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Florida Sheriffs Association Continues Investing in Florida’s Youth by Awarding 11 STEM Scholarships

May 17, 2026

Each year, the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) invests in our state’s future by recognizing ambitious, high-achieving students whose parents serve in Florida sheriffs’ offices. This year, FSA awarded its STEM Scholarship to 11 exceptional recipients pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.

To be considered for the FSA STEM Scholarship, the student must have a legal guardian that is a full-time employee of a sheriff’s office. The students also must submit a five-page application and an essay on why they are passionate about studying in their STEM-related field. The applications and essays were reviewed by a committee of representatives from the Florida Sheriffs Association whose members selected this year’s recipients.

The 2026 FSA STEM Scholarship recipients include:

Annabella Marie Annis

Annabella Marie Annis

Annabella is the daughter of Laura Annis, Collier County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Victim Advocate.  She will attend the University of Florida and plans to major in Chemistry.  Her goal is to use the chemistry degree to research and promote longevity with the hopes of one day publishing her findings.

Aila Mari Coll

Aila Mari Coll

Aila is the daughter of Officer Christopher Coll of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. She will continue her studies at the University of Florida where she is working towards a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. In the future, she hopes to use her experience to obtain a graduate degree as a Nurse Practitioner or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

Mia Gabrielle Lynette Sims

Mia Gabrielle Lynette Sims

Mia is the daughter of Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jeffery Sims. She will be finishing her studies at the University of Central Florida where she is majoring in Biology. She hopes to continue her education by obtaining a master’s degree in medical sciences at the University of Florida and follow by attending medical school where she plans to ultimately become a pediatrician.

Madeleine Lee Page

Madeleine is the daughter of Clay County Sheriff’s Office Detective Marvin Page.  She plans to graduate from the University of Florida where she has studied science and technology.  She would like to further her education by completing a graduate degree in prosthetics or orthotics where she can work with children requiring assistive medical interventions.

Ava Elizabeth Mello

Ava is the daughter of Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Ronald Mello.  She plans to attend the University of Florida where she will seek a bachelor’s and master’s degree in engineering. Prior to seeking her ultimate career goal of becoming an Imagineer (Disney Engineer), she plans to join Engineers Without Boarders to lead a project team dedicated to improving flood infrastructure in the Philippines.

Michael Ryan Harrington

Michael Ryan Harrington

Michael is the son of Broward Sheriff’s Office Assistant District Chief Gary Harrington.  He will be a senior at the University of Florida where he has been studying electrical engineering.  He hopes to follow this degree by obtaining a master’s in electrical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology where he will focus on radio frequency engineering. 

Natalie Mia Pando

Natalie is the daughter of Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Deputy Anthony Pando.  She plans to continue her studies at the University of Miami where she is majoring in health sciences.  Her ultimate goal is to become a pediatrician and work at the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, possibly focusing on pediatric oncology.

Isabelle Helene Barnett

Isabelle is the daughter of Orange County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Chad Barnett.  She will continue her studies at the University of Florida where she is seeking a degree in animal science.  Her plans are to eventually open a livestock veterinary clinic.

Isabel L. Perea

Isabel is the daughter of Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Henry Perea.  She is majoring in health science at the University of Florida and hopes to graduate with honors.  She plans to become a doctor and would like to research neuroscience with a focus on neurodegenerative diseases. 

Taylor Grace Snowden

Taylor is the daughter of Volusia County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Joseph Snowden.  She plans to complete her degree in health science at the University of Florida.  She would like to become a dentist and offer dental care to patients living in rural areas lacking access and affordability.

Joshua DeMarco

Joshua is the son of Broward Sheriff’s Office Major Anthony DeMarco.  He is attending the University of Central Florida where he is majoring in Aerospace Engineering.  He would like to work for the space exploration or aviation sector of this field.

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About Florida Sheriffs Association
The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of the Sheriffs of Florida, approximately 3,000 business leaders and 100,000 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.