Roger Williams Memorial Scholarship.

The namesake of this scholarship program is Roger Williams, Marina’s longest serving police chief (13 years). When Marina incorporated in 1975, Roger was the first officer hired. He was eventually selected as Director of Public Safety in 1987.

Roger believed in education and supporting community youth. He was a member of the Marina Kiwanis for over 35 years and served as the Key Club advisor for Marina High School. The Marina Foundation continues his commitment to youth and education by offering this scholarship to students pursuing a career in law enforcement or public safety (police/fire).

Highlights & Impact
■ Two $1,500 scholarships are awarded annually to qualified seniors attending Marina High School
■ Students must have a minimum 2.8 grade point average (GPA) to apply.
■ Extra consideration is given to students performing community service.
■ The Roger Williams Memorial Scholarship is funded privately and with named donations to TMF.

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The Roger Williams Memorial Scholarship currently awards two scholarships to qualified seniors at Marina High School seeking a career as a Registered Nurse. Each $1,500 scholarship is awarded annually, and is based on verification of school enrollment. Community Service is given extra consideration in awarding these scholarships.

There will also be two more scholarships awarded to applicants who are graduating from Monterey Peninsula College and have a real interest in Law Enforcement/Public Safety (police/fire). We will provide updates as soon as more information is received.

Scholarship Requirements:

1. Student must have a minimum 2.8 grade point average (GPA).
2. Student must be a graduating senior attending Marina High School (MaHS)

Community Service will be given extra consideration in awarding these scholarships.

Application Requirements:

1. a completed application.
2. an official copy of the student's transcripts showing the GPA.
3. at least one letter of recommendation from a faculty or staff member at MaHS.
4. a one-page response to: "Please explain your reasons why you would like to have a career as a Registered Nurse".

You will be able to apply for five different Marina High School scholarships with this one common application HERE. Applications are due by Friday, April 21, 2023.

Photos of the recipients of the Roger Williams Memorial Scholarship:

2022
Angelica Barron with Virginia Williams	Deja Briscoe with Virginia Williams

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About Roger Williams

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Roger Williams was Marina’s longest standing Police Chief having served in that capacity for over 13 years.  Roger’s Law Enforcement career began in Bishop, California in 1968.   When Marina incorporated in 1975, he came to Marina as the first officer hired and eventually was selected as Director of Public Safety in 1987. 

 

Roger believed in education and supporting the youth of the community.  His academic achievements included Associates Degree in Fire Science, Bachelor’s Degree is Criminal Justice and Masters’ Degree in Public Administration.

 

Roger retired as Director in 2001 and remained active within the community.  He was a member of the Marina Kiwanis for over 35 years and served as the Key Club Advisor for Marina High School.   He continued his participation in the Monterey County Peace Officers Association throughout the years and was always ready to support his Law Enforcement family.  He served on the Board of Directors for Interim, Inc. for 18 years.  There were various other community events that he participated in regularly.  He was always getting involved when there was the need.  Roger’s commitment to the community was recognized by The Marina Foundation as he was awarded the Lifetime of Service Award.

 

Roger said on many an occasion that he was honored to be in Law Enforcement and being Director of Public Safety/Police Chief for the City of Marina was the greatest job.  He said, “How lucky can one man be, having a job you love to do and working for the community you love too”.

 

Roger passed away in March of 2019 as a result of pancreatic cancer.  Although he is gone his contributions to the community and to law enforcement/public safety are still very much present.  Roger believed in and enjoyed working with the youth of Marina.  Both Roger and his wife, Ginny, know the challenges of obtaining a higher level of education.  What better way to continue Roger’s commitment to youth and education then offering a scholarship in his name for those who would choose a career in Law Enforcement/Public Safety.