2019 Award Recipients

Katlin D. Brown

Katlin D. Brown, of Kansas, continues her pursuit of a degree in Education from Kansas State University.  Her goal is to become a high school social studies teacher with an eventual transition to administration or post-high school education instruction. Kaitlin’s dad, Craig Brown, died in the line of duty while serving the Parsons Fire Department in Kansas.

Emma R. Eck

Emma R. Eck, of Kansas, has chosen to pursue her degree in elementary education based upon things that impacted and shaped her life.  Emma’s dad, Urban Eck, died in the line of duty while serving the Wichita Fire Department.

Savannah Flanscha

Savannah Flanscha, of Pennsylvania, is entering her second year as a nursing student at Drexel University in Philadelphia.   Following undergrad, she would like to continue her education and become a nurse practitioner. Savannah’s father, Ivan Flanscha, died in the line of duty while serving the City of York Fire Department. 

Melanie Fontanez-Rivera, of Puerto Rico, is in her final year as a nursing student at the Universidad Ana G. Mendez. Melanie’s father died in the line of duty while serving the Puerto Rico Police Department.

Marya Fridley

Marya Fridley, of Iowa, is studying accounting at Buena Vista University.  Marya’s father, Daniel Nichols, died in the line of duty while serving the Des Moines Fire Department in Iowa.

Caroline Grant, of Illinois, plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado, Boulder.  She graduated high school with a 4.64 GPA and was known for her positive attitude and kind heart. Caroline’s dad, William Grant, died in the line of duty while serving the Chicago Fire Department.

Marlise Greene, of North Carolina, is close to finishing the nursing program at Wilkes Community College.  Her favorite rotation has been in the ICU.  Marlise’s father, died in the line of duty while serving the Boone Police Department.

Robin A. Hadaller

Robin A. Hadaller, of Washington, will attend Western Oregon University and plans to double major in psychology and American Sign Language. After she completes her degree, she plans to take the Registry for Interpreters for the Deaf. Robin’s father, Matthew Hadaller, died in the line of duty while serving the Mossyrock Fire Department in Washington.

Sara Hain

Sara Hain, of Minnesota, is in her fourth year of a rigorous five-year accelerated business and technology program where she maintains a 3.71 GPA. She embodies the traits of gifted intelligence, a superior work ethic, a drive for competitive excellence and above all is dedicated to helping others.  Sara’s father, Ramon Hain, died in the line of duty while serving the St. Paul Fire Department.

Kelsey N. Hart

Kelsey N. Hart, of West Virginia, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business from Davis & Elkins College. Her dream is to own her own bakery.  Due to her father’s inspritation, she would also like to pursue additional educational opportunies in emergency services. Kelsey’s father, Michael Hart, died in the line of duty while serving the Elkins Fire Department in West Virginia.

Haley Hester, of North Carolina, will begin her freshman year at University of North Carolina – Wilmington.  Her goal is to obtain an undergraduate degree in biology and enroll in the Physician Assistant Program at East Carolina University. Haley’s’ father, Dewayne Hester, died in the line of duty while serving the Blanden County Sherrif’s Office.

Cydni Holloway

Cydni Holloway, of Louisiana, is currently a student at Emory University.  Her goal is to attend law school, become a corporate lawyer, and eventually build a political career. Cydni’s father died in the line of duty while serving the New Orleans Police Department.

James P.  Kegley, III

James P. Kegley, III, of Virginia, is a student at Liberty University, majoring in athletic training.  Additionally, he participates as a volunteer firefighter and works with his former high school assisting the athletic trainer. James’ father, James Kegley, Jr., died in the line of duty while serving the Hanover Fire and EMS Department in Virginia.

Gabrielle Leon

Gabrielle Leon, of Ohio, is finishing her second semester of graduate school at Cleveland State University. Her goal is to become a therapist once she earns her master’s degree in social work.

Joshua Lerma

Joshua G. Lerma, of Tennessee, is pursinging his dream of becoming a pharmacist at University of Tennessee Health Sceince Center. He demonstrated leadership characteristics and is committed to being involved in the community.  Joshua’s father, Javier Lerma, died in the line of duty while serving the City of Memphis Fire Service.

Ashton Lunger, of Nevada, is currently enrolled at Carrington College.  Ashton’s goal is to obtain a nursing degree and work in the ICU.

