Tasanee Durrett, a University of Arizona student, will receive $1,000 to help pay for her college expenses. She is the proud daughter of a 12-year-veteran of the Chicago Police Department.
Growing up the Daughter of a Chicago Police Officer
The job of a police officer has never been more dangerous and trying than it is today. Just this year alone, shooting deaths of police officers have increased by nearly 80 percent, according to The Washington Times.
Despite the increasing dangers, Tasanee Durrett’s mother, a longtime Chicago police officer, continues to proudly keep watch over her community while inspiring her daughter to reach for the stars and pursue her passions.
“Whether out on the streets in her uniform or walking the streets as a normal pedestrian, she carries herself with confidence,” stated Durrett. “My mother has taught me to never lose faith in what I’m capable of doing and what I’m capable of becoming.”
Aspiring Architect
Durrett is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Arizona pursuing a degree in architecture. Although she doesn’t plan to follow in her mom’s footsteps, she does hope to make a positive difference in her community in a different way.
“Two passions of mine are helping people and design. After graduating and obtaining my license for architecture, I plan to develop my own firm that promotes sustainable design and interactive spaces for everyone to equally experience,” explained Durrett.
Protecting the Environment through Architecture
For Durrett, protecting the environment for the future is critical, hence, her interest in sustainable design which aims to reduce or completely avoid the depletion of critical resources like energy, water, and raw materials while constructing environments that are livable, comfortable, safe and productive.
“Obtaining my bachelor’s degree is my stepping-stone toward being able to impact how people and communities interact with the environment,” explained Durrett.
Over the last several years, Durrett has received numerous honors and awards. This year, she earned the University of Arizona Showcase Creativity Award. Last year, she also received an award in design academic excellence. She has served as a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars as well as the Golden Key International Honor Society. This ambitious young lady is expected to graduate from her university in 2017 and looks forward to what the future holds.
The Fales & Fales Law Enforcement Family Member Scholarship
Fales & Fales, P.A., a Maine law firm that represents victims of personal injuries and wrongful death, launched the scholarship in 2015 to recognize the service and sacrifices of law enforcement officers and their families. One of the firm’s attorneys, Anthony Ferguson, has close ties to law enforcement as well. His father was previously an officer with the Lewiston Police Department in Lewiston, Maine.
The Law Enforcement Family Member Scholarship is open to any student enrolled at an accredited university of law school who has an immediate family member who is or was an active duty member of law enforcement, including reserve officers and retired, deceased or disabled officers. Students must also have a current GPA of at least 3.0. The award is intended to be used exclusively for tuition and academic expenses. For additional scholarship information, click here.
