Kansas Peace Officers Association
P.O. Box 2592, Wichita, KS 67201
(316) 722-8433 | kpoa@kpoa.org
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KPOA Scholarships
Applications for Scholarships Must be Postmarked by March 31
KPOA Scholarship Terms and Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a high school senior or college student and the child or dependent* of an active KPOA Member
*Dependent as defined by the IRS is either a qualifying child or a qualifying relative of the taxpayer. - Must attend an accredited technical school, junior college (community college) or four-year university in the state of Kansas.
- Must enroll in 12 hours or more in college credits per semester and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better.
- Must submit an official typed and signed KPOA Scholarship Application. Note: The application is designed to be completed online, then printed.
- Must submit High School and College (if applicant has attended college) transcripts with the application.
- Must submit to an oral interview by KPOA scholarship committee if so requested.
- Must include a brief, no longer than one type written page document of future academic and life goals with application.
- Must include a recent photograph with application.
- Must include a current year letter of endorsement from a law enforcement officer, other than the applicant's parent or relative.
Mail completed application with all required items listed above to:
KPOA Scholarship Committee • P.O. Box 2592 • Wichita, KS 67201
Must be postmarked no later than March 31.
NOTICE:
The KPOA Scholarship award is $1,000.00 and will be paid in two (2) $500.00 installments in the first and second semesters. To be awarded the second semester award payment, award recipient must provide an official transcript showing the first semester GPA and second semester enrollment schedule showing award recipient will be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours during the semester.
A maximum of five $1,000.00 scholarship will be awarded during each calendar/fiscal year. Scholarship award recipients are only allowed a maximum of two (2) annual scholarships for a maximum award amount of $2,000.00.
2024/2025 Scholarship Winners
The Kansas Peace Officers Association is proud to announce the recipients of the KPOA Scholarships for the 2024/2025 Academic School Year.
Charlee Bitler
Charlee is the daughter of Charles (Rusty) Bitler with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Charlee will be transitioning from Barton County Community College to Emporia State University. Charlee will be majoring in Biology with a Concentration in Fisheries and Wildlife. She hopes to do research in the natural habitat and become a fish biologist. In her spare time Charlee likes to watch movies and hang with the family pets.
Mallory Diaz
Mallory is the daughter of Jason Diaz of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Mallory attends Emporia State University majoring in Elementary Education. Mallory is on track to graduate 1 year early and has maintained a 4.0 GPA all through High School and College. She volunteers with AmeriCorp to increase literacy skills of preschool students in the Emporia area. In her spare time, Mallory likes to read and spend time with her family.
Anna Hogeland
Anna is the daughter of Scott Hogeland with the Salina Police Department. Anna will be attending Kansas State University studying architecture. Anna hopes to pursue a career in non-profit and work with affordable housing. Anna recently won several awards for her senior project of designing a ski lodge. Anna has found a passion in photography.
Maximus Kelly
Maximus is the son of Tobey Kelly of the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office. Maximus currently attends Emporia State University majoring in Business Administration, with a plan to graduate and attend Washburn University to obtain a Juris Doctorate degree. Maximus has the skills of repairing and refurbishing old bicycles for those in need and donates them. He currently works at Bluestem Farm and Ranch. In Maximus’ free time, he likes to go to the gym and play video games with his little brother.
Grant Lehnherr
Grant is the son of John Lehnherr with the Kansas Highway Patrol. Grant attends Kansas State University pursuing a degree in marketing with an emphasis on targeted adds and social media. Grant works at Starbucks and was recently offered an internship with the Kansas Turnpike Authority. Grant likes spending time with his family and friends in his spare time.
Peyton Reynolds
Peyton is the daughter of Robert Hoskins of the Wabaunsee County Sheriff’s Department. Peyton is attending Wichita State University majoring in Engineering, hoping to pursue a degree in Nuclear Engineering in the future. Peyton is a full time Air Force Reservist on active duty orders. Peyton has completed basic military training and the paralegal apprentice course. Peyton is a paralegal in the Air Force and has received several awards. Peyton has been selected to represent her unit in Washington, D.C. this summer. She likes to travel in her spare time and explore other cultures.
Samantha Wendel
Samantha is the daughter of Leasa Wendel of the Gray County Sherriff’s Office. Samantha will be attending college at Kansas University pursuing a degree in nursing with an emphasis on trauma and emergency medicine hoping to become a travel nurse. Samantha recently returned from the largest hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she shadowed in operating and emergency rooms. Samantha has her CNA and is working in Montezuma and other areas in Western Kansas.
