The Correctional Peace Officers Foundation is proud to recognize Tillie Reid as a 2026 CPOF scholarship recipient.
Tillie, the daughter of Dawson Wade Reid of the Colorado Department of Corrections, will attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, studying Forensic Psychology. With a strong academic record, a passion for understanding people, and a heart for service, Tillie is preparing for a path centered on helping others and creating positive change in her community.
A senior at Canon City High School, Tillie has spent the last four years balancing academics, athletics, work, and volunteer service, all while developing a clear vision for the future she hopes to build. Raised in a small town by two hardworking parents, she shared in her scholarship essay that their determination taught her the value of perseverance, independence, and making the most of every opportunity. Those lessons have helped shape both her character and her goals as she prepares for college.
Throughout high school, Tillie dedicated herself to athletics, competing in both volleyball and soccer all four years. As a senior, she served as captain of the volleyball team and earned First-Team All-Conference honors, after receiving Honorable Mention recognition her junior year. In soccer, she earned All-Conference Honorable Mention honors for three consecutive years. Through sports, Tillie developed leadership, discipline, resilience, and a deep understanding of the importance of teamwork and encouraging others—qualities that will continue to serve her well in college and beyond.
Alongside her athletic achievements, Tillie has cultivated a deep interest in human behavior and the motivations behind people’s choices. Her passion for understanding the “why” behind behavior led her to pursue criminal justice and psychology, fields she hopes will equip her to better understand others, advocate for recovery and fairness, and help individuals find a better path forward. She is especially interested in the complex relationship between environment, personal experience, and decision-making, and hopes to use that knowledge in a meaningful career that supports both individuals and the broader community.
Tillie also shared that volunteering in elementary schools and working for the Canon City Recreation District helped strengthen her sense of responsibility and empathy. Those experiences, combined with her academic and athletic background, have reinforced her commitment to service and her desire to make a positive impact wherever she goes.
This scholarship will help ease the burden of tuition and living expenses as Tillie begins her university journey, allowing her to focus on her studies, campus involvement, and the goals she has worked so hard to pursue.
We are honored to support Tillie as she begins this exciting new chapter and look forward to seeing all she will accomplish in the years ahead.
Photo caption: CPOF scholarship recipient Tillie Reid is pictured after receiving her 2026 scholarship award.