2013 Award Recipients

Erin Abriel, of Troy, New York, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology at the Renssaelar Polytechnic Institute. On campus, Erin is a member of the Renssaelar Polytechnic Institute’s Key Club, Honor Society, and Yearbook Club. Erin’s father, Theodore Abriel, died in the line of duty while serving the Albany Fire Department.

Theodore Abriel, Jr. of Troy, New York, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Theodore has devoted time to charitable events, served at soup kitchens, and assisted with his local adaptive sport program. Theodore’s father, Theodore Abriel, Sr. died in the line of duty while serving the Albany Fire Department.

Whitney Androy, of Omaha, Nebraska, is attending the University of California where she is working toward a Master of Psychology degree. Whitney’s high school and college extracurricular activities included dance, gymnastics, and swimming. Whitney’s father, Gilbert Androy, died in the line of duty while serving the Fremont County Sherriff’s Office.

Louisa Aunkst, of Benedict, Nebraska, is a freshman at University of Nebraska pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work. Louisa plans on continuing her love for speech and theater by becoming a coach. Louisa’s father, Michael Aunkst, died in the line of duty while serving the Benedict Volunteer Fire Department.

Thomas Baik, of New Rochelle, New York, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mass communication at Iona College. Thomas has participated on Iona College’s News Team, Row Team, and is a founding member of the Comedy Improvisational Club. Thomas’s father, Michael Baik, died in the line of duty while serving the Bridgeport Fire Department.

Lauren Bishop, of Kennesaw, Georgia, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communications at Kennesaw State University. Lauren’s father, Captain Robbie Bishop, died in the line of duty while serving the Villa Rica Police Department.

Amanda Carmichael, of Portland, Oregon, is pursuing a graduate degree in counseling at Marylhurst University and hopes to become an art therapist. Amanda plans to use her degree to help people express emotions through art. Amanda’s father, Ronald Carmichael, died in the line of duty while serving the Town of Mosheim.

Ricky Childers, of Tampa, Florida, is pursuing a degree from Central Florida Institute and hopes to be a medial sonographer upon graduation. Ricky’s father, Detective Ricky Childers, died in the line of duty while serving the Tampa Police Department. 

Rachel Deutsch, of Edmond, Oklahoma, is studying to obtain a bachelor’s degree in theater from New York University. Rachel’s extracurricular high school activities included track, Drama Club, DECA, theater, and she has been a member of the National Honor Society. Rachel’s father, Stephen Deutsch, died in the line of duty while serving as Oklahoma County District Attorney.

Kerry Franklin, of Warwick, New York, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Mount Saint Mary College. Kerry’s most important goal is to become a nurse because she enjoys helping others. Kerry’s father, Donald Franklin, died in the line of duty while serving the Fire Department of New York City.

Celina Gernale, of Beaumont, Texas, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders at Lamar University. Celina plans to use her degree to work with children affected by autism or any other speech disorder. Celina’s father, Conrad Gernale, died in the line of duty while serving the Beaumont Police Department.

Montana Greeno, of Chico, California, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing at California State University. Montana’s high school extracurricular activities included band, drama, yearbook, dance, and tutoring Spanish. Montana’s father, John McRae Greeno, died in the line of duty while serving the USDA Forest Service.

Erin Haight, of Lakewood, Colorado, is pursuing an associate’s degree in science at Red Rocks Community College. Erin’s father, Sheriff Timothy Mossbrucker, was killed in the line of duty while serving the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.

Katherine Hannon, of River Forest, Illinois, is attending Concordia University where she is working toward her bachelor’s degree in nursing. Katherine volunteers throughout the year at local fire department functions, and at the Bucks for Burn Camp. Katherine’s father, Patrick B. Hannon, died in the line of duty while serving the Chicago Fire Department.

Hanna Hone, of Camarillo, California, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology at California State University. Hanna dreams of becoming an animal veterinarian, and she would like to work with rehabilitation centers. Hanna’s father, Jack Lee Hone, died in the line of duty while serving the Santa Monica Fire Department.

Jessica Hone, of Northridge, California, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice at California State University. Jessica plans to become a police officer, and she would like to work with women and children who suffer from domestic violence, abuse, and broken homes. Jessica’s father, Jack Lee Hone, died in the line of duty while serving the Santa Monica Fire Department.

Alexis Keefe, of Wyalusing, Pennsylvania, is a freshman at Bentley University where she studies business management with a focus on marketing. Alexis’s high school extracurricular activities included cheerleading, dance, yearbook, and Spanish Club; and she was a member of the National Honor Society. Alexis’s father, Bret Keefe, died in the line of duty while serving the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

Ryan McLoughlin, of Saratoga Springs, New York, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Skidmore College. Ryan is a highly recognized string bassist and he also participated in his high school Science Research Club. Ryan’s father, Gregg McLoughlin, died in the line of duty while serving the Fire Department of New York.

Joseph Powell, of Jefferson City, Tennessee, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in exercise science at Carson-Newman University. Joseph plans to use his degree to go into the strength and conditioning field. Joseph’s mother, Sandy Powell, died in the line of duty while serving the McLeansville Fire Department.

Avery Reeder, of Deerfield Beach, Florida, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Florida Atlantic University. Avery was an active member of her high school varsity cheerleading team and involved in theater arts. She was also the president of her student government. Avery’s father, James Reeder, died in the line of duty while serving Martin County Fire Rescue.

Marissa Reiner, of San Rafael, California, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Dominican University. Marissa plans to use her degree to affect the lives of others, just as her father did as a firefighter. Marissa’s father, Eric F. Reiner, died in the line of duty while serving the City of Los Angeles Fire Department.

Lottriana Scarlett, of Montgomery, Alabama, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at Alabama State University. Lottriana’s father, Deputy Marvin Scarlett, died in the line of duty while serving the Ellenwood Police Department.

Kaegan Schultz, of Espanola, New Mexico, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at the University of New Mexico. Kaegan was a Sunday school teacher for four years, and he volunteered his time to feed the homeless. Kaegan’s father, Kevin Schultz, died in the line of duty while serving the Pojoaque Police Department.

Christopher Smith, of Lynchburg, Virginia, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at Liberty University. Christopher’s father, Officer Claude Smith, died in the line of duty while serving the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.

Kyle Strube, of East Peoria, Illinois, is pursing a medical degree at Illinois Central College. Kyle is a cancer survivor and he believes becoming a physical therapist assistant will allow him to give back to those who saved his life, by helping others. Kyle’s father, Howard E. Strube, died in the line of duty while serving the Canton Fire Department.

Rachel Tarver, of Fairbanks, Alaska, is working toward a bachelor’s degree in geology and remote sensing at the University of Alaska Southeast. Rachel feels the techniques and programs she will use in school will benefit her as a mineral exploration geologist. Rachel’s father, Bret R. Tarver, died in the line of duty while serving the Phoenix Fire Department.

Katelyn Thurman, of Hannibal, Missouri, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a minor in biology at Hannibal-LaGrange University. Katelyn plans to also get her master’s degree and become a women’s health nurse practitioner. Katelyn’s father, Jason L. Bitting, died in the line of duty while serving the Keokuk Fire Department.

Karyn Walker, of College Park, Maryland, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration at the University of Maryland. Karyn’s father, Sergeant Anthony Walker, died in the line of duty while serving Prince George’s County.