2024 Recipients
We are honored to announce this year's scholarship recipients.
2024 HEROES IN THE COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
DAKOTA MARTINEZ
My name is Dakota Martinez and I’m currently enrolled in the Ventura College Paramedic Program. Upon completion of the program I plan to work within Ventura County and pursue a career as a firefighter paramedic in Southern California. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my girlfriend and our cattle dog, modifying cars and motorcycles, and learning new skills.
I grew up in Camarillo, California and ran my own welding and fabrication business for the last 6 years, doing welding and fabrication for a combined 10 years. It wasn’t until I met an off duty LAFD firefighter while purchasing tools for my shop that I was introduced to EMS. He suggested that I take an EMT course to meet the minimum hiring requirements of most larger fire departments, and I haven’t looked back since. My EMT course was an amazing experience, and upon completion I was able to become an Ambulance Operator for Torrance Fire Department.
Going from being my own boss to becoming a first responder has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Every shift I was able to make a positive impact on the community around me, assisting those in need within an EMT scope of practice. However, I knew I was able to make a greater impact on those around me by seeking a more advanced license, and so I enrolled into paramedic school to increase my scope of practice, enabling me to further help those in need.
2024 COMMUNITY AWARENESS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
AVA CHENIN
My name is Ava Chenin, and I am an incoming freshman at Colorado State University (CSU) majoring in Business with a concentration in Environmental Sustainability and minoring in Environmental Studies.
Growing up in the desert of Las Vegas, Nevada, I developed a deep appreciation for preserving our planet’s beauty and resources. I have two younger sisters, and together, we have fostered various animals over the years, nurturing a love for wildlife and conservation.
Receiving this scholarship means so much for providing invaluable financial support and affirms my commitment to pursuing my academic and professional goals in environmental sustainability.
The Route 91 Music Festival tragedy deeply impacted me, highlighting the strength and resilience of the Las Vegas community. Witnessing the selfless actions of first responders and the overwhelming support from our community inspired my dedication to creating positive change.
2024 live like bailey memorial SCHOLARSHIP
NATALIE WILLIAMS
Hello, my name is Natalie Williams and I am going to be a freshman at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in the fall.
I’ve always dreamed of becoming a kindergarten teacher which is why I’m super excited to be majoring in Early Childhood Education. This scholarship gives me the opportunity to live out my dreams and pursue this career. I’m so incredibly thankful and excited to be able to bless every future student of mine!