Alexandria Spruiel of Detroit, MI, will return as a junior this fall to North Carolina A&T State University to continue pursuing a Bachelor's degree in biology. A member of the National Honor Society, 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.

Allan Hollis of Decatur, GA, will begin his first year at Jackson State University this fall, where he is planning to pursue a degree in computer science. Allan hopes to work for a Fortune 500 company after he completes his education. His father, Alfornia Hollis, died in the line of duty while working for the City of Atlanta Department of Fire Rescue.

Amanda Hart of South Glens Falls, NY, is pursuing graduate study in social welfare and criminal justice at the University of New York at Albany. She wants to pursue a career in social work helping juvenile delinquents. Amanda's father died in the line of duty while serving with the New York State Department of Correctional Services.

Brianne Day of Providence, RI, will attend the University of Rhode Island this fall where she is pursuing a degree in physical therapy. Brianne's interest in physical therapy sprung from a few injuries she received while playing sports, and now she hopes to get a doctorate in the field. Brianne says education was very important to her father, and he sacrificed for her and her siblings to have the best education possible. Her father, Michael Day, died in the line of duty while serving with the Providence Fire Department.

Brock Winters of Greenfield, IL, will start his freshman year at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis in the fall. He is undecided about what degree to pursue, but is interested in business and law enforcement careers. Whatever he decides, he says, he wants to make sure it helps him make a difference in the world and in his community. Brock's father, Gregg Winters, died in the line of duty while working for the City of Muncie Police Department in Muncie, IL.

Devan Thorne of South Jordan, UT, will attend Utah Valley State College in the fall where he is pursuing a degree in political science. Devan is the son of Sgt. Doyle Reed Thorne, who was serving with the Utah Highway Patrol when he died in the line of duty. Sgt. Thorne was killed hen his helicopter crashed while he was searching for a two-year-old girl. After the girl was located, Sgt. Thorne began his return to Salt Lake City. Shortly thereafter, he radioed in a distress call and disappeared from radar. Wreckage was located three days later.

Frederick Soller of Baldwin, NY, will return as a sophomore this fall to Hofstra University Law School. Frederick does volunteer work for his local Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, and FDNY 9-11 Relief. 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 return as a sophomore to Pennsylvania State University this fall, where he is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Gary's list of extracurricular activities includes membership in the National Honor Society, the National Spanish Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and Key Club. In addition, Gary has participated in the Select Men's Choir and has been an instructor at Master Cho's Talium Taekwondo. 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.

Jacqueline McLoughlin of Massapequa, NY, will return as a junior to Parsons The New School for Design in New York City, where she is pursuing a degree in fine arts. Jacqueline credits her father for the gift that she was given, and for believing in her talent. Her father, Gregg James McLoughlin died in the line of duty while serving with the Fire Department of New York.

Jada Presley of Tupelo, MS, will attend Creations College of Cosmetology this fall, where she will be working toward a vocational certificate and license in cosmetology. Jada is the daughter of Sheriff Harold Presley, who was killed in the line of duty while serving with the Lee County Sheriff's Department.

Joy Bickham of Mesa, AZ, will attend Mesa Community College this fall, where she is pursuing an associate's degree in apparel merchandising and design. Joy hopes to eventually have her own business. In her spare time, she participates in mission trips around the world, that have included visits to Spain, Morocco, Mexico, and Kosovo. Joy's father, Jack Stevens, died in the line of duty while serving with the Mesa Fire Department.

Kimberly Dillard of Savoy, TX, will attend Texas A&M University in the fall to pursue graduate study in adult education. Kimberly followed in her father's footsteps and became a police officer early in her career. She served on the force for over 19 years. Kimberly plans to become a professor and teach at a college-level police school. Her father, Lt. Lowry Douglas Durington, died in the line of duty while serving with the Healdton Oklahoma Police Department.

Kyle Winters of Greenfield, IL, will return as a junior this fall to Indiana University where he is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in athletic training. He often volunteers in his community. Kyle's father, Gregg Winters, died in the line of duty while working for the City of Muncie Police Department in Muncie, IL.

