Probation Employee Association Awards Two Scholarships

Lakeeta Collins, AAPOA acting president, hands Alondra M. her scholarship award. At one time in her life, she was on probation and at another was a ward of the court. But she didn’t let either of those challenging situations hinder her aspirations.

Alondra M. is one of two girls the African-American Probation Officers Association (AAPOA) awarded $300 scholarships meant to encourage positive change for youth.

“She uses her past life experiences to push herself through her current situation in order to achieve the goals she has set for herself,” said San Diego County Deputy Probation Officer Tracy Gillum, who nominated Alondra for the scholarship.

Gillum nominated Alondra because as long as she’s known the young woman, she has been an advocate for herself. Besides going to college, Alondra also works as a peer mentor to other foster youth trying to motivate them toward independence.

Alondra is enrolled at two community colleges so she can arrange her classes around her work schedule. She plans to use the scholarship to buy textbooks and pay off some of her student loans.

“I am persevering in my educational goals and keeping a positive mindset,” said Alondra in her application. “I would like to transfer to San Diego State and earn a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Social Work.

“I would like to become a Probation Officer in the future and work with minors and their struggles,” she said. “I feel like I would become a great P.O. (Probation Officer) due to my own experiences with authority.”

Elizabeth Namowicz, AAPOA Member, presented Kiera Lathan with a $300 scholarship for college.Gillum said, “Alondra has the ability and skills to be successful at whatever career she chooses, but if that happens to be with SD Probation, then one day I can see her being the Chief Probation Officer.”

Scholarships are also open to Probation staff family members who meet the qualifications such as Kiera Lathan, the daughter of Deputy Probation Officer Kendra Morris. Kiera said she will use her scholarship to pay for her student housing and meal plan at college.

“I will be attending California Lutheran University and majoring in Biochemistry. After California Lutheran University, I intend on enrolling in graduate school in order to get a Master’s Degree in Biochemistry. I would like to conduct research that will improve human and environmental health,” she said in her application.

AAPOA board members nominated Kiera for continuing to excel in her educational endeavors. One of Kiera’s teachers also recommended her, noting she had excelled in an honors chemistry course.

“She places an immense value on her education as evident by her rigorous course schedule,” the teacher added. “She has a desire to succeed and a willingness to learn; traits which are admired by fellow faculty and peers. She has an outstanding work ethic, and is definitely on her way to becoming one of the great future leaders of tomorrow.”

AAPOA’s goal is to adhere to our department’s vision of enhancing the quality of life for San Diego County residents by creating safer communities.

“We commit ourselves to promoting and supporting the education of underprivileged youth in our community,” said Lakeeta Collins, acting president of AAPOA. “We further commit ourselves to acting as a resource and conduit of information related to African-American history, current affairs, and career enhancements for all Probation staff.” To learn more about AAPOA, contact Collins at (858) 694-4338 or Lakeeta.Collins@sdcounty.ca.gov.