2023/2024 Scholarship Winners
The Kansas Peace Officers Association is proud to announce the recipients of the KPOA Scholarships for the 2023/2024 Academic School Year.
Clare Hawkins
Clare is the daughter of Clint Hawkins of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Clare is attending the University of Kansas pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in music. Clare is in the KU honors program, and the KU Legal Education Accelerated Degree Program (LEAD). She participates in the KU Choir, KU Jazz Band and plays electric bass. Clare remains busy with her job, playing her bass in local bands, and volunteering in the community.
Adalina Scheve
Adalina is the daughter of Aaron Scheve of Wildlife and Parks. Adalina attends Pittsburg State University pursuing a degree in nursing. She hopes to become a Labor and Delivery nurse. Adalina is involved in the Lambda Sigma Sophomore National Honors Society, and intramural sports. Adalina continues to be busy with her job at the PSU Student Recreation Center teaching fitness classes and adult physical education. Adalina hopes to learn to play the piano.
Samantha Wendel
Samantha is the daughter of Leasa Wendel of the Gray County Sherriff’s Office. Samantha will be attending college at Ft. Hays State University pursuing a degree in nursing with an emphasis on trauma and emergency medicine. Samantha has been involved in several school clubs such as STUCO, FCCLA, and 4-H. Samantha is very active volunteering in her community with raising funds and donations for cancer victims. Samantha currently has her CNA and is working in Montezuma.
Elizabeth Johnston
Elizabeth is the daughter of Jeremy Johnston with the Augusta Department of Public Safety. Elizabeth attends Emporia State University majoring in Elementary Education. Elizabeth is the Secretary of ESU Student Ambassadors and a member of the Trauma Informed Educators Club and the KNEA. Elizabeth works on campus with young children and volunteers her time reading and presenting literacy lessons to young students.
Kelcy Bergstrom
Kelcy is the daughter of James Bergstrom of the McPherson County Sheriff’s Office. Kelcy will be attending Kansas State University majoring in Animal Science-Production Management. Kelcy would like to become a Bovine Embryologist to help farmers and ranchers with their future calf crop. Kelcy is passionate about agriculture and does community volunteering.
Kinleigh Rhodd
Kinleigh Rhodd is the daughter of Brian Rhodd of the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office. Kinleigh is attending Washburn University’s School of Nursing. Eventually Kinleigh would like to become a family practice nurse practitioner. Kinleigh is a part of the Big Brothers/ Big Sisters of Kansas, volunteers at the food pantry and other organizations in her community. Kinleigh has her CNA and works in her community hospital.
Peyton Reynolds
Peyton is the daughter of Robert Hoskins of the Wabaunsee County Sheriff’s Office. Peyton will be attending Wichita State University majoring in Engineering, hoping to pursue a degree in Law in the future. Peyton is a full time Air Force Reservist currently on active duty orders. Peyton has completed basic military training and the paralegal apprentice course. Peyton is a paralegal in the Air Force and has received several major awards and decorations. Peyton loves to sky dive in any spare time she has.
2022/2023 Scholarship Winners
Over the two day period of July 12th and 13th, the Scholarship Committee had the honor of interviewing seventeen applicants for the $1,000.00 scholarships that are awarded each year by the KPOA. Because of the number of applicants we received this year, the Chief Executive Officers opted to award seven scholarships this year rather than the typical five. We hope as finances allow, we can continue to expand this opportunity more applicants. The candidates were each exceptional and highly qualified and the process of narrowing the decision was very challenging this year. We wish all of this year's applicants and scholarship recipients success in their future endeavors.
The Kansas Peace Officers Association is proud to announce the recipients of the KPOA Scholarships for the 2022/2023 Academic School Year.
Taylor Bohannon
Taylor is the daughter of Branden Bohannon of the Mulvane Police Department. Taylor is attending McPherson College in the Teacher Education Program and plans to obtain a Secondary Education Licensure allowing her to teach high school Biology. Taylor is a part of the McPherson College basketball team and is active with the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Program (HOBY).
Lillian Diaz
Lillian is the daughter of Jason Diaz of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Lillian is attending Wichita State University and plans to obtain a degree in Exercise Science then applying for a Physical Therapy Program. Lillian is a volunteer intern coach with the non-profit, Shocker Track Club mentoring young athletes. Lillian is also pole vaulter on the WSU track team.
