Noah is currently in his second year of graduate study at Dallas Baptist University (DBU). He plans to obtain his master’s degree in Christian Ministry with a focus on Chaplaincy to prepare himself to serve as a Chaplain in the US Air Force. He hopes to later transition to serve as a Pastor and pursue his doctorate.

Noah volunteers for the Pregnancy Resource Center of Grand Prairie where he helped with moving and organization of storage areas. He was chosen to play violin for the chapel band at DBU and most recently had the privilege to recently preach once a month at the Belmont Village Senior Living Center.

Dallas Fire-Rescue Department Chaplain Elaine Maddox says, “I have been present for Noah’s Eagle Scout recognition, his high school graduation, and his undergraduate graduation. He is very respectful, mature, and appreciative of every opportunity he is presented with. He will truly be successful in all that he does.”

Katelyn plans to graduate from Bridgewater State University with a GPA over 3.75, a good contender for graduate school where she will obtain her master’s degree. Katelyn feels that accomplishing this goal will set her apart from other candidates and will assist her in developing her knowledge and skill set to become an elementary school teacher.

She previously volunteered with Haven from Hunger, a local food pantry and community meals program. When she is home, Katelyn assists her aunt who is a 4th grade elementary teacher. She prepares assignments, decorates the classroom, organizes materials, assists with grading work, and creates lesson plans.

Early Childhood Education Teacher Caroline Morgan says, “Katelyn consistently proves herself to be a dependable, versatile student, and a true asset to teachers and peers alike. She is a model student who is focused, vocal, and true to herself. Katelyn is a leader both in and out of the classroom, leading by example. She possesses the skills, determination, and maturity to be successful as a student and teacher.”

Katelyn’s previous scholarship was made possible with support from the
Motorola Solutions Foundation and the MissionSquare Retirement Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Thomas is a Senior at Fordham University where he serves on the Executive Board for Campus Activities and oversees the cultural affairs for events. He has previously coordinated, marketed, and executed more than 30 programs on and off campus for participants ranging from 25-500. Thomas serves as a leader of the Rose Hill Society, Student Orientation Team and is a member of the Jewish Student Organization.

Thomas finds being a leader in his community to be extremely rewarding and worthwhile. Upon obtaining his master’s degree, he hopes to work in public relations with a television station. He describes himself as having a passion for working with people and business which led him to pursue Marketing.

Thomas is described as smart, personable, respectful and a hard worker. One instructor says that he demonstrates impressive academic abilities through understanding concepts and applying them to real life situations.

Unwillingly forced to become the head of household after her husband’s death, Amy is now alone, left uneducated and picking up the pieces. Through grit, hard work, and dedication, Amy is planning to earn her bachelor’s degree in Administration of Justice, then continue with law to obtain her Juris Doctorate Degree. Amy’s goal is to become financially independent through her education. Through her own experience since losing David, she has found her why.

Amy wishes to advocate for other families who lose a firefighter and assist those families with the benefits paperwork and any legal issues arising from that process. Her goal ultimately is to assist other widows and widowers with finishing their own education and to remind them that they truly are not alone.

Amy is said to be resilient, tenacious, and committed to turning her loss into an opportunity to serve others. Deputy Chief Graham Everette says, “Amy remains committed to advancing her education to secure her family’s future and opening employment opportunities for herself.”

Amy’s previous scholarship was made possible with support from the
Motorola Solutions Foundation.

Taylor is currently in her junior year at school. Her academic goal is to finish her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, then take 12 months of dual degree study at an accredited culinary school. Taylor plans to then open an upscale restaurant to supplement her income between films bringing money to the table. She attributes the desire for a culinary degree to her stepfather whose dream was to open his own restaurant.

She works as a screenwriter/director and has a documentary under development. Taylor’s stepfather taught her that even though she has a career, she can still expand upon her hobbies. She shares that her stepfather’s hobby was cooking, and her hobby was eating. She plans to finish her degrees and then take life in and be inspired by sights and flavors.

