Emory Carpenter

Emory is a senior at the University of North Carolina – Wilmington where she majors in Pharmaceutical Sciences. In addition to her academics, she volunteers and works part-time.

Her father, Major Joel Carpenter USMC (Ret.), recently retired from the Marine Corps after 20 years of service. Emory has three sisters.

Jared Nielsen

Jared is in his junior year at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he is pursuing a degree in Aeronautical Sciences. Jared plans to participate in NROTC in college and become a Marine Corps pilot after he graduates.

Jared’s father, Master Sergeant Michael Nielsen USMC (Ret.), retired from the Marines after 20 years of service. In that time, he was deployed three times to combat zones and served as a drill instructor.  Jared writes, “I have watched [my father] accomplish many things during his career and lead many Marines… I know it wasn’t easy but he took pride in it all; a pride that I would like to have.”

Kristen Trout

Kristen Trout is a junior at Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. She is a History major with a double minor in Civil War Era Studies and Political Science. Last summer, Kristen interned as a Brian C. Pohanka Fellow in interpretation at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. She is a Resident Assistant on campus, a Civil War Institute Fellow, and volunteers at the National Park Service Gettysburg Artillery Shop. She is also a recipient of the First Lieutenant Robert Kelly Memorial Scholarship.

Kristen is the daughter of Veteran Sergeant Mark Trout USMC. During his 4 years in the Marine Corps, Sergeant Trout was a rifleman. He then served his community as a police officer for ten years. In 2002, he founded the Missouri Civil War Museum, a non-profit organization with the pursuit of honoring our fallen soldiers, which recently opened its doors in St. Louis.

Nicholas Popaditch

Nicholas is a senior Civil Engineering major at San Diego State University. Nicholas writes, “The Marines I have seen through my life around the Marine Corps have taught me to accomplish, not compromise. Your faith in me keeps me motivated to always attend class and endeavor for success.”

Nicholas’ father, Gunnery Sergeant Nicholas Popaditch, Sr. USMC (Ret)., received a Silver Star and Purple Heart as a result of the wounds he sustained when he was hit by an RPG while commanding a tank in Fallujah, Iraq. Upon his return home, GySgt Popaditch demonstrated the importance of a college education to his son by going back to school and obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree.

Fredrick Walker

Fredrick is a Second Classman (Junior) at the Virginia Military Institute where he studies History. He is also a member of the Virginia Army National Guard, a Squad Leader in ROTC, leads a Bible study on campus, and volunteers at a local soup kitchen. After graduation Frederick plans on pursuing a Masters of Divinity in order to become commissioned as a Chaplain in the Army National Guard.

Fredrick’s Marine parent is his mother, veteran Sergeant Shebbie Farmer USMC. Fredrick says of his mother, “If it were not for her example and sacrifice, I would not be where I am today.” He wrote to the Scholarship Foundation investors, “Without your donation, it would be nearly impossible for me to attend the Virginia Military Institute.”

Whitney Hicks

Whitney is a senior at Johnson and Wales University in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she studies culinary arts. She hopes to become a pastry chef and one day own her own bakery. Whitney is also a member of her school’s Women’s Basketball Club.

Whitney’s father, Master Gunnery Sergeant Wesley Hicks USMC, is currently active duty and stationed in Quantico, Virginia. He has been in the Marine Corps for more than 30 years.

“My parents always pushed me to be the best I can be and work hard in everything I do,” says Whitney. “Their support has helped me to be the organized, smart and confident person that I am today.”

Alison Spann

Alison Spann graduated from Pepperdine University in 2014. She majored in Communication with an emphasis in Broadcast News and a minor in Political Science. While at Pepperdine, she hosted two student-run television shows, was involved with Relay for Life, and last summer interned with Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) in Washington, D.C. Alison hopes to continue on to graduate or law school.

Alison is a Heroes Tribute Scholarship recipient. Her father, veteran Marine Captain Johnny Michael Spann, was the first American combat casualty after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Alison says of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, “They have provided me with not only financial assistance, but they have also been there as a support system for me and that is something that I really appreciate.”

Logan T. Allen

Logan Allen is a senior Chemical Engineering major at North Carolina State University. Logan has been a regular on the dean’s list and hopes to pursue his master’s degree after he graduates. He is also a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, which allows him to network with other chemical engineers and alumni. He volunteers with Habitat for Humanity through NC State. Logan is also on the softball and kickball intramural teams.

His father, veteran Corporal Jerry T. Allen USMC, served in the Marine Corps for 4 years. Logan writes about his father, “In the time that he served, he learned many important lessons, which he in turn passed on to me.”