2021 Award Recipients

Since 2001, more than 450 students from across the country have been awarded scholarships. Read more about each year's recipients by clicking on the menu on the left.

Brendan A. Bayton

Brendan A. Bayton, of Missouri, is entering his sophomore year at Missouri State University studying Fashion Merchandising. Upon graduation, he plans to become a fashion buyer or marketing manager. Brendan’s father, Jerry Bayton, died in the line of duty while serving the Kansas City Fire Department. 

Tyler D. Bitting

Tyler D. Bitting, of Iowa, is a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studying Engineering Management. Alongside work and school, Tyler coaches high school wrestling and football. Tyler’s father, Jason Bitting, died in the line of duty while serving the Keokuk Fire Department in Iowa.

Erika Brentar

Erika Brentar, of Chicago, is enrolled at DePaul University, and her goal is to become a User Experience Designer in the airline industry. She is interested in earning a master’s degree in Human Computer Interaction to help her reach her goal. Erika’s father, George Brentar, died in the line of duty while serving the Euclid Police Department.

Ally N. Butler

Ally N. Butler, of Indiana, is entering her senior year at Ball State University and is working to obtain a degree in Hospitality and Food Management. She feels this will position her for a career in helping others through work in the tourism industry. Ally’s father, John Butler, died in the line of duty while serving the Lafayette Fire Department.

Gabryella Clardy, of Massachusetts, is enrolled at Framingham State University pursuing a degree in Child and Family Studies. She is excited to continue her academic studies. Gabryella’s father, Thomas, Lee Clardy, died in the line of duty while serving the Massachusetts State Police Department.

Mariah Darden, of Virginia, is enrolled at Virginia State University and planning to complete her Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality and Human Ecology. Mariah’s father, Seneca Darden, died in the line of duty while serving the Norfolk Police Department.

Aliza V. DeVoe

Aliza V. DeVoe, of Pennsylvania, is entering her sophomore year at Millersville University and is studying Social Work. Her dream is to own a private practice where she helps kids overcome challenges. Aliza’s father, Dennis DeVoe, died in the line of duty while serving the City of Harrisburg Bureau of Fire. 

Kensley B. Dickey

Kensley B. Dickey, of Tennessee, is planning on attending Columbia State Community College. She plans to obtain her associate degree as an Ultrasound Technician before finishing her degree. Kensley’s father, Jason Dickey, died in the line of duty while serving the Lawrenceburg Fire Department in Tennessee. 

Elizabeth Diebel, of Florida, is enrolled at Florida Atlantic University studying Health Sciences. She hopes to be a part of finding a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease one day. Elizabeth’s father, Robert D. Edwards, died in the line of duty while serving the West Palm Beach Police Department.

Madison Draper, of Utah, is enrolled at Ameritech College of Healthcare studying Nursing. She is currently a certified CAN. Madison’s father, Jon C. Draper, died in the line of duty while serving the Division of Natural Resources in Salt Lake City.

Savannah N. Flanscha

Savannah N. Flanscha, of Pennsylvania, is entering her senior year at Drexel University, where she is currently studying Nursing. Her goal is to ultimately become a Nurse Practitioner. Savannah’s father, Ivan Flanscha, died in the line of duty while serving the York City Fire Department.

Emilee Fleshner, of Florida, is enrolled at Valencia College studying Psychology. She is excited about the future of her education. Emilee’s father, Adam Fleshner, died in the line of duty while serving the Charlton County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia.

Bailey R. Fritz

Bailey R. Fritz, of Ohio, is entering her sophomore year at Thiel College in Greenville, PA where she is studying Political Science. Her goal is to become a foreign services officer with the State Department. Bailey’s father, John Fritz, died in the line of duty while serving the Austintown Township Fire Department.

Dara Gannon, of Massachusetts, is enrolled at Suffolk University studying Public Administration, where she is pursuing her master’s degree. Dara’s husband, Sean Gannon, died in the line of duty while serving the Yarmouth Police Department. 

