Where are they now?

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ebony Nichols
  • 917th Wing Public Affairs
Barksdale AFB, La --  Most college students spend $500 on partying, laundry or books. Two young ladies with 917th Wing ties used their $500 Chief Cheryl T. Denson Scholarship-the first two ever presented by the organization-to boost their education. 

Heather Pollard, daughter of Master Sgt. Pat Pollard, 917th Security Forces Squadron craftsman, was a scholarship winner in 2002. 

“I read about it (Denson scholarship) in the Gator Gazette,” said Heather. “I was looking for sources to fund my college (education) and was interested in applying,” she said.
Heather submitted an essay on community service and attached a copy of her high school transcript. Her reward was $500. 

“It (the scholarship) helped me tremendously with the purchase of my books and other school supplies,” said Heather. 

After graduating this past May from Louisiana State University of Shreveport with a major in Psychology, focusing on animal behaviorism, she plans to work at Walt Disney World in Florida as an animal trainer or caregiver.    

The other scholarship winner majored in Sports Administration, with minors in Business Administration and Contemporary Business. 

Hannah Lee, daughter of Tech. Sgt. Roy Walls, 917th Wing Weapons Safety NCO, graduated from William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa. 

She is currently working as an assistant sports information director at Salt Lake Community College and interning in the Public Relations Department for the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City, Utah. Like, Heather, Hannah was also looking for means to fund her education. 

“I met Sergeant Denson on a break at home several years ago, and when I heard about the scholarship in her honor, I wanted to apply for it,” she said. 

Hannah was able to buy books for two semesters with the aid of the scholarship.
“It was a great honor to receive the scholarship and I am thankful for the assistance the funding provided me,” said Hannah. 

Both recipients advise anyone seeking a college degree to apply for any and all available scholarships. 

“Scholarships can be extremely competitive. The earlier you apply and the more information you provide in your application, the better chance you have of receiving the scholarship,” said Heather. 

“As far as the Cheryl T. Denson scholarship, I would definitely say apply for it. It’s so worth it,” said Hannah.