Steve
Young Memorial Scholarship Program
Celebrates its First Fifty Recipients
By Sara Frieden
Just
over a year since the Steve Young Memorial Scholarship Program announced
its initial award, the program has provided its first fifty surviving
spouses the opportunity to go back to school to help them take on their
new role as sole supporter of their families.
"The
scholarships help our nation's survivors pick up the pieces of their lives
by providing spouses personalized career counseling, funding for additional
education, and books," said Chuck Canterbury.
Kimberly
Burgert, a recipient and mother from Sayre, Pennsylvania, was awarded
the scholarship on 27 October 2004.
"Since
my husband was murdered, my life has been full of heartache and chaos,"
said Burgert "As a nurse, I was working 12-hour shifts and would not see
my son for three days at a time while he stayed with my parents. I have
done the best I could to provide a stable environment for my three year
old and with his best interest at heart, I want to go back to school to
work in a profession where I can see him more often."
Burgert's
husband, Deputy Sheriff Christopher Burgert, was an officer with the Bradford
County Sheriff's Office. On 31 March 2004, he was fatally shot while trying
to serve a warrant, leaving his wife alone to raise the family.
"This
scholarship comes from people who care and understand what we go through,"
Burgert said. "It helps us regain some control in our lives and reminds
us how many good people there are out there that do want us to succeed
with what's left of our families."
Debra
Fisher, another recipient and mother of two from Hazleton, Indiana, was
given the scholarship on 25 August 2004.
"I am a 15-year employee of the USDA and have been interested in furthering my education in order to get a better job within my field," Fisher said. "I could never afford it on the small salary I make."
Fisher's
husband, Officer Jerry Fisher, was an officer with the Gibson County Sheriff's
Department. On 3 October 2001 he died from a massive heart attack on duty
while conducting a training exercise with his K-9 partner.
"I
will finally be able to follow in my husband's footsteps, who went back
to school before his death, and graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice,"
Fisher said.
Patricia
Vazquez, another recipient and mother of two from Tomball, Texas, was
awarded the scholarship 18 February 2005.
"The
program is helping me to regain my confidence after the loss of my husband,"
Vasquez said. "With the scholarship money I plan to pursue a master's
degree in accounting and then prepare to take the certified public accountant
exam."
Vasquez's
husband, Officer Alberto Vasquez, was an officer with the Houston Police
Department. On 22 May 2001, he was killed while making an off duty drug
arrest from a gunshot wound to the head.
Scholarships
of up to $15,000 are awarded based on the anticipated needs of the recipient.
Funds can be used to pay for education programs, job training, career
counseling, and other support services. Scholarship recipients can use
the money to learn new skills, upgrade current skill sets, or pursue and
complete a two-year, four-year, or graduate college degree.
Eligible
survivors have six months after the death of their spouses to apply to
the FOP Foundation. Applicants do not have to be FOP members. For additional
information, please contact Project Director Sara Frieden at (202) 547-8189.
Click
on the below link for full information on the
Steve Young Memorial Scholarship Program..
http://www.grandlodgefop.org/symsp/index.php
Sara Frieden is the Project Director for the Steve Young Memorial Scholarship Program at the National FOP Foundation.