At their January board meeting, the Burbank Police Foundation unanimously voted in favor of doubling the Matthew Pavelka Scholarship amounts for 2014 – bringing each of the six scholarships up to $1,000.
The purpose of the annual Matthew Pavelka Scholarships is provide an award for high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding effort to pursue a vocational goal, to motivate students to dedicate themselves more thoroughly and responsibly to their education or training, and to encourage students to strive for excellence and distinction in whatever they undertake.
The Matthew Pavelka Scholarship Fund was established after Officer Pavelka tragically lost his life to gun violence on November 15, 2003. The entire community was devastated by the loss; and less than 24 hours after the tragedy, Burbank’s unbelievable generosity began to pour in with donations for Officer Pavelka’s family. Officer Pavelka’s parents, Mike and Sue Pavelka, graciously requested that all donations be used to promote the building of future leaders. There was never a question as to the career path that Officer Matthew Pavelka would follow. After high school, he joined the Air Force, only because he was too young to enroll in a police academy – where he served for five years as a military policeman. He went on to receive an associate of arts degree in criminal justice, and was intent on further pursuing his education in his chosen field.
RULES OF ELIGIBILITY
Applicant must be a graduating high school senior from: Bellarmine-Jefferson, Burbank High School, John Burroughs High School, Monterey High School, Providence High School, or a Burbank Police Officers’ Association current, active or retired member’s dependent. Applicant must have applied (or must be about to apply) for admission to an accredited college or university, as a fully matriculated student to pursue a four year degree in secondary education. One scholarship will be awarded per school and to a BPOA member’s dependent – for a total of six scholarships distributed.
HOW TO APPLY
Eligible students may obtain scholarship applications from their school counselor or advisor. For additional information, or to donate to the Matthew Pavelka Scholarship Fund, please contact the Burbank Police Foundation at (818) 237-9032 or visit our website at BurbankPoliceFoundation.org.
