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For more information contact:
Cleveland City Council
Katherine Samsa, Communications Director
(216) 857-7362 |
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| Council Members Turner and Johnson Establish the Derek W. Owens Memorial Scholarship Fund to Honor Slain Officer |
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Cleveland Foundation to house and manage the fund that will benefit college-bound students in Ward 1 and Ward 4
Council Members Nina Turner, Ward 1, and Kenneth L. Johnson, Ward 4, announced the establishment of a scholarship fund to honor slain Cleveland Police Officer Derek Owens. The Derek W. Owens Memorial Scholarship Fund will be housed and managed by the Cleveland Foundation.
“I was blessed with the opportunity to know Officer Owens first hand and was impressed by his passion for kids and education,” said Councilwoman Turner, who represents the neighborhood where Officer Owens lived. “The establishment of this scholarship illustrates our commitment to ensuring that Officer Owens’ passion lives on and his impact on our community continues.”
The scholarship fund, which will exist in perpetuity at the Cleveland Foundation, is designed to benefit recent high school graduates that will complete or have completed their education in the last 12 months; reside in Wards 1 or 4; have demonstrated financial need; academic merit; and a commitment to community service.
“I’m proud to join with Councilwoman Turner to honor an outstanding Cleveland Police Officer who dedicated his life to our neighborhoods,” said Councilman Johnson, who represents the neighborhood Officer Owens where served.
Council President Martin J. Sweeney has committed to helping raising $5,000 toward the scholarship fund and challenges others in the community to make a contribution.
“People like Officer Owens, who have dedicated their lives to benefit the residents of the City of Cleveland, are a blessing to our communities,” said Council President Sweeney. “I am honored to be able to contribute to this scholarship fund, which will further Officer Owens’ commitment and preserve his name.”
Cleveland Police Fourth District Commander Roy Rich, along with Ericka Owens, her children and father-in-law, Wayne Owens, joined Council Members Turner and Johnson in making the announcement.
“He loved kids and believed in them and their potential,” said Ericka Owens, Officer Owens’s wife. “There can be no better memorial to my husband than a scholarship fund to benefit young people in our community.”
Officer Owens was born in Cleveland in 1971. He graduated from St. Peter Chanel High School and Cleveland State University. He was due to receive his master's degree in business administration this June. Officer Owens was fatally shot while on duty on February 29, 2008. Ericka Owens will accept his degree on his behalf.
“The death of Officer Owens was a tragedy but his life was a blessing to all,” added Councilwoman Turner. “By establishing this fund, we hope he’ll continue to touch the lives of our young people for many years to come.”
Anyone can contribute to the scholarship fund. Contributions can be sent to:
The Derek W. Owens Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Cleveland Foundation
1422 Euclid Avenue, Suite 1300
Cleveland, Ohio 44115 |
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Cleveland City Council
601 Lakeside Avenue
Room 220
Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 664-2840
(216) 664-3837 fax
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