Kamryn D. Scott / Leo K. Najarian Memorial
Major: History
Career Goals: I plan to become a high school history teacher. I have an immense passion for helping others grow emotionally but also intellectually, and when I evaluate all the teachers that have inspired me, I know that teaching is my way to influence the next generations. I hope to foster individuals who are contributing members of society and who think critically about the information they receive – with mass amounts of misinformation output by the media, it couldn’t be more important to understand the different national, global, and local relationships.
Inspiration: I have a variety of inspirations in my life, but one of the strongest that comes to mind is my Aunt Gayle Faragher. She worked for the Los Angeles Fire Chief’s office and even knew Leo Najarian, emphasizing that he was always immensely kind and strong. Auntie Gayle, as I call her, is there to pick up my every call. I look at how knowledgeable she is about everything (it could truly be about any topic that I ask her a question). I feel that my aunt simply lives her life right because of her mindset in approaching different situations. She seems to always have a good time, but not because the event is particularly special; she is the good time. She exhibits so much effort to make everyone feel recognized, even utilizing a google sheet of my entire extended family’s birthdays as a missed birthday card would be forbidden. It really is my aunt’s strength, diligence, compassion, and positive spirit that I seek to match with each day.
What does it mean to be part of a firefighter family? The first word that comes to mind when thinking of my firefighter family is warmth. My brother and I would excitedly look forward to the holidays that my dad was working. Sure, that meant it wouldn’t be spent at home, but even better – it meant we got to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas at the fire station. We indulged on some mouth-watering feasts, took rides on the fire engines, and played at the handball court. I was in awe of my dad and the other firefighters’ dedication to helping their community when they would stop in the middle of scooping their mashed potatoes to help someone in need. The best way to describe it is that I simply felt so proud. It instilled in me the value of helping others… while my dad’s service was through providing safety, I want to be a teacher and give people the resources to create a better future for themselves by expanding their knowledge. I see heroes in both teachers and firefighters by exhibiting the same courage and desire to create a better situation for others.
Watch the video to learn more about Kamryn, what a special teacher taught her, the connection she feels to her scholarship’s namesake and why you may see her marching as a trombonist one day!
Nicholas D. Rodgers / Bill Goss Scholarship
Major: Criminology and Political Science
Career Goals: To receive a bachelor’s degree in criminology and political science as a foundation to pursue a career in the legal field. I plan to attend law school. I chose criminology because I have an interest in how the law works. I hope to be a criminal justice lawyer, so I must be well versed on how certain laws affect different marginalized groups. Fighting for people who cannot defend themselves is something I have always done. As a child I looked out for classmates that were picked on and as a teenager I still do the same thing. Knowledge of the law gives you access, opportunity, resources and solutions that may aid less fortunate in the community.
Inspiration: My mom is what inspires me the most. She raised my brother and I and provided for us all while being a single mother working several jobs. Her hardwork and dedication to her family is what inspires me to do the same, as a way to give back to her and the community.
What does it mean to be part of a firefighter family? Fire families always support other fire families because the job of a firefighter is a sacrifice the entire family makes. Achieving dreams and helping to foster civic engagement is possible through the generous support of the donors of the Fire Family Foundation.
Watch as Nicholas explains how this scholarship is helping him pursue a career that will allow him to give back and make a difference in the community.
Dylan C. Phillips / Relief Scholarship
Major: Business Economics
Career Goals: My education goals are to complete two years of college at Santa Barbara City College and transfer into UCLA’s Business Economics program. I plan to pursue a career in business.
Inspiration: The men and women in the work force. Especially first responders, law enforcement, and military.
What does it mean to be part of a firefighter family? Being a part of a firefighter family means discipline, humility, and respect.
Watch the video to learn how Dylan’s interest in business and certain industries is tied to family.
Lauren E. Smith / Relief Scholarship
Major: Journalism and Marketing Communications
Career Goals: I definitely see myself going to get my Masters and maybe eventually going back to school and earning a Ph.D so I could teach.
Inspiration: The people I surround myself with. I love being around driven individuals who are passionate about not only their careers, but life. To me, being successful means being in love with my life, which starts with the people around me.
What does it mean to be part of a firefighter family? Being able to watch my Dad grow throughout his career was incredibly inspiring to me and taught me a lot about hard work and dedication. Being part of the firefighter family taught me the importance of loving career and following your dreams, wherever that may take you.
Watch the video to see why Lauren wanted to attend college in a new city and how this scholarship is making her dreams come true.
Leia C. Alvarado / Relief Scholarship
Major: Biology
Career Goals: I will be attending the University of Washington, Seattle in the fall. I plan to major in biology and later attend graduate school and pursue a career in medicine.
Inspiration: Joining the National Charity League has allowed me to connect and become inspired by charities and non-profit organizations in my city as well as by my own mom. Through this organization, I have attended a variety of events including cultural events, leadership training sessions, and opportunities to serve my community while furthering a relationship of learning from my mom as more than my parent but also as a leader. This year I have followed my mother in becoming my Class Treasurer and she has kept me accountable for my responsibilities while also serving as a role model from whom I learned integrity, compassion, and generosity. I personally witnessed her fervent selflessness through the 125 hours we have spent together by delivering food to Meals on Wheels, cooking Thanksgiving dinner for the Boys and Girls Club, baking homemade treats for Crittenton Services for Children and Families, and running booths at a Halloween celebration for the Ronald McDonald House. While providing comfort and promoting growth and reform to those in need around us, I have also found personal growth and reform in my respect for all the skills my mother modeled for me.
What does it mean to be part of a firefighter family? Being a part of the LAFD family encompasses the pride I feel in my dad and his accomplishments and also the respect I continue to feel towards all firefighters and their families. I have personally witnessed great sacrifice every single day my dad leaves for work and I feel comfort in knowing that my family and I have such a great support system of other families of the LAFD. When we go camping or even just visit the station, I have felt a strong connection with the community of his coworkers, friends, and their families as they rush to help and cater to my family’s needs. I have a strong faith and trust in the fellow members of my LAFD family, and I am grateful that I can participate in such a compassionate, empathetic, and generous community.
Watch the video to learn more about Leia and see why she was inspired to deliver meals to elderly people in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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