Clark State College implements memorial scholarship for fallen officer
After the death of Sheriff’s Deputy Matthew Yates, his wife and alma mater, Clark State College, decided to honor him by starting a scholarship to benefit students working toward becoming law enforcement officers.
A new scholarship opportunity created at Clark State College in honor of a local sheriff’s deputy who was killed last July.
The late Clark County Sheriff’s Deputy Matthew Yates was shot and killed during a standoff at a mobile home park that lasted for hours. Both Yates and his wife, Tracy, graduated from Clark State College’s Peace Officer Academy.
In an article from WBNS, the president of Clark State College, Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, talked about the loss to the community, saying, “The college community mourns with the Yates’ family and recognizes that Matt was a proud Clark State graduate. We were unbelievably proud of him, as well. By establishing this scholarship, we honor his memory and his legacy as an outstanding officer of the law.”
The Matthew Yates Memorial Scholarship will help to fund students who are attending Clark State and pursuing a career in law enforcement in the community.
Tracy Yates is Clark State’s Director of Workforce and Business Solutions. She said that in the aftermath of her husband’s passing, the community rallied around her asking to make a contribution to honor him, and that led to the idea of the school starting the scholarship in his name.
The Matthew Yates Memorial Basketball Tournament will be held on April 22 at 9 a.m. to raise funds for the scholarship. The event will be open to the public and take place at Tecumseh High School.
Tracy expressed her excitement at the coming event: “This basketball tournament was a way to honor what Matt loved to do in his free time, but also help incoming students who want to pursue a career in law enforcement. We had 24 teams enter the tournament for a great cause. We would love for everyone to come and support the day even if they are not playing. We will have food, raffles, and lots of fun!”
Those who are unable to attend the tournament can contribute to the scholarship here.
More information about Clark State College can be found on the school’s website.