Every year POPAI provides a scholarship in memory of probation officer 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 officers in our state.
This year Kim Porter Whitehurst from Grant County was selected as the recipient. Kim has been a probation officer for 20 years and a member of POPAI for five years. Kim is pursuing a Master of Social Work at Ball State University and is maintaining a 3.67 GPA.
Magistrate Brian McLane of the Grant County Superior Court II stated “In working with Kim, I have found her demeanor to be professional at all times and her work to be of the highest quality. She is not afraid to face any challenge that I have seen thrown her way.”
Assistant Chief Probation Officer Mike Small of Grant County Probation stated “…Kim has grown into one of the most knowledgeable officers that we have. Juvenile probation has changed quite a bit since 2005, and Kim has had a great attitude of ‘just jump in’ and figure it out. Usually that is Kim spending time educating herself in whatever the new topic that has arisen.”
Kim stated “My journey has led me to believe that much of what we see in the juvenile world can be remedied in the prevention area. Mental health, family discord, and school achievement are highly linked to the success of our young students. Peer-driven and multi-tiered approaches are key to identifying the needs and strengths of children. Being licensed at the macro level will allow me to write grants, collaborate, and mediate ideas to prevent children from entering the juvenile system while remaining a probation officer with the skills to utilize when needed for those that ultimately enter our system.”
Congratulations Kim!