This May, the Matt Ward Memorial Scholarship was awarded to 12 Explorers representing 7 Explorer Posts from 12 different high schools and colleges. Gloria Opstad, Matt’s mom and President of the Association, along with Board Members, presented each recipient with their award at six different Post meetings. Hosted by Explorer Advisors, these presentations were attended by recipient Explorers and the rest of their Post Explorers, recipients’ family members, other Officers and Department brass.

Thank you to all who support The Matt Ward Exploring On Association!! We were able to doubled the number of recipients and more than doubled the total scholarship money given from last year’s awards. Your continued support make these scholarships possible.

Here are the 2024 Matt Ward Memorial Scholarship recipients:

From Anaheim Police Department Explorer Post, Jazmine Renteria and Nadia Chavelas.

From Costa Mesa Police Explorer Post, Leo Lopez and Natalie Rodriguez.

From Cypress Explorer Post, Elliott Ko and Ethan Rudisill.

From Garden Grove Police Explorer Post, Explorer Ashley Guillen.

Recipient Oscar Leon is an Explorer at the California Highway Patrol Post and the Huntington Beach Police Explorer Post.

Orange Police Explorer Post had the most recipients with Marlene Larios, Ariadna Vidal, Paola Victorino and Kimberlyn Cervantes.

Recipients need to be active Explorers, high school Seniors headed for higher education or currently enrolled in college and still active in the Explorer program and have successfully completed the Matt Ward Scholarship Application with it’s requirements.  Award recipients and amounts awarded are based on their Application responses, reference letters, and transcripts.

The Matt Ward Exploring On Board Members are Gloria and Dave Opstad, Ken and Sherrie Ramsey, Connie and Rob Ward, Travis and Deanna Hartman and Diana Ayres (formerly Martinez)