The Frederick S. "Joe" Kareta Scholarship
Joe Kareta ’10 was the kind of guy people turned to when they needed help, and that’s why he wanted to be a police officer. But Joe Kareta never got to join a police force. Just three months after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Westfield State in 2010, he was struck by a drunken driver while walking to the mailbox at his aunt’s house in South Hadley, and he died from his injuries. “Joe Kareta was a talented and remarkable young man who continually gave to others." In collaboration with the Westfield State Foundation, Inc., the Kareta family has created the Joe Kareta Scholarship which enables the family and the Westfield State community to remember and honor Joe and celebrate his legacy.
Impact
“Community service has always played a major role in my life. I have always enjoyed volunteering and I believe that if one person gives back, that it could create a chain effect where other people give back as well. When everyone is working together to make the community a safer and better place, it creates a positive environment for everyone.”
-Bryan Amaral, Criminal Justice
“I work two jobs during the school year and work very hard to ensure that I’ll be able to continue school. With this scholarship, the burden placed on me was relieved significantly.”
-Savannah Waters, Criminal Justice and Psychology
“I’m honored and the scholarship is greatly appreciated to help me to continue my educational endeavors in the field of criminal justice. I will continue to work hard and prove myself worthy of your investment in my future.”
-Patrick T. White, Criminal Justice
“By awarding me the Frederick S. “Joe” Kareta Scholarship, you have given me the greatest gift, which is to stress a little less and dedicate more of my time to the upcoming semester I have left and the Law School Admissions Test I will be taking soon enough. I hope one day, I can contribute back to young students and inspire them to chase their goals, as you have helped me."
-Amanda Carbone ’20, Criminal Justice
“As an incoming senior, and soon-to-be Westfield State University graduate, this award will make it much more possible for me to achieve my dreams of going into graduate school and the political field. I plan to attend a master’s degree program post-graduation from Westfield State, and then possibly go on to receive a Ph.D.”
-Lyric Lamagdelaine ’22, Criminal Justice and Political Science
“Thank you to the Frederick S. “Joe” Kareta Scholarship. For the next three years of my college career, I will strive for the same ambition and drive that has allowed me to achieve my GPA of 3.7. I hope once I graduate college and join the career of my dreams in the Criminal Justice field, I will be able to return and help others achieve their goals like this scholarship has done granting me this generous award."
-Destiny Mercado ’24, Criminal Justice