POLICE-COMMUNITY ALLIANCE AWARDS CRIMINAL JUSTICE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
The James Biever Police-Community Alliance has announced the recipients of the 2023-24 James Biever Criminal Justice Award.
The Board of Directors of the James Biever Police-Community Alliance (JBPCA) has annually offered a one-time $1,000 scholarship to high school seniors that attend a high school in Lebanon County and are pursuing studies in criminal justice. This year the JBPCA was able to offer $1,000 scholarships to three exemplary students.
James “Jim” Biever was a retired Pennsylvania State Trooper with 25 years of service. Part of his vision for his nonprofit organization included helping students that wanted to pursue a career in criminal justice. The JBPCA welcomed students pursuing degrees in areas like law, forensic science and psychology, juvenile justice, emergency management, public policy, and criminology to apply for the scholarship.
The JBPCA believes this scholarship belongs to a student who is passionate about using their voice to protect, serve and invoke change within our communities, but who need help financially to pursue their degree. The students receiving this year’s award include:
Our recipients of a $1,000 scholarship are:
- Emily Gerhart is a graduating senior from Cedar Crest and attended Lebanon County Career & Technology Center in their Law Enforcement program. Emily will be attending West Chester University to study Criminal Justice with a minor in American Sign Language (ASL). Emily has ambitions of becoming a Pennsylvania State Trooper, and hopes to utilize her ASL skills in her position as a Trooper.
- Luke Shaffer is a graduating senior from Northern Lebanon and will be attending Clarion University to study Chemistry and Forensic Science. Luke participates in various activities, such as coaching youth flag football, and hopes to continue serving as a positive role model and mentor to younger members of his community.
- Reese Arnold is a graduating senior from Cedar Crest and will be attending Lebanon Valley College where she plans on pursuing Criminal Justice and Psychology. Reese was impacted by her father and his career in law and how he was able to positively affect the lives of those he served.
