Hatfield students honored with scholarships in memory of late officer

HATFIELD TWP. >> Five local students are carrying on a tradition that will keep the memory of a late Hatfield police officer alive for future generations.

They are the latest winners of the Hatfield Police Department's William J. Chapman Memorial Scholarships.

"Officer Chapman was not only an exemplary police officer, but he was also an extraordinary man," said police Detective Sgt. Jay Ciarlello.

Ciarlello is president of the department's Police Benevolent Association, which administers the annual scholarship — and was one of several department officers trained by Chapman, who was an officer for 15 years before his death due to an illness in May 2005.

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"Those of us who were fortunate enough to call him a friend remember his kindness, loyalty, his tireless optimism, and his remarkable sense of humor," said police Sgt. Jeff Boyd.

"Those who met him because of his profession remember a sincere and fair officer, whose efforts never strayed from serving our community with dedication and benevolence," he said.

Each year since 2006, the department has presented scholarships to several students who display Chapman's ideals of serving the community, honoring recently graduated high school seniors who plan to continue their studies in public service oriented fields like criminal justice or social work.

Scholarship winners in 2016 include:

Kayla Schulingkamp — Souderton Area High School graduate, who was involved with National Honors Society, Student Advisory Council, Link Crew, served as yearbook editor, and has raised over $200,000 for the Susan J. Komen breast cancer foundation through fundraisers with her dance studio. Schulingkamp has been a dance instructor for children with special needs for three years, and will attend St. Joseph's University to study medicine, according to Ciarlello.

Clare Hill — Lansdale Catholic High School graduate, who ranked second in her graduating class and was President of school National Honors Society, and played varsity cross country, basketball, and track and field. Also volunteered for hundreds of hours at Grandview Hospital and Manna on Main Street, and has spent over 400 hours tutoring younger students in math and science; plans to attend University of Georgia to study chemistry on a premedical track with the goal of becoming a paediatric surgeon.

Julianna Kabakjian — Christopher Dock High School graduate, who was involved in National Honors Society, Chapel Committee, student Senate, led Bible study groups, and tutored. Played on school varsity soccer and track and field teams, and ran a clothing drive that collected 345 pounds of donated clothing for victims of sexual abuse and trafficking; plans to attend Messiah College to study elementary education.

Jaclyn Miller — North Penn High School graduate who was involved in school Key Club and Future Health Occupations club, while also being active with church mission trips to Belize, West Virginia, Lancaster and Philadelphia. Has also spent years involved with local fire company events and fundraisers, and works part time at Brittany Pointe estates; plans to attend East Carolina University to study nursing.

Katie Solomon — North Penn High School graduate, who plans to attend Penn State University to study law.

"While we are very impressed with their scholastic accomplishments, they distinguish themselves through outstanding personal achievements and their commitment to their communities," said Boyd.

Commissioners' President Tom Zipfel congratulated each winner on behalf of the board, and also thanked the department's 27 officers for keeping the 20,000 residents in Hatfield Township and Borough safe.

"Right now, this might be the hardest time in history to be in public safety, especially a police officer, and it's really important — we wanted to show our appreciation," Zipfel said.

"We want to thank you for your service, not only for (awarding the scholarships), but for what you do every single day, which is to serve and protect our residents," he said.

Source: Hatfield students honored with scholarships in memory of late officer