Whenever there is a need the Memorial Scholarship Award is awarded to a dependent of a Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association member who passed away while serving as an active Los Angeles City Fire Department member. Your kind donations to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund helps our charity carry out this program.
Lauren McKnight
What college, university or school will you be attending?
University of California Santa Barbara
Are you currently enrolled?
If not, when do you begin? I am not currently enrolled. I begin on September 24th, 2017.
What is your major or area of study?
Computer Science
Why did you choose this major or area of study?
I am eager to work in the fields of math and science in order to contribute future innovations to a technological world.
When is your expected date of graduation?
High School: June 8th, 2017
What are your plans/goals after graduation?
My goal is to obtain at least a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. I am hoping to use technology to contribute to the medical field. I am also minoring in Spanish.
How will a scholarship help you?
This scholarship would help me further my education and work towards a rewarding career.
What message do you have for the donors that made this scholarship possible?
I am truly honored and thankful for being selected to receive this scholarship. I am grateful and appreciative for LAFRA’s generous contribution to my education.
What is being part of an LAFD family mean to you?
It means coming together as one unit to encourage one another and provide hope as our family members put themselves in danger to save others’ lives. It fill me with pride to witness the incredible changes that LAFD members are making in the lives of others in order to keep our communities safe for present and future generations to thrive.
Who or what inspires you most?
My father inspires me because of the importance he placed on serving others while remaining dedicated to his faith.
Nina Hernandez
What college, university or school will you be attending?
Willamette University which is located in Salem, Oregon
Are you currently enrolled? If not, when do you begin?
Yes, I am enrolled! I begin August 17, 2017
What is your major or area of study?
Physical Therapy/Exercise Science
Why did you choose this major or area of study?
I’m extremely passionate about sports and helping others to improve themselves, while safely working through injuries.
When is your expected date of graduation?
June 2021
What are your plans/goals after graduation?
I would love to work as a physical therapist for a professional sports team. I am also extremely interested in the field of exercise science, so I’d like to explore that option as well.
How will a scholarship help you?
Receiving this scholarship translates into the ability to achieve even more opportunities to further my academic career. It motivates me to do my best to live up to this great honor throughout college and into graduate school.
What message do you have for the donors that made this scholarship possible?
What an honor it is to be the recipient of such a generous gift. I cannot stress enough how much your generosity will help myself and my family. It’s such a wonderful, selfless act on behalf the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association, and the LAFD as well.
What is being part of an LAFD family mean to you?
Being a part of the Fire Family is just that, Family. There were so many holidays spent at the fire “house” when my dad had to work. My sister and I actually looked forward to having holiday dinners at the station! I felt so proud when my dad visited my school and the other kids saw him as a hero as well. The Fire Family has certainly been there for my sister and I since his passing in 2008. Their support has prepared me to go to college, where I know I’ll make my family, including my Fire Family, very proud.
Who or what inspires you most?
I deeply admire Volleyball legend Gabrielle Reece. She is intelligent, motivational, and has an intense drive to promote overcoming adversity. Her dedication to health and fitness has led her to become a dominant influence in the field. She was the first female Nike spokesperson, as well as being a NY Times best selling author. She inspires me to be the best that I can be, both on and off the Volleyball court.
Meet the 2016 Memorial Scholarship Winners.