Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Samantha Hayes reporting College scholarships are usually given to young people heading to college, but today, a different scholarship was awarded to a different kind of student a -- single mom looking to higher education to support her family. She's been on her own since her husband was killed in the line of duty.
Deputy David Jones was proud to be a Garfield County Sheriff's Deputy and wear his badge. Now his son is proud to hold it.
Jacob Jones, Son: "Because everyone knew he was my dad, a cop."
It turns out his mom is pretty tough too.
Carolyn Jones, Scholarship Recipient: "My life was turned up-side-down when he was killed."
Three and half years ago, Jones was on duty and spotted a drunk driver. He pulled the car over and arrested the driver. The passenger in the car pulled out a rifle.
Carolyn Jones: "They had a gun fight and Dave was killed instantly."
23 years of marriage, five children and countless dreams for the future. Those long-term plans were destroyed and Carolyn tried to concentrate on the day to day.
Carolyn Jones: "I knew I had to get back to the city where I could get the skills and work jobs."
But the kind of job she needed required an education she did not have. So she timidly applied for a scholarship with the Worker's Compensation Fund.
Carolyn: "I never applied for a scholarship in my life. The first one I applied for I was accepted."
The Legacy of Learning scholarship program also honored her for everything she has managed to accomplish on her own.
Part of Carolyn's legacy is now informing other spouses in similar situations that there is help out there.
Carolyn Jones: "I'm not going to let another wife go through what I did alone."
Carolyn Jones expects to finish her degree in two years at Weber State University.
