CPOF Scholarship Winner: Ruby Johnson

By Lt. Jessica Johnson

My daughter, Ruby, has suffered from medical issues that have limited her ability to participate in sports throughout her life. Despite this, she found joy in participating in Choir during high school, although she was often frustrated by her limitations. Nevertheless, this did not diminish her passion for learning and her dedication to her academic pursuits. In her junior year of high school, we began applying for college scholarships, despite knowing that it would be challenging due to her lack of extracurricular activities. This was despite her receiving continuous academic awards and being a member of the National Honor Society.

During her first three years of college, she was unable to secure any scholarships to assist with her coursework to become an Elementary Education Teacher. While she did receive standard grants and loans, she also worked two jobs that she loved. One of her jobs is a work-study custodial position, in which she worked her way up to a lead position in her building. The other position is at a local Montessori School near UW River Falls, where she works as a Teacher's Aide.

Despite her academic achievements, including consistently making the Dean's List every semester, she struggled to obtain scholarships until now. Thanks to the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation (CPOF), she has been awarded a $500 scholarship, presented to her by AW Lathan Scott on 7/1/24. Ruby was surprised and elated, nearly bursting into tears at the award ceremony, and I could not be prouder. As a senior now, this scholarship will help reduce her out-of-pocket costs. As she stated, “Every little bit helps!"

I want to extend my gratitude to CPOF and MCF-Lino Lakes for recognizing my daughter and her accomplishments.

L to R: Lt. Jessican Johnson, Ruby Johnson, Associate Warden Lathan Scott