Spartanburg High School senior Sydney Josey has been awarded the prestigious Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Celebration Scholarship, selected as one of only two recipients in the county. The scholarship application required a 500-word essay, through which Sydney showcased her commitment to community, leadership, and the principles of unity and service celebrated during Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy (see essay below).
After being notified of her selection, Sydney was invited to the Spartanburg Mayor’s Breakfast, an annual event that kicks off the MLK Jr. Unity Week celebrations. Hosted by Mayor Jerome Rice, the breakfast brings together local leaders, organizations, and residents for reflection, fellowship, and honoring Dr. King’s legacy through speeches and community service. At the event, Sydney had the opportunity to meet notable figures including Amy Woods and Alexander Smalls, along with other influential members of the Spartanburg community.
Also in attendance was fellow Student Council member Tradd Hodge, who had previously been awarded the Junior Humanitarian Award in January 2025.
Sydney’s achievement highlights her dedication to service-based leadership and making a positive impact on those around her. The themes reflected in her essay align closely with the values celebrated during MLK Jr. Unity Week. Her full essay is included below.
From my first day in the Spartanburg High School marching band, I was just another face in the crowd, a regular marcher among dozens of students. But even then, I felt a sense of responsibility toward those around me, the same responsibility Dr. Martin Luther King jr. spoke of when he asked, “What are you doing for others?’ At first, my contributions were small: helping classmates with their music of offering encouragement during long rehearsals. However, over time, I realized that serving others doesn’t always come from grand gestures it often comes from noticing small needs and responding with care.
One of my first opportunities to serve in a meaningful way came when I started bringing snacks for my fellow band members. I noticed that long practices and early mornings could leave people hungry and distracted, so I coordinated with the school to provide snacks before practices. Seeing the relief and gratitude on their faces made me understand that leadership is not just about performance, it’s about ensuring the well-being of the people you lead. From that moment, I became more intentional about looking for ways to support others, whether it was helping a freshman learn their drill or making sure everyone felt included during sectionals.
My dedication to helping others led me to take on the role of uniform captain. In this position, I was responsible not only for organizing uniforms but also for teaching my peers how to care for them, coordinating fittings, and solving any problems. It was a balancing act of organization, patience and empathy, and it taught me that leadership often means putting the needs of others above your own. I learned to anticipate challenges before problems and to act in ways that benefited the entire group.
Eventually, I was chosen to be drum major, a role that elevated my responsibility to an entirely new level. As drum major, I am not just performing and leading on the field; I am serving as a mentor, mediator, and example. Every decision I make, from conducting rehearsals to supporting students individually, reflects my commitment to putting others first. I have grown to understand that true leadership is rooted in service, in making sure every person feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
This philosophy extends beyond band into my future goals. I plan to study cybersecurity in college, a field that requires both technical skill and a dedication to protecting others. Just as I work to ensure the success and well-being of my bandmates, I hope to safeguard individuals and organizations from digital threats, creating safer and more resilient communities. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to pursue higher education in cybersecurity, giving me the tools and knowledge to expand my impact on others in meaningful ways. It would relieve financial barriers, enabling me to focus on learning and developing solutions that protect people and empower them to thrive.
Dr. King challenged us to live lives of service, to answer the persistent question of what we are doing for others. My journey from a regular marcher to drum major has taught me that serving others is both a responsibility and a privilege. Every small act, from sharing a snack to leading a rehearsal, contributes to a culture of care and support. This scholarship would help me continue that journey, equipping me to serve not only my peers but also the broader world, protecting and empowering others through my future work in cybersecurity.
