Jeff Blackwell Selects Recipients for Sixth Year of Samaria Memorial Scholarship

Jeff Blackwell and his wife, Tammy, have personally reviewed and selected the scholarship winners for the sixth year of the Samaria Blackwell Memorial Scholarship. The award, established to honor their daughter, is now in its final selection phase for the 2026 cycle. Blackwell stated that the couple reads every application themselves to determine the recipients.

The scholarship was created following the mass shooting at the FedEx facility in Indianapolis in April 2021, in which Samaria Blackwell was one of eight people killed. At the time of the incident, Samaria was the youngest of four children. Her father described her as athletic and noted that she had a strong interest in a career in law enforcement. Blackwell recalled her as having a wonderful smile and a heart for service, saying, "She was always where the laughing was."

The Central Indiana Police Foundation contacted the family soon after the shooting to formalize the memorial program. The scholarship is open to students across the state of Indiana who are pursuing fields related to law enforcement. Blackwell defined the eligible scope broadly, stating, "Be it an actual officer, a crime lab, a lawyer, anything like that." Past recipients have included high school seniors and college freshmen.

Since its launch, the program has awarded funds to approximately 12 to 13 individuals. Blackwell noted that the family typically selects two students each year. When evaluating applicants, the couple looks for passion and a desire to serve. Blackwell said, "It’s just reading the passion in what the kids do. If they’ve got a heart for service, we definitely want to help." The family also prefers to assist applicants who already have a connection to law enforcement within their own families.

Blackwell discussed the family's approach to coping with the loss. He credited his faith for helping the family maintain a sense of purpose. "I’m human. I have my bitterness," he said. "We were angry, but that response does nothing. So, how can we help? What can we do?" He described the process of supporting other students as "very therapeutic."

Radio hosts on The Hammer and Nigel Show recently shared the scholarship details with their audience. The hosts posted the application link on the show's Facebook and X accounts and encouraged listeners to share the information with young people considering careers in the field. The show is broadcast on 93.1 WIBC, and additional content is available on the station's YouTube channel.