Ryan Curtis / Dennis Mendenhall Scholarship
University, College or School Attending: Cal Lutheran
Your Area of Study/Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Education and Career Goals: To earn my degree from Cal Lutheran, then attend medical school to become an emergency medicine physician.
What inspires you? My mom is my greatest inspiration. She has faced immense hardships like overcoming breast cancer and enduring the loss of my father. She continues to move forward with strength and grace. Her resilience is unwavering.
Hobbies, Sports or Clubs: Football, Video Games, Hiking
List Any Awards: COC Student-Athlete Excellence Award, COC Iron Cougar Award.
What does it mean to be part of a firefighter family? Being part of a firefighter family means belonging to a tight-knit community built on courage, service, and unwavering support. In a firefighter family, you’re never alone—there’s always someone ready to help, to listen, and to stand beside you.
How will this scholarship help you? This scholarship will help me pay for college and allow me to start saving for medical school, which has always been my goal. Since my family is now supported by a single income, receiving this support would ease the financial burden on my mom, who is already doing so much to help me and my brother, who will be starting medical school next year. It would give me the opportunity to focus more on my education and less on the financial stress that comes with it.
Ortega Roque / Dennis Mendenhall Scholarship
University, College or School Attending: Crafton Hills College
Your Area of Study/Major: Fire Technology
Education and Career Goals: CHC Fire Academy & EMT services training in becoming a firefighter.
What inspires you? My dad. He continues to inspire me and has taught me many life lessons. He had high expectations of us cause he wanted the best for us and despite life’s challenges, to continue to go forward.
Hobbies, Sports or Clubs: I enjoy hunting, fishing, boating, camping and off-roading.
List Any Awards: Career Technical Education certificate for all four high school years.
What does it mean to be part of a firefighter family? To me, it means a strong sense of pride, honor, courage, and dedication. Supporting one another through the toughest times is what a fire family does.
How will this scholarship help you? This scholarship will help me pursue my career goal of becoming a firefighter, following in my dad’s footsteps and ultimately working for LAFD.