The legacy of fallen Henderson County Sheriff’s deputy Ryan Hendrix lives on in the new Ryan Hendrix scholarship for Blue Ridge Community College students. One student out of the first set of recipients is Conner Newman, a Criminal Justice major in the Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) program who was pleasantly surprised to receive the new honor.
A graduate of Rosman High School, Newman chose to attend Blue Ridge because of its affordable tuition and high standard of education.
“When I found out I’d received this scholarship, it made me so happy. I’m really honored to be one of the first group of students to get this scholarship,” he said.
He decided to start classes at the College in Fall 2019, and says that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, he’s still on track to graduate in May 2021. Newman said that while moving classes online was an inconvenience, he was still determined to succeed in his courses and graduate on time.
An interest in law enforcement was rooted in Newman from a young age, as his father – Allen Newman – served as Deputy Sheriff of Transylvania County for 30 years.
Newman said he believes the Blue Ridge Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) program has prepared him for success. BLET students recently completed Subject Control Arrest Techniques (SCAT) training, as well as high speed driving practice and suicide prevention training.
Blue Ridge Dean of Public Safety Philip Hosmer described Newman as a fine student and excellent cadet.
Hosmer stated, “This scholarship is important because it honors the memory of Ryan Hendrix who gave his life in the service of the citizens of Henderson County. The cadets in BLET recognize the risks inherent in the profession and have answered the call to serve.”
Upon graduation from Blue Ridge, Newman hopes to start work for the Henderson County Sheriff’s Department. Specifically, he’d like to one day join the Henderson County Warrant Squad, which delivers warrants around the community.
“This scholarship will really help me in the last leg of my journey at Blue Ridge. I’d like to say ‘thank you’ to everyone who helped make this scholarship possible,” he added.
For more information about Blue Ridge’s BLET program, visit blueridge.edu/blet.