The Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana provides a scholarship in memory of Donald “Charley” Knepple. Charley lost his life on April 28, 1997, while performing his probation officer duties in Allen County, Indiana. In an effort to honor an outstanding professional and to promote further professionalism, POPAI selected a scholarship that would encourage continued education and advanced degrees for probation in Indiana.
The qualified candidate chosen for the Scholarship Award will receive $2,500.00 to help pay for their costs in continuing his or her education pursuing a Masters / Doctorate Degree. See the application for more requirements.
2025 Donald “Charley” Knepple Scholarship
The POPAI Donald “Charley” Knepple Memorial Scholarship ($2,500) application period ended at 12:00 noon EST on Monday, March 3, 2025. The committee is now deliberating applications.
2024 Knepple Scholarship Winner: Brenda Matute
Vice President Lindsey Villalpando presented Brenda Matute from LaPorte County with a plaque acknowledging her winning this year’s $2,500 Scholarship in memory of Donald “Charley” Knepple. She is pursuing a Masters in Science, Management and Leadership from WGU Indiana.
Judge Thorne stated it has been his distinct pleasure and privilege to have her assigned to his court. She has a high level of competency and professionalism and always brings a positive attitude.
Ashley Wright, pretrial services coordinator, stated Brenda demonstrates a genuine passion for helping others, both as a probation officer and as an Interpreter. She approaches her work with integrity and compassion.
Stephen Eyrick, CPO, stated Brenda has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and professionalism. Her bilingual skills have been particularly valuable.
In her application, Brenda stated:
This degree will assist me in learning to become a better leader. Diversity and inclusion are becoming increasingly important. Learning and applying the proper skills improves professional relationships with those I supervise and my coworkers.
Congratulations Brenda!
Knepple Scholarship Recipients
2024 Brenda Matute, LaPorte County Probation
2023 Sandra Bryan, Marion Superior Court
2022 Brandi Glenn, Perry County Circuit Court Probation Department
2021 Sarah Lochner, Wabash County and Alexis Stogdill, Monroe County Circuit Court
2020 Patrick Hillenburg, Greene County Probation
2019 Elizabeth Darenski, LaPorte County Adult Probation
2018 Naara Olivero, Lake County Juvenile Probation
2017 Rachael A. Scott, Monroe County Circuit Court Probation Department
2016 Parker Stouffer, Wabash County Probation Department
2015 Patrick O’Neill, Marion Superior Court
2014 Ryan Hull, Noble County Probation
2013 Cara Gilmore, Knox County Probation Department
2012 Shashan DeYoung, Marion Superior Court
2011 Stephen Pastore, Wells County Circuit and Superior Courts
2010 Brian Guerre, Porter County Probation
2009 CJ Miller, Hamilton County
2008 Sherry Porter, Bartholomew County
2007 Danielle Gibbs, Johnson County
2006 Jeff Yoder, Allen County
2005 DeJuan Jordan, Allen County Adult Probation Department
2004 Janice A. Wade, Vanderburg Probation
2003 Terri L. Bodine, Shelby County Probation
2002 Christine Kerl, Marion Superior Court
2001 Lisa Swedarsky, St. Joseph County
2000 Ross Carothers, U.S. Probation
1999 Kimberly Zakutansky, Lake County Juvenile Probation
1998 Brian Armstrong, LaPorte County Adult Probation