Clare Hawkins
Clare is the daughter of Clint Hawkins of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Clare will be attending the University of Kansas pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice with a minor is music. Clare plays the piano, violin, percussion, and the upright and electric bass. Clare has been an active member in her community with volunteering.
Piper Price
Piper is the daughter of Karen Blanton of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Piper will be attending the University of Kansas Honor Program to pursue a degree in behavioral neuroscience. Piper has been active with the Lawrence Children’s Choir and continues to volunteer in her community with the Lawrence Food Pantry and mentoring others in choir.
Adalina Scheve
Adalina is the daughter of Aaron Scheve of Wildlife and Parks. Adalina will be attending Pittsburg State University to major in Biology with an emphasis in Pre-Physical Therapy with a minor in Business. Adalina volunteers in her community by coaching a 5th grade basketball team, and is active in her church with Saturday Suppers.
Grace Skelton
Grace is the daughter of Greg Skelton of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Grace is attending Kansas Wesleyan University to obtain a Business degree and then pursue a Law Degree. Grace plays soccer for Kansas Wesleyan and was on the President’s Honor Roll this year. One of Grace’s many volunteer jobs is at Childhood Advocacy and Parenting Services (CAPS) in Salina.
Austin Wilkes
Austin is the son of Dwight Wilkes with the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office. Austin is attending Wichita State University pursuing a degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in History/Government and would like to coach. While umpiring youth baseball, Austin enjoys mentoring the young players.
2021/2022 Scholarship Winners
Over the two day period of July 14th and 15th, the Scholarship Committee had the honor of interviewing eleven applicants for the five $1,000.00 scholarships that are awarded each year by the KPOA. In addition, a one-time $500 scholarship was awarded this year to one applicant in memory of KPOA Life Member Larry Welch, who died April 7, 2021. The candidates were each exceptional and highly qualified and the process of narrowing the decision was challenging. We wish all of this year's applicants and scholarship recipients success in their future endeavors.
The Kansas Peace Officers Association is proud to announce the recipients of the KPOA Scholarships for the 2021/2022 Academic School Year.
Grace Skelton
Grace is the daughter of Greg Skelton of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Grace is attending Kansas Wesleyan University to obtain a Business degree and then pursue a Law Degree. Grace will be playing soccer for Kansas Wesleyan while attending school. Grace volunteers at the Aldersgate UMC Vacation Bible School.
Taylor Bohannon
Taylor is the daughter of Branden Bohannon of the Mulvane Police Department. Taylor is attending McPherson College in the Accelerated Teacher Program and plans to obtain a Secondary Education and Special Education Licensure allowing her to teach high school Biology and Special Education. Taylor plays basketball for McPherson College and is active with the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Program.
Lillian Diaz
Lillian is the daughter of Jason Diaz of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Lillian is attending Wichita State University and plans to obtain a degree in Physical Therapy or sports related. Lillian is a volunteer intern coach with the non-profit, Shocker Track Club mentoring young athletes. Lillian is also a member of the WSU track team.
Kinleigh Rhodd
Kinleigh is the daughter of Brian Rhodd of the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office. Kinleigh is attending Kansas State University planning on obtaining a Nutrition and Health Bachelor’s Degree working towards Physicians Assistance Degree with an emphasis on nutrition. Kinleigh volunteers as a mentor with a group of middle school students and assists with events on campus.
Logan Rugg
Logan is the son of Justin Rugg of the Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office. Logan is attending Fort Hays State University to obtain a degree in Agronomy with an emphasis on Business. Logan is a competitive shooter and is joining the shooting team while at FHSU.
Special One-time Larry Welch $500 Memorial Scholarship
Grace Hite
Grace is the daughter of Stu Hite of the Pittsburg State University Police. Department. Grace is attending Pittsburg State University to obtain a degree in Psychology with a minor in Communications, then pursuing a Law Degree. Grace has been accepted into the PSU Honors College and volunteers in her community.
2020/2021 Scholarship Winners
Over the two day period of July 28th and 29th, the Scholarship Committee had the honor of interviewing sixteen applicants for the five $1,000.00 scholarships that are awarded each year by the KPOA. In addition, a one-time $500 scholarship was awarded this year to one applicant in memory of KPOA Life Member Warren McVey, who died April 1, 2020. The candidates were each exceptional and highly qualified and the process of narrowing the decision was challenging. We wish all of this year's applicants and scholarship recipients success in their future endeavors.
