The Florida Sheriffs Association invests in the state of Florida each year by encouraging and rewarding bright, hard-working students whose parents work in a Florida sheriff’s office. This year, the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) has awarded college scholarships to 12 high-achieving students that are pursuing a career in any STEM-related field (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math).

“Supporting our law enforcement personnel and their families is a true passion for our sheriffs,” said Gilchrist County Sheriff Bobby Schultz, President of the Florida Sheriffs Association. “Investing in our future is a critical opportunity that improves the STEM talent pipeline, and we look forward to watching these students blaze their own trail.”

This program is open to any son or daughter of a full-time sheriff’s office employee, and to be considered, students must submit a five-page application and essay on why they are passionate about studying their STEM-related field. A committee of representatives from FSA reviewed these applications and essays, selecting 12 of these students. The 2021 recipients of this scholarship are: 

Carsyn Riley Griffis – Georgia Southern University
Carsyn is the daughter of Terri Griffis of the Baker County Sheriff’s Office. She is attending Georgia Southern University and will graduate in May 2022 with degrees in Public Health and Biochemistry. Her goal is to become a nurse esthetician and eventually obtain her Doctorate of Nursing Practice.

Cassandra Isabel Green – University of Florida
Cassandra is the daughter of Sergeant Menachem Green of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. After graduating high school with her Associates Degree, Cassandra will attend the University of Florida where she will major in Health Science. Her goal is to become a pediatric oncologist.

Daniel Rossman – University of Florida
Daniel is the son of Sergeant Richard Rossman of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. Daniel is attending the University of Florida and is on track to graduate with honors. He is majoring in Aerospace Engineering with plans to attend law school to pursue patent law, specializing in aviation. Ultimately Daniel plans to join the Air Force Judge Advocate General Corp.

Drew James Smith – Nova Southeastern University
Drew is the son of Sergeant Andrew Smith of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. Drew has been accepted into the Nova Southeastern University 7-Year Dual Admission Program that will lead to a bachelor’s degree and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. He then hopes to begin a residency in the field of public health.

Jonathan Lee Sarasa – University of Michigan
Jonathan is the son of Lieutenant Susana Sarasa of the Miami-Dade Police Department. Jonathan will attend the University of Michigan where he plans to earn bachelor’s degrees in Science of Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity, and Statistics. He plans to further earn a doctorate in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Jonathan would like to focus on conservation strategies for terrestrial and marine life.

Joshua Cade Ura – University of Florida
Joshua is the son of Colonel Robert Ura of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Joshua will attend the University of Florida where he plans to major in Aerospace Engineering. He would like to work for NASA to study the field of space travel.

Kaleb Matthew Starr – University of the Incarnate Word
Kaleb is the son of Kimberly Starr of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Kaleb is currently in his second year of medical school at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas. His goal is to complete a residency in family medicine and return to Florida where he would like to practice as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine in underserved regions.

Marissa Lanae Shank – Florida Atlantic University
Marissa is the daughter of Lieutenant Anthony Shank of the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. Marissa will be a senior at Florida Atlantic University. She will graduate next year with a science degree in Biology. Her plans include working in a hospital as a certified nursing assistant while studying for the MCAT. Once she has received her M.D., she would like to work in pediatric emergency medicine, as well as working with drug addicts.

Paige Elizabeth Murrill – University of Florida
Paige is the daughter of Deputy Jason Murrill of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Paige will be attending the University of Florida where she plans to ultimately earn a doctorate degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology, as well as a master’s degree in Business Administration. Her goal is to find employment in a research facility where she hopes to lead teams to study cancer research or infectious diseases.

Raquel Beatriz Rossman – Nova Southeastern University
Raquel is the daughter of Sergeant Richard Rossman of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. Raquel is a senior at Nova Southeastern University and is on track to graduate in December with a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Neuroscience. She has been hired as a medical scribe and will work at a local hospital while applying to medical schools.

Tate Wyatt Williams – Florida Gulf Coast University
Tate is the son of Deputy Brian Williams of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Tate will be attending Florida Gulf Coast University with plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering. His goal is to research and develop clean alternative energy sources that would be as efficient as natural gases and gasoline.

Timothy D. Hudson II – University of North Florida
Timothy is the son of Molly Hudson of the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. Timothy will be a senior attending the University of North Florida. He will be pursuing a Doctorate in Physical Therapy with a specialty in geriatric physical therapy in order to improve the quality of life for the elderly.

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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.