Young Lawyers Division Announces Recipients of Humphrey Justice Fund Scholarship
Thanks to the North Carolina Bar Foundation Endowment’s Hubert B. Humphrey Justice Fund, three individuals have received scholarships for college this year. The Young Lawyers Division selected the individuals for the award, which was established for children of slain or permanently disabled North Carolina law enforcement officers. This year, $5,858 was awarded.
The 2022-23 recipients are:
- Emily Almond
- Zach Cude
- Andrew Weaver
Individuals must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the scholarship:
- Applicants must be the natural, adopted or stepchild of a North Carolina Law Enforcement Officer permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty.
- Applicants must submit their application on or before 27 years of age.
- Applicants must provide proof of enrollment or admission as a full-time student to one of the following: an accredited four-year college or university; an accredited community college or technical college; or an accredited law school.
In addition to this scholarship, the North Carolina Bar Foundation offers several other scholarships.
Emily Almond
Emily Almond is a first-year student at East Carolina University and is a part of the Honors College.
In her scholarship application, she describes how her personal experience shaped her professional aspirations to enter the nursing field. Almond’s father, a police officer, was injured in the line of duty. While he was in the hospital, he needed several medical procedures, and Almond witnessed the kindness and professionalism of the nurses on staff.
“We were constantly around healthcare workers through all of his procedures. The nurses always went above and beyond to not only make sure my dad was comfortable but also to make sure that my sister and I knew that they were going to do everything they could to make sure our dad would be okay. These nurses became my role models, and their care and concern for their patients and families was something I knew I wanted to possess when I got older. Through these experiences growing up, I developed my love of helping others and knew that nursing was the career path for me.”
When asked how the scholarship has been meaningful for her, she says it will help her to achieve her professional goals.
“This scholarship has been meaningful to me because it has decreased the financial burden placed on my family as I pursue my college degree. Being able to go to a four-year university has allowed me to make another step towards my lifelong goal of becoming a nurse.
“I plan to graduate from ECU with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing before going to graduate school to become a Nurse Practitioner. This scholarship has helped make it possible for me to gain all of the opportunities necessary for me to become a successful nurse.”
As Almond looks toward the future, she anticipates being able to make a difference in the world.
“I am most looking forward to being able to make a positive impact on the lives of others. I have a passion for helping others and have always dreamed of being able to do so while working as a nurse.”
Outside of the classroom, Almond works as a Nursing Assistant at ECU Health. She volunteers on a weekly basis at a Pitt County middle school and elementary school in the Adapted PE program with children with special needs.
Zach Cude
Zach Cude is a junior biology major at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
In his application, Zach shares that he is a first-generation college student. His father, who served as an officer in Winston-Salem, was injured in the line of duty.
While in high school, Cude was a member of the National Beta Club and National Technical Honor Society. He is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.
Following his scheduled graduation in May of 2023, Cude plans to apply to graduate school to study Health Administration and Business Administration.
He writes in his application, “I also plan to obtain a certificate as a pharmacy technician and CNPR Certificate while attending graduate school. My goal is to obtain employment with a pharmaceutical or medical company.”
Andrew Weaver
Andrew Weaver is a sophomore student at Brevard College. He plays on the Brevard College baseball team, where he is a pitcher.
Weaver is grateful for the North Carolina Bar Foundation scholarship.
“It has helped me as money has been tight with my family. It helps to remind me that such an accredited organization has given me this funding. It really is motivation.”
In his scholarship application, he writes, “Leading by example has been a major thing I’ve worked on over this past school year on and off the field . . . Last year my goal alongside helping my community was to play college baseball. Thanks to the NCBA, that goal has been met. Moving forward, my goals are to still to give back and help my community when I can, expand my thinking even more, opening up myself to new ideas and possibilities.”
This year, he declared double majors in pre-law and psychology. Following graduation, Weaver would like to become an attorney.
“I plan on attending Johns Hopkins Law School in Atlanta, and I want to specialize in defense law, primarily drug cases.”
This semester, Weaver is enrolled in a criminal justice course taught by Michael Moreschi, a former detective in the Orlando Police Department.
Outside of his coursework and role on the baseball team, he works part-time for a sports and card grading service. He also plays on the Brevard College intramural pickleball team.
Weaver enjoys serving in his community. Over the summer, he volunteered with the Brevard College recreation program as a baseball instructor to children. In his own life, playing baseball provided him the opportunity to expand his horizons by joining the Brevard College baseball team. He reflected on how sports can make a difference in the lives of others, especially children.
“I want to help children to do more and move forward,” he said. “I want them to have a better life.”
Jessica Junqueira is communications manager for the North Carolina Bar Association.