Kathy Shayna Shocket has the inside stories on the people who make a difference. 
Kathy reports on the highlights of the sold out event.
With 112 scholarship recipients, a sold out crowd of 900 filled with community and business leaders; the 9th Annual Jason Schechterle Scholarship Ball…. is THE premier scholarship ball for first responders.
The black tie event is hosted by the 100 Club of Arizona, known nationwide for financially supporting families of law enforcement officers and firefighters when tragedy strikes.“The mission of the 100 Club to support the families of public safety officers and firefighters throughout the state of Arizona culminates in every way at the Scholarship Ball,” says 100 Club Executive Director Sharon Knutson-Felix.
“It’s where we celebrate our next generation of leaders, the children and family members of our officers and firefighters, who receive a scholarship in honor of those who have served or paid the ultimate sacrifice.”
The elegant fundraiser which presented new scholarships for continuing eduction, exceeding $350,000, is named for Jason Schechterle, the Phoenix police officer who was seriously injured in the line of duty. “ Injury ended his career but not his influence and example of sacrificial service to the citizens of Arizona,” adds Knutson-Felix who is pictured below with emcee Steve Irvin of KNXV-TV.
“Scholarships are offered in Jason’s name to family members of officers or firefighters that receive career ending injuries in the line of duty and also in his honor for the greatest battlethat he has fought and won.”
Among the many scholarships offered in memory of fallen, was the Hotshot Kevin Woyjeck Memorial Scholarship. Kevin Woyjeck, 21, was among 19 Prescott, AZ firefighters who died battling the Yarnell Hill Fire.
Pictured above, left are Fallen Granite Mountain Hot Shot Firefighter Kevin Woyjeck's parents Joe and Anna Woyjeck, Kevin Mooore (Kevin Woyjeck Scholarship recipient), Maddie Woyjeck and Kevin’s father Phoenix Fire Capt. Brian Moore.
Pictured above, right are (Phoenix PD) Sgt. Richard Cosenza daughter Sara Cosenza, recipient of the Eric Miller Scholarship with her brother Michael Cosenza. Sgt. Major, Phoenix PD officer Eric Miller (retired Marine) is the heart and soul of the Phoenix PD Honor Guard.
Other highlights of the elegant evening included the honor guard ceremony, Rocky Gribble of the Grapevine Opry and dancing to the music of Bandstand Shows. “It’s a magical night when we remember, but yet smile thinking of the life they lived but the future they are providing, “ says Knutson-Feliz.
The 2015 scholarship recipients are: Sage Allen, Danielle Arredondo, Rachael Bachert, Dante Bartee, Alyssa Bates, Katelyn Brown, Brooke Buckland,Courtney Burdett,Shaye Busse, Bryson Caskey,,Joshua Caskey,Odette Castro, Briana Chaney,Kendall Church,Jessica Cocca,Rachel Coleman,Alec Coles,Seth Copeland,Sara Cosenza,James Cox, Jr.,Alejandro Cruz,Taylor DeSanti,Damon DeVirgilio,Morgan Dick,Erika Dominguez,Cynthia Dominguez, Courtney DuBois,Mekenzie Dyer,Joseph Ehlers,Sabrina Ellis,Taylor Elmer,Hannah Fowl,Joshua Galvan,Sydney Glenn,Shay Golosewski,Christine Gonzales,Kenneth Greason,Natalie Greason,Benjamin Gustafson, Nicholas Haney.Holly Hanson,Callie Hartson,Baylie Heaps,Kiley Hiett,Karli Higuera,Carter Hoffman,Tatum Hopper,Jenelle Hunt, Larae Hunt,Alex Johnson,Taylor Johnson,Cassidy Jones,SydneyJonson.Emily Kalberer,Rachel Kester,Christopher Klima.Jaclyn Landers,Andre Landers,Lindsey LeVander,Emily Long,Rebecca Long,Tim Long,Alyssa Mattus,Callie Mattus,Joseph McDonald.Ashley McDonald,Kelsi McShea,Brittany Mentzer,Elizabeth Miller,Caleb Mockbee,Kevin Moore.Kaylee Mueller,Lucas Mukai,Ciara Myers,Elle O’Brien,Kevin O’Brien,Amanda Oien, Danielle Ondrejech,Heather Paffrat,Teri Price,Alex Roberts,Amelia Rodriguez,Joshua Rojas,Rebekah Ryan,O’Riley Ryan,Nicholas Sacco,Matthew Sacco,Laren Schaper.Breanna Schouten,Nicole Schripsema,Meredith Shuhandle,Kyrstin Simpson,Bailey Skinner,Joey Smith,Hannah Smith-Madeya,Hope Smith-Madeya,Ryan Souter,Emilia Sowerwine,Alyssa Sowerwine,Sidney Spore,Lauren Stewart,Samuel Strate,Casey Stringer,Ashley Tallman,Brenna Teefy,Sawyer Thein,Taryn Tigges,John Trojanovich,Marta Villasenor,Sara Wheeler, Brittany Williams and Logan Williams.
Congratulations everyone!
Kathy Shayna Shocket is a freelance Writer and TV-Field Producer based in Phoenix, AZ. She’s a former TV Reporter who’s also written for national publications such as TIME Magazine, MONEY Magazine, PEOPLE Magazine, the Hollywood Reporter and The NEW YORK TIMES. She can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
