2025 Scholarship Recipients

Each year, the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation is proud to support the educational dreams of those who stand closest to the heart of our mission. Whether they are the children, grandchildren, spouses, or correctional professionals themselves, our scholarship recipients represent strength, resilience, and hope for the future.

Today, we’re honored to introduce another group of outstanding individuals who have been selected as recipients of this year’s CPOF scholarships. These scholars not only carry forward the legacies of their loved ones, but also embody the values of perseverance, service, and dedication that define the correctional profession.

Join us in celebrating their achievements and in wishing them continued success on their journeys ahead.

Crystal Valdez, daughter of Blanca Valdez of Kern Valley, California

 

Hello,
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the generous scholarship. This support from CPOF means the world to me and will significantly impact my educational journey. I am truly committed to pouring my heart and soul into my studies, with the goal of becoming a compassionate and dedicated nurse. Thank you again for believing in my potential and helping me pursue my dreams.
Sincerely,
Cecilia Horton

 

Thank you for your continued support in our son’s education. Every dollar counts and is truly appreciated. Holden Langley, son of Richard Langley, retired from TDCJ

 

Hunter Crigger, son of Rovert Crigger, River North, Virginia

 

Field Representative Scott Bauer, Probation officer Chris Martin and his son Ryan

 

Field Representative Scott Bauer and Logan Quinn, son of Retired Officer Mitzi Quinn of NC.

 

Donald Gaines IV, son of Donald Gaines III of Lancaster, CA

 

Kosisochi Nweke, daughter of Emeka Nweke of O.LLuther Unit, Navasota, Texas

 

Thank you so much for this scholarship! I am excited to use this to reach my goals for my future!
Emma Welch, daughter of Charles Welch, FCC Oakdale

 

Faith Trevino, daughter of Adelaida Adams of The Torres Unit, TX

 


Thank you for the scholarship money. It is very much appreciated! Here is the enclosed picture requested! Please let me know if there is anything else you need. Thanks again,
Bryce Ferguson, son of Faith Ferguson of Moose Lake, MN.

 

Matthew Butler, son of Paul Butler of Intake in Rhode Island

 

Morgan Basiliere, daughter of Shane Basilier of High Security in Rhode Island with Rhode Island Volunteer Joe Menezes

 

Gianna Gantagata, son of John Santagata of High Security in Rhode Island. Photographed with Rhode Island Volunteer Joe Menezes.

 

Britney Mattera, daughter of Salvatore Mattera of Medium Security Rhode Island. Photographed with volunteer Joe Menezes.

 

Brenna Daniels, daughter of Michael Daniels of High Security in Rhode Island, photographed with volunteer Joe Menezes

 

Julia Hernandez, daughter of Esperanza Hernandez of the Stevenson Unit, Texas

 

Thank you so much for this scholarship award! It is going to help me so much as I work toward my educational goals and future.
Anjali Prieto, Daughter of Beatrice Gaudynski of Wasco, CA

 

Thank you so much for this reward. It is highly appreciated!
William Nguyen, son of Nguyen Nguyen of San Quentin, CA

 

Rian Woodard, daughter of Jerry Woodard, of Two Rivers in Oregon

 

Lakenya Williams, daughter of Kent Nutt at FCI Texarkana – FBOP, TX

 


We would like to thank CPOF for granting our son, Cain Thibault, with the Dave Romay Scholarship. We will put this very generous scholarship toward his Clarkson University tuition as he pursues his Electrical Engineering Degree this fall. Thank you again from the Thibault Family!
Regards,
Jeffrey, Katie and Cain Thibault
Cain Thibault, son of Jeffrey Thibault, Retired – New York

 

Daniel Silva, son of Nestor Silva of Headquarters, California

 

Sienna Hagen, daughter of Matthew Hagen of MCFP Springfield, FBOP – MO

 

Dear Correctional Peace Officers Foundation,
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to sincerely thank you for awarding me this scholarship. I am incredibly grateful for your support, and this scholarship will make a meaningful difference in helping me continue my education.
Thank you for investing in students like me, I’m honored and motivated to continue working hard.
Warm regards,
Reese Espinoza
Reese Espinoza, daughter of Ruben Espinoza – Avenal State Prison, CA

 

Clarissa Gonzalez, daughter of Juan Gonzalez (pictured) from CSATF, CA

 

Evan LeVasseur, son of Paul LeVasseur, at Intake in Rhode Island.

 

I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for awarding me the Dave Romay scholarship. Thanks to your generosity, I was able to complete my college education without incurring any debt. This has made a tremendous difference in my academic journey and future opportunities.
Your support has not only relieved a significant financial burden but also motivated me to work hard and make the most of my education. I am truly grateful for your investment in my future.
Thank you once again for your kindness and support.
Warm regards,
Payton Dennis
Missouri State University
Bachelors in Agricultural
Payton Dennis, daughter of Pamela Dennis to MCFP Springfield, FBOP – MO

 

Olivia Rabalais, daughter of Derek Rabalais of FCC Oakdale, FBOP – LA

 

Miah Gutierrez, daughter of Matthew Guiterrez, San Quentin, CA

 

Joshua Gonzales, son of Michael Gonzales, FCI Three Rivers, FBOP – TX

 

Marissa Martin, daughter of Robert Martin, FCI Ray Brook – FBOP, NY

 

Marrion Kimber, son of Carla Lofton, MSP, MS

 

