Nine IAFF members and family members are among the 181 recipients of the 2026 Union Plus Scholarship, which awarded $300,000 in scholarships this year, ranging from $1,000 to $4,000.
The scholarship is awarded to union members and their family members who want to begin or continue their postsecondary education.
This year’s recipients includes students attending universities, colleges, and trade and technical school students from 42 states and one U.S. territory.
“We are honored to recognize this year’s Union Plus Scholarship award winners,” Union Plus President Mitch Stevens said. “As we celebrate Union Plus’s 40th anniversary this year, we are proud to note that the Union Plus Scholarship Program has provided over $6.2 million in scholarships to support the educational goals of union families.”
MEET THE WINNERS:
Katherine Crovo – Lexington, Kentucky
Katherine Crovo, the daughter of Lexington, KY Local 526 member Robert Crovo and American Federation of Teachers (AFT) member Sharessa Bentley-Crovo, was awarded a $1,500 scholarship. She will major in nursing at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, where she will be a member of the school’s NCAA Division II women’s soccer program.
“My education regarding labor rights wasn’t from textbooks in the classroom,” Katherine said. “I recall being a part of many picket lines demanding equal rights for women and equal pay for my mother.”
David Ruffin – Chattanooga, TN Local 820
David Ruffin was awarded a $2,000 scholarship and earned a bachelor’s degree in applied leadership from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga this spring. He was admitted to the summer 2026 cohort of Tulane University’s online Master of Public Administration program. He has served the Chattanooga Fire Department since 2011 and became a captain in 2025.
“Earning an MPA will give me the tools to understand public policy, budgeting, organizational management, and community relations. These are skills that matter both in city government and within the IAFF,” David said. “This education will help me bridge the gap between the firehouse and the administrative side of public service, allowing me to represent fire fighters effectively and continue contributing to the mission of Local 820 and the city I serve.”
Zarek Dimitri Sierazy – Chesterton, Indiana
Zarek Dimitri Sierazy, son of Orland, IN Local 2754 member Timothy Sierazy, was awarded a $1,500 scholarship. Zarek plans to study kinesiology and become a physical therapist, with a goal of helping children recover from injuries or developmental challenges. He also plans to continue competing in cross-country and track and field in college.
Zarek’s father, Timothy, has been in the fire service since 2011, and said he’s thankful for the training, camaraderie, and workplace safety his father’s IAFF membership provides. “The union gives first responders a community, support, and protections that make it possible to do dangerous work – knowing someone has your back,” Zarek said. “The IAFF’s impact on my family has been personal and lasting. My father’s involvement has shown me the value of trust and accountability.”
Ruby Stokes – Eureka, California
Ruby Stokes, daughter of Kevin Stokes, a fire fighter/engineer with Humboldt Bay, CA Local 652, won a $2,500 scholarship. A 2026 Fortuna High School graduate, Ruby will major in nursing at the University of California, Davis, with plans to specialize in labor and delivery.
“I want to make other women feel comfortable and respected during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives, especially those who live in rural areas,” Ruby said. “Growing up in an underserved area, I know firsthand about the lack of resources these areas have.”
Ruby’s dad has been an IAFF member since 2007. Ruby said, “Due to the union’s push for higher safety standards, I know that my dad is much safer while he is at work and being fairly compensated for the risks he takes while working.”
Kelton Stout – Helena, Montana
Kelton Stout, son of Helena, MT Local 448 member Fred Stout and AFT member Kim Stout, won a $1,000 scholarship. Kelton recently completed his first year studying sport management at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. He plans to become a football coach and ultimately hopes to work in the NFL.
Kelton’s father joined the IAFF in 1998 and served as a fire fighter until an injury forced his retirement in 2022. Growing up in a union family, Kelton said, “I learned early on that unions are not abstract organizations, but communities built to protect and support working people. Most importantly, growing up in a union family taught me values that continue to guide me today such as solidarity and service to others.”
Jeremy Shawley – Windsor, Colorado
Jeremy Shawley, a Thornton, CO Local 2376 member was awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
Alyssa Eginoire – Carlisle, Iowa
Alyssa Eginoire, whose father, Jeramie Eginoire, is a member of Des Moines, IA Local 4, was awarded a $1,500 scholarship.
Ashlyn Luedeman – Prescott, Arizona
Ashlyn Luedeman, whose father, Scott Luedeman, is a member of United Yavapai, AZ Local 3066, was been awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
Morgan Nabus – Junction City, Kansas
Morgan Nabus, whose father, Randal Nabus, is a member of Junction City, KS Local 3309, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
See the full list of Union Plus Scholarship winners here.