Taylor’s Creative Writing Instructor Evan Stubblefield shares, “Despite the challenges of adjusting to life in Los Angeles, particularly during the early stages of COVID, Taylor remained ambitious and dedicated to her studies. She makes every effort to apply herself and remains one of the few students willing to take calculated risks to get the most out of her education.”

Zion has changed his major from Civil Engineering to Business Management as he now plans to obtain a job in the business world eventually working his way into a high-level management position.

Knowing his mother didn’t make a lot of money, Zion began working part-time as soon as he reached the state’s legal age requirement for employment. He helps his mom with expenses with his earnings. Zion knows his mother has always worked hard to provide him with everything he could need. Zion knows receiving this scholarship could make the difference between continuing his education or not.

Royce Hans, a Retired Surfside Beach Fire Battalion Chief and retired Prince George’s County Police Officer, has known Zion since he was 5 years old and has stated “Zion displays strong, moral character through his personal interactions at home, school, and in his community. I can honestly say that he displays a strong personal commitment to successfully completing whatever task that he is assigned.”

Zion’s previous scholarships were made possible with support from
Motorola Solutions Foundation.

Bailey shares that completing her educational career goals without an insurmountable amount of student debt is important to her as she works to become the first in her family to graduate college. She is planning to work in data encryptions or as a data analyst.

In high school, she was involved with theater, stage crew, and concert band. Bailey takes care of her younger brothers at home whenever her mother is at work or away for other purposes. She assists them with their homework and school projects. She is currently seeking employment locally that will allow her to maintain her studies and assist her mother.

Professor of Mathematics Akl writes, “Bailey consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and a dedication to success.” She is also described as conscientious and having an intellectual curiosity that has led her to excel in mathematics.

Bailey’s previous scholarship was made possible with support from the
Motorola Solutions Foundation and the Engine Company 5 Foundation.

Adam will enter his freshman year as either a software engineer or computer major. He is looking forward to attending Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) for its great program and smaller class sizes which will allow him to excel academically. Adam shares that he hopes to pursue a career in computer game programming or cybersecurity.

He shares that enjoys computer software coding and is self-taught in a few computer languages. Adam belonged to a group called Research in Science and Engineering Technology (RISE Tech) where they worked on various projects in the STEM field. Adam participates in Jazz Ensemble, the Pitt Band and like his brother Andrew, he also volunteered for his church’s Volunteer Bible School program prior to COVID.

Educator Patricia O’Sullivan shares, “Adam, like his father, is very involved in his school and community. Adam is motivated, serves as a role model to those around him, and is goal oriented.”

Emma will major in Pre-Veterinarian Science with a focus on equestrian care in conjunction with a dual minor of American Sign Language (ASL). She considers herself a work in progress as she strives to do her best every day while making her family proud.

She currently volunteers for the Faithful Friends Animal Advocates no-kill shelter working with dogs and cats. Her volunteer work ranges from feeding the animals, cleaning their kennels, and playing with the animals. Emma also participates in Missions Week through her school and has served on several mission trips both nationally and internationally providing food to those in need, building porches and teaching others about science and self-care.

High School Science Teacher Jean Miller shares, “Emma is a thoughtful, sensitive, consistent, and exceptional young woman. She demonstrates integrity of character, a passion for life and learning, and seeks excellence in all that she does. I know Emma will excel as she pursues her life’s goals.”

Tyler is currently pursuing his associate degree in Health Science. He plans to use this degree to find a job in nursing to provide income as he works to complete his bachelor’s degree. He aspires to become a doctor or perfusionist after graduation.

With his focus on his academics, he does not currently volunteer or participate in extracurricular activities. When he is not studying, he works part-time cleaning homes every other weekend to support himself.

Assistant Manager Tucker says, “Tyler has a good work ethic. He is focused, hardworking, dependable, and determined to succeed. He remains positive and upbeat despite losing his father recently. With financial assistance, I believe Tyler has a very bright future. He will prove to be an excellent recipient for your scholarship program.”