Dakota Podlaski Memorial Scholarship
In loving memory of Dakota Podlaski, who was tragically killed in a drive by shooting, please consider making a charitable donation to the Dakota Podlaski Memorial Scholarship. From a very young age, Dakota wanted to become a police officer. From his first “police response” in full uniform, on his police power wheel tricycle, to visiting injured Rochester Police Department Officer DiPonzio in the hospital, to joining the Monroe County Police Explorers in high school, Dakota always wanted to protect and serve his community. The Dakota Podlaski Memorial Scholarship will support a Monroe Community College student aspiring to become a police officer.
Please help us keep Dakota’s memory alive by making a donation to the Dakota Podlaski Memorial Scholarship.
Please make your memorial gift online at www.monroecc.edu or Give Now.
If you wish to make a gift by phone or check, please send to: MCC Foundation, 1000 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14623 or call 585.685.6020.
Impact
Meet the 2021 recipient of the Dakota Podlaski Memorial Scholarship—Kristy Schworm!
“When I was younger I attended MCC and did not have a clear career path for myself, and because of that I did not have the necessary drive that I do now. I ended up leaving school and enlisted in the military as a military police officer. At that point I finally discovered what I was meant to do! This scholarship will allow me to achieve a greater knowledge in my field; and to show my kids that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. This scholarship will allow me to be able to afford to go back to school (I had to take one year of unpaid leave to take care of my children during COVID school closures.) I’ve only been back to work since May 2021 as a full-time deputy for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. I aspire to move up into leadership one day, and a degree is preferred.”
“It means a great deal to me to be choose to receive this scholarship. I will do my best to honor Dakota in my current and future endeavors in law enforcement. Every time I look at my degree, I’ll know it was made possible because of him, and all the donors that cared about him. I appreciate this more than I can express.”