Harley DeOrdio is just two months away from completing her Criminal Justice degree, and she already has a scholarship to help her continue her education at a four-year college.
On March 5, the 232nd anniversary of the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office, DeOrdio received a Criminal Justice Scholarship from the New York State Sheriffs' Institute. The award was presented by Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley. “I’m honored to receive this,” DeOrdio said. “I’ll be putting it toward wherever I go next.”
DeOrdio is a 2024 graduate of LaFayette High School who enrolled at Onondaga Community College that fall. She initially began in a different degree program before deciding Criminal Justice was right for her. “I realized right away I loved criminal justice. Professors Pete Patnode and Jessica Wieczorek encouraged me to get involved. I joined the Criminal Justice Club, and they helped me find my voice and my passion.”
“Harley has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the issues in criminal justice and wants to make a positive impact in her community and help others who struggle,” said Professor Wieczorek. “With her mindset and motivation, she is definitely on the right path to become a thoughtful, impactful professional in the criminal justice world.”
As part of the scholarship application process, DeOrdio wrote an essay reflecting on advice she often heard from her late uncle. “He used to tell me, ‘Can’t isn’t a word,’” she said. “I’ve had struggles, but I persevere. I work two jobs, and I help take care of my mom, who is ill.”
DeOrdio plans to become a defense attorney and intends to continue working toward that goal at either SUNY Oswego or Le Moyne College. Wherever she goes next, she’ll take both the scholarship and the confidence she gained at here. “I’ve loved OCC. It’s been a supportive stepping stone and an important first step in my career.”
