The first two scholarship recipients are twin siblings, Grace and Graham Palmer. Both applicants possess a genuine passion for their chosen fields in medicine and law enforcement. They showcased an incredible bond and a mutual desire to support one another.

Grace expressed her gratitude for the opportunities that life has provided her. She is eager to follow in her father's footsteps and plans to pursue a career in law enforcement, much like many other members of her family. She strongly desires to utilize her knowledge and education to serve her community and country.

Graham, just like Special Agent Garbo, considers himself a leader and hopes to inspire those around him. He attributes his character to the qualities instilled in him by his parents, which align perfectly with the values represented by this scholarship. Notably, he shared a sentiment that Michael himself would endorse: "My father taught me to always seek justice and do the right thing, even when no one is looking."

Our third recipient is Jacob Rodriguez, a young man with a lifelong passion for law enforcement. He will be studying criminal law and participating in the law enforcement candidate scholars program. Jacob believes that this program will equip him with the necessary skills to become a well-trained police officer who can make a positive impact in his community. He envisions himself being part of the change that will eliminate stereotypes associated with our officers in the future.

Amelia Avalos spoke fondly of her father, a sergeant at the Arlington Heights Police Department and a special agent for the DEA. She credits him as one of her biggest inspirations, noting how his support has given her the incredible opportunity to apply for the Michael Garbo scholarship. Amelia admires her father's unwavering determination, a trait she shares with him. Amelia has always been fascinated by the medical field and has decided that nursing is the perfect career path for her. During her senior year of high school, she took her first steps toward her nursing career by applying for a nursing assistant training program and earning her certification as a CNA. She will continue her journey by attending Elgin Community College and plans to work at Advocate Sherman Hospital. Amelia's dedication and passion for nursing make her a deserving recipient of this scholarship and a promising future healthcare professional.

Madelyn Conway has always aspired to work in healthcare. She gained experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) throughout high school. Madelyn shared that her work as a CNA taught her the importance of taking an extra five minutes to talk to her patients, as it can make a significant difference in their lives. She aims to continue impacting others' lives while pursuing a medical career. Madelyn will be attending the University of Wisconsin, majoring in biology, and plans to apply for medical school after earning her bachelor's degree to fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor. She values the opportunity to discover new information through research and lab work, demonstrating her commitment to her field.

Ian Henderson hails from a family of decorated and respected law enforcement officers, but his career path takes a different direction. Although he won't be following in their footsteps, he remains forever grateful and appreciative of their hard work and sacrifices. Ian has been accepted to San Diego State University (SDSU), marking a major milestone for himself and his family. He views this as a significant step toward becoming a respected figure in the sports media world. Ian plans to major in public affairs and hopes to work part-time for the San Diego Padres to establish lasting connections in the industry. Ian quoted the importance of dedication and hard work: "This will require a tremendous amount of effort, but I know if I carry myself with the same determination I have shown in my past endeavors, I will achieve my goal." His commitment and enthusiasm indicate his potential for success in his chosen field.

Hailey King has always known superheroes as her mom and dad. They are the ones who fought against evil and captured the bad guys. In her essay, Hailey shared heartfelt lines about each of her parents. Her mother is an interdiction detective and narcotics K9 handler, and her father is a detective sergeant with the Plantation Police Department. She says both her parents are leaders and role models, instilling in her the qualities essential for great leadership: listening skills, respect, and trust. Hailey recognized early on that being a successful police officer is about character, actions, and commitment to serving the community. Her parents' long-standing law enforcement careers inspired her to follow a similar path. Hailey is majoring in criminal justice and aspires to become a law enforcement officer, following in her parents' footsteps. She believes their careers may eventually come to an end, but their legacy will endure through her as she pursues her goal of becoming a future detective. Hailey hopes to inspire the next generation just as her parents have inspired her.