WM Firefighter Assn. VAL 153 Scholarship

Valerie Riedhead ClaudeValeree Reidhead Claude was a native of Show Low, graduating from Show Low High School in 1990. She joined Pinetop Fire Department in July of 2003 as a firefighter and EMT. She loved her work, especially because of the service it provided to the people of her community. She passed away while on duty at Pinetop Fire Station #12 on June 24, 2005. 

 Valeree’s fellow firefighters worked together to establish the VAL 153 Memorial Scholarship in her honor. VAL 153 was her badge number. The scholarship provides full tuition, books, and course fees to students in Northland Pioneer College’s Firefighter or EMT program. The funds and application process are managed by NPC Friends and Family, the college’s nonprofit foundation. Awardees are confirmed by the White Mountain Firefighter’s Association. Valeree’s scholarship has helped many area students reach their goals of becoming firefighters and emergency medical technicians. 

In 2016, Rhonda Krouse of Taylor applied for the VAL 153 scholarship. Rhonda was born into a family of firefighters, and dreamed of becoming the third generation in her family to enter the profession. She had put her dreams on hold to raise a son and daughter with her husband, David. Like Valeree, Rhonda valued being a firefighter for the opportunity it gave her to serve her community, not only through emergency service, but through education and outreach. Rhonda was awarded the scholarship, completed her Firefighter I and II courses at NPC, and went to work with Taylor-Snowflake Fire Department. She went on to also become certified as an EMT.

In January 2025, a young woman named Nicole Yancy was awarded the VAL 153 Memorial Scholarship. Nicole will be the fourth generation in her family to be a firefighter. She is Rhonda’s daughter. Nicole was presented a commemorative check by the White Mountain Firefighters Association and honored at their board meeting on February 5. Nicole was joined by her husband, Walker Yancy, and her proud mom, Rhonda. 

Memorial scholarships are truly special. They create something positive out of grief and loss, not only by honoring a beloved person, but establishing a legacy that keeps the life and work of that person alive through helping others. Valeree Reidhead Claude lives on through every student who has achieved their goals and dreams, and become a firefighter or EMT with the help of the VAL 153 Memorial Scholarship. 

Build the future of a student who will one day be at the forefront of the situations that impact lives. Donate to the VAL 153 Memorial Scholarship. All it takes is one donation to change a life.