2011 Award Recipients

Gabriella Aguirre, of Ventura, California, is a freshman at San Jose State University pursuing a bachelor's degree in political science. Gabriella participated in several extra-curricular high school activities including varsity cheerleading, Spanish Club, and Politics Club. Gabriella hopes to run for Congress and represent the Hispanic community. Gabriella's father, Peter Aguirre, served the Ventura County Sheriff's Department until he died in the line of duty in 1996.

Kaitlin Brown, of Fort Meade, Florida, started her freshman year at the International Academy of Design and Technology in fall 2011 and is pursuing a bachelor's degree in fashion design. Kaitlin hopes to design her own clothing line and wants to open clothing boutiques around the world. Kaitlin's father, Ronnie Brown, died in the line of duty while serving the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Le'Amber Dunn, of Riverview, Florida, is a junior year at Spelman College pursuing her degree in education. Le'Amber has participated in the Disney Dreamers Program and was a member of the Durant Step Team. Upon graduation, Le'Amber wants to become an elementary school teacher. Le'Amber's father, Lee Dunn, died in the line of duty while working for the State of Florida, Department of Corrections.

Allan Hollis, of Decatur, Georgia, is a senior at Georgia State University, where he is pursuing a degree in computer information systems. After graduating, Allan plans to specialize in computer information accounting. Alan's father, Alfornia Hollis, died in the line of duty while serving the Atlanta Fire Department.

Alexcia Hollis-Moore, of Decatur, Georgia, is a pursuing a graduate degree in education at Georgia State University and hopes to be a change agent in her field. Alexcia's father, Alfornia Hollis, died in the line of duty while serving the Atlanta Fire Department.

Erin Hunter, of Arlington, Texas, is a senior at Texas Christian University. Erin is pursuing a bachelor's degree in nursing and plans to become a pediatric or labor and delivery nurse upon graduation. On campus, Erin has participated in the TCU Asian Student Association, TCU Black Student Association, and is a TCU Student Ambassador. Erin's father, Gregory Hunter, served the Grand Prairie Police Department for 29 years prior to his death in the line of duty in 2004.

Sarah McGee, of Erie, Colorado, is studying to obtain her online Masters of Science in nursing. Sarah hopes to use her degree to educate future nurses. Sarah is a registered nurse and has three young children. Sarah's father, Mark Langvardt, died in the line of duty while serving the Denver Fire Department.

Ryan Morris, of Sedalia, Missouri, is pursuing a Master of Accountancy degree at the University of Central Missouri. At Central Missouri, Ryan was selected for membership in the National Honor Society, Beta Alpha Psi Honor Society, and the Honors School of Accountancy. Ryan's father, Rickey Morris, died in the line of duty while serving the Sedalia Fire Department.

Traci Rose, of Lena, Illinois, is pursuing her associate's degree in Nursing at Highland Community College. In her free time, Traci volunteers for the Friendship Center of Lena, the Freeport Housing Authority, and the Adult Student Network at Highland Community College. Traci is also a wife and mother of three. Her father, Steven Carroll, died in the line of duty while serving the Stephenson County Sheriff's Office.

William Scannell, of Westwood, Massachusetts, is pursuing a bachelor's degree in business at the University of Connecticut. On campus, William has been a member of the University of Connecticut Honors program, Zeta Beta Tau fraternity, and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. William's father, William Scannell, died in the line of duty while serving the Dedham Police Department.

Sarah Tarver, of Juneau, Alaska, is a freshman at Northern Arizona University pursuing a bachelor's degree in animal behavior. Sarah's extracurricular high school activities included all-American soccer, varsity volleyball, and varsity basketball. Sarah's father, Bret Tarver, died in the line of duty while serving the Phoenix Fire Department.

Brittnee Barreda, of Flagstaff, Arizona, is attending Northern Arizona University where she is working toward her degree in psychology. Brittnee's father, Richard Barreda, died in the line of duty while serving the Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport Police.

Nicholas Bestgen, of Kansas City, Missouri, is pursuing a degree in fire science at the Metropolitan Community College of Kansas City. Inspired by his father's service to the Osborn Fire Protection District, Nicholas has volunteered there for six years and has competed in the Missouri Skills USA Firefighting Competition where he was awarded two first place medals. Nicholas's father, Robert Begstgen, died in the line of duty serving the Osborn Fire Protection District.

