PRESS RELEASE: New Hartford Central High’s Nina Simmons Named First Michael D. Sodders Scholarship Fund Recipient
Tuesday, May 02, 2023
PBA of New York State’s Family Assistance Fund Scholarship Winner Will Pursue Studies in Criminal Justice at SUNY Oswego and Follow in Father’s Footsteps
Albany, NY (May 2, 2023) – The Family Assistance Fund of the PBA of New York State (PBANYS) is proud to announce that Nina Simmons of New Hartford Central High School has been named the first recipient of the Michael D. Sodders Scholarship and will pursue a degree in criminal justice with a focus on forensic science at the State University of New York at Oswego this coming fall. Nina is the daughter of PBANYS founding member Dennis Simmons who has served the residents of New York state since 2008 as a New York State University Police Officer, currently assigned to the SUNY Institute of Technology.
The Michael D. Sodders Scholarship Fund was created in memory of Officer Michael D. Sodders through a generous donation from Michael’s widow Laura Christman. The scholarship fund provides $1,500 scholarships to qualifying children and grandchildren of current and former PBANYS members in good standing who wish to pursue studies in criminal justice at a New York state public college or university.
Nina is a National Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society member who has spent the past 9 years developing as a violinist. She has performed at festivals across the region as part of the New Hartford Central High School Orchestra. Her academic studies include a number of college level courses at MVCC such as precalculus and personal finance.
When asked why she hoped to receive the Michael D. Sodders scholarship, Nina replied, “The brotherhood and sisterhood of law enforcement, as evidenced by this scholarship program, inspires me. I hope to be part of something similar one day and follow in my father’s, and all of the officers of PBANYS’s footsteps. They have shown me that there is no greater calling than promoting justice and ensuring the wellbeing of my neighbors.”
Family Assistance Fund Executive Director, Jennifer DesChamps, said, “Nina’s faculty advisors praise her work ethic, leadership abilities, and willingness to help other students succeed. We are proud of our members who specialize in community policing, and it is more than evident that Nina learned from the outstanding example her father has provided throughout his law enforcement career. At a time when too few are willing to make the commitment to protecting their communities, the eagerness and passion demonstrated by Nina, and the opportunity provided by the Michael D. Sodders Scholarship fund, are a source of pride for our members.”
Laura Christman, creator of the Michael D. Sodders Scholarship Fund, said, "It is an honor to be able to support Nina in her studies. My husband took great satisfaction in serving and protecting the public, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to contribute financially to the next generation of officers through the PBA's administration of this scholarship."
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ABOUT the Family Assistance Fund: The Family Assistance Fund of the PBA of New York State is a 501(c)(3) charity established to support, among other activities, educational opportunities in law enforcement. To this end, it makes funds available at all times but also in times of distress and crisis to assist members of law enforcement and their families.