Carolina Martinez, of California, received her bachelor's degree from California State University, North Ridge and is more than halfway done with the counseling and guidance program at California State University, San Bernardino. Carolina’s father, Saul Martinez, died in the line of duty while serving California Highway Patrol.

Richard Kai  McCurley

Richard Kai McCurley, of Louisiana, is beginning his freshman year at Samford University as an education major.  His goal is to complete his doctorate and become a teacher at the collegiate level. Richard’s father, Richard B. McCurley, died in the line of duty while serving the New Orleans Fire Department.

Elizabeth McNamara

Elizabeth McNamara, of Massachusetts, is a freshman at Fitchburg State University. She is interested in working with people in the public health or education field. Elizabeth’s father, Martin McNamara, died in the line of duty while serving the Lancaster Fire Department.

Nicholas N. Nappi

Nicholas N. Nappi, of New York, plans to attend the Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University. He later hopes to obtain a job in the Sports Management field. Nicholas’ father, Richard Nappi, died in the line of duty while serving the Fire Department of New York.

Danielle Nichols, of Iowa, is pursuing a master’s degree in organization leadership from Buena Vista University.  She wants to find a career that enables her to help others. Danielle’s father, Daniel Nichols, died in the line of duty while serving the Des Moines Fire Department in Iowa.

Jared Nichols

Jared Nichols, of Iowa is entering his sophomore year at Iowa State University, where he is majoring in accounting. 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 pursing a master’s degree from Baylor University in Waco, TX. Upon graduation, she would like to obtain her CPA and work at a public accounting firm. Katherine’s father, Daniel Nichols, died in the line of duty while serving the Des Moines Fire Department in Iowa.

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.

Hannah G. Rehak

Hannah G. Rehak, of Virginia, plans to return to school to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Her ultimate goal is to complete her master’s degree in neuropsychology and join a research program in the Neuro field. Hannah’s father, George Rehak, died in the line of duty while serving the City of Hampton Fire Department in Virgina.

Treva Reaves, of Virginia, is pursuing a degree in instructional design from Regent University.  She would like to honor her husband, who died in the line of duty while serving the Norfolk Police Department.

Alyssa J. Rice

Alyssa J. Rice, of Massachusetts, a student at Bryant University, loves learning and her personal aspiration is utilizing her maximum efficiency. With a major in Business, Alyssa hopes to find a career where she can make a difference.  Alyssa’s father, James Rice, died in the line of duty while serving the Peabody Fire Department in Massachusetts.

Erin Robinson, of Tennessee, is currently a Sophomore at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Her career goal is to become a forensic pathologist.  Erin’s father died in the line of duty while serving the Memphis Police Department.

Tessa L. Santner, of Florida, will be graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Foreign Language and Literature-Mandarin Chinese from the University of Florida. Her goal is to complete the master’s program at George Washington University.  Tessa’s father, Thomas Santner, died in the line of duty while serving the North Bay Fire Rescue District.

Timothy J. Santner, of Florida, is interested in continuing his education in Journalism and Telecommunications. He has already received his associate’s degree and is now going to be working on receiving his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida. Timothy’s father, Thomas Santner, died in the line of duty while serving the North Bay Fire Rescue District.

Trina Scott, of Tennessee, attends the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts.  She would like to become a certified health coach to help people discover and understand the reasons behind their struggles.

Errica Stakely, of Alabama, is entering her junior year at Strayer University in Columbus, Ga. She is studying Business Administrations concentrating in Health Services Administrations. Errica’s father died in the line of duty while serving the Notasulga Police Department.

Rebecca E. Townes

Rebecca E. Townes, of New York, plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in communications from The College of Saint Rose.  A gifted athlete, Rebecca has dreamed of becoming a sports broadcaster. She has been consistently involved in sports since the age of 2, and now in college, she is on the women’s basketball team. Rebecca’s father, Kevin Townes, Sr., died in the line of duty while serving the City of Mount Vernon Fire Department in New York.

Haylea Ward

Haylea Ward, of New York, is entering her sophomore year at the College at Brockport, majoring in inclusive childhood education.  Her goal is to pursue a dual education certificate in elementary and special education.  Haylea’s father, Dereck Ward, died in the line of duty while serving the Allegany County Sherrif’s Office in New York.