Past Scholarship Recipients
2021
Dakota James Lough is a freshman at Glenville State College and a 2021 graduate of Lewis County High School. He is the son of James and Crystal Lough of Weston. He was a member of the Lewis County High School Cross Country and Track teams, National Honor Society, Robotics, and a member of New Life Southern Baptist Church, where he has volunteered for the church food pantry. He has also served his community by serving hot meals to those in need, spending time at nursing homes, and volunteering for Adopt-a-Highway. Through his volunteer work, he has encountered individuals with drug addictions. His passion to educate children about substance abuse and keep drugs off the street has helped inspire his career choice as a law enforcement officer. Dakota describes himself as determined and he is set on completing his degree in Criminal Justice at Glenville State and thereafter becoming a law enforcement officer.
Tyler John Blythe is the son of Christopher and Monica Blythe of Bridgeport. He graduated from Bridgeport High School in 2021 and is currently in his freshman year of Forensics Studies at Fairmont State University. While at BHS, Tyler was involved in sports including Cross Country, Track, Freshman Basketball and Soccer. He was active in the Drug-Free Club, French Club, Young Life, and Shop for Tots, among other activities. He is a volunteer for Bridgeport Little League Challenger Division and a member of All Saints Catholic Church, where he has been an altar server and taught Sunday School. He has dreamed of becoming a homicide detective or crime scene investigator since he was in middle school. He describes himself of driven and is passionate and motivated to complete his goal of serving his community. His believes his experiences with sports, church, clubs, and volunteering have provided him with the tools to accomplish that.
Lindsay Maxwell is a 2021 graduate of Elkins High School and is the daughter of Ken and Michelle Maxwell. She is attending West Virginia University, where she is enrolled in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences as a Criminology major. In recent years, Lindsay has been active in Band, Shotokan Karate, Band Club, SkillsUSA and 4-H. She is a certified in lifeguarding, CPR/AED and first aid through the American Red Cross and has been employed as a lifeguard for the Elkins Otters Swim Team, RAYS Swim Team and Elkins YMCA. She competed in the Crime Scene Investigation competition for Skills. She aspires to become an FBI Agent and is interested in studying causes of criminal behavior and how to prevent it. She describes herself as persistent and said she will do everything necessary to achieve her goals which include earning a master’s degree in criminology, participation in the ROTC program, serving as an Army pilot and ultimately becoming an FBI Agent.
Nathaniel Whetsell is a 2021 graduate of Elkins High School. He is the son of Robert and Carol Whetsell of Elkins. He is attending Fairmont State University as a freshman, pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice. Nathaniel has been involved in Boy Scouts - advancing to Eagle Scout - and Civil Air Patrol. Through both organizations, he has been involved in extensive service work. As a member of the Civil Air Patrol, he was trained to operate as a ground team member for search and rescue missions. He was a member of Varsity Cross Country and Varsity Swim Teams, Elkins High School Marching and Concert Bands, and National Honor Society. During the summer of 2020, he hiked 267 miles of the Allegheny Trail in 24 days. He also worked as a lifeguard for the YMCA. Staying true to moral values is important to Nathaniel, who looks forward to a career in Criminal Justice.
2020
Jacinda Devart is a 2020 graduate of Grafton High School. She is the daughter of V. Diann Devart of Grafton. While attending GHS, Jacinda was active in National Honor Society, Key Club, varsity soccer (captain) and varsity track team. She was also a member of the WV Olympic Development Soccer Program ad GHS Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Jacinda attended the U.S. Naval Academy Summer Seminar, volunteered for Beulah Baptist Church Vacation Bible School and Wallace B. Nursing Home, packed meals for Rise Against Hunger and worked extensively with Taylor County’s HOP2E food distribution program.
The word Jacinda used to describe herself was resilient. She will attend Waynesburg University, majoring in Criminal Justice. She hopes to one day work as an FBI agent.
A 2020 graduate of Lincoln High School, Katie Martin is the daughter of Phillip and Angie Martin of Bridgeport. During high school, she was active in Key Club, Student Council, DECA, FBLA and varsity track and basketball.
