School East National Honor Society, the Domestic Violence Awareness Club, the Red Cross Club, and a number of volunteer organizations. Despite her many extracurricular activities, Rott still managed to become a USA Gymnastics Level 10 competitive gymnast and was honored as the Central Bucks Gymnastics Level 10 Most Improved Gymnast, along with many other career accomplishments.
When asked about winning the scholarship, Rott commented, “It is an honor to earn a scholarship from such a prestigious organization. I plan to use the scholarship money to further my education and eventually help others and build the community.”
Rott was selected out of 26 applicants who were required to provide a recent copy of their transcripts, a letter of recommendation, a 500-word essay, and a completed application detailing their participation in extracurricular activities and volunteer work. The applications were scored on a 100-point rubric that were based upon the following criteria: the essay = 50 points, academics (grades) = 20 points, extra-curricular/volunteerism = 20 points, and the letter of recommendation = 10 points.
To learn more about the Plum Cares Academic Scholarship, visit PlumPracticewear.com. Applications for the 2023 scholarship program will be announced in April 2023.
Read Brianna’s essay as she envisions her “next chapter” below:
The next chapter in my life holds countless new opportunities and I intend to seize every last one. For the next four years, I will attend Northeastern University majoring in cybersecurity and criminal justice. There, I will continue to be a hardworking, motivated student whose ambitions drive me to consistently strive for success. I am interested in pursuing a career with the Central Intelligence Agency or a similar government agency, such as the National Security Agency. I plan to utilize my combined major of cybersecurity and criminal justice to combat terrorism. As a Cyber Threat Analyst, I will identify, monitor, and counter threats posed by foreign cyber actors and use digital forensics skills to protect the nation against cyber threats. I will devote myself to studying cybersecurity and criminal justice throughout my four years in college by engaging with the material, joining clubs to further my understanding, and assisting other students as a professor’s assistant.
Earning the Plum Cares Academic Scholarship will open opportunities, such as studying abroad, initiating research projects, and applying for co-ops during my time at Northeastern University. My multicultural experiences while studying abroad coupled with my cybersecurity and criminal justice studies will establish the foundation for a successful career in the United States Government. In addition, I will utilize Northeastern’s co-op program to work full-time in my intended field during semesters of junior and senior year, enabling me to explore career paths, gain professional experience, and acquire the skills and knowledge needed for the future.
As for my life outside of academics, I plan to embrace change and find ways to make the big city feel smaller by joining a sorority, a variety of clubs, and exploring new ways to exercise. Greek life will allow me to get involved on campus and in the Boston community while making new friends and creating long-lasting bonds. Becoming a part of a sisterhood provides leadership opportunities and encourages self-growth and college involvement. I intend to join the FirstBytestudent-run organization to provide every classroom with the opportunity to learn about computer science and engineering, regardless of budget or technical background. I am interested in clubs with opportunities where I can give back to my community.
Continuing an active lifestyle while attending college is important to me and joining clubs will help to keep me actively involved with my school. As a gymnast of sixteen years, I want to explore different activities to remain physically fit. I plan to participate in intramural sports that allow me to discover new ways to connect with others while having fun with new experiences. For my next chapter, I am excited to devote my time to training to run in a half marathon, with the long-term goal of a full marathon. Finally, I intend to surround myself with people who push me to become a better person. I plan to build a community of individuals who will support me, contribute to my personal growth, and share similar academic goals. My storybook consists of working towards my dream career, philanthropic endeavors with clubs and Greek life, exploring new activities, and growing into the person I strive to be.