The Kansas Peace Officers Association is proud to announce the recipients of the KPOA Scholarships for the 2020/2021 Academic School Year.
Dalton Brasser
Dalton is the son of Craig and Karrina Brasser from Andale. Dalton is pursuing a professional pilot bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University/Polytechnic Campus in Salina. Dalton has been taking flying lessons and has already completed his solo flight and will be getting instrument rated in August. After obtaining his pilot’s license Dalton hopes to become an international airline pilot.
Dylan Harrison
Dylan is the son of Joby Harrison from Cimarron. Dylan has a passion for Architectural Engineering and is pursuing that passion at Kansas State University. Dylan is running College Works Painting this summer in Manhattan and has set an academic goal of finishing college with no lower than a 3.85 GPA. Dylan hopes to complete his ultimate goal of obtaining a master’s degree in his field of study.
Kelsie Burr
Kelsie is the daughter of Timothy Burr from Arkansas City. Kelsie is fulfilling her childhood dream of playing collegiate tennis while majoring in elementary education and minoring in coaching at Emporia State University. Kelsie hopes to return to her home town of Arkansas City after college, to teach and eventually become an elementary school principal.
Hannah Lee
Hannah is the daughter of Kevin Lee from Rose Hill. Hannah is enthusiastic about the arts and loves to sing. Hannah will continue to pursue her degree as a Worship Arts major at Barclay College. Once completing her degree, Hannah hopes to obtain a job at Sight and Sound Theater in Branson MO., eventually leading towards a Broadway Career.
Dakota Davis
Dakota is the son of Steve Davis from Abilene. Dakota attends Washburn University with a declared major in Criminal Justice. Dakota is currently interning with the U.S. Marshals Service in Topeka to gain experience regarding the federal system in hopes to assist him with his decisions of what branch of law enforcement he hopes to work in.
Special One-time Warren McVey $500 Memorial Scholarship
Taylor Bohannon
Taylor is the daughter of Branden Bohannon from Belle Plaine. Taylor will be attending McPherson College majoring in secondary education, specializing in Biology or Chemistry. Taylor plans to participate in the accelerated teaching program, and will also be a member of the women’s basketball team.
2019/2020 Scholarship Winners
Over the two day period of July 16th and 17th, the Scholarship Committee had the honor of interviewing fourteen applicants for the five $1,000.00 scholarships that are awarded each year by the KPOA. The candidates were each exceptional and highly qualified and the process of narrowing the decision down to just five was challenging.
The Kansas Peace Officers Association is proud to announce the recipients of the KPOA Scholarships for the 2019/2020 school year.
Dalton Brasser
Dalton is the son of Craig and Karrina Brasser from Andale. Dalton will be pursuing a professional pilot bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University/Polytechnic Campus in Salina. Dalton has been taking flying lessons and has already completed his solo flight. After obtaining his pilot’s license he hopes to become an international airline pilot.
Kelsie Burr
Kelsie is the daughter of Timothy Burr from Arkansas City. Kelsie will be fulfilling her childhood dream of playing collegiate tennis while majoring in elementary education and minoring in coaching at Emporia State University. Kelsie hopes to return to Arkansas City after college and eventually become an elementary school principal in her hometown.
Kelsi DeLong
Kelsi is the daughter of Danny Broyles from Olpe. Kelsi attends Emporia State University and is majoring in nursing. Kelsi eventually wants to be a labor and delivery nurse after obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in nursing. Kelsi would like to continue her educational path and obtain a Masters or Doctorate in the nursing program.
Dylan Harrison
Dylan is the son of Joby Harrison from Cimarron. Dylan has a passion for Architectural Engineering and will be pursuing that passion at Kansas State University. He has set an academic goal of finishing college with no lower than a 3.85 GPA. Dylan hopes to complete his ultimate goal of obtaining a master’s degree in his field of study.
Ashley Morton
Ashley is the daughter of Sean Morton from Salina. Ashley wants to double minor in Criminal Justice and Arabic with Islamic Studies at the University of Kansas. Ashley recently participated in the Cadet Lawman Training Academy in Salina. She is excited to have a career in law enforcement of some capacity.