Katie has been very active in church and community and has been involved in mission trips to Haiti and Ghana, the latter for which she organized a school supply/clothing drive. Her volunteer work involves projects with church, sports fundraising and nursing home visits.
Describing herself as adventurous, Katie will attend Fairmont State University, majoring in National Security and Intelligence. She aspires to work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Jacob Perine is a junior at West Virginia University, where he is majoring in Wildlife & Fisheries. He is the son of Jeff and Julie Perine of Bridgeport and a member of Ten Mile Baptist Church.
While attending school, Jacob has been on the Dean’s List, attended summer fisheries camp at WVU Jackson’s Mill and participated in a school recreational basketball league. He has worked at Della’s Deli in Bridgeport and assisted in the shooting of Fly Rod Chronicles with Curtis Fleming. He spent the summer of 2020 doing landscaping/outdoor maintenance work for McDonald’s.
An avid outdoorsman, Jacob strives to be a good steward of the state’s natural resources. He plans to one day work as an officer for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
Nicholas Rose is a 2020 graduate of Clay-Battelle High School. He is the son of Melissa and John Rose of Fairview.
While attending CBHS, Nicholas was active in the West Virginia Army National Guard, WV State Trooper Junior Trooper Academy, varsity football (captain), varsity basketball (captain), varsity track, Heart Club (president), LEO Club, Interact Club, Recycling Club (Co-President), Student Council, National Honor Society and theater.
He has served as a volunteer for the Rosembaum House and Bartlett House, helped to organize local flood relief and participated in Heart Walk, Ink Out Walk, blood drives and Pennies for Patients, among other causes.
Describing himself as motivated, Nicholas will attend West Virginia University, majoring in criminology. He aspires to work as a West Virginia State Trooper or the U.S. Marshal Service.
Shelby Shaffer is a 2020 graduate of Preston High School. She is the daughter of Kenneth and Gerri Shaffer of Albright.
While attending PHS, Shelby was active in Key Club, Health Occupations Student of America “HOSA” (vice president) and basketball.
Her community involvement includes the Preston County Buckwheat Festival, Pine Ridge Nursing Home, Salvation Army bell ringing, cooking food for the Ronald McDonald House and at her own school for Teacher Appreciation Week.
Describing herself as ambitious, Shelby will attend West Virginia University, majoring in criminology. She plans to work in law enforcement, ultimately as a federal detective.
2019
Scott A. Gaines is a graduate of Liberty High School where he was active in athletics including varsity cross country, varsity swim and varsity track and field. He currently studies. The son of Amanda and Scott Gaines of Clarksburg, Scott is studying criminal justice at Fairmont State University.
He is a volunteer at Harrison County Parks and Recreation’s Energy Express site at Wilsonburg Elementary, mentoring students in grades 1 through 6 and helping them improve reading and writing skills. He one day hopes to help others through work as an officer with the Division of Natural Resources, ensuring the better welfare of others and making immense strides in completing his job to the best of my ability, he said.
The word Scott used to describe himself was steadfast – being firm in belief, determination or adherence.
Marshall A. "Drew" Hefner is a graduate of Bridgeport High School, where he was a four-year member of the Class AA state championship BHS baseball team. He currently studies political science/criminal justice & business at the University of Charleston and plays for the university baseball team which captured the MEC Conference championship. Through his team, Drew participated in a mission trip to an orphanage in Reynosa, Mexico, where he did construction work. He is the son of Marshall and Tawnya Hefner of Bridgeport.
Growing up in a small town where crime rate is low, combined with his Christian values, inspired Drew to work in the field of criminal justice. He has always dreamed of being an officer of the law and will commit hard work and loyalty to that dream
Loudeline P. Chapman is the daughter of John Chapman of Lost Creek and a graduate of Bridgeport High School. She majors in criminal justice and minors in French at Fairmont State University where she has been named to the President’s List and Dean’s List. She is multi-lingual in Hatian creole, French and English. Loudeline was born in Fort-Liberte, Haiti and was adopted at age 15, fulfilling a dream to pursue a positive future.
