Richmond graduate presented with Officer Seara Burton and Brev Law Enforcement Scholarship

Brooklyn Clark wants to understand criminal behavior and contribute to improvements within the criminal justice system as she pursues a career in law enforcement, with long-term goals of becoming a detective or an attorney.

Clark was recently presented with the Officer Seara Burton and Brev Law Enforcement Scholarship by Reid Health during the Richmond High School Honors and Awards event.

The scholarship is a one-time award of $2,400 given to a graduating high school senior from Wayne County who plans to pursue a degree or certificate in law enforcement or first response.

Clark said her interest in the field has been shaped by a desire to better understand human behavior and the justice system and to help improve it.

“I’ve always loved learning about and understanding the criminal justice system,” Clark said.

With the support of the scholarship, she’ll attend Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana, where she plans to major in criminal justice and psychology as she prepares for a career in public safety. Her long-term goals include working as a police officer and potentially advancing into detective work or law.

Clark also has an interest in learning why people commit crimes.

“I would also love to understand why criminals do the things they do,” she said.

During high school, Clark participated in both academics and extracurricular activities. She was a member of the softball team as a freshman and later served as a manager for the volleyball and basketball teams during her senior year. She described her experiences in athletics as meaningful opportunities for growth and connection.

Outside of school, Clark worked at Richmond’s Cordell Municipal Pool and Five Below.

The scholarship honors Officer Burton who was shot in the line of duty on Aug. 10, 2022. Described as a warrior, a hero, and a bright star, she fought for her life for 39 days before she died on Sept. 19, 2022.

Officer Burton was a Northeastern High School graduate. She joined RPD in 2018 and went on to complete the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 2019. She later joined RPD’s K-9 squad with her partner, Brev.

Reid Health worked with the Wayne County Foundation to establish the endowed scholarship in Officer Burton’s name to honor her selfless sacrifice to protect the well-being, safety, and way of life of everyone in the community.