By FireRescue1 Staff
The International Public Safety Leadership & Ethics Institute (IPSLEI), in partnership with the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society Foundation, is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 IPSLEI Endowed Academic Scholarships.
Each recipient participated in a national application process leading to a multiple evaluator review and completed two personal interviews.
The Ronny J. Coleman Fire & Emergency, Leader of the Future Scholarship was presented to Marissa Hays who is majoring in emergency medical services at Gadsden State Community College in Alabama. Marissa is a full-time firefighter/AEMT and soon to complete paramedic school. She is a single mother and full-time college student carrying 17 units with the goal of attending medical school to become an EMS physician and EMS medical director. In 2021, Marissa received an Award of Valor for participating in a live rescue during a working residential fire. She has been accepted to the University of Alabama at Birmingham for the Fall 2024 semester with a major in molecular biology.
The Gordon Graham Leadership and Ethics in Criminal Justice Scholarship was presented to Michelle Calderon who is majoring in criminal justice at Northeast Texas Community College in Mt. Pleasant, Texas. Michelle is a first-generation student attending school full-time while serving as a multi-subject tutor for students in need. She has been recognized for research in several subjects leading to invitations to present at several national events. She is engaged with a high school program assisting students with an introduction to careers in law enforcement. Michelle’s goal is to attend law school with a focus on immigration law. She has been accepted to the University of Texas at Tyler for the Fall 2024 semester and pending at several other top-tier schools.
The Richard L. Resurreccion Public Safety Scholarship was presented to Raina Sandtner who is majoring in criminal justice at Flathead Community College, Kalispell Campus, Montana. Raina started her college career at the age of 16 as a dual-enrolled student benefiting from home-schooling blended with college-level courses. She is a sworn reserve deputy and posse member for the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office (MT), as well as the president of her college’s Student Government Association. Raina holds a black belt in Taekwondo. Her goal is to eventually attend law school, serve in the US Marine Corps as a JAG officer, and eventually federal law enforcement. Raina has been accepted to Liberty University as a Forensic Psychology major.
The IPSLEI-endowed scholarship program to date has awarded $31,000 to students across the United States who desire to serve public safety. For more information on IPSLEI programs and scholarships, or to donate, please visit www.ipslei.org. IPSLEI is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (20-3002065). Donations may be tax deductible. Consult your tax professional.