The National Law Enforcement & Firefighters Children’s Foundation (NLEAFCF) announced on Nov. 20 that Taylor Selby of Lakeland is a recipient of the NLEAFCF Scholarship.
Selby received the scholarship in recognition of her exceptional leadership, community service and scholastic achievement.
She was one of 25 students from across the country to receive the award, which is based on academic merit and financial need. The recipients are all children of a law enforcement officer or firefighter who was killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty.
“First responders have given so much to defend and protect us. How better to honor their commitment to all of us than to ensure that their children achieve their full potential. Helping to better pay for their college and complete their higher education is the least we can do to honor these law enforcement and firefighters’ families,” said NLEAFCF President and Founder Al Kahn.
“Taylor has demonstrated leadership among her peers and exceptional scholastic achievements as well as community service. We are proud to be a part of helping Taylor achieve her academic goals.”
Selby is a freshman at Mississippi State University, majoring in mechanical engineering. In high school, she worked as a teacher’s aid at Highland Day School and was a member of the French Club, Bible Club and Homecoming Court. She also was the captain of the St. Benedict Junior Varsity Dance Team.
Her volunteer work includes participating in the St. Louis and Belize Mission Trip, the National Youth Leadership Forum and working at the Memphis Work Camp.
Selby is described as an energetic and magnetic personality with a sincere heart. She is characterized as resilient, with an enthusiasm for solving problems, courageous and possessing a high level of maturity. She is acknowledged for her strong ethical and leadership qualities, her wisdom beyond her years, and her drive to be a part of something greater than herself.
Her father was killed in the line of duty during the execution of a narcotics search warrant while he was working for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office in 2002.
The NLEAFCF is dedicated to helping the children of law enforcement officers and firefighters lost or permanently disabled in the line of duty.
When the ultimate sacrifice has been made by a first responder, the Foundation believes it is our responsibility as a society to ensure that their children achieve their full potential as active citizens and thriving members of the community.
Through grants, college scholarships and family-friendly events, the NLEAFCF serves the needs of these children across the country regardless of how long ago or how recent their loss.
The Foundation’s long-term commitment is a promise to the people who defend and protect us, a major investment in our nation’s future and in tomorrow’s heroes.
For more information, on the NLEAFCF, visit nleafcf.org.
