Sometimes the path to a future career begins with an unexpected moment—in Natalee Clemmons’ case, it started with an eighth-grade history debate.

The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation is proud to recognize Natalee Clemmons as a 2026 CPOF Scholarship recipient.

This fall, Natalee will attend Oklahoma State University, where she will begin pursuing her dream of becoming a lawyer and, ultimately, a public defender.

One classroom assignment helped shape that dream. Given the opportunity to debate which historical figure was the most influential, Natalee chose Thomas Paine—fully aware she was defending what many considered a losing argument. While she didn’t win the final debate, she discovered something far more valuable: a passion for advocating for people and ideas that others might overlook.

“My need to prove myself, speak out for what I believe in, and be a part of something bigger than myself is why I want to go to college and it’s why I want to be a public defender.”

The daughter of Ashlee Clemmons, who works in Corrections in Oklahoma, Natalee has spent years preparing for that future. She has worked as a server for the past three years, saving for college while maintaining the academic performance necessary to pursue both a bachelor’s degree and, eventually, law school.

Her goal isn’t simply to practice law—it is to ensure that every person has someone willing to fight for them.

“I have always dreamed of being able to protect people not with violence but with justice.”

The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation is proud to support students like Natalee, whose determination, work ethic, and passion for justice will undoubtedly make a lasting impact on the lives of others.

Congratulations, Natalee! We look forward to seeing where your determination and commitment to serving others will take you.