Suffolk News-Herald

Suffolk Sheriff Raleigh H. Isaacs Sr. and the Virginia Sheriff’s Institute have made it possible for four local students to pursue an education in criminal justice. The students were each presented with a $500 scholarship.

Patrice Kelly Freeman, a Nansemond River High School graduate, plans a career in forensic science and will attend Virginia Commonwealth University. She is the daughter of Suffolk Police Chief William A. Freeman and Carolyn Freeman of Cedar Lake Drive.

Meghann Christine King, the daughter of James M. and Lisa S. King of Buckhorn Drive, plans to pursue a career in psychology/criminal justice at Christopher Newport University. She is a graduate of Lakeland High School.

Dora Victoria Spayde of Pineview Road is a graduate of Lakeland High School and plans to attend Paul D. Camp Community College. She is seeking a career in criminal justice. She is the daughter of James and Victoria Spayde.

Elizabeth Rachel West, the daughter of Judson and Karla H. West of Indian Trail. She is planning a career in forensic science and will attend Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a graduate of Lakeland High School.

All applicants for the Sheriff’s Association scholarships must major in law enforcement and the must live in Suffolk and attend a Virginia college or university.

The sheriff met with the applicants, and then attached a letter of recommendation to each application. The winners were notified at the end of May, and checks were mailed to the educational institute of their choice.

Scholarship funds provided for this program are made available through the Virginia Sheriff’s Institute and the citizens and business individual memberships in the institute. Each year, Sheriff Isaacs permits one mailing from the institute to local people and businesses asking them to join the association. A portion of funds collected from Suffolk is returned in the form of the scholarship awards.

Isaacs initiated the Suffolk Sheriff’s office participation in the Virginia Sheriff’s Institute Scholarship Program in 1994. His office has been instrumental in the awarding of 24 scholarships totaling $12,000 to local students majoring in criminal justice or law enforcement.

&uot;This is a very worthwhile program and I plan to continue working with local students… helping them with scholarships as long as I am in office,&uot; said Isaacs. &uot;It is an invaluable program to students pursuing a career in law enforcement.&uot;