(Washington, D.C.) – The Imagine America Foundation recently awarded the annual 2009 LDRSHIP Award to five worthy individuals in the career school industry.

“I opened myself up and told my story,” he said.

Sapon’s dream of serving in the Marine Corp began in high school in the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program.  While in the JROTC program he rose to the rank of Captain.  On his first tour in Iraq, his unit was the first American unit to reach Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sapon and his unit assisted in the famous take down of the Saddam Hussein statue. 

While working toward his associate’s degree in Computer and Electronics Engineering Technology, Sapon has maintained a 3.7 GPA and near perfect attendance.

“I couldn't contain myself! I was ecstatic and so proud of him.”  Cathy Clark, President of ITT Technical Institute in Houston said of Sapon’s success. “You couldn't have awarded this scholarship to a more deserving young man. He gave so much in the service of our country - as all our veterans do. It is so nice when they are acknowledged for their service.”

The LDRSHIP award is given to exceptional students who demonstrate Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage throughout their education and service in the military.

The Imagine America Foundation established the LDRSHIP Award in 2004 to recognize and honor exceptional career college students who have served their country honorably in the military and decided to further their education. The LDRSHIP Award offers up to $5,000 in cash grants toward college tuition to active duty, reservist, honorably discharged or retired U.S. military veterans attending a participating Imagine America institution.