Robin A. Hadaller

Robin A. Hadaller, of Washington, is entering her senior year at Western Oregon University studying American Sign Language. She later hopes to obtain a job in the Mental Health Interpreting career. Robin’s father, Matthew M. Hadaller, died in the line of duty while serving Mossyrock Fire Department District 3 in Washington. 

Emma L. Hardy

Emma L. Hardy, of Missouri, has chosen to pursue her degree at William Woods University, studying Pre-Veterinarian Science with a dual minor in American Sign Language. Emma’s father, Timmy Shane Hardy, died in the line of duty while serving the Neosho Fire Department in Missouri. 

Brandi Koprowski

Brandi Koprowski, of North Carolina, is enrolled at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro studying Public Health Education. She is hoping to apply to Physician Assistant schools in the near future. Brandi’s father, Richard Keith Bellar, died in the line of duty while serving the Dickson Co. Sheriff’s Office in Charlotte, Tennessee. 

Myareoh Martinez, of Texas, is enrolled at the University of St. Augustine studying Physical Therapy. Her goal is to obtain her Doctorate in Physical Therapy by August 2024. Myareoh’s father, Alejandro Martinez, died in the line of duty while serving the Willacy County Sheriff’s Office in Texas. 

Maverick McClendon

Maverick McClendon, of Oklahoma, is enrolled at Southeastern Oklahoma State University studying Educational Leadership. Maverick’s father, William Llyod McClendon, died in the line of duty while serving the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Taylor C. McMullan

Taylor C. McMullan, of California, is entering her junior year at ArtCenter College of Design, studying filmmaking. She ultimately plans to get a dual degree studying culinary and use it to open an upscale restaurant as it was her stepfather’s dream. Taylor’s stepfather, Lawrence Matthews, Jr, died in the line of duty while serving the Dolton Fire Department in Illinois. 

Nicholas N. Nappi

Nicholas N. Nappi, of New York, is entering his junior year at 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.

Jared Nichols

Jared Nichols, of Iowa. is entering his senior 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. 

Shannon Owen, of California, is enrolled at the University of Antelope Valley studying Criminal Justice. Shannon’s father, Steven Owen, died in the line of duty while serving the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. 

Keara G. Page

Keara G. Page, of Massachusetts, has chosen to pursue a degree in Psychology and Neuroscience at Union College, where she is currently a sophomore. She hopes to help find solutions to mental illness and autism. Keara’s father, Kelly Page, died in the line of duty while serving the Lowell Fire Department.

Amy Patrick

Amy Patrick, of Minnesota, is enrolled at Century College studying Business. She plans on using this degree to further for dreams of a career as an Army Chaplain. Amy’s father, Scott T. Patrick, died in the line of duty while serving the Mendota Heights Police Department.

Katelyn M. Rice

Katelyn M. Rice, of Massachusetts, is entering her senior year at Bridgewater State University, where she is majoring in Elementary Education. Katelyn plans on continuing her education to obtain a master’s degree. Katelyn’s father, James Rice, died in the line of duty while serving the Peabody Fire Department in Massachusetts. 

Tyler S. Rogow

Tyler S. Rogow, of New Jersey, is currently a senior at Savannah College of Arts & Design. His desire to influence society in a positive way while incorporating his passion for art has led him to obtain a degree in Social Strategy and Management with a minor in Art Direction. Tyler’s father, Scott Rogow, died in the line of duty while serving the City of Paterson Fire Department.

Sean Strzalkowski, of Florida, is enrolled at ECPI University studying Mechatronics. He is looking forward to the potential of opening a private business. Sean’s father, David Strzalkowski, died in the line of duty while serving the Metro Dade Police Department. 

Rebecca Townes

Rebecca E. Townes, of New York, is entering her senior year of pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Communications/Journalism 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.

Savannah Uhl, of Arizona, is enrolled at the University of Arizona, where she is working towards a degree in Nursing. Savannah’s father, Matthew Uhl, died in the line of duty while serving the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

Stephanie Vidal-Echevarria, of Puerto Rico, is enrolled at the Ana G. Mendez University in Puerto Rico, where she aspirations of becoming a Military Psychologist. Stephanie’s father, Nikolai Vidal-Perez, died in the line of duty while serving Cataño Municipal Police Department.