2018 Award Recipients

Kristen Adams

Kristen Adams, of Louisiana, plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in pre-med biology from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. She graduated high school in May with a 4.9 GPA, and was ranked 3rd in her class. Kristen's father, Tommy Adams, died in the line of duty while serving the Shreveport Fire Department.

Margaret G. Baik, of Connecticut, plans to pursue a bachelor's degree from Iona College. She joined the Iona College rowing team and placed in the top 20 racing times in Iona's history. Margaret's father, Michael Baik, died in the line of duty while serving the Bridgeport Fire Department in Connecticut.

Cameron Beminio, of Iowa, plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in business management from the University of Iowa. His dream is to go into real estate upon graduating college in 2022. Cameron's father, Anthony Beminio, died in the line of duty while serving the City of Des Moines Police Department.

Ryan Blanchard

Ryan M. Blanchard, of North Carolina, is pursuing a degree in political science from the University of North Carolina Greensboro.  Her goal is to be the first in her family to attend a four-year college and obtain a law degree.  Ryan's father, Todd Blanchard died in the line of duty while serving the Eastern Wake Fire & Rescue Department in North Carolina.

Taylor Common

Taylor Common, of Oregon, plans to pursue an associate's degree in business at Southwestern Oregon Community College.  Upon completing her degree, she would like to attend a four-year university then start her own photography business.  Taylor's father, Jeffery Common, died in the line of duty while serving the Coos Bay Fire Department.

Emma Eck

Emma R. Eck, of Kansas, is pursuing a degree in elementary education from Newman University in Kansas.  She is currently coaching a 12 and under girls fast-pitch softball team, serving as a mentor and role model to the girls. Emma's father, Urban Eck, died in the line of duty while serving the Wichita Fire Department in Kansas.

Heather 
 Fagan

Heather M. Fagan, of New Jersey, is obtaining her Masters of Business Administration at Centenary University in Hackettstown, NJ.  Heather considers healthcare her passion and plans to use her business degree to pursue that passion. Heather's uncle/legal guardian, Scott Rogow, died in the line of duty while serving the Paterson Fire Department in New Jersey.

Marya Fridley

Marya Fridley, of Iowa, is entering her fourth year at Buena Vista University where she is working toward a bachelor's degree in business accounting. After graduation, Marya hopes to work her way up in the accounting field. Marya's father, Daniel Nichols, died in the line of duty while serving the Des Moines Fire Department in Iowa.

Kristin Gran

Kristin N. Grant, of Illinois, will begin her freshman year at the University of Iowa, where she plans to pursue a degree to become a physician's assistant. Kristin's father, William Grant, died in the line of duty while serving the Chicago Fire Department.

Montana Greeno

Montana M. Greeno, of California, attends South New Hampshire University. She is pursuing a degree in communications, with an emphasis in public relations. Montana's father, John Greeno, died in the line of duty while serving the USDA Forest Service.

Robin Hadaller

Robin Hadaller, of Washington, plans to major in Psychology and minor in American Sign Language.  Robin's dream is to open her own psychology clinic that specializes in working with the deaf.  Robin's father, Matthew Hadaller, died while serving the Mossyrock Fire Department in Washington.

Sara Hain

Sara Hain, of Minnesota, is pursuing a bachelor's degree in business and technology from Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey. Sara's father, Ramon Hain, died in the line of duty while serving the City of St. Paul Fire Department.

Tanisha Hall

Tanisha A. Hall, of Georgia, has completed her Master's in social work and will complete a specialist degree in psychology from Georgia Southern University.  Upon completing her degree Tanisha plans to work in the field of mental health with a focus on grief, loss, life transitions and behavioral disorders.  Tanisha's father, Jermaine Hall, died in the line of duty while serving the City of Atlanta - Fire Rescue Department.

Cydni Holloway, of Louisiana, is currently enrolled at Emory University majoring in finance. After graduation, she plans to attend law school and eventually run for Mayor of New Orleans. As Mayor, she plans to fix the poor infrastructure in New Orleans along with the education system.

Juliana Holloway, of Minnesota, Juliana has attended the Alexandria Technical and Community College for accounting and is continuing her education at Minnesota State University at Moorehead. Her goal is to become a financial planner upon graduation. 

Ashley Lucas

Ashely Lucas, of California, is studying to become a dental hygienist at Fresno City College.  Upon graduation, she plans to work in the dental field and teach proper oral hygiene care.  Ashley's father, Rod Lucas, died in the line of duty while serving the Fresno County Sheriff's Office.

Philip Lynch

Philip L. Lynch, of New York, will begin his freshman year at Clarkson University, majoring in mechanical engineering.  Philip's father, Timothy Lynch, died in the line of duty while serving the Fayetteville Fire Department.

Miguel Massas-Acevedo, of Colorado, recently graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration with concentration in accounting. He is now pursuing a master's degree in finance with a goal to graduate and become a CPA. Miguel's father, Miguel Massas Perez, died in the line of duty while serving the Puerto Rico Fire Department.

Emily Massey, of California, holds a 4.0 GPA at Loyola Mary Mount University.  Upon graduation, she would like to work at a museum, write for a magazine or go to graduate school. 

Jared Nichols

Jared Nichols, of Iowa, plans to attend Iowa State University in the fall.  Jared'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 senior at Baylor University where she is pursuing three degrees in international business, accounting and Arabic/Middle Eastern Studies. Upon graduation, she would like to work in the oil industry doing accounting services in the Middle East. Katherine's father, Daniel Nichols, died in the line of duty while serving the Des Moines Fire Department in Iowa.

Tyler Orr, of Utah, is a sophomore at Brigham Young University. He maintains a 4.0 GPA and dreams of becoming a doctor. 

Matthew O'Shea

Matthew T. O'Shea, of New York, will pursue a degree in computer engineering at Clarkson University.  His high school GPA placed him in the top ten in his graduating class. Matthew's father, James O'Shea, died in the line of duty while serving the Fire Department of New York.

Kristen Pontius

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 Illinois.

Matthew M.B. Proost, of California, is studying international business with a specialization in marketing at Point Loma Nazarene University. His goal is to work with businesses in the United States as well as overseas.  Matthew's father, Michael Butler, died in the line of duty while serving the Los Angeles City Fire Department.

Tyler Rogow

Tyler S. Rogow, of New Jersey, is studying advertising and graphic design at Savannah College of Art and Design.  His love of art and technology coupled with his desire to influence the world in a positive way has led him to decide on this major.  Tyler's father, Scott Rogow, died in the line of duty while serving the Paterson Fire Department in New Jersey.

Carrie Simmons

Carrie Simmons, of Idaho, is obtaining a Bachelor of Administrative Assistant Degree and Medical Assistant Degree at Lewis Clark State College. Carrie's husband, Gregory Simmons, died in the line of duty while serving the Eastland Fire Department in Texas.

Karley Simmons

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

Michael Stromberg

Michael S. Stromberg, of South Carolina, is pursuing his master's degree in social work at the University of New England. He would like to work in grief counseling where he can help other families who have suffered the loss of a loved one.  Michael's stepfather, Donald Hubbel, died in the line of duty while serving the Baltimore City Fire Department.

Rebecca Townes

Rebecca E. Townes, of New York, is pursuing a degree in communications/journalism and would like to become a sports journalist. She will start at Dominion College in Orangeburg, NY this fall.  Rebecca's father, Kevin Townes, Sr., died in the line of duty while serving the City of Mount Vernon Fire Department.