Some scholarships celebrate academic achievement.
Some recognize perseverance.
For Cameron Corby, this scholarship represents something even deeper—a legacy that began more than four decades ago.
Cameron, a 2026 graduate of Bella Vista High School, will attend San Diego State University this fall. She is the granddaughter of Larry Corby, one of the five founders of the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation, whose vision helped build an organization dedicated to ensuring correctional professionals and their families would never have to face tragedy alone.
During the 2026 PROJECT Scholarship Presentation, Cameron was recognized with these words:
“Cameron Corby, granddaughter of Larry Corby, represents not only the next generation, but the continuation of a vision that helped build this Foundation from the ground up.”
That statement captures the significance of this moment.
More than forty years ago, Larry Corby and four fellow correctional officers saw families struggling after tragedy and refused to accept that “nothing could be done.” Together, they created what would become the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation—a promise that correctional families would always have someone standing beside them.
Today, that promise continues through students like Cameron.
In her scholarship essay, Cameron reflects on a childhood marked by both tremendous love and profound loss. Raised by a devoted mother and surrounded by the unwavering support of her grandparents, she also experienced the heartbreaking reality of watching her father battle addiction before losing him when she was just fifteen years old.
Yet Cameron refuses to let hardship define her.
Instead, she chooses gratitude.
She writes:
“According to the majority of people, my life isn’t perfect, but to me that’s not the case. I have an incredible support system, the ability to walk, a safe place to call home, and friends that make me feel loved in every stage of my life. Isn’t that a perfect life?”
Those words reflect a remarkable perspective—one rooted not in what has been lost, but in the blessings that remain.
Throughout high school, Cameron turned that resilience into action. Even after losing her father during her freshman year, she finished the year with straight A’s while continuing to challenge herself academically through honors coursework. She became actively involved in Student Government, the National Honor Society, the California Scholarship Federation, Key Club, and numerous volunteer opportunities, earning a reputation as a compassionate leader who strives to make everyone around her feel welcomed and valued.
She credits her success to the support of her mother, grandparents, teachers, and friends—people who encouraged her to pursue her dreams and reminded her that she was capable of accomplishing anything she set her mind to.
Cameron’s story is one of resilience, optimism, and choosing hope.
It is also a beautiful reminder that the vision Larry Corby helped create continues to change lives—not only through catastrophic assistance and support, but by investing in future generations of correctional families.
Following PROJECT, Cameron was presented with her scholarship at CPOF Headquarters by Secretary Bill Hutto, surrounded by her mother, Angela, and her grandmother, Char Corby—a moment that beautifully symbolized the enduring legacy of a family whose impact on the Foundation will never be forgotten.
We are incredibly proud to support Cameron as she begins this next chapter at San Diego State University and know that her determination, kindness, and optimism will continue inspiring others for years to come.
Photo caption: CPOF scholarship recipient Cameron Corby is pictured with her mother, Angela, and her grandmother, Char Corby, during the presentation of her 2026 scholarship at CPOF Headquarters.