HARFORD COUNTY, Md. (WBFF) — Nineteen Harford County students and volunteer first responders were recognized Wednesday night for their dedication to service during the Charlie Riley Community Service Scholarship Foundation’s 21st annual awards ceremony.
The Nov. 11 event honored 12 high school seniors and seven volunteer fire and emergency medical services personnel, continuing a tradition that has awarded approximately 500 scholarships totaling nearly $600,000 since 2006.
“Investing in people is one of the most meaningful investments a community can make,” said Jen Palinkas, a foundation board member, during the ceremony.
The foundation was established following Charlie Riley’s death in 2005 to honor his commitment to education and the fire service.
His son, Chip Riley, a foundation co-founder and board member, said he started the organization with his brother and another founding member to continue their father’s legacy.
Charlie Riley was involved in Maryland’s fire service for years, including advocating for legislation in Annapolis.
Chip said his father, a man of strong faith, would have been humbled to see an organization bearing his name.
“He would be more excited of the community service that these young men and women do,” Chip said. “He would be more thrilled about that.”
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The foundation’s motto, “Doers of the Word,” reflects the family’s belief in putting faith into action through service.
For Chip, the annual ceremony is also an opportunity to remember his father.
“There’s a video about his life tonight that you’ll see,” Chip said. “It brings tears to my eyes, but also gets me excited that I’ll see him again one day.”
The foundation’s impact is reflected in the experiences of former recipients, including Sandra Gallion, who received its first scholarship in 2006.
Gallion was raising three children, working full time and returning to school when she received the award.
“Things were a little tight,” Gallion recalled.
She said the financial assistance allowed her to continue her education in the medical field, where she worked for 34 years.
“It did help me move forward and have that education that I wanted and needed,” she said.
Gallion, who has volunteered in the fire service since she was 16, said receiving the foundation’s first scholarship was especially meaningful because she personally knew Charlie Riley.
“I was very much overcome with emotion to be honored to be the first recipient,” she said.
She remembers Riley as a respected leader who treated people with kindness.
“I don’t think I ever heard him raise his voice or have a harsh word,” Gallion said. “He was just admired in so many different ways.”
Twenty years later, Gallion has returned again to the ceremony to read the biographies of this year’s nominees. Her oldest daughter has also received a scholarship from the foundation.
Gallion said she admires the dedication of recipients who balance school, work and volunteer responsibilities.
“Our fire service personnel, it takes a lot of dedication, many years, many sleepless nights,” she said.
She added that many recipients also volunteer through churches and other organizations, extending their service beyond the classroom and firehouse.
For Chip, one of the most rewarding parts of the scholarship program is hearing from former recipients about their accomplishments.
“It’s amazing, especially when they come back and tell you what they’ve done, where they’re at now,” he said.
This year’s grand prize winners were Leah Richard of Fallston High School and Chelsea Hampshire of Norrisville Volunteer Fire Company.
Each received a $3,000 scholarship, according to the foundation.
Chip said the organization awards approximately $40,000 to $50,000 in scholarship funding annually and will begin fundraising for next year’s recipients following Wednesday’s ceremony.
More than two decades after the foundation began, Gallion said she remains grateful to the Riley family for continuing its mission.
“I just applaud the Charlie Riley boys,” she said, praising their commitment to keeping the scholarship program active.
The annual ceremony continues to recognize students and first responders whose dedication reflects the values Charlie Riley spent his life supporting.
This post was originally published on Fox 45 by Sinclair Media Group.
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