August 20, 2012, Franklin Pierce School District

The Franklin Pierce Foundation is proud to announce the addition of the Blue Steele Coffee Company Scholarship to the long list of scholarships administered by the Foundation

Courtney and Oliver Marshall, owners of Blue Steel Coffee Company, have established an annual scholarship for a Washington High School student interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement or as a first responder.  $1.00 from the sale of each pound of whole bean coffee will go toward funding this scholarship up to a maximum of $1000.  The Marshalls will guarantee no less than a $500 scholarship annually. 

The former Forza coffee shop on Steele Street east of Highway 512 was where Lakewood Police Sgt. Mark Renninger and Officers Ronald Owens (a Washington High School graduate), Tina Griswold and Greg Richards were gunned down in November 2009.

Courtney was a manager at the coffee shop and knew all of the four officers.  Two years later, Courtney and her husband, Oliver, purchased the coffee shop and changed its name to Blue Steele Coffee Company.

Under Blue Steele Coffee Co., the Marshalls took control over the Officer’s Memorial in front of the shop and ensure that the memorial flags are maintained, the flowerbeds are weeded, new flowers are planted, and beauty bark is laid down as needed.  Their commitment to the surrounding community will result in continued support of the Fallen Officers Families, local law enforcement and all first responders, schools, and churches.  The creation of this scholarship is an example of their commitment.

The Franklin Pierce Foundation is grateful for the Marshall’s commitment to add to our support of graduates of our schools.  This year the Foundation presented 31 scholarships to graduates of our three high schools worth $24,550.  There is a great need for scholarships to help our students take the next step in their education.  It is hoped that the Marshall’s example will help inspire other local businesses and organizations to do the same.