Sheriff Kevin Rambosk presented the annual William A. Christian Scholarship award to two local students Monday morning. Mrs. Lois Fortunato, mother of deceased Deputy William A. Christian, established the scholarship in 2001 to honor her son and his commitment to education.
Deputy Christian was killed in a tragic single-car automobile accident in Lee County on September 7, 2000. He was a member of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office from May 14, 1996 until the date of his death. Deputy Christian served as a law enforcement officer in New York and as a Jail Deputy in Pasco County prior to joining the CCSO. He also served in the U.S. Navy from 1971 until 1981.
Each year, children and grandchildren of current or retired members of the CCSO are invited to apply for one of the two $2,500 scholarships. Applicants must be enrolled to attend an accredited college or university as a full time student. The applicants must have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher. In addition to GPA, applicants are selected based upon SAT scores, participation in school/community life outside of class requirements, demonstration of positive character traits of kindness, respect and good citizenship as well as written description of why he/she should be given the award.
The 2017 William A. Christian scholarship awards were presented to:
Peter Resha, a 2017 graduate of Naples High School who will attend Texas A&M University. During high school, he was a member of First Robotics and Mu Alpha Theta, volunteered at the Humane Society Naples, CCSO’s Build-A-Boat program and was an assistant to a youth pastor. Resha plans to pursue a degree in consulting/finance.
Resha is the son of Cpl. Luis Cuevas, a 19-year member of the CCSO.
Valentina Rendon, a 2017 graduate of Gulf Coast High School who will attend the University of Florida. During high school was the treasurer of the Spanish Academic Team, secretary of the Key Club, vice president of Model United Nations and an active member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, the Animal Alliance, DECA and KIDSCAN. She has volunteered at various events held by CCSO, Protected Harbor, Grace Place and Meals of Hope. Ms. Rendon has also worked at the Collier County Sheriff’s Office as a student clerk. She plans to pursue a bachelor’s and master’s degree in international business.
Rendon is the daughter of Captain Timothy Guerrette, a 26-year member of the CCSO.
