Leadership Medal and Scholarship in memory of Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez awarded to local JROTC cadet

Almost a dozen JROTC cadets were awarded medals and scholarships Thursday at a special awards ceremony in Indio.

One of the scholarships was given to an outstanding JROTC Cadet in honor of fallen Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez for the first time. The ceremony also recognized several top-performing cadets in the Coachella Valley.

The ceremony was organized by the Military Officers Association of America in Indio.

Alicia Lopez, the mother of the fallen marine, was present at the ceremony. She shares what it means to have her son honored through this scholarship, "My hope is that they cherish the opportunity that they've been given, and they carry on my son through through their footsteps.”

Adriana Vasquez was named the first recipient of the Lopez scholarship. She received the $25,000 award based off her leadership, academic achievement and community service.

The scholarship was made possible by a donation from the Schliemer family.

Celeste Schliemer shares how important this scholarship is to her and her husband, "When Hunter Lopez was killed in Afghanistan, we wanted to do something that was very deep, but we didn't know what to do. Then this opportunity came along to name one of the scholarships in his honor.”

The Schliemer family believes each recipient is a good reflection of the Coachella Valley, and they are grateful to make this gesture honoring the fallen marine and his family.

Lopez's mother tells News Channel 3, "Freedom is not free by any chance. So we're grateful that these kids are stepping up and protecting us.”

The Schliemer family says they will continue awarding the scholarship in honor of Marine Cpl. Hunter Lopez for the rest of their lives.

Lopez was one of 13 U.S. Servicemembers killed in a terrorist attack during evacuations at an Afghanistan airport in August 2021. Lopez, 22, was a Coachella Valley native who graduated from La Quinta High School in 2017.

If you would like to learn more about Hunter Lopez's story, watch our exclusive interview with his parents, Herman and Alicia Lopez.

A scholarship fund has now been established in Hunter's name for students at LQHS who pursue careers in public service.

To donate, visit: https://desert-sands-educational-foundation.snwbll.com/hunter-lopez-memorial-scholarship-fund

His family also created the "Hunter Lopez Memorial Foundation" to help those who protect and serve our nation.

The foundation has already sponsored two service dogs for active service members and sponsored several families to attend their children's graduation from Marine boot camp.

To donate visit: https://hunterlopezmemorialfoundation.org/