Twenty-seven students who are children of first responders, including families served by the Purcellville Police Department, share this year’s awards.

The Loudoun First Responders Foundation has awarded $57,000 in scholarships to 27 graduating high school seniors this year, pushing the nonprofit’s total scholarship giving past $350,000 since the program began.

The Leesburg-based foundation announced the awards this week. Recipients are children of active or volunteer first responders, along with graduates who serve as first responder volunteers themselves. The foundation said the milestone reflects a sustained commitment to the families behind the county’s fire and rescue, sheriff, and police personnel.

For western Loudoun, the program carries a direct local connection. Children of officers serving with the Purcellville Police Department are among those eligible, alongside families tied to a range of agencies across the county.

“Every scholarship we award is a thank-you to a family that gives every day to the county,” said Eric Retzlaff, president of the Loudoun First Responders Foundation. “Our first responders show up for our community every single day, often at real personal sacrifice, and investing in their children’s futures is one of the most meaningful ways we can show up for them in return. Crossing $350,000 in lifetime scholarship giving is a powerful reminder of what sustained community support can achieve.”

Who Qualifies

The scholarship program is open to graduating seniors enrolled in public high school, private school, or home school, inside or outside Loudoun County. Eligible applicants are children of active or volunteer first responders serving with Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue Systems, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, the Leesburg Police Department, the Middleburg Police Department, the Purcellville Police Department, or Loudoun County Animal Services.

A Multi-Year Investment

This year’s $57,000 award builds on a program that gave $51,000 to 31 students in 2025, reflecting steady, multi-year investment in the families who support Loudoun’s emergency response community.

The program is funded entirely through community donations and partnerships. The foundation said past recipients have gone on to study at universities across the country and to pursue careers in medicine, research, nonprofit leadership, and public service.

How to Apply

Applications for the next scholarship cycle open in early 2027. Eligibility details and application guidelines are available at lfrf.org/scholarships.

About the Loudoun First Responders Foundation

The Loudoun First Responders Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit dedicated to supporting the first responders of Loudoun County and their families. Through scholarships, financial assistance, and community partnerships, the foundation honors the service of the men and women who protect and serve the county. More information is available at lfrf.org