The Firemen’s Relief Association is proud to provide financial awards to the winners of this merit-based program, open to all qualifying member families. Get to know the 2018 winners.
Alexis Billings – Leo Najarian Scholarship
I am Alexis Billings. I am from Claremont, California and attend Claremont High School- where I will be a part of the graduating class of 2018. I plan to attend California State University Long Beach, where I will study nursing to become a Nurse Practitioner. I am the ward to retired LAFD fireman, David Dumler, and I dedicate my award to the life he has devoted to saving others. I hope I can be like him one day.
Brady Sedillos – Leo Najarian Scholarship
Hi! My name is Brady Sedillos, and I am a senior graduating from Palos Verdes Peninsula High School. I will be attending Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island in the Fall, studying pre-medicine. I love to hang out with friends, play the ukulele, hike in national parks, and read! My favorite authors include Stephen King and JRR Tolkien. I have been involved in many programs in both my school and community, like acting as Vice President and social chair for my volunteer group at my local hospital, and Under-Secretary-General of Logistics for my school’s Model United Nations Program. I look forward to what the future holds, and I am so grateful to the Relief Association for helping me along the way!
Gabriella Palacios – Relief Scholarship
My name is Gaby Palacios. I will be majoring in nursing at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama this fall. My father has worked with the Los Angeles Fire Department for 23 years. I am extremely grateful to be part of the firefighter family. Thank you!
Abbie Sedillos – Relief Scholarship
I’m Abbie Sedillos and I’m from Rancho Palos Verdes. I’m the daughter of Captain 1 Leonard Sedillos from Fire Station 80. I’m a senior at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School and will be attending Northeastern University in Boston this coming fall. I plan on majoring in both political science and environmental studies, then attending law school with the ultimate goal of pursuing environmental law.
Michael Smith – Relief Scholarship
I have been accepted to the University of San Diego. I will begin the Fall semester of 2018 and am very excited to start my college journey toward higher education. I have decided to pursue a degree in Business Administration. I have a strong desire to be in charge of my own destiny, and to have control to influence those around me in a positive way. As I move forward with my journey, I look forward to my next step. Attending the University of San Diego will allow me to continue my education, to gain different perspectives, to explore and obtain knowledge in new and different areas.
Simone Decker – Relief Scholarship
Hello! My name is Simone Decker, and I’m from Palmdale, California. I have the most amazing family, and I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish what I have without my mom, dad, and older sister by my side! During high school I have been extremely involved with ASB Student Leadership, Cheerleading, Bollywood dance team, Interfaith Leadership Initiative, and many other fantastic organizations. Outside of school I love to spend my time practicing yoga, writing articles for my blog, visiting museums, traveling, and expanding my photography skills. I feel extremely lucky to be continuing my education at George Washington University in Washington, DC, where I aspire to visit every museum and art exhibition. In the future, I hope to serve the country by working in National Security for the FBI or CIA as an intelligence analyst. I also hope to visit every continent by the age of 50, and to become a certified yoga instructor!