ESA announces 2024 Youth Scholarship Award winners

DALLAS—The Electronic Security Association (ESA) has announced the winners of the 2024 ESA Youth Scholarship Awards, a philanthropic initiative dedicated to supporting the children of first responders.

This year’s program recognizes and reward the remarkable achievements and aspirations of high school seniors whose parents serve as police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs. The ESA Youth Scholarship Program has awarded over $941,500 to these outstanding young individuals, underscoring the association's commitment to giving back to the brave men and women who protect our communities.

“Participating in the youth scholarship program for children of first responders is profoundly rewarding, as it offers these incredibly deserving young individual’s opportunities they might not otherwise have.” says Kelly Bond, partner at Davis Mergers and Acquisitions Group and scholarship chairwoman. “Seeing their individual successes, and knowing you’ve contributed to their futures, brings immense personal satisfaction and pride.”

The Youth Scholarship Award strives to make an impact on youth so they can make an impact on the world, much as their parents have. This year, nine state associations participated with ESA in a programmatic effort to support the families of first responders. Awards were given in each state and national first- and second-place winners were recognized.

This year’s first-place award recipient was Brady Freundel of police officer James Freundel.

“I have always been proud to tell others that my father is a police officer for the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department,” said Brady Freundel. “His sacrifice, like others in public safety, is honorable yet he is humble and expects nothing in return for his dedicated work. I have tried my best to incorporate these traits in my life as well.”

ESA flew Brady and his father to ESX 2024 in Louisville for them to receive the award in the amount of $13,500 in person.

ESA’s second-place national winner, Jesse Stewart from the State of Washington = - whose father is a firefighter for Shoreline Fire Department Station 61 - was awarded $3.500.

ESA also recognizes the following state winners: 

Stella Werle, California

Olivia Swim, Florida

Madeline Kromer, Georgia

Averie Roberts, Nevada

Mason Drew, New York

Isabelle Zuick, Colorado

Gabriella Egnezzo, New Jersey

Oliver T. Mathews, Wisconsin

Online donations, which will enhance these awards, are now available to the electronic security and life safety channel supporters who are interested in contributing. All donations will go directly to scholarship awards for high school seniors across the country. Supporters will be recognized on the ESA website. Donations can be made at: ESAweb.org/scholarship-donate.