When Officer Steve Cox was killed on Dec. 2, 2006, White Center lost one of its greatest leaders in law enforcement, but Steve's mother, Joanne Cox, and others who knew him, have come together to organize a memorial scholarship in hopes of filling that void.

The scholarship has been offered to any high school senior pursuing a higher education in criminal justice. Its recipient will receive $1500 a year for four years.

"Steve was very passionate about being an officer and was constantly recruiting others to do police work," Joanne said.

Previously, the scholarship was only available to students at Evergreen High School, Steve's alma mater. But this year it has been expanded to all high schools in the Highline district as well as West Seattle's Chief Sealth High School.

Jennifer Fichamba, the college and career specialist at Evergreen High School has helped by informing students of the opportunity. Having a scholarship come from a member of the community shows students how much the neighborhood cares about their success, Fichamba said.

"For a community scholarship, it's a good one," Fichamba said. "It's a little bit more money than some offer."

Still, she says it is sometimes a struggle convincing students to fill out the paperwork. She expects that once one student is awarded, word of the benefits will spread to other students.

"Its worthwhile for kids," Fichamba said. "Anything that can help kids better their future is a good thing."

Joanne is confident that the scholarship fund is a fitting legacy for her son.

"This is what he would want," Joanne said. "To help other follow in the field he chose."

Students who qualify can find an application at their school's counseling center.

Rose Egge may be reached at 932.0300 or rosee@robinsonnews.com