Conner, a determined junior finance major at the University of Central Florida, is making strides towards his dream of starting his own company to support his younger siblings' college education.

His journey is fueled by the hardships faced by his family following the death of his stepfather and his mother's health issues, which have left the family with substantial debt.

Conner's stepfather, SSG David P. Nowaczyk, was a brave soldier who lost his life to an improvised explosive device on April 15, 2012, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, during his third deployment.

His heroic actions, including earning a Bronze Star with "V" device during the Battle of Barge Matal in 2009, have left a lasting impact on Conner.

The family has honored SSG Nowaczyk's memory with two memorials in his hometown of Dyer, Indiana, celebrating his life and service, as well as acknowledging all Indiana Gold Star Families.

Reflecting on the loss, Conner shared, "The loss was a profound devastation that completely transformed our lives, and the echoes of his sacrifice continue to shape my journey and future aspirations.”

He added, "His service stands as a constant reminder of the value of selflessness, compassion, and resilience. It has inspired me to embrace every opportunity to make a difference, to be a beacon of hope and strength, and to uphold the values of dedication and sacrifice that Dave epitomized. After all, it’s what he would’ve wanted for me."

Through this scholarship, Conner is empowered to pursue his goals with the spirit of dedication and sacrifice that defined his stepfather's legacy.