INIA Scholarship Program

INIA Scholarship 2024

On May 15, 2024, Vida and Alexis Garbo attended the INIA conference in New Orleans to present the Michael Garbo Memorial INIA scholarships to four exceptional applicants. The Michael Garbo Foundation and INIA share a mission of supporting students in their pursuit of higher education. They proudly announced that this year they are awarding one more scholarship than last year. The INIA board, along with Alexis and Mrs. Garbo, acknowledged the exceptional qualities of all the applicants. Mrs. Garbo emphasized the tremendous significance of receiving a scholarship, highlighting how Michael was an exceptional husband and father, and a true legend who loved his work. She spoke about his lifelong dedication to law enforcement and the lasting impact he made on those around him. They encouraged anyone with a deserving student to visit the INIA website for more information and application details for next year's scholarship.

Amelia Avalos

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

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

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

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 of 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.

The Michael Garbo Foundation is not part of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) or the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Neither the DOJ nor the DEA approves, endorses, or authorizes the Michael Garbo Foundation, its materials, or its fundraising efforts.