The Clark State (College) Foundation has established a scholarship honoring fallen Clark County (Ohio) Sheriff’s deputy Matthew Yates.
Deputy Yates was a dedicated husband, father, brother, and friend. He was a member of the Clark County Sheriff's Department who tragically lost his life in service to his community. Matthew and his wife, Tracy, both graduated from Clark State's Peace Officer Academy.
“The college community mourns with the Yates’ family and recognizes that Matt was a proud Clark State graduate,” said Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, president of Clark State. “We were unbelievably proud of him, as well. By establishing this scholarship, we honor his memory and his legacy as an outstanding officer of the law.”
Deputy Yates was a positive force in the Springfield community. This scholarship was established to honor his memory and will support Clark State cadets pursuing a career in law enforcement in the local region.
Tracy Yates, director of workforce and business solutions at Clark State, said following her husband’s passing, many people reached out wanting to make a contribution in honor of Matthew, thus Clark State created a scholarship in his name.
“The main goal is to support the program at Clark State because we need more officers,” Yates told hubspringfield.com. “And this let’s someone go through the academy who might not otherwise be able to afford it.”
To raise funds for the scholarship, Yates organized the Matthew Yates Memorial Basketball Tournament. The tournament will be held at 9 a.m., Saturday, April 22, at Tecumseh High School, 9830 W. National Road, New Carlisle. The event is open to the public.
“This basketball tournament was a way to honor what Matt loved to do in his free time, but also help incoming students who want to pursue a career in law enforcement,” said Yates. “We had 24 teams enter the tournament for a great cause. We would love for everyone to come and support the day even if they are not playing. We will have food, raffles, and lots of fun!”
Donations to the Matthew Yates Memorial Scholarship can also be made online at: https://slate.clarkstate.edu/register/matthewyatesscholarship