2009 - 2010 Award Recipients

Alexcia Hollis, of Decatur, GA, will return to Georgia State University to continue pursuing a Master's degree in education. Alexcia, who is a Hurricane Katrina evacuee, has persevered through many difficult circumstances in her life. In the past year, while serving her community as a substitute teacher, she realized that teaching has become her passion. Her father, Alfornia Hollis, served the City of Atlanta Fire Department in Atlanta, GA, until he died in the line of duty.

Allan Hollis, of Decatur, GA, will start his sophomore year at Jackson State University this fall, where he intends to pursue a bachelor's degree in computer science. Allan participates in the Morehouse College Leadership Mentor program, plays baseball, and engages in community service through his church. His father, Alfornia Hollis, served the City of Atlanta Fire Department in Atlanta, GA, until he died in the line of duty.

Alexandria Spruiel, of Detroit, MI, will return as a senior this fall to North Carolina A&T State University to continue pursuing a bachelor's degree in biology. Alexandria desires to give back to her community just as her father once did. Her father, Norman Spruiel, served the City of Detroit Police Department in Detroit, MI until he died in the line of duty.

Anne McNamee, of Chicago, IL, plans to pursue a Master's degree in educational theatre at New York University in the fall. After she graduated from Northwester University in 2007, Anne served with the AmeriCorps Project YES! As a teacher and mentor in schools in Chicago. She currently works as a teacher for an after school inclusion program for children with and without special needs. Her father, Steven McNamee was killed in the line of duty working for the Chicago Fire Department.

Erin Hunter, of Arlington, TX, will start her sophomore year at Texas Christian University, where she is pursuing a bachelor's degree in nursing. Erin's interest in nursing came developed from tragic circumstances. At just 19 years old, she has already undergone, seven open-heart surgeries, three angioplasties, and suffered a stroke. She considers herself a survivor, and strives to help those in the same situation as herself, by volunteering as a counselor and speaker on cardiac health. She also has participated in the Southwestern Black Student Leadership Conference and the Student Diversity Leadership Conference. Erin's father, Sgt. Gregory Hunter, was the first African American police officer to serve with the Grand Prairie Police Department. He was killed in the line of duty on June 18, 2004.

Frederick Soller, of Baldwin, NY, will return as a third-year law student at the Hofstra University Law School in the fall. Frederick has volunteered his time with the Madison Square Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, and FDNY 90-11 Relief, over the past few years. His father, Frederick Soller, died in the line of duty while serving with the New York City Fire Department.

Gary Dundon Jr., of Succasunna, NJ, will start his junior year at Pennsylvania State University this fall, where he intends to pursue a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Gary's list of extracurricular activities includes membership in the Student Government Association, the National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and Martial Arts Club. His father, detective Lt. Gary Dundon, died in the line of duty while serving with the Office of the Prosecutor for the County of Warren, NJ.

Hannah Hudson, of Dalton, GA, will start her senior year this fall at Dalton State College, where she is pursuing a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. After graduation, Hannah plans to pursue a master's degree in middle school science, and other teaching certifications. Hannah's father, William Ricky Hudson, died in the line of duty at the age of 31, while serving with the Ben Hill County Sheriff's Department in Fitzgerald, GA.

Kimberly Dillard, of Savoy, TX, will attend Kaplan University in the fall to pursue graduate study in criminal justice. Kimberly followed in her father's footsteps and became a police officer early in her career. She has served as a police officer for 20 years, and recently earned her Bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Kimberly plans to become a professor and teach at a college-level police school. She says she wants to help others become productive members of the law enforcement profession..

Kyle Winters, of Greenfield, IN, will return to his sophomore year this fall at Indiana University where he is pursuing a bachelor's degree in exercise science. Dedicated to helping other, Kyle works with underprivileged inner city children and volunteers with the Concerns of Police Survivors and the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police. His father, Gregg Winters, served with the Muncie Police Department in Muncie, IN, until he was killed in-the-line-of-duty.

Matthew Morrison, of St. Louis, MO, will return this fall to the Saint Louis University where he plans to pursue a degree in earth and atmospheric science. He hopes to pursue a career in meteorology upon graduation. Matthew's father, Robert Morrison, died in the line of duty while serving with the St. Louis Fire Department.