Lillian Cherry of Clinton, MD, will return as a sophomore this year to the Art Institute of Washington, where she is pursuing an associate's degree in culinary arts. Lillian plans to start her own catering business after graduation. Her father, Leslie Cherry, was killed in the line of duty while working for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

Mathew Abinante of Granite Bay, CA, will return as a senior this fall to Brigham Young University to continue pursuing a degree in exercise science. Matthew is an Eagle Scout who volunteers at a local hospital, plays piano, and enjoys snowboarding. In continuing his lifelong goal of community service, Matthew plans on becoming a doctor. His father, Michael McClung, died in the line of duty while serving with the Colusa County Sheriff's Department in California.

Mathew Morrison, of St. Louis, MO, will start his freshman year at the Saint Louis University in the fall. Although, he is undecided as to what to study, his teachers and mentors say that he will excel in whatever field he chooses to follow. Matthew's father, Robert Morrison, died in the line of duty while serving with the St. Louis Fire Department.

Roderick Winston of Columbus, GA, will attend Troy University in the fall where he is pursuing a degree in sports management. He is the son of Shirley Winston, who died in the line of duty while serving with the Columbus Police Department. Officer Winston was accidentally shot and killed when her partner's shotgun discharged as the partner struggled with a suspect. Officer Winston was approaching the two to assist the other officer when the shotgun was fired. Roderick was two when his mother was killed.

Samantha Power of Claymont, DE, will return to the University of Delaware as a sophomore this fall, where she is pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology. Samantha hopes that her degree will prepare her to help children and teenagers who have gone through a situation similar to her own. Her father, Steven Powers, died in the line of duty while serving with the Township of Upper Chichester, in Boothwyn, PA.

Stephanie Duncan Moss of Torrance, CA, will attend the University of Southern California in Los Angeles this fall, where she plans to pursue graduate studies in social work. She says that with a Master's degree in hand, she hopes to create and implement effective programming, organizations, and policies to help impoverished inner city youth, families, and the community. Stephanie's father, Duncan Russell, died in the line of duty while working for the Apache Junction Police Department in Arizona.

Timothy Mulvihill of Grosse Pointe Woods, MI, will start his freshman year in the fall at Western Michigan University, where he plans to pursue a business degree. Timothy is primarily focusing on advertising and marketing, and hopes to work on post-production for an advertising agency. His father, Charles Mulvihill, died in the line of duty while working for the Troy Police Department in Troy, MI.

Timothy Salvadori of Healdsburg, CA, will start his senior year at the Francis Tuttle Technology Center in the fall where he is pursuing an associate's degree in respiratory therapy. Timothy is very active in his community and others, often participating in mission trips. Timothy's father, Richard Salvadori, died from a heart attack while at work in the field. Mr. Salvadori had worked for the City of Healdsburg for over 22 years in various capacities for the Public Works Department.

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.

Amre Wilcher, of Gary, IN, will start her freshman year at Ivy Tech Community College in the all where she plans to pursue an associate's degree in surgical technology. Amre is the widow of Patrolman Benjamin Wilcher, who died in the line of duty while serving with the Gary Police Department last summer. He was killed when a patrol car collided with his patrol car during a high speed vehicle pursuit. Amre and Benjamin have two small sons, ages one and three.

Brianna Noyes, of Boston, MA, will attend Northeastern University where she is pursuing a degree in graphic design. Brianna is the daughter of Sgt. James Noyes, who died in the line of duty while serving with the New Hampshire State Police. Sgt. Noyes, head of the SWAT team, was at home with his family when he heard about a standoff in Gilford, New Hampshire, involving a despondent man who had lost his wife earlier in the year. Sgt. Noyes responded with the team in the hopes that as an expert hostage negotiator he could talk the man into putting his weapon down. While Noyes was outside speaking to him, the man fired several shots, killing him. The man then committed suicide. Brianna was seven when her father was killed.

Christopher Abriel, of Slingerlands, NY, will attend Norwich University in the fall, where he is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in computer engineering. Chris is in ROTC and Corps of Cadets, which provide structure and discipline in his life. After he finishes his studies, he hopes to serve his country either in the National Guard or as a firefighter. Chris's father, Theodore Abriel, died in the line of duty while serving with the Albany Fire Department in New York.

Cody Bishop, of Marietta, GA, will return to Georgia Southern University in the fall, where he is working toward a degree in exercise science. His father, Capt. Robbie Bishop, died in the line of duty while serving with the Villa Rica Police Department. Capt. Bishop was shot and killed while he was writing a citation after making a traffic stop. He was a well known drug interdiction officer in the state of Georgia who had set state records for interstate drug seizures. Cody was nine when his father was killed.

