Today, the last of the twelve 2025 Matt Ward Memorial Scholarships were awarded to Explorers representing four Orange County Explorer Posts. 

Gloria Opstad, Matt’s mom and President of the Association, along with Board Members, presented each recipient with their award at four different Post meetings and a Cypress High School Award Night. 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 leadership.

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

Here are the 2025 Matt Ward Memorial Scholarship recipients:

From Garden Grove Police Explorer Post, Explorer M. Penaloza.  

From Irvine Police Explorer Post, Explorers (left to right), I. Gan, H. Kim, Y. Dahmane and K. Tran.  

Costa Mesa Police Explorer Post also had four  awardees,  Explorers J. Torres, A. Escobar, J. Hulce and C. Pedroza.

Anaheim Police Explorer Post had three recipients this year.  Explorers C. Chavelas, N. Chavelas and J. Renteria were all awarded this evening. 

Recipients need to be active Explorers, high school Seniors  or currently enrolled in college  and have successfully completed the Matt Ward Memorial 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.