She plans to work as a Federal Special Agent so she will not only help people in her own community, but also throughout the US. Her community service work has included providing translation at a clinic in Fort-Liberte, Haiti, trash pickup through the 4-H Club and fundraising through the club. She serves as a resident assistant at Fairmont State, overseeing responsibilities in the residence hall, including disciplinary processes. She is also vice president of the Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society.
Madison Vincent the daughter of Ronald and Rhonda Vincent of Bridgeport. She attends Fairmont State University, where she majors in criminal justice. She plans to one day work for the FBI or as a U.S. Marshall. She was personally inspired by Deputy USM Derek Hotsinpiller, her neighbor and good friend.
Madison has served as a volunteer at the Benedum Civic Center, working with Bridgeport Parks and Recreation’s summer cooking camp for children. While attending Bridgeport High School, she was a member of the drumline and concert band, ran cross country and track. She also participated in several charitable races including the Hotsinpiller 5K, Chestnut Ridge Mud Run 5K and the Turkey Trot 5K. The word she used to describe herself is “passionate.” "With everything I do, I give it my all and put as much effort into it as I can," she said.
Kayla Hurst is the daughter of Mary Hurst and Donald Hurst Jr. of Buckhannon. She is a graduate of Buckhannon Upshur High School, where she was active in varsity tennis, Rachel’s Challenge, National Honor Society, Upward Bound and Bridge Building Club and other organizations. She has also served as a volunteer for numerous causes, including Holbrook’s Nursing Home, Cards for Soldiers and Fort New Salem.
Kayla will be studying criminal justice at Fairmont State University. She is considering pursuit of a career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation with her ultimate goal to become an agent. The motto of the Police Academy is "To Protect and Serve" and she truly believes in that motto.
The word she used to describe herself is “persistent.”
2018
Andrew Booher is a graduate of Tyler Consolidated High School. He is the son of John and Tina Booher.
While at Tyler Consolidated, Andrew was a member of the Technology Student Association, the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, and the Youth Leadership Association. He also graduated from the West Virginia State Police Junior Trooper Academy and attended Boys State.
Andrew attends West Virginia University pursuing a degree in Forensic and Investigative Science. He is considering a career in federal law enforcement due to his interest in the investigative field of counterterrorism. He would like the opportunity to serve and protect his community and country.
A graduate of Bridgeport High School, Andrew Gibson is the son of Norman and Shannon Gibson. His extracurricular activities included membership in the Drug Free Club of America, DECA, and Chess Club.
He has held a variety of part time jobs which included a law office where he was exposed to the intricacies of the legal process and a restaurant which allowed him to interact with people of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds.
He is attending West Virginia University and is focused on pursuing a major in Criminology and a minor in Crime Scene Forensics.
He would like to "make the world a better, safer place" and help "protect the innocent" and "prevent future tragedies".
Brittany Cullers is a graduate of Moorefield High School. She is the daughter of Jeremy and Hope Bergdoll. She has been accepted to West Virginia University.
She plans to major in Forensic and Investigative Science to pursue a career in Forensic Investigation. She believes that solving crimes will help to "bring comfort to the victim's family".
Her extracurricular activities included Pep Club, and she is active at the Oak Dale Christian Church.
2017
A graduate of Notre Dame High School, Chase Riggs is the son of Daniel and Michelle Riggs. His extracurricular activities included Student Government, Key Club, National Honor Society, Football and Swim Team.
Chase has held numerous positions of leadership such as Student Body President and HOBY Ambassador. He has been involved with an organization his family started called the West Virginia Child Abduction Prevention Program. The goal of the WVCAPPP is to educate children about ways to stay safe.
He has been accepted to West Virginia University. He plans to study Political Science. He would like to study law and become a prosecutor.
Morgan Dewitt, a graduate of Lincoln High School, is the daughter of Ed and Tammy Dewitt of Shinnston. She ranked in the top 25 of her class, was a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club and Soccer Team.
Some of the many ways she has served her community involved starting a walk in her neighborhood to raise the awareness of addiction. She also initiated a "Sippy Cup Drive" for West Virginia University Children's Hospital and a "Personal Hygiene Drive" for the Clarksburg Mission.
