Nikki Wilkins – Leo Najarian Memorial Scholarship
Planning to follow a career path that allows her to help the community, Nikki will attend San Diego State University, pursuing a degree in Kinesiology, then hoping to enter medicine. Nikki says the scholarship “is good motivation for continuing to achieve academically.” Nikki won several academic awards and volunteers for Special Olympics, Hope for Hannah, Loaves and Fishes among others. She also enjoys playing basketball and took part in a peer ministry at her high school.
Olivia Terrazas – Bill Goss Scholarship
Heading to the University of California, Santa Barbara, Olivia will major in Political Science. She hopes to go into politics or law. Olivia says, “I would like to thank the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association for this scholarship, which will help me in attaining my collegiate goals.”
Amanda Palacios – Relief Scholarship
Majoring in Nursing at Azuza Pacific University, Amanda already earned her Certified Nurse Assistant License and Healthcare Providers CPR & AED Certification. She also is active in student government as the head of her high school’s Encouragement Committee and has organized food drives and other fundraisers. She has received numerous community service and leadership awards and says earning this scholarship is giving her future a nice jumpstart.
Garrett Brown – Relief Scholarship
Garrett is an AP scholar, student body vice president and hockey team captain. At Arizona State University, he will major in Business/Media and Sports Management and play hockey. Garrett served as co-chair of his high school’s Relay for Life, raising money for ALS and cancer research. He says being part of the LAFD family taught him to set high expectations for himself and to always strive to do his best.
Kennedy Taylor – Relief Scholarship
Majoring in Film Production at the Columbia College of Hollywood, Kennedy plans to pursue a career as a movie editor and director. She comes from a large family and says, “this scholarship is helping me to go to the college of my dreams, which otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to afford.” Kennedy already made a few films and music videos and worked as a production assistant on some professional projects.
Matthew Proost – Memorial Scholarship
Enrolled at San Francisco State University, Matthew will pursue a doctorate in radiology, with a minor in computer communications. He also earned a soccer scholarship and will compete in the NCAA. Matthew says these scholarships ease the burden on is parents. Matthew feels a strong connection to the LAFD. “Although my father (Michael A. Butler) passed away in the helicopter (crash) at Griffith Park just months before I was born, I know he continues to influence my life for the better,” he says.
Dominic Piccione – Memorial Scholarship
Heading to the University of New Mexico, Dominic will pursue a degree in Entrepreneurial Studies and a Master of Business Administration. His ambition is to go to law school and represent athletes; perhaps becoming a manager or promoter for boxers and/or Mixed Martial Arts. One of his favorite things to do is volunteer at the local Humane Society. He says receiving this scholarship “is such a great honor; it is just amazing.” His father was Rick S. Piccione.
Corben Harris – Memorial Scholarship
Heading to Sonoma State University with plans to pursue an education in political science, Corben believes in pursuing short term goals in order to achieve long term success. Corben is grateful for this funding and says “if it weren’t for the scholarship, I would have to work full time and go to school in order to afford room, board and books.” He is the son of Bret. H. Harris
Brooke Boukather – Memorial Scholarship
Attending NYU, Tisch School of the Arts, Brooke will be majoring in acting. With an eye on Broadway, Brooke says this scholarship from the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association will help her afford extra vocal and dance training needed to pursue her dream. She says being part of the LAFD family has given her a deep understanding of community service. She is the daughter of Philip Boukather.