Thank you SO much for this scholarship! Coming from the foundation that my father has been a part of since before I was born, this means so so much to me. Thank you for all that you do. 
Kennedy Willison, daughter of Brett Willison, FPC Morgantown, FBOP – WV

 

Sean Pailma, son of Pacifico Pailma from Avenal, CA

 

Thank you all so much! I am eternally grateful for this opportunity!
Best,
Jakeb Hurley
Economics and Political Science
University of Kentucky
Son of Clint Hurley, USP McCreary – FBOP – KY

 

I wanted to say thank you so much for the generous scholarship from CPOF. This will help me be one step closer in finishing my RN degree. My mother has been a member of CPOF for many years and has shared how wonderful this organization is and how much is supports Corrections Families.
Adriana Hansen, daughter of Crystal Hansen – Moose Lake, MN

 

Gabriel Torres, stepson of Robert Williamson, Eastern NY

 

Miranda Perez, daughter of Gerardo Perez, Ironwood, CA

 

I am so grateful to have received this scholarship and thank you all for your generosity and support!
Thank you again,
Madison Stacy , daughter of Christopher Stacy, Wallens Ridge, VA

 

Hello! This is Kolbe Gautney. Thank you for choosing me for the Dave Romay Scholarship! This will help me continue my education and eventually make an impact in the psychology field.
Kolbe Gautney, son of Robert Gautney, Retired CDCR

 

Greetings,
Thank you for selecting me to receive the Dave Romay Scholarship. It is very much appreciated.
Krystle Deadner, Teleford Unit, Texas

Elizabeth Leija, granddaughter of Delia Gutierrez, Ney Unit, TX

“Dear Correctional Peace Officers Foundation Scholarship Committee,

 

  I just wanted to take the time to say thank you for the generous scholarship. It truly means so much to me and is not something that will go unappreciated. I plan on using the money to help pay for textbooks as well as possible study based travel opportunities provided by Youngstown State University as I continue to study marketing. Thank you again. 

 

Best Regards,

Emily McConnell”

Daughter of Chad McConnell, FCI Elkton, FBOP – OH

 

Dear Correctional Peace Officers Foundation,
I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for selecting me as a recipient of your generous scholarship. Your support plays a significant role in helping me pursue my academic journey and achieve my dream of becoming a nurse.
This scholarship not only eases the financial burden of my education, but it also motivates me to continue working hard and striving for excellence. Knowing that an organization as honorable and committed as yours believes in me means more than words can fully express.
Thank you for investing in my future. I am inspired by your dedication to supporting students and families connected to the corrections community, and I hope to pay this kindness forward as I grow in my career and care for others.
Sincerely,
Klarissa Nabor, daughter of Jonathan Nabor, CTF, CA

 

I want to thank yall so much for this opportunity. This scholarship will help me pursue my college education without the stress of student loans.
Beau Morgan Johnson
Texas State University Fall 2025
Beau Johnson, daughter of Kenward Johnson, Clemens Unit, TX

 

Ava Wilke, daughter of Braden Wilke, Polk- FL

 

Ashley Joyhnson, daughter of Craig Johnson (pictured), Marion, VA

 

Joshua Salinas, son of Josh Salinas, Wasco, CA

 

Good evening! Thank you for the scholarship.  It will help me a lot with my college expenses.  I appreciate all that you do as an organization. 
Isabel Saumell, daughter of Jill Saumell

 

Landon Cox, son of Jason Cox- ISCI – ID

 

I want to thank you so much for the scholarship! This scholarship will significantly help towards my higher education with Northeastern Junior College! Thank you for the time and effort you put into picking scholarship recipients!
Hailey Wheeler, daughter of James Wheeler, FCC Florence, FBOP – CO

 

To whom it may concern,
I would love to thank all of you with the CPOF for this generous opportunity and assistance to further my academics. I will be using this scholarship to help with my freshman year at Southwestern University in Weatherford, OK. My goal is to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and to later complete the requirements to become a Physician Assistant. My father is Jeff Ormiston who is currently a Recreation Specialist in his 19th year with the BOP at FCI EL Reno, OK. I wanted to again thank you for your scholarship and I will be sending a photo at a later date hopefully with a letter of achievement for the Dean’s Honor Roll. Go SWOSU Bulldogs
Brylynn Ormiston, daughter of Jeff Ormiston, FCI El Reno, FBOP – OK

 

Rosemary Adamson, daughter of Robert Adamson, OSP, OR

 

Thank you very much for awarding me this scholarship. I very much appreciate your kind generosity!
Sincerely,
Daniel Diaz, son of Shelly Diaz, FCI Three Rivers, FBOP – TX

 

Thank you so much for the scholarship and investing into my education! 
Eisley Shepherd, daughter of Michael Shepherd, Marion, NC

 

Thank you all very much for the very generous scholarship and for believing in me and my future!
Solomon Polanco, son of David Polanco, Ney Unit, TX

 

Thank you for the opportunity to receive the Dave Romay Scholarship.
Alexia will continue to be academically and athletically determined!
Alexia Marquez, daughter of Sonia Marquez, North Kern, CA

 

Stacy Stokes, wife of William Stokes, FCC Tucson, FBOP – AZ

 

Thank you all. I am going to University of the Cumberlands and this will help me so much.
Taitum Harris, son of Bradley Harris, USP McCreary – FBOP – KY

 

Thank you guys so much for awarding my sister and I the Dave Roman Scholarship, it is greatly appreciated! 
Thaniah Mcgowan and Thania Mcgowan, daughters of Marolynn Mcgowan, Bryd Unit, TX


Fallen But Not Forgotten

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