PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Presque Isle High School graduate Brennan Blackstone has been awarded a $2,000 Law Enforcement Education Program (LEEP) Dream Scholarship, which is double the amount awarded to recipients last year. He is among 27 top students who will receive the award to encourage their pursuit of law enforcement/public safety careers by the professional public safety officers of LEEP.
Blackstone, who completed the Criminal Justice program at Caribou Technology Center, plans to use his LEEP Dream Scholarship to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a certificate in Counter Terrorism at Husson University. “I have a passion for law enforcement in a time when it’s extremely dangerous to join the profession. Taking Criminal Justice in high school has solidified my desire to join this profession,” Blackstone wrote in his application.
“Brennan is currently the top academic performer in class and is a consistent contributor to class discussions and exercises – offering well thought out, insightful and though provoking comments,” wrote Reed Nonken, Criminal Justice Instructor at Caribou. “In the few months I have known Brennan, he has demonstrated a strong interest and ability, resourcefulness and desire throughout the academic program.”
“Ride-alongs have shown me many aspects of the job and have helped me understand the importance of it,” Blackstone wrote. “Additionally, living near a house known for drug production opened my eyes to the state’s severe problem. This inspired my decision to join the (Maine) State Police, hoping to eventually join the MDEA (Maine Drug Enforcement Agency).”
The Junior Class Vice President volunteered with: Camp Nomacca filling in holes in the soccer field and stacking wood and The Fuel Assistance Program cutting, stacking and delivering wood for three years. He was a field intern with the Maine GOP. “Brennan excelled at every task, asked great questions, and was never afraid to jump on new projects … Due to Brennan’s excellent work, we promoted him to Deputy Field Organizer and he continued to excel for the party,” wrote Joe Turcotte, Maine Republican Party Political Director. “Brennan provided tremendous leadership during his internship.”
Other scholarship winners include: Caitlin Cardenas of Arizona; Nautika Harris of Arkansas; Jennifer Hong and Jose Ruiz of California; Yeraldi Morales and Graciela Popoca of Illinois; Tyler Madden of Kentucky; Christian Campbell, Mason Deible, Bradley Duck Jr., Caleb Fort, Meleigha Herington, Austin Lynema, Erik Rittenger and Marybeth Gormley of Michigan; Laura Rognerud of Montana; Michaela Lawrence of Nebraska; Joseph Hill of Nevada; Cali Martinez, Kyle McCarthy and Brook Pi of New York; Jazmin Tucker of Ohio; Amanda Condon of Texas; Evan Guin of Tennessee; Alexander Braatz of Washington; and Michaela McDonald of Wisconsin. In its 13th year, LEEP has awarded some $216,000 in Dream scholarships to students showing a demonstrated interest in public service/law enforcement careers. The non-profit public safety group’s scholarship program is made possible by a growing list of national supporters.
Visit www.leepusa.com for more information about LEEP programs.
