The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation is proud to recognize Gavin Wall as a 2026 CPOF scholarship recipient.

Gavin, the son of Kyle and Mary Jo Wall of SCI Mahanoy in Pennsylvania, will attend Lebanon Valley College this fall, where he plans to study Criminal Justice while continuing his football career as a collegiate student-athlete.

Growing up in a correctional family, Gavin developed an appreciation for public service at an early age. Both of his parents served as correctional officers, and listening to their experiences sparked his interest in the criminal justice profession. Those conversations helped shape the career path he now hopes to pursue, inspiring him to build a future centered on service and making a difference in his community.

Throughout high school at North Schuylkill High School, Gavin embraced every opportunity to challenge himself both academically and athletically. He maintained a 3.7 GPA while competing in football, wrestling, and track and field, finding that being a student-athlete helped him develop discipline, organization, and a strong work ethic.

Football, however, became much more than a sport.

After playing for eight years and earning a starting position as a sophomore, Gavin found a second family among his teammates and coaches. The lessons he learned on the field—teamwork, accountability, and perseverance—became an important part of who he is today.

During his junior year, Gavin faced one of the greatest challenges of his life. After suffering an injury during football practice, he unknowingly continued playing through a torn ACL and meniscus for several months before finally learning the extent of the damage. Doctors warned him there was a possibility he might never play football again.

Rather than allowing that diagnosis to define him, Gavin committed himself to rehabilitation with determination and optimism. Through months of hard work, he earned the opportunity to return to the field for his senior season—a moment he describes as one of the happiest of his life.

As Gavin explored colleges, he initially thought he had found the right fit elsewhere. Then a recommendation from his guidance counselor led him to visit Lebanon Valley College. After meeting the coaches, touring the campus, and experiencing the welcoming atmosphere, he knew he had found the place where he wanted to continue both his education and his athletic career.

Gavin credits much of his success to his parents, who continually emphasized the importance of education, perseverance, and working hard to achieve his goals. Their example has inspired him to approach every challenge with determination and integrity.

This scholarship will help Gavin continue pursuing his education while preparing for a future in criminal justice—a profession that reflects the values of service and dedication he learned growing up in a correctional family.

We are honored to support Gavin as he begins this exciting new chapter and look forward to seeing all he accomplishes both on the field and in his future career.

Photo caption: CPOF scholarship recipient Gavin Wall is pictured after receiving his 2026 scholarship award.