Katelyn Bitting, of Keokuk, Iowa, is a sophomore at the Blessing Rieman College of Nursing where she is studying nursing and biology. Katelyn is involved in philanthropic pursuits including Meals on Wheels, Share Your Souls for Haiti, and is Vice President of Kiwanis Circle K International. Katelyn's father, Jason Bitting, died in the line of duty while serving the Keokuk Fire Department.

Antonio Claiborne, of South Holland, Illinois, is pursuing a pre-law degree at South Suburban College. Antonio has maintained a 3.0 GPA during college and plans to practice law upon graduation. Antonio's father, Dannie Claiborne Sr., died in the line of duty while serving the Claiborne County Fire Department.

Samantha Cole, of Portland, Maine, is a freshman at the University of Southern Maine where she studies psychology and counseling. Samantha wants to obtain the highest possible degree in her field. Samantha's mother, Debra Ann Cole, died in the line of duty while on duty at the Western Avenue fire station in South Portland.

Kiara Cotton, of Arlington, Texas, is pursuing a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration at the University of Texas at Arlington. Kiara hopes to be a change agent in the healthcare industry. Her father, Vincent Davis, died in the line of duty serving the Dallas Fire Department.

Morgan Cox, of Topeka, Kansas, is a freshman at the University of Kansas. Morgan's high school activities and accomplishments included National English Honor Society, varsity volleyball, and participation on her school's yearbook and newspaper staffs. Morgan's father, Anthony Cox, died in the line of duty serving the Topeka Fire Department.

April Crockett, of Kansas City, Missouri, is pursuing a Master of Communications from the University of Central Missouri. April was active in her college sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, and hopes to create a “Hope House” for the disadvantaged. April's father, Terrance Crockett, died in the line of duty while serving the Kansas City Fire Department.

Brianne Day, of Kingston, Rhode Island, completed her undergraduate degree a year early and is a first-year graduate student pursuing a degree in Kinesiology and Physical Therapy at the University of Rhode Island. Brianne's father, Michael Day, died in the line of duty while serving the Providence Fire Department.

Nicholas DeMutiis, of New York, NY, is attending Syracuse University where he is working toward his degree in economics. Nicholas's father, Nicholas DeMutiis Sr., died in the line of duty while serving the New York Police Department.

Julie Dill, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing at Oklahoma City University. Julie taught elementary education for ten years before deciding to continue her own education. Julie has been honored as “Teacher of the Year” twice. Julie's husband, Christopher Dill, died in the line of duty while serving the Oklahoma City Fire Department.

Maryssa Ellison, of Fort Myers, Florida, is pursuing a Bachelor's in Biotechnology at Florida Gulf Coast University. Maryssa's extracurricular activities include horseback riding, playing the piano, scuba diving, and active church participation. Maryssa aspires to work in a research lab and further the world's knowledge of genetic childhood diseases. Maryssa's father, William Ellison, died in the line of duty while serving the Anderson Township Fire Department.

Melanie Eutsler, of Springfield, Missouri, is pursuing her cosmetology license at the System Paul Mitchell Partner School. Melanie's extracurricular activities include Art Club, French Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, A + Mentors and the yearbook staff. Melanie's father, Ritchie Eutsler, died in the line of duty while serving the Republic Fire Department of Missouri.

Stacy Henderson, is pursuing a Bachelor of Music Education at Mississippi State University. Stacy performs her music at local nursing homes and assists fellow musicians on campus by helping them prepare for recitals and lectures. Stacy plans to get a master's degree and teach music at the junior college level. Stacy's father, Randy Henderson, died in the line of duty while serving the U.S. Forest Service.

Hope Holmes, of Memphis, Tennessee, is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Psychology at the University of Memphis. Hope interns at the University of Memphis Psychotherapy Research Lab. She plans to attend graduate school and become a counselor to help others deal with loss. Hope's father, Trent Kirk, died in the line of duty while serving the City of Memphis Fire Department.

Michelle Johnson, of Olathe, Kansas, is attending Fort Hays State University where she is pursuing a degree in criminal justice. Michelle's father, James Johnson, died in the line of duty while serving the Sheridan County Sheriff's Department.

Marissa Leach, of Olathe, Kansas, is attending Pittsburg State University and working toward a degree in nursing. Marissa's father, James Leach, died in the line of duty while serving the Kansas City Police Department.

Teri McElveen is a sophomore at the University of Florida, pursuing a bachelor's degree in athletic training. Teri wants to work in the field of athletic training to rehabilitate athletes. Teri's father, Terry McElveen, died in the line of duty while serving the Philadelphia Fire Department.

Kevin Moore is pursuing a Christian ministry degree at Ozark Christian College. Kevin also wants to obtain a degree in business administration and then work at a church or nonprofit organization. Kevin's father, Tom Moore, died in the line of duty while serving the Manteca Fire Department.

Rachael Mundy, of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, is attending the University of Tennessee where she is working toward her bachelor's degree. Rachael's father, Jerry Mundy, died in the line of duty while serving the Mount Juliet Police Department.

Taiylor Mundy, of Mount Juliet, Tennessee is attending Middle Tennessee State University where she is working toward a degree in education. Taiylor's father, Jerry Mundy, died in the line of duty while serving the Mount Juliet Police Department.

Trish Mundy, of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, is pursuing a degree in education at Middle Tennessee State University. Trish has two daughters who also are currently attending college. Trish's husband, Jerry Mundy, died in the line of duty while serving the Mt. Juliet Police Department.

Kara Rafferty, of Bay Shore, New York, is a sophomore at the Stevens Institute of Technology where she is working toward her degree in business and technology. Kara's father, Patrick Rafferty, died in the line of duty while serving the New York Police Department.

Melinda Rose-Roberts, of Henning, Tennessee, is a senior at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center where she is completing her degree in dental hygiene. Melinda's father, Richard Rose, died in the line of duty while serving the Tipton County Sheriff's Office.

Timothy Salvadori, of Healdsburg, California, is a senior at the Oregon Institute of Technology, where he is pursuing a bachelor's degree in respiratory therapy. Timothy's accomplishments include the Oregon Institute of Technology honor roll, the Dean's List, and the National Technical Honor Society. Timothy's father, Richard Salvadori, served the City of Healdsburg Public Works department for 22 years, prior to his death in the line of duty in 2003.

Timothy Santner, of North Bay, Florida, is pursuing a degree in general business at Santa Fe Community College. Timothy started taking college courses at North West Florida State College when he was 16 years old. Upon receiving his associate's degree from SFCC, Timothy plans to transfer to the University of Florida to pursue a bachelor's degree in marketing and sports medicine. Timothy's father, James Santner, died in the line of duty while serving the North Bay Fire Rescue District Fire Department.

Alston Sterling is a freshman at Florence Darlington Technical College where he is pursuing a degree as a physical therapy assistant. Alston's extracurricular high school activities included varsity football, track, and mentoring young men as a member of the “Gentleman's Club.” Alston wants to become a physical therapist to help individuals with physical disabilities. Alston's father, Kenneth Sterling, died in the line of duty while serving the Westview Fairforest Fire Department.

Briana Sterling is a freshman at Costal Carolina University where she is pursuing a bachelor's degree in exercise and sports science. Briana was a member of her high school's track team, cheerleading squad and yearbook staff. Briana hopes to attend graduate school at the University of South Carolina and wants to become a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation specialist. Briana's father, Kenneth Sterling, died in the line of duty while serving the Westview Fairforest Fire Department.

Emily Thornton is pursuing a bachelor's degree in elementary education at Saginaw Valley State University. Emily wants to become an elementary school teacher and make a difference in the lives of students. Emily's father, Scott Thornton, died in the line of duty while serving the Summit Township Fire Department.

Kathryn Wolff, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, is a senior at the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay where she is pursuing a bachelor's degree in human biology. Kathryn has completed course work to become a certified nursing assistant and has served as an organic chemistry tutor for two years. She plans to attend medical school. Kathryn's father, Arnold Wolff, died in the line of duty while serving the Green Bay Fire Department.

Kelly Young, of Castle Rock, Colorado, is pursuing an online degree through the University of Phoenix. Kelly is passionate about representing others who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. She is the Colorado Chapter President for the Concerns of Police Survivors and participates in philanthropic efforts for the organization. Kelly's husband, Donald Young, died in the line of duty while serving the Denver Police Department.