Morgan took advantage of an opportunity to shadow a local circuit court judge and sit in on some cases. She is very interested in Homeland Security. Morgan has been accepted into Fairmont State University majoring in Criminal Justice.
Grafton High School graduate Matthew McDaniel is the son of Brandon and Laurie McDaniel of Grafton. Matthew's extracurricular activities included Football, Baseball, Weight Lifting and Young Life.
Matthew has worked with Rotary Club to raise funds to send students to various leadership camps. He also volunteered at the Taylor County Missions serving meals. Matthew has mentored younger athletes at Youth Football camp and Little League.
Matthew will attend Fairmont State University pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice. He stated that he "would be dedicated to enforcing the law and protecting citizens."
Nathan Oliverio, the son of Dale and Heidi Oliverio, is a graduate of Lincoln High School. He played football and was a member of the National Honor Society. He has worked in day care, has participated in mission trips and is an active member of his church youth group.
Nathan has been accepted to Fairmont State University. He plans to obtain a degree in Criminal Justice. He is considering becoming a deputy sheriff.
2016
Ciara Hornberger is the daughter of Chuck and Lisa Hornberger of Fairmont, WV. She is a graduate of Fairmont Senior High School where is was a member of several clubs including Key Club, Interact Club, and the Student Council and has held various part time jobs.
Some of the many ways she has served her community has been ringing bells for the Salvation Army, volunteering at the Soup Opera, Veteran's Day breakfast and a hygiene project at the Clarksburg Mission.
She has been accepted into the Criminal Justice Program at Fairmont State University and wants to make it her mission to serve and protect. Ciara hopes to be employed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
South Harrison High School graduate Cory Fox is the son of Steve and Kelly Fox of Jane Lew, WV.
Cory participated in Football, Golf, FFA, 4-H, the National Honor Society and various part time jobs. He has served his community by participating in trash pickups, serving meals at the Clarksburg Mission and providing electricity to areas of poverty.
Cory will attend West Virginia Wesleyan College and major in Criminal Justice. He plans to work as a police officer on the state or local level to gain experience. His ultimate goal is to become a Deputy U. S. Marshal. He has set his sights towards a career that is "exciting and fulfilling."
Jared Cline is the son of Jason and Teresa Cline of Shenandoah Junction, WV. He is a graduate of Jefferson High School. He participated in soccer, basketball and hockey. Jared was a Cadet Major in the AFJROTC program and held the position of 2nd Squadron Commander.
He served his community through the Road Cleanups program and the Jefferson County Shoe and Coat Fundraiser.
Jared will attend West Virginia University to major in Forensic and Investigative Science to prepare for a career as a Crime Scene Investigator.
Bridgeport High School graduate Hope Chalfant is the daughter of Todd and Jami Chalfant of Bridgeport, WV.
Some of Hope’s extracurricular activities included Basketball, Key Club, Church activities and part time jobs. She volunteered at the nursing home, humane society and community car washes.
Her plan at this time is to attend West Virginia University to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice preparing to become a Criminal Investigator.
Jessica Clelland is a graduate of Grafton High School. She is the daughter of Patrick and Paula Clelland of Grafton, WV.
She was a member of the soccer team and was a Student Council advisor. She served as an aide in the kindergarten Sunday school class, volunteered at the Soup Opera and animal shelter.
Jessica plans to attend West Virginia University and major in Forensic and Investigative Science. Her goal is to one day be a Health Care Fraud Specialist with the Office of the Inspector General.
Lincoln High School graduate Emily Skidmore is the great-granddaughter of Connie Minnix of Shinnston, WV.
Some of the organizations in which Emily was involved included Key Club, Student Council, and Band. She volunteered at her church pancake breakfasts, citywide yard sales, and humane society.
Emily will be attending Fairmont State University and Majoring in Criminal Justice. She hopes to become a probation or parole officer hoping to "help put people on a better path."
Justin Richter is currently a Junior at Fairmont State University seeking a degree in National Security and Intelligence and Political Science. He is the son of Jim and Toni Richter of Bridgeport, WV.