Everett McGuirk, of Rochdale, MA, will attend Assumption College in the fall, where he is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Everett lost his father when he was 10. His father, Joseph McGuirk, was killed along with five other firefighters n the Worcester Cold Storage and Warehouse Co. fire. Joseph McGuirk was serving with the Worcester Fire Department at the time of his death. Each year Everett honors his father by participating in the annual Worcester Memorial Firefighters Walk. Although Everett has decided to major in criminal justice and pursue a job in law enforcement, he has not ruled out the possibility of following in his father's footsteps and becoming a firefighter.

Gretchen Calderon, of Carolina, Puerto Rico, will attend the University of Puerto Rico in the fall, where she is working toward a degree in speech pathology. Gretchen is the daughter of Officer Hector Calderon-Romero, a police officer with the Carolina Municipal Police Department, who was killed in the line of duty in 1995.

Hope Holmes, (picture) of Bartlett, TN, will continue her first year pursuing a pre-medicine degree at the University of Memphis this fall. Hope plans to become a surgeon. In her free time, she tutors family, friends, and children from her church and enjoys spending time at the local elderly nursing home. Her father, Trent A. Kirk, served the City of Memphis Fire Department in Memphis, TN until he died in the line of duty.

Justin Resch, of Wadena, MN, will return as a sophomore to Rasmussen College, where he is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Justin wants to become a police officer upon completion of his studies. A single father, Justin says he hopes to help people and make a better life for his son and himself. Justin's father, Peter Resch, died in the line of duty while serving with the Wadena Police Department.

Lauren Androy, of Council Bluffs, IA, will start her freshman year at Belmont University in Nashville this fall. She is planning to pursue a Bachelor's degree in marketing and music. Lauren wants to pursue a career in the music business, because she appreciates and respects all the work that goes into entertaining listeners. Lauren's father, Gilbert Androy, was killed in the line of duty while serving with the Fremont County Sheriff's Department in Fremont, IA.

LaVar Merrell, of Chicago, IL, will return to Knox College in the fall, where he is pursuing a degree in journalism. LaVar hopes to become a sports broadcaster and writer after he completes his education. While he's been in school, he has interned for the local newspaper covering sports, co-hosted a sports call-in radio talk show on the Knox's student radio station, and been a sports writer and editor on the student paper. LaVar's father, L.C. Merrell, was killed in the line of duty after serving 18 years with the Chicago Fire Department.

Meghan LaPiedra, of Staten Island, NY, will return to Monmouth University as a junior 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.

Melinda Rose-Roberts, of Henning, TN, will attend the University of Tennessee this fall, where she is working toward a degree in nursing. Her father, Deputy Richard Rose, died in the line of duty while serving with the Tipton County Sheriff's Department, just months before Melinda was born.

Nicholas Reiner, of Long Beach, CA, will return as a sophomore this fall to Stanford University where he plans to pursue a doctorate in psychology. Nicholas is very active in university programs and volunteer work. His father, Eric Reiner, died in the line of duty while serving with the Los Angeles City Fire Department.

Pedro Ortiz-Colon, of Clover, SC, will attend the University of South Carolina in the fall where he is working toward a degree in political science. His goal is to become an attorney in the court of appeals and then be elected as a statesman. Pedro's father, Officer Norberto Ortiz Ocasio, died in the line of duty while serving with the Puerto Rico Police Department.

Rasheed Merrell, of Chicago, IL, will attend Hampton University in the fall, where he is pursuing a degree in political science. Rasheed hopes to attend Harvard Law School and pursue career as a criminal attorney once he completes his education. Rasheed's father, L.C. Merrell, was killed in the line of duty after serving 18 years with the Chicago Fire Department.

Shane P. Franklin, of Warwick, NY, is pursuing a law degree at Seton Hall Law School this fall. Shane aspires to become a youth advocate because he feels that there is a “real need for teenagers to have people in their lives to help them reach their goals.” His father, Donald Franklin, who served with the New York City Fire Department for more than 16 years, was killed in the line of duty five years ago.

Shannon LaPiedra, of Staten Island, NY, will return as a sophomore 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.

Tara Franklin, of Warwick, NY, will return to St. Bonaventure University this fall to continue pursuing a degree in elementary education with a minor in special education. Tara looks forward to becoming a teacher in a couple of years and hopes to coach soccer too. Her father, Donald Franklin, who served with the New York City Fire Department for more than 16 years, was killed in the line of duty five years ago.