$5000 Anne and Richard Cass
2024 Windham High School
“You can’t save them all, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.”
Fierce with grace, and very inclusive – a tough spitfire – Chloe decided to become a law enforcement officer after her beloved stepfather died by suicide in 2015. A lieutenant from the sheriff’s department provided empathy and support during her family’s grief. Inspired by his kindness, she’s dedicated herself to helping others.
With a true passion for community, Chloe always speaks up if class participation is scant, ensuring that lonely students get warm attention. She is also a feminist who wants to break barriers because law enforcement needs women. To that end, she attended the Junior Trooper Academy at her district’s Vocational school, while pursuing her regular high school diploma at Windham. Her commitment to the Academy helped her develop additional strength and perseverance.
Not least in her inspiration was hearing from adult men and fellow male students that she wasn’t going to succeed in the program; she took that challenge, completed the program, and in fact was selected as the Student Ambassador for Westbrook Regional Vocational Center’s Criminal Justice Program as well as the Class Commander – the student who sets the tone, holds all accountable, leads exercise, checks in with everybody, and serves as the point person the teacher trusts the most.
In addition to noticing when others are in in need, Chloe manages her own high anxiety and regularly volunteers and fundraises for various organizations such as the Giving Tree and the Barbara Bush Children’ Hospitals.
Chloe will attend the Criminal Justice 3 + 1 Program at Thomas College, where she will complete her BA in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Law Enforcement in three years, and an MA in Criminology in one more year.