In 2010 Zach Myers, a sophomore at ONW, passed away in a car accident. After growing up with his dad, John Myers, and grandfather who were both firefighters, Zach’s dream was to join the force. After he passed, his parents set up a scholarship for students going into a firefighter program. Every year, Zach’s parents choose two students to receive a $1,000 scholarship.
In 2012, Tanner Minshew was awarded the first of two scholarships and is now a firefighter for the Kansas City Fire Department. Minshew stated that the scholarship put him ahead financially and he came out of college debt free. In high school, Minshew was an Olathe Fire Explorer with Zach.
Minshew recommends that anyone interested in becoming a firefighter should join the program. He told us that the best part of being a firefighter is helping people and seeing how grateful they are when you get to the scene of the accident.
To learn more about the Olathe Fire Explorer program, visit https://www.olatheks.org/residents/youth-education-programs/fire-explorer-post-2884
For more information on how to apply or donate to the scholarship, visit https://www.facebook.com/Zach-Myers-Memorial-Scholarship-Fund-325986937426732/?epa=SEARCH_BOX.