Florida Sheriffs Association Awards Scholarships to Students Studying Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice
The Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) invests in the state of Florida each year by encouraging and rewarding bright, hard-working students whose parents work at any Florida sheriff’s office. Thanks to the partnership formed by FSA, 10 high-achieving students studying toward a career in law enforcement, corrections or another criminal justice field will receive a scholarship.
"Supporting scholarships for future law enforcement professionals is a commitment to attracting the best and brightest individuals who will uphold the highest standards of integrity and service,” said Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis, President of the Florida Sheriffs Association. “The level of dedication these students have demonstrated towards serving their communities is truly inspiring, and we are honored to offer our support as they pursue their goals.”
To be considered for the scholarship, students submitted a five-page application and essay on how their parent motivated them to choose law enforcement. The applications and essays were reviewed by a committee of representatives from the Florida Sheriffs Association whose members selected this year’s recipients. The 2023 recipients include:
Victoria E Carroll
Victoria is the daughter of Matthew Carroll of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. She will be a sophomore attending Florida State University and is majoring in Criminology. She would like to become a lawyer and work as a prosecutor for the state.
Taylor Jean White
Taylor is the daughter of Deputy Zachary White of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. She is attending the University of Florida and is majoring in Criminology. Her long-term goal is to work for the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.
Sydney Taylor Ward
Sydney is the daughter of Lieutenant David Ward of the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. She will be a freshman attending Gulf Coast State College and seeking an AA degree in legal studies. She plans to become a prosecuting attorney.
Justin Cuylar Durham
Justin is the son of Lieutenant Stacey Durham of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. Justin will be a freshman attending the University of North Florida. After earning a Juris Doctor degree, he plans to enter the Navy and become a Navy JAG Attorney.
Robert Austin Coarsey
Robert is the son of Undersheriff Shawn Coarsey of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. He will be a freshman attending Valdosta State University seeking a degree in Criminal Justice and plans to serve in law enforcement at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
Elizabeth Diane Carvajal
Elizabeth is the daughter of Deputy Jorge Carvajal of the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. She will be a freshman at the University of Florida seeking a degree in Criminology and would like to earn a law degree and become a criminal defense attorney.
Demetria Reuelette Sworn
Demetria is the daughter of Debra Sworn of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. She is attending Broward College seeking an AA degree In Criminal Justice. She plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in forensic science from the University of Central Florida and would like to serve in law enforcement as a crime analyst.
Austin LaDonn Wright
Austin is the son of Deputy Mark Wright of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. He will be a freshman at the University of Central Florida and would like to earn a law degree and work for the sheriff’s office.
Alexis Jade Noe
Alexis is the daughter of Sergeant Jon Russo of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. She will be a freshman at the University of Central Florida and would like to become a criminal justice or trial attorney.
Peyton L Hollis
Peyton is the daughter of Captain Preston Hollis of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. She will attend Harding University to earn a degree in Integrated Marketing Communications. Peyton would like to work in law enforcement as a Public Information Officer.
# # #
Florida Sheriffs Association:
The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of the Sheriffs of Florida, approximately 3,500 business leaders and 90,000 citizens throughout the state. Founded in 1893, FSA has steadfastly served the citizens of Florida by supporting the needs of the state's law enforcement community. Through the Florida Sheriffs Association, Sheriffs are given a forum to address lawmakers to push for positive changes in Florida’s public safety arena. FSA also provides Sheriffs' Offices much-needed programs such as affordable training, special task forces and legislative and legal services. Dedicated to the prevention of juvenile delinquency and the development of lawful, productive citizens, FSA has established and funded the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. It has grown to be one of the largest and most successful state law enforcement associations in the nation. For more information on the Florida Sheriffs Association, visit www.flsheriffs.org.
