The San Antonio Police Officer’s Association (SAPOA) and our community outreach arm, Blue Cares, is proud to announce that we are now accepting applications for the 2016 Blue Cares Scholarship. This scholarship, which was formerly known as the SAPOA Benefit Fund Scholarship, was created in remembrance and appreciation of Officer Patricia Calderon, who was killed in the line of duty on December 27, 1988. Calderon had been chasing a suspect on foot near Salado Creek in the early morning hours when she fell into the creek and drowned. She was only 26 years old and was the first female San Antonio Police Officer to be killed in the line of duty.
Because of the devastating loss of Officer Calderon, this scholarship is given to continuously honor all officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Eligible applicants who want to further their education help us keep the memories of our fallen officers alive by advancing their careers and going on to make a difference in their communities.
Every year, SAPOA Blue Cares awards up to $6,000 to five students. Four of those students receive $1,000 and one recipient receives $2,000. These scholarships are for one time use only.
You can find the scholarship application and its criteria on the Blue Cares Page of SAPOA.org. It’s easily downloaded and the instructions are simple to follow. The scholarship is available to all graduating seniors who have kept a GPA of 3.3 or higher and does require an essay from the applicant. If your application becomes a finalist, you will be interviewed by the scholarship committee before final selection takes place.
All applications must be postmarked by March 4, 2016.
We plan to announce the winner of the scholarship later in the month of March next year.
This is just one more way SAPOA gives back to the community. We care about the future of our city and nation and are excited to offer deserving students a head start on their career.