Meghan LaPiedra, of Staten Island, NY, will return to Monmouth University as a senior in the fall, where she is majoring in software engineering. Meghan hopes to become a computer programmer in the future. She consistently received high honors while being active in school and extracurricular activities. The most important activity she's involved with, she says, is helping her mother organize and manage an annual race in memory of her father, James LaPiedra, who died while serving with the Fire Department of New York.

Rachel Tarver, of Juneau, AK, will start her freshman year at Northern Arizona University this fall, where she plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in climatology. Rachel is interested in making a difference in the world by studying our world's vastly changing climate. Rachel's father, Bret Tarver, died in the line of duty while serving with the Phoenix Fire Department in Phoenix, AZ.

Shannon LaPiedra, of Staten Island, NY, will return as a senior at Monmouth University in the fall, where she is majoring in computer science. She plans to pursue a career as a computer programmer. Shannon maintained a high average in her high school career and is active in volunteer work that benefits widows of firefighters, which she does in remembrance of her father, James LaPiedra, who died while serving with the Fire Department of New York.

Samantha J. Powers, of Claymont, DE, will start her junior year at the University of Delaware this fall where she is pursuing two bachelor's degrees in psychology and sociology. Samantha hopes that her degrees will prepare her to pursue a career in which she can make a difference in the social welfare of children. Her father, Steven Powers, died in the line of duty while serving the Township of Upper Chichester, in Boothwyn, PA.

Travis Pierce, 17, Stockbridge, GA, plans to attend Georgia Military College this fall to pursue a business degree. His father, Special Agent Troy Pierce, died as a result of duty related injuries while serving with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Ali Agy-Bechtel, of Cypress, TX, plans to attend the University of Houston this fall to pursue a degree in psychology. Her father, Patrol Deputy Wilburn Junior Agy died in the line of duty while serving with the Liberty County Sheriff's Department in Texas.

Alvin Palmer, of Atlanta, GA, will attend the Art Institute of Atlanta in the fall, where he is pursuing a degree in video production. He is the son of Officer Alvin Palmer, who died in the line of duty while serving with the Philadelphia Housing Authority Police Department.

Amanda N. Long, of Westminster, CA, is pursuing a bachelor's degree in social work at the California State University, Fullerton. Amanda's combination of empathy, intelligence, and dedication to community serve landed her a paid position with Hope for Long Beach, an organization dedicated to serve the city with mercy and justice. Her father, Daniel Elkins, died in the line of duty while serving the Los Angeles County Fire Department in Los Angeles, CA.

Amy Andrews, of Cottonwood, CA, plans to attend California State University in the fall to pursue a Master's degree in education. She recently completed a bachelor's degree in political science and a bachelor's degree in psychology at San Diego State University. She plans to pursue a career in education. Her father, Ed Andrews, died in the line of duty while serving with the City of Redding Fire Department in California.

Ashley Hanners, of Mesa, AZ, will attend the Chamberlain College of Nursing in the fall to pursue a nursing degree. She hopes to eventually work at a children's hospital where she can unite her medical skills with her love of children. Her father, Robert Hanners, died in the line of duty while serving with the Coos Bay Fire & Rescue in Oregon.

Claire Blackmore, of Farmingdale, NY, will return to Long Island University as a sophomore in the fall, where she is pursuing a bachelor's degree in sociology. She wants to pursue a career that allows her to help others. Claire's father, James Blackmore, died in the line of duty while serving with the Fire Department of New York.

Cody Bishop, of Marietta, GA, plans to attend Georgia Southern University this fall to pursue a degree in criminal justice. His father, Capt. Robbie Bishop, a well-known drug interdiction officer, was killed in the line of duty while serving with the Villa Rica Police Department in Georgia.

Dana Palmer, of Valley Stream, NY, is working toward a Master's degree in elementary education at Quinnipiac University. She plans to pursue a career in education upon completion of her degree. She has been actively involved in many community-based activities such as blood drives and environmental projects. Her father, Orio Palmer, died in the line of duty while serving with the Fire Department of New York.