Justin stated, "a career in law enforcement is something I have known that I was meant to do for a long time." It is his desire to become a federal law enforcement agent.
Currently working in the field of law enforcement, Wesley Fredrick is enrolled at Fairmont State University to complete a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.
2015
Chloe Smith is the daughter of Joel and Jill Smith of Core, WV. She is a graduate of Clay-Battelle High School where she was a member of the Volleyball team, INTERACT Club, LEO Club, Yearbook Staff, and Ski club. She works part-time.
She has served her community by helping with the Food Pantry, volunteering at the Morgantown Veterans Center, Sydney's Closet and with St. Mary's Youth Group.
She plans to attend West Virginia University and major in Criminology. Chloe is from a law enforcement family and would like to work in the behavioral science area of law enforcement.
Another Clay-Battelle High School graduate Faithlynn Walker is the daughter of Megan Walker of Fairview, WV
She has volunteered at the Children's Hospital, Cancer Center and at the "Pink Out" cancer fundraiser.
Faithlynn has been accepted to Fairmont State University to major in Criminal Justice. Faithlynn would like to some day work at the Federal Bureau of Investigations. She would like to make a difference and do what she can to affect change and make the world safer.
Jeffrey Hartley is a graduate of Lincoln High School. He is the son of Randy and Barbara Hartley of Lumberport, WV.
Jeffrey has volunteered at the National Night Out, the British Scottish Festival, Light Up Night and with the construction of the firing range used by many law enforcement agencies.
He was a member of the drum line for Lincoln High School, Key Club, Ski Club and was a citizen at Boys State. He works part time for the family owned business, Three H Granite.
Jeffrey plans to follow in his father's footsteps to a law enforcement career. He has been accepted to Fairmont State University and will pursue a degree in Criminal Justice. Jeffrey stated "with my heart and soul I am determined to be a Deputy United States Marshal."
University High School graduate Brayden Ours is the son of Reggie and Christine Ours of Morgantown, WV
Brayden has been involved with recreational league basketball and will soon be testing for a black belt in the martial art of Aikido. He has worked part-time at Ruby Memorial Hospital.
Brayden has been accepted to Fairmont State University and will major in National Security and Intelligence. In the future he plans to pursue a career as a federal agent.
Grafton High School graduate Lindsay Peters is the daughter of Gary and Judith Peters of Grafton, WV. During High School she was a 4-H Teen Leader, played soccer and is an active member of her church.
She worked on a local House of Delegates election campaign and attended Girls State.
Lindsay will attend Fairmont State University and major in Criminal Justice. She is considering a career as a criminologist.
Morganne Phillips is a graduate of Bridgeport High School and the daughter of Chris and Heather Phillips of Bridgeport, WV.
While in high school, Morganne was a member of the Track and Cross Country Teams. She is presently attending Fairmont State University and is a member of the Cross Country Team.
At Fairmont State University Morganne is obtaining degrees in Criminal Justice. Political Science and National Security and Intelligence. She plans to pursue a career as a Federal Agent.
2014
Dylan Smith is the son of Michael Smith and Allison Rowe of Lost Creek. He is a graduate of South Harrison High School where he was a member of the Basketball, Football and Track teams.
He has served his community by helping with meals at the Mission and gift-wrapping for the United Way. He works part time.
He plans to attend Wesleyan to major in Criminal Justice and plans to pursue a career with the West Virginia State Police. One of his goals is to "watch out for the people of West Virginia."
Lincoln High School graduate Haley Knight is the niece of Renee Blei and the daughter of Timothy Knight of Bridgeport.
Haley has sat with elderly people of her community and held part time jobs.
She plans to attend Fairmont State University and major in Criminal Justice with the goal of becoming a law enforcement officer. She states that she "really wants to help others."
Matthew Lohr is a graduate of Bridgeport High School. He is the son of Steven Lohr and Stephanie McGinnis of Bridgeport. He was involved with 4-H, DeMolay and the Bridgeport Presbyterian Youth Group.
His groups have participated in singing in nursing homes and repairs at Stonewall Jackson in Lewis County. Through High School he has held down a part time job.
