Bitia Cazares

Bitia Cazares recently graduated from Olathe North High School and will attend Johnson County Community College (JCCC) this fall as she works toward her goal of becoming a police officer.

As the youngest and most recent HDF scholar in the Cazares family, Bitia is excited to follow her sisters footsteps. One of the things she's looking forward to most about college is attending JCCC alongside her oldest sister.

"Every year, I have gone to school with at least one of my sisters," Bitia said. "Then came high school and I was all alone. Now comes college and we will be reliving those memories of going to school together."

Receiving an HDF Scholarship has helped make college more affordable, but it also gave Bitia something she didn't expect: confidence in her own story.

"Before I wrote my essay, my mind would be telling me, 'You don't have a story to tell, so why apply?'" she shared. "Writing that scholarship essay made me open my mind to what future I really want."

As she prepares for this next chapter, Bitia says one of the biggest lessons she learned in high school was to take advantage of opportunities and explore different paths. Looking back, she wishes she had taken more college credit classes and explored programs sooner, but those experiences have shaped the advice she now gives others.

With a strong faith, a passion for serving her community, and excitement for what lies ahead, Bitia is ready to make the most of her college experience and continue working toward her dream career in law enforcement.