LIFE

MIPD sergeant’s daughter receives grant for STEM forum at Wake Forest

Submitted

The Marco Island Police Foundation has provided a financial grant to the daughter of Marco Island Police Sergeant Hector Diaz to attend a prestigious program on STEM studies (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) this summer at Wake Forest University in North Carolina.

Marissa Diaz, center, receiving her grant award to attend a STEM summer program at Wake Forest University from the Marco Island Police Foundation. From left, the Foundation’s scholarship chair, Joe Swaja; Marissa’s father Sgt. Hector Diaz, Foundation Treasurer Joe Granda and Marco Island Police Chief Al Schettino.

The Explore STEM program that Marissa Diaz is attending will offer her exposure to robotics, engineering, space, medical and healthcare technology, forensic science and civil engineering.

Marissa, a freshman at Barron Collier High School, has maintained a 3.8 grade point average while being active in school sports and other extracurricular activities.

“Attending this STEM program is a tremendous opportunity for Marissa who has such a bright future ahead of her,” said Joe Swaja, who chairs the foundation’s Scholarship Committee and presented the grant. “This forum is sure to challenge her and help guide her as she makes decisions not only about her future education, but the career she will ultimately chose.”

This award is the result of the Police Foundation’s effort in assisting our local Marco Island police and their children with their education.

“My family couldn’t be more appreciative of the Police Foundation and its effort to help with the education of our Marco police officers and their families,” said Sgt. Diaz. “This grant is certain to give Marissa a jump start as she considers college and her career path.”

The Marco Island Police Foundation is a community-base, nonpolitical, civic-minded, charitable organization that work closely with Marco Island Police Department in encouraging and promoting citizen participation in maintaining community safety. The foundation honors our police officers through special recognition programs works to assist our officers and their children with their continuing education and other challenges when necessary.