The following is a press release issued by the Mendocino College Foundation:
The Mendocino College Foundation is excited to announce that it has signed a perpetual scholarship agreement with the Redwood Valley-Calpella Fire Department (RVCFD) Volunteers, a 501c3 organization. The RVCFD Volunteers’ $25,000 investment will enable the Foundation to award a $1,000 scholarship annually in perpetuity to a Mendocino College student preparing for a career as a first responder. Battalion Chief Justin Ebert says, “This award represents not only our commitment to fostering the next generation of firefighters but also our admiration for individuals who demonstrate resilience, determination, and passion for serving their community.”
According to RVCFD Lieutenant Megan Turner Brown, the idea for establishing a scholarship with Mendocino College came about at the end of the 2024 school year, when she was asked to be a guest proctor for students in Ukiah High School’s first responder Career Technical Education program. “Instructor Brendan Turner is a former RVCFD Assistant Chief and my brother. I was tasked with overseeing one of the hands-on portions of their final, the scenario included a comprehensive trauma assessment. I was in awe of some of these students, they had clearly found their purpose. Many of these students shared with me that they planned on enrolling in Mendocino College Fire Science and EMS Programs after graduation,” says Turner Brown. “I have been a first responder for more than half of my life and when I interact with young people exploring the idea of pursuing a job or volunteer opportunity as a first responder, it reminds me of how exciting it was to find something that you absolutely love. After my observations at UHS, I proposed that our organization look into creating a scholarship.”
RVCFD Firefighter Trevor Mockel, himself a former scholarship recipient during his time as a Mendocino College student, reached out to Foundation Executive Director Julie McGovern for more information. Initially, RVCFD planned on establishing an annual pass-through scholarship. However, “Our fear with an annual scholarship was that it be forgotten over time, but a perpetual scholarship would establish a legacy for current members and all those that came before us,” Turner Brown explains. “RVCFD has a long history of encouraging, educating and nurturing young first responders and to be able to assist them financially is an amazing opportunity.” The RVCFD Volunteers created a scholarship committee and decided to solicit donations from the community to raise the money for a perpetual scholarship. The support was overwhelming and within a couple months, they had received more than $9,000 in donations. In January 2025, the RVCFD Volunteers decided to contribute the remaining funds to reach the $25,000 goal. The establishment of this perpetual scholarship coincides with the 30th anniversary of the RVCFD Explorer Program.
Turner Brown adds, “We decided to reach out to the Foundation and support students attending Mendocino College because we are so fortunate to have a local college with so many courses focused on first responders.”
The inaugural recipient of the RVCFD Scholarship is Alex Stoughton, currently a senior at Potter Valley High School, who plans to attend Mendocino College and work towards his EMT certifications and an associate’s degree, preferably in fire science. Stoughton’s experience volunteering for the Potter Valley Fire Department has inspired him to pursue a career as a firefighter. Ebert remarks, “This year’s recipient, Alex Stoughton, has shown remarkable perseverance in the face of significant personal challenges. Despite the obstacles he has encountered, his unwavering dedication to his dream of becoming a firefighter has inspired all of us. His story is a testament to the power of hard work, courage, and community support.
Ebert continues, “Supporting our youth is one of the greatest investments we can make. We are honored to stand behind Alex as he takes this important step toward a career of service, bravery, and purpose.” The scholarship will assist Alex with his education and training expenses as he begins his studies in the fire service field. “It is our hope that this support will help him achieve his goal and one day join the ranks of those who dedicate their lives to protecting others,” Ebert adds. “We congratulate Alex and look forward to seeing all that he will accomplish in the years to come.”
The Mendocino College Foundation’s vision is to be a major force in helping students turn their hopes and dreams into realities. Partnerships with organizations like the RVCFD Volunteers and their investment in supporting the first responders of tomorrow turns the vision into action and directly benefit students while making our communities stronger. For more information on establishing a perpetual scholarship with the Foundation, either to support a certain program or in memory of a loved one, contact Julie McGovern at 707-468-3164 or jmcgovern@mendocino.edu.
