Brian Roxas

Children of firefighters from California and Michigan were awarded $10,000 in scholarships by the Electronic Security Association (ESA) through the ESA Youth Scholarship Program. Altogether, ESA and its participating Chartered State Associations awarded $47,500 in scholarships to 38 winners from more than 900 applications. The program has awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships to children of police officers and firefighters since its inception in 1996.

Brian Roxas of La Crescenta, Calif., was the first place winner of the ESA Youth Scholarship Program and received a $7,500 scholarship for his outstanding essay and scholastic achievements. Brian’s stepfather, Alberto Hugo, is a firefighter in Los Angeles County. In his essay Brian writes this of his stepfather, “His example to me taught me that if there’s a need and there’s something I can do to meet that need, I shouldn’t hesitate. Watching him at work…even when he is off-duty…made me determined that I want to spend the rest of my life helping my community as well.”

Kirstyn Hein

Kirstyn Hein of Pinckney, Mich. was awarded second place and received a $2,500 scholarship. For the project she collected more than $6,500 in donated materials and coordinated seven projects with 35 volunteers and 500 hours of community service. Kirstyn’s father, Carl Hein, is a member of the Ann Arbor Fire Department. In her essay Kirstyn writes, “From him, I’ve learned dedication, generosity, courage, how to teach, how to lead, and how to use my skills to the absolute best of my abilities. While all of my friends are going to prom in limos and Chevy GTs, I’ll show up in a fire truck. To do that at senior prom in front of all my classmates — now that’s influence!”

Dave Simon, ESA Scholarship Taskforce chairman, commented, “Each year in these submissions we see the effect that a committed parent has on his or her child. This year’s competition was the closest in history. Every student we reviewed was more than deserving of this award.. The essays, along with the quality of each applicant’s background, show how police and fire officials across the country are positive role models for the next generation. ESA is proud to reward the next generation of students who will help provide solutions in the years ahead for a more safe and secure world.”