2012 Award Recipients

Katelyn G. Bitting, of Iowa, is currently studying nursing at Blessing - Rieman College of Nursing in Quincy, Illinois. Katelyn’s academic accomplishments have allowed her to be in the college’s honors program. She is also a member of the Student Nursing Organization, Student Programming Board and vice president of the Circle K International. Katelyn’s father, Jason Bitting, died in the line of duty serving the Keokuk Fire Department.

Madison S. Bitting, of Iowa, is pursuing an associate’s degree in science at Kirkwood Community College, in hopes of becoming a respiratory therapist. Madison works hard while demonstrating leadership qualities. She enjoys volunteering on campus. Madison’s father, Jason Bitting, died in the line of duty serving the Keokuk Fire Department.

Jackson A. Bowman, of Tennessee, plans to study at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. Jackson is a captain of the JROTC program and the only male cheerleader at his high school. These leadership roles have taught him about discipline, team work, and working hard to achieve your goals. Jackson’s father, Jeffrey A. Bowman, Sr. died in the line of duty serving the Chattanooga Fire Department.

Jeffrey A. Bowman, of Tennessee, is a senior pursuing a degree in business finance at the University of Tennessee. After serving in the youth ministry for the past six years and once graduated from college, Jeff plans to work in ministry full time and use his skills to oversee the finances of a church. Jeffrey’s father, Jeffrey A. Bowman, Sr. died in the line of duty serving the Chattanooga Fire Department.

Brian M. Carter, of Maryland, is a senior pursuing a degree in business at Salisbury University. He looks forward to becoming the first person in his family to receive a college degree, with a double major in finance and management. Brian’s father, John M. Carter, died in the line of duty serving the District of Colombia Fire Department.

Sabrina Gunderson, of Fairfield Glade, Tennessee attends Tennessee Tech University where she is currently completing her degree in child development. Sabrina’s father, Carl Darling, died in the line of duty serving for the Otsego County Sheriff's Department.

Hope N. Holmes, of Tennessee, is currently a psychology major holding an internship position in the University of Memphis Psychotherapy Research Lab. Hope intends to apply for a psychology honors program at the university. She hopes to either become a counselor to help people deal with loss or to conduct research studies to help others. Hope’s father, Trent A. Kirk, died in the line of duty serving the City of Memphis Fire Department.

Robert Johnson, of Silver Spring, Maryland, will be a freshman attending Morehouse College where he will be completing his degree in chemistry. Robert’s father, Robert Johnson, died in the line of duty serving the DC Metropolitan Police Department.

Kevin T. Moore, of Missouri, is pursuing a degree in business administration at Ozark Christian College. Kevin hopes to work in a church or non-profit organization upon graduating. He has been encouraged by church leaders throughout his life and loves to help others. Kevin’s father, Tom Moore, died in the line of duty serving the Manteca Fire Department.

Megan L. Morrison, of Missouri, is pursuing a degree in nursing at Webster University in hopes of becoming a registered nurse. She has participated in volleyball, she volunteers, and mentors. Megan’s father, Robert Bruce Morrison, died in the line of duty serving the St. Louis City Fire Department.

Trish Mundy, of Mount Juliet, Tennessee is in her second year at Middle Tennessee State University, where she is working toward her degree in education. Trish’s father, Jerry Mundy, died in the line of duty serving the Mt. Juliet Police Department.

Rachel Mundy, of Mount Juliet, Tennessee is attending the University of TN, Knoxville, where she is working toward her degree in pre veterinary medicine. Rachel’s father, Jerry Mundy, died in the line of duty serving the Mt. Juliet Police Department.

Robyn Peete, of Germantown, Tennessee is attending Hampton University where she is completing her degree in journalism.  Robyn’s father, Rupert Peete, died in the line of duty serving Shelby County Sheriff’s Department.

Jessica M. Reiner, of California, is a sophomore pursing a psychology degree with an interest in philosophy at Santa Clara University. Her father’s passing gave her insight into what is valuable in life: working hard, loving much, and not taking things for granted. She sees continuing her education as a way to honor his sacrifice. Jessica’s father, Eric C. Reiner, died in the line of duty serving the Los Angeles City Fire Department.

Marissa E. Reiner, of California, is pursuing a bachelors of science degree in nursing at Dominican Univeristy of Califorinia. She decided on this career path during a volunteer project, Bedside Buddy Program, which allowed her to assist the nurses in the Medical/Surgical Oncology unit. The drive for excellence of her older brother and sister has helped Marissa stay motivated. Marissa’s father, Eric C. Reiner, died in the line of duty serving the Los Angeles City Fire Department.

Ryan J. Robeson, of Pennsylvania, is currently a sophomore at the University of Scranton, studying Electrical Engineering with a minor in Philosophy, Math and possibly Theology. He engages in service work such as Habitat for Humanity during semester breaks and participated in a service trip to New Orleans to repair houses damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Ryan’s father, James Robeson, died in the line of duty serving the Scranton Fire Department.

Alston D. Sterling, of South Carolina, is pursuing a degree as a physical therapist assistant at the Florence Darlington Technical College. Afterwards, he plans to go back to school to become a physical therapist. He feels that he has been blessed with physical strength and would like to help others who struggle physically. Alston’s father, Kenneth E. Sterling, died in the line of duty serving the Westview Fairforest Fire and EMS Department.

Briana F. Sterling, of South Carolina, is pursuing a degree in exercise and sports science at Coastal Carolina University. Briana plans to attend graduate school at the University of South Carolina and someday have a fulfilling successful career as a Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist. She has been inducted into the National Honor Society, serves as a college summit peer leader, and volunteers at her local senior citizen center as well as for Habitat for Humanity. Briana’s father, Kenneth E. Sterling, died in the line of duty serving the Westview Fairforest Fire and EMS Department.

Andrew E. Thornton, of Michigan, is pursuing a fire science degree at Lake Superior State University. He hopes to one day follow in his father’s footsteps as a firefighter. Andrew is in involved with the Jackson Area Career Center’s Firefighter program and currently interns with two local fire departments. Andrew’s father, Scott A. Thornton, died in the line of duty serving the Summit Township Fire Department.

Emily S. Thornton, of Michigan, attends Saginaw Valley State University and is pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. She is involved in the Marching Band and her biggest goal in life is to make a difference in one student’s life. Emily’s father, Scott A. Thornton, died in the line of duty serving the Summit Township Fire Department.