Katrina Wheeler, a 2010 Boothbay Region High School graduate, is working on her master's degree in forensic psychology at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where she also volunteers at a crisis center in preparation for her graduation in April. 

Wheeler grew up watching crime and legal dramas on television. Her father, the late Donald Wheeler, was a law enforcement officer in her hometown. He suggested that she look into the field of forensic psychology after high school. She did just that. 

“It was kind of difficult to find schools that offered a bachelor’s in forensic psych, which is one of the reasons I decided to get my master's," said Wheeler. "When applying to graduate schools I was able to find a decent amount that offered my program, even though it is still a small but rising field."

In 2014 Wheeler graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Goucher College in Baltimore, Md. Currently at George Washington University, she is working with forensic psychologists and is an intern at RAINN (the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network -- the largest anti-sexual assault organization in the country). There are many career opportunities in the forensic psychology field, from non-profit crisis centers to working at the federal level, all facets strive to help victims of sexual abuse and violent crimes.

“I really love the work that I am doing there, and am considering working for RAINN, or a similar non-profit, in the future,” Wheeler said.

In high school Wheeler won a Harbor Theater Film contest. Perhaps in the future she will meld her experiences with film making and forensic psychology to help advance awareness of crime in our country. 

Wheeler is the recipient of the American Legion Post 36 named scholarship through the Boothbay Region Student Aid Fund. This scholarship was established in 2007, through the generosity of the scholarship fund of Post 36. It goes to a descendant or relative of an American Legion member, or of a veteran from the region. Her father was a member who won a Purple Heart medal for his tour of duty in Vietnam. 

The Boothbay Region Student Aid Fund (BRSAF) is currently in the midst of its Annual Fund drive. The American Legion Post 36 Scholarship, is one of the BRSAF’s 58 “Named Scholarships.” Contributions to the BRSAF can be sent to P.O. Box 293, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538. For more information on the BRSAF, go to www.boothbayharborstudentaidfund.org.