Derek M. Nadeau, of Somerset, MA, will return to Bridgewater State College in the fall where he is pursuing a degree in criminal justice. Described as having a genuine willingness to help people and a hard work ethic, Derek worked to supplement the cost of his full-time education to help his family financially. Derek is a graduate of the Teen Police Academy and plans to pursue a career in criminal justice as a police officer or state trooper. His father, Gerald W. Nadeau, served the Fall River Fire Department in Fall River, MA, until he died on the line of duty.

Jacqueline Blackmore, of Farmingdale, NY, will return to the State University of New York in the fall where she is pursuing a degree in art history, with minors in literature and writing. Her goal is to one day work at a museum as a historian. Jacqueline's father, James Blackmore, died in the line of duty while serving with the Fire Department of New York.

Jamie Van Horn, of Livingston, MT, plans to attend the University of Washington in Seattle to pursue a degree in pre-medicine science. Her father, Sgt. Steven Van Horn, died as a result of duty related injuries received while serving with the Newport Beach Police Department in California.

Jessica Reiner, of Long Beach, CA, plans to attend Santa Clara University in the fall to pursue a bachelor's degree in psychology. During high school, Jessica was active in Student Government, and a member of the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation. Her father, Eric Reiner, died in the line of duty while serving with the Los Angeles City Fire Department.

Kathyrn Wolff, of Green Bay, WI, will return to the University of Wisconsin this fall as a sophomore, where she is pursuing a bachelor's degree in human biology. Kathryn hopes to enroll in medical school after graduation, with hopes of becoming a dermatologist or pharmacist. She is a member of Phi Eta Sigma and the National Honor Society. Her father, Arnold Wolff, died in the line of duty while serving with the Green Bay Fire Department.

Keith Palmer, of Valley Stream, NY, is pursuing a bachelor's degree in business at Quinnipiac University. Keith is active in the community and strives hard at academic excellence. His father, Orio Palmer, died in the line of duty while serving with the Fire Department of New York.

Kyle Holloway, of Hoffman, MN, plans to attend WyoTech this fall to pursue a degree in marine technology. His father, Officer Gregory Holloway died in the line of duty while serving with the Gordon Police Department in Nebraska.

Kyle Morris, of Sedalia, MO, will return as a junior at the University of Central Missouri this fall where he is pursuing a bachelor's degree in business accounting. His lifelong dream, he says, is to become a certified public accountant. Kyle's father, Rickey Morris, died in the line of duty while working as a fire inspector for the City of Sedalia.

Le'Amber Dunn, of Valrico, FL, plans to attend Florida Atlantic University this fall to pursue a degree in education. Her father, Correctional Officer Lee Charles Dunn, was killed in an automobile accident while serving as a community control officer.

Marissa Leach, of Olathe, KS, plans to attend Pittsburg State University this fall to pursue a degree in nursing. Her father, Sgt. James Leach died in the line of duty while serving with the Kansas City Police Department in Missouri.

Michelle Johnson, of Olathe, KS, plans to attend the University of Phoenix this fall to pursue a degree in criminal justice. Her father, Sheriff James Johnson, was killed in the line of duty while serving with the Sheridan County Sheriff's Office.

Nick Wolf, of Glen Burnie, MD, plans to attend the University of Maryland in the fall to pursue a degree in nursing. His father, Corp. Theodore Wolf Sr., was killed in the line of duty while serving with the Maryland State Police.

Rasheed Merrell, of Chicago, IL, is pursing a bachelor's degree in political science at Hampton University. He plans to attend law school upon graduation and pursue a career in criminal law. He is a member of the Student Government Association, Freshman Executive Organization, and volunteers for a pre-law fraternity. During high school, he was involved with Forefront Leadership, Student Development, and the boys swim team. His father, L.C. Merrell, served with the Chicago Fire Department in Chicago, IL, until he died on the line of duty.

Taiylor Mundy, Mount Juliet, TN, plans to attend Middle Tennessee State University this fall to pursue a degree in education. Her father, Sgt. Jerry Mundy, died in the line of duty while serving with the Mount Juliet Police Department in Tennessee.