2010 Award Recipients

Alexcia Hollis, 23, of Decatur, GA, plans to attend Georgia State University in the fall 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, Firefighter 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 junior year at Georgia State University this fall to pursue a Bachelor's degree in computer science. Allan has participated in the Morehouse College Leadership Mentor program, plays baseball, and engages in community service through his church. His father, Firefighter Alfornia Hollis, served the City of Atlanta Fire Department in Atlanta, GA, until he died in the line of duty.

Joy Bickham, 29, of Mesa, AZ, will attend Mesa Community College this fall where she plans to pursue a Bachelor's degree in film. She is an Honors student and a member of Phi Theta Kappa. In her spare time, she participates in mission trips around the world, which have included visits to Spain, Morocco, Mexico, and Kosovo. Joy's father, Firefighter Jack Stevens, died in the line of duty while serving with the Mesa Fire Department.

Matthew Abinante, 26, of Granite Bay, CA, will start his second year of medical school at Touro University this fall. In his free time, he volunteers at his community hospital. Matthew is an Eagle Scout who plays piano and enjoys snowboarding. His father, Sheriff Michael McClung died in the line of duty while serving with the Colusa County Sheriff's Department in California.

Samantha J. Powers,, 21, of Claymont, DE, will start her senior 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 Sanitation Department in Boothwyn, PA.

Rachel Tarver, 20, of Juneau, AK, will start her sophomore 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, Firefighter Bret Tarver, died in the line of duty while serving with the Phoenix Fire Department in Phoenix, AZ.

Anne Lorenzano, 19, of Indianapolis, IN plans to attend Indiana University this fall to pursue a Bachelor's degree in English. While in high school, Anne served as captain of her tennis team, served on the Student Council, and served as a Freshman Mentor. Her father, Private John Lorenzano, died in the line of duty while serving with the Indianapolis Fire Department.

Ashley Hanners, 23, of Mesa, AZ, will attend 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, Firefighter Robert Hanners, died in the line of duty while serving with the Coos Bay Fire & Rescue in Oregon.

Brian Carter, 21, of Salibury, MD plans to attend the University of Salisbury this fall to pursue a Bachelor's degree in business. In high school, Brian participated in several team sports and he also was part of the running crew for school plays. His father, Sgt. John M. Carter, died in the line of duty while serving with the Washington, D.C. Fire/EMS Department.

Christina Black, 26, of Green Bay, WI will start her first year at Fox Valley Technical School in Appleton, WI this fall, where she intends to pursue a degree in culinary arts. She hopes to one day open her own restaurant. Her father, Wesley Black, died in the line of duty while serving with the Green Bay Department of Public Works.

Conor Walsh, 22, of Warwick, NY, plans to attend Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine this fall to pursue a Master's degree in pharmacy. In his free time, Conor plays a number of intramural sports including soccer and volleyball. His father, Firefighter Donald Franklin, served with the New York City Fire Department for more than 16 years before he died in the line of duty.

Ethan Brooks, 17, of Lumberton, NC plans to attend the University of North Carolina this fall to pursue a Bachelor's degree in biology. His father, Firefighter Thomas E. Brooks, died in the line of duty while serving with the Lumberton Fire Department.

Jeffrey Bowman,20, of Chattanooga, TN plans to attend the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga this fall to pursue a Bachelor's degree in business finance. Jeffrey is actively involved in the youth ministry at his church and a school club that reaches out to other students to help meet their social and spiritual needs. His father, Lt. Jeffrey Bowman, died in the line of duty while serving with the Chattanooga Fire Department.

Kathyrn Wolff, 21, of Green Bay, WI, will return to the University of Wisconsin this fall as a junior 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, Firefighter Arnold Wolff, died in the line of duty while serving with the Green Bay Fire Department.

Madison Bridges, 18, of Bartett, TN will start her first year at Middle Tennessee State University this fall, where she intends to pursue a degree in nursing. Her extracurricular activities include Spanish Club, Fellowship Christian Athletes, and numorous sports. She is also a member of the National Junior Honor Society. Her father, Firefighter William Bridges, died in the line of duty while serving with the Memphis Fire Department.

Nicholas Bestgen, 18, of Osborn, MO plans to attend Wentworth Military Academy this fall, to pursue a degree in fire science. Nicholas earned the rank of volunteer firefighter on his 18th birthday, and a first place medal in the Missouri Skills USA Firefighter Competition. His father, Firefighter Robert Allen Bestgen, died in the line of duty while serving with the Osborn Fire Protection District.

Ryan McLoughlin, 18, of Massapequa, NY will start his freshman year at Skidmore College this fall, where he intends to pursue a Bachelor's degree in biology. His extracurricular activities include participation in several musical groups, and science research. His father, Firefighter Gregg McLoughlin, died in the line of duty while serving with the Fire Department of New York.

Ryan Morris, 21, of Sedalia, MO will start his senior year at the University of Central Missouri this fall, where he intends to pursue a Bachelor's degree in business accounting. His dream, he says, is to become a certified public accountant. He has made it to the Dean's list twice and is a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Alpha Psi. His father, Firefighter Rickey Morris Sr., died in the line of duty while serving with the Sedalia Fire Department.

Shane P. Franklin, 25, of Warwick, NY, will begin his second year of law school at Thomas Jefferson School of Law this fall with a focus on environmental law. His father, Firefighter Donald Franklin, served with the New York City Fire Department for more than 16 years before he was killed in the line of duty.

Teri McElveen, 18, of Philadelphia, PA plans to attend the University of Florida this fall, to pursue a Bachelor's degree in physical therapy. Teri participated in a number of activities during high school including the bowling club, varsity basketball, and volunteer work for a local nursing home and community arts center. Her father, Lt. Terry McElveen, died in the line of duty while serving with the Philadelphia Fire Department.

William Krukowski, 19, of Kings Park, NY will start his sophomore year at Colorado University this fall, to pursue a Bachelor's degree in ecology and evolutionary biology. His extracurricular activities include volunteering for the New York City Board of Education, the Student Environmental Action Society, and the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. His father, Firefighter William Krukowski, died in the line of duty while serving with the Fire Department of New York.

William Scannell, 18, of Westwood, MA will start his freshman year at the University of Connecticut this fall to pursue a Bachelor's degree in business. His extracurricular activities include participation and membership in the Boy Scouts, varsity baseball, varsity golf, Alpha Lambda Delta, and the National Honor Society. His father, Ofc. William Scannell, died in the line of duty while serving with the Town of Dedham Police Department in Massachusetts.

Sydney McLoughlin, 21, of Massapequa, NY plans to attend Marist College this fall, where she intends to pursue a Bachelor's degree in psychology. She hopes one day to become a child psychologist. Her father, Lt. Gregg McLoughlin, died in the line of duty while serving with the Fire Department of New York.