He plans to attend Marshall University and major in Criminal Justice. He is motivated to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps to become a law enforcement officer.
Lincoln High School graduate Morgan Brooks is the daughter of Doug and Billie Jo Brooks of Meadowbrook. During High School she was a member of the Soccer and Softball teams. She was an active member of the Key Club, Art Club, Peer Mediation Group, Young Life, Jewel City Youth Group and the National Honor Society.
She assisted with the Feed-a Family Project at Christmas, baby sitting and worked part time.
Morgan plans to attend Fairmont State University to obtain a degree in Forensic Science. She believes that this will 'challenge' her, and she is "willing to tackle" this challenge.
2013
D. Brett Harbaugh is the son of Dan and Connie Harbaugh of Bridgeport. He is a recent graduate of Bridgeport High School where he was a member of the swim, football, basketball and baseball teams.
He is an active member of the Youth Group at the Clarksburg Baptist Church and recently participated in a mission trip to Haiti. He also participated with the State Wide Leadership Core with the WV Baptist Convention. During high school he owned and operated his own lawn care and snow removal business.
He will attend West Virginia University to major in Criminology and plans to pursue a law enforcement career at the federal level.
2012
Victoria (Tori) Childers is the daughter of Ted and Teresa Childers of Mount Clare. She is a recent graduate of Bridgeport High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She was also involved with the Bridgeport High School Girls Basketball, WV Lady and WV Explosion Basketball teams. Victoria attended Rhododendron Girls State, volunteered at various community activities and participated in the Harrison County Sheriff Department's Ride-along Program. She will attend Marshall University and major in Criminal Justice to "help keep the crime level to a minimum and keep citizens safe."
Liberty High School graduate Brandon Desormier is the son of Ronald Desormier of Glenville, WV and Diane Desormier of Salem, WV. He was a member of the band, National Honor Society and the French Honor Society. Brandon participated in football and basketball teams. He has volunteered with various community activities and held down a part time job. While at Fairmont State University he plans to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice. Brandon hopes to work with either the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the United States Marshal Service. His goal is to "help others and help protect my community."
Olivia Eubanks is also a graduate of Liberty High School. She is the daughter of Kimberly and Ryan Lantz of Clarksburg. Olivia was a member of the Red Cross Club, National Honor Society, and French Honorary. She was a member of the soccer and basketball teams. She has volunteered with various community activities such as Operation Christmas Child and serving at the Clarksburg Mission. She has been working part time at Aeropostale. Olivia will attend West Virginia Wesleyan College and major in Criminal Justice. Her goal is to become a WV State Trooper.
Erika Voreh is a graduate of Bridgeport High School and is the daughter of Greg and Maria Voreh of Mount Clare. She participated in multiple clubs including BABES, Student Council, RAZE and French Club. While working with the Journalism department, she wrote for the online newspaper and was a member of the yearbook staff. She was a member of the cross country and track teams. Erika, as did all the scholarship recipients, expressed her appreciation for receiving this scholarship. Erika will attend West Virginia University in the fall and major in Criminology. Upon completion of that degree, her dream is "to become an FBI Agent and travel the world."
2011
Emma Carpenter is the daughter of Francis R. "Butch" and Tammy J. Moore-Carpenter of Shinnston, WV. She is a recent graduate of Lincoln High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society and the band. She was also an active member of the Lincoln basketball, soccer and softball teams. Emma will continue her education at Fairmont State University and plans to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice.
In her application, Emma stated, "I feel great pride for the people involved in the criminal justice system that do their best everyday to make the citizens feel safe and I want to be a part of that."
Katalin Marie Stanton is a Notre Dame High School graduate. She is the daughter of Ralph and Mary Beth Stanton of Salem, WV. At Notre Dame, she was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council and Key Club, as well as the basketball and golf teams. Katalin is also active with her church youth group and the peer ministry.
She has been accepted to Wheeling Jesuit University where she will pursue a degree in Information Sciences and Criminal Justice. Katalin said she wants "to be able to protect others and save lives" and plans to do so by becoming a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.