Florida Sheriffs Association Continues Investing in Florida’s Youth by Awarding 12 Criminal Justice Scholarships
Each year, the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) invests in Florida’s youth by recognizing hard-working and talented students whose parents work in Florida’s sheriff’s offices. In 2026, the Florida Sheriffs Association awarded twelve scholarships to outstanding high school seniors who plan to pursue careers in criminal justice.
Applicants for the FSA Criminal Justice Scholarship submitted a five-page application, including an essay about their passion for the field. Each student also had a legal guardian employed by a Florida sheriff’s office. The applications and essays were reviewed by a committee of FSA representatives, who selected this year’s recipients based on merit, dedication, and their vision for the future of law enforcement.
The 2026 FSA Criminal Justice Scholarship recipients include:

Landen Keith Flippen
Landen is the son of Lee County Sheriff’s Office Benefits Specialist LeAnn Flippen. He plans to attend Bryan College where he will seek a degree in criminal justice and eventually a master’s degree in public safety administration. After completing his education, he would like to attend the law enforcement academy.

Sa’nie Rylee Clark
Sa’nie is the daughter of Broward Sheriff’s Office Community Programs Supervision Specialist Page McNair. She is attending the University of Central Florida with the ultimate goal of becoming an attorney so that she can advocate for individuals without the resources or support to defend themselves.

Christina Nicole Harrington
Christina is the daughter of Broward Sheriff’s Office Assistant District Chief Gary Harrington. Following her graduation from the University of Florida, she will attend Nova Southeastern University where she will study for a master’s degree in criminal justice with a specialization in behavioral science. She would eventually like to work for a law enforcement agency.

Cade Sullivan Werle
Cade is the son of St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Commander William Werle. He plans to graduate from the University of North Florida with a degree in business management. He would eventