2017 Award Recipients

Malloree Arn

Malloree Arn, of Missouri, plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing from Missouri Western State University. She also plans to minor in Spanish so that she can help immigrant patients. Malloree's father, Bradley Arn, died in the line of duty while serving the St. Joseph Missouri Police Department.

Molleigh Arn

Molleigh Arn, of Missouri, plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in elementary education with a concentration in special education from Missouri Western State University. Her dream is to attend graduate school and become a principal. Molleigh's father, Bradley Arn, died in the line of duty while serving the St. Joseph Missouri Police Department.

Margaret G. Baik, of Connecticut, plans to pursue a bachelor's degree from Iona College. Margaret volunteers with Relay for Life and also tutors children from a local middle school. Margaret's father, Michael Baik, died in the line of duty while serving the Bridgeport Fire Department in Connecticut.

Devin D. Bryant, of Utah, is pursuing his goal to become a career firefighter. He is currently enrolled at Utah Valley University, studying to be a paramedic.  Devin's father, Kendall Bryant died in the line of duty while serving the Layton City Fire Department in Utah.

Jennifer Butler-Amoroso

Jennifer Butler-Amoroso, of Florida, is enrolled to become a paralegal on a full-time basis. She is following a dream to graduate college while running a household with three small children. She is also taking American Sign Language to continue her work as an interpreter to work in and out of the court room. Jennifer's husband, John Butler, died in the line of duty while serving the Jacksonville City Police Department.

Jonathan M. DeWolf, of New Hampshire, is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering and hopes to become a research engineer specializing in wind tunnel experiments, or a wind tunnel aerodynamicist. Jonathan's father, Christopher DeWolf, died in the line of duty while serving the Newington Fire Department in New Hampshire.

Kelly A. DeWolf, of New Hampshire, is enrolled at the University of South Florida studying to be an acute care nurse practitioner.  With a 3.6 GPA, Kelly is a high achiever in an extremely competitive program. Kelly's husband, Christopher DeWolf, died in the line of duty while serving the Newington Fire Department in New Hampshire.

Lindsay R. DeWolf, of New Hampshire, is currently enrolled in a nurse practitioner program at University of South Florida. Lindsey works in the Cardiac ICU with patients who are critically ill. Her compassion and empathy are what she considers her greatest strengths as a nurse.  Lindsay's father, Christopher DeWolf, died in the line of duty while serving the Newington Fire Department in New Hampshire.

John Drummond

John Drummond, of Colorado, plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in accounting and finance from Post University in Waterbury, CT.  Upon graduation, he would like to attend law school.  John's father, John Drummond, died in the line of duty while serving the City of Littleton.

Edward Dundon

Edward Dundon, of New Jersey, is entering his third year at Montclair State University where he is working toward a bachelor's degree in psychology. After graduation Edward hopes to work in law enforcement, specifically with a K9 unit before moving on to the FBI or CIA. Edward's father, Gary Dundon, died in the line of duty while serving the Warren County Prosecutor's Office in New Jersey.

Kayla J. Ford, of New York attends Touro College in New York City. She volunteers and organizes activities to help children and adults with disabilities. Kayla's father, Robert Ford, died in the line of duty while serving the Fire Department of New York.

Emily Klepper

Emily Klepper, of Indiana, is a sophomore at St. Mary's College.  She is pursuing a bachelor's degree in economics.  Following graduation, Emily is interested in entering the Peace Corps.  Her goal is to one day attend law school and become a diplomat to France. Emily's father, Dennis Klepper, died while serving the Huntington County Highway Department in Indiana.

Miguel Massas-Acevedo, of Colorado, is pursuing his Master's Degree in Business Administration while working full-time for a company in Colorado. Miguel's father, Miguel Massas Perez, died in the line of duty while serving the Puerto Rico Fire Department.

Dillon C. Mickel, of Florida, is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Florida.   In high school, Dillon was a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Dillon's father, John Mickel, died in the line of duty while serving the Osceola Fire Rescue in Florida

Danielle Nichols

Danielle Nichols, of Iowa, plans to attend Buena Vista University to earn a bachelor's degree in business administration.   She has a passion for working with children and her goal is to become a child care director. Danielle's father, Daniel Nichols, died in the line of duty while serving the Des Moines Fire Department in Iowa.

Jennifer Nichols

Jennifer Nichols, of Iowa, is working toward a degree in early childhood education at Ellsworth Community College. She enjoys spending time with children and her ultimate goal is to become a teacher.  Jennifer's father, Daniel Nichols, died in the line of duty while serving the Des Moines Fire Department in Iowa.

Katherine Nichols

Katherine Nichols, of Iowa, is a junior at Baylor University where she is pursuing a dual degree in international business and accounting. She is interested in becoming a foreign officer for the State Department. Katherine's father, Daniel Nichols, died in the line of duty while serving the Des Moines Fire Department in Iowa.

Jennifer R. Pepple, of Wyoming, is pursuing a Master's degree in sustainable tourism. She also serves on the International Education Advisory Board and will teach as an adjunct faculty member through Arizona State University's Continuing Education department. Jennifer's husband, Adam Longo, died in the line of duty while serving the Natrona County Fire District.

Kristen E. Pontius, of Illinois, attends the University of Wisconsin and is pursuing a degree in Radiologic Science.  Kristen's father is the reason she is so passionate about pursuing this career.  Her father, Michael Pontius, died in the line of duty while serving the Freeport Fire Department in Illinoist.

Matthew M.B. Proost, of California, plans to study computer science at Point Loma Nazarene University, and eventually work on medical software. His goal is to make immediate response units more efficient and enhance life-saving technology.  Matthew's father, Michael Butler, died in the line of duty while serving the Los Angeles City Fire Department.

Donna J. Reed, of Florida, is pursuing a degree in child care psychology at State College of Florida.  She volunteers working at local blood drives. Donna and her family are involved in the West Manatee Fire & Rescue District, volunteering and attending events and Fire Department functions. Donna's father, Brian Reed, died in the line of duty while serving the West Manatee Fire Rescue Department.

Michael H. Reisman, of New York, is studying economics at the University of Chicago.  Michael has maintained his position on the Dean's list while also being a member of a premier business program on campus, which provides him access to MBA courses alongside graduate students. Michael's father, Stephen Reisman, died in the line of duty while serving the Fire Department of New York.

Kayla A. Ryan, of New York, is an English major at Marymount Manhattan College. Kayla enjoys reading and is interested in a career as a publisher.  Kayla's father, Robert J. Ryan, died in the line of duty while serving the Fire Department of New York.

Janet B. Santner, of Florida, is an elected official serving the Fire Commissioner with the North Bay Fire Rescue District. She is pursuing a degree in early childhood education from Northwest Florida State College.  Janet's husband, Thomas Santner, died in the line of duty while serving the North Bay Fire Department.

Tessa L. Santner, of Florida, is pursuing a degree in Mandarin Chinese and hopes to one day teach abroad.  Tessa's father, Thomas Santner, died in the line of duty while serving the North Bay Fire Department.

Gregory Scannell, of Massachusetts, is pursuing a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of New Hampshire. He serves as a volunteer for Best Buddies and works with the homeless through his church. Gregory's father, William Scannell, died in the line of duty while serving the Dedham Police Department in Massachusetts.

Cheryl Schultz, of New Mexico, continues to uphold a 4.0 GPA while working towards a law degree from Concord Law School. Cheryl's husband, Kevin Schultz, died in the line of duty while serving the Pojoaque Police Department in New Mexico.

Payton Selby

Payton Selby, of Tennessee, will begin her freshman year at Mississippi State this fall.  She plans to pursue a degree in international business and hopes to one day work for a non-profit that focuses on poverty and hunger.  Payton's father, George Selby Jr., died in the line of duty while serving the Shelby Count Sherriff's Office.

Karley Simmons, of Idaho, is a rising sophomore at the University of North Texas.  She is working toward a degree in psychology.  Karley graduated from high school a year early to being pursuing her dream of become a psychologist. Karley's father, Gregory Simmons, died in the line of duty while serving the Eastland Fire Department in Texas.

Kateland Simmons

Kateland Simmons, of Idaho, is pursuing a master's degree in cellular and molecular medicine, specializing in bioinformatics from the University of Ottawa. She aspires to create programs and technology that scientists will use in the lab to study biology. Kateland's father, Gregory Simmons, died in the line of duty while serving the Eastland Fire Department in Texas.

Johnnie Smith, of Georgia, is studying to become a police officer like his father.  He is pursuing a degree in criminal justice at Clayton State University.  Johnnie's father, Marvin Scarlett, died in the line of duty while serving the Henry County Sherriff's Office.

Errica Stakely, of Alabama, is pursuing a bachelor's degree in business administration from Strayer University.  Errica's father, Ronnie Bogan, died in the line of duty while serving the Notasulga Police Department.

Taisha Whitehead, of Georgia, is a rising senior at Georgia Southern University.  She is pursuing a degree in political science and Spanish.  Following graduation, she plans to further her education by entering a graduate program in political science.  Taisha's father, Joseph Whitehead, Jr., died in the line of duty while serving the Bibb County Sheriff's Office.

Katie R. Wiebicke, of New York, is pursuing a fine arts degree from State University of New York. In 2015, she started a small Face Painting business and she regularly volunteers at community events and church functions. Katie's father, Randy Wiebicke, died in the line of duty while serving the Fire Department of New York.

Tyler Winn, of California, is double majoring in pre-nursing and community health science.  His career goal is to be a Substance Abuse Counselor in a rehabilitation facility.  Tyler's dad, Calvin Winn, died in the line of duty while serving the California Department of Corrections.