AL Scholarship Recipient, Hannah Dempsey

Apr 23, 2025

By Cindy Baugher

Hannah Dempsey, of Chelsea, Alabama, is looking towards a similar career path as her parents have chosen, one that serves her community. In fact, she plans on the same profession as her mother, nursing.  She has always had a passion for helping people and has been able to learn more about the healthcare field through her mom, who has been a labor and delivery nurse for 18 years. Hannah is hoping to work in pediatrics, possibly as a certified registered nurse anesthetist, or CRNA, or as an oncologist and has chosen Auburn University due to its nursing program.

Alabama staff representative Gary Cooper presented Hannah Dempsey her scholarship check on the Auburn University campus.

Hannah’s father, Rory Dempsey is a deputy with the Shelby County Sheriff’s office and a PBA member. It is his PBA membership that entitled Hannah to apply for a scholarship through the Alabama Division of the Police Benevolent Foundation, which she was recently awarded. Rory has been in law enforcement for 20 years and a PBA member for all of those years. He says his experience with PBA has been “nothing but positive” and would absolutely recommend membership to a friend or colleague.

Rory Dempsey, Hannah’s dad and PBA member, at her high school graduation.

Hannah graduated from Chelsea High School in May 2024. During her time at Chelsea High, she focused on participating in school clubs and volunteer work. She was a member of National Honor Society, and she served as Vice President for HOSA -- Health Occupations Students of America, during which she became verified in Basic Life Support. She was also selected to be a part of an Alabama initiative called the Youth Leadership Development Program, which is designed to develop leadership skills, patriotism, and faith. Hannah participated in over 20 service projects and helped raise thousands of dollars to help local heroes through this program. In addition, she logged many hours volunteering with Bundles of Hope, Alabama Childhood Food Solutions, Walk for Warriors, and the Chelsea Animal Hospital.

Hannah says her mother has been the greatest influence in her life because of how she has helped her throughout so many hard times. “No matter what, she has always been there for me, even when we aren’t on the same page,” she says of her mom. She has equal praise for her father, who she calls an outgoing, hard-working person. “I have always seen him as someone who is driven to focus and that has positively influenced me to be the same. He is currently an SRO at Vincent Middle/High School. His performance, to me, shows how outgoing and caring he is. He will always make sure you are safe, no matter your past mistakes. He will be a guiding hand at any time. It is an absolute honor to have him as my father.”

Hannah and her mother, who Hannah calls one of her biggest role models, at the beach.

Dempsey said he decided to become a law enforcement officer for several reasons. “One, I wanted to make a positive difference in someone’s life. Second, I wanted my children to be proud of me and know that I was trying to make a difference in society. I wanted to help and protect individuals that could not help or protect themselves.”

It’s impossible not to notice the mutual pride between Hannah and her father. He points out, “Hannah A. Dempsey graduated Chelsea High School with an overall GPA of 4.15. She had the privilege of being part of the Youth Leadership Development Program of Greater Birmingham. She received a full tuition scholarship through the program to Auburn University where she is currently pursuing a Bachelor of science and nursing degree.”

Hannah was a volunteer with the Youth Leadership Development Program which helped to represent and assist Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant Melvin Morris.

It appears that Hannah has taken her favorite quote, “Instead of worrying about what you can’t control, shift your energy to what you can create,” and put it into action for herself. Her high school achievements and the PBF scholarship award demonstrate that her energy has been focused correctly. She shares, “I was overcome with joy when I heard I got this scholarship. I am beyond blessed and thankful for this amazing opportunity. Thank you to everyone who has had faith in me and has guided me in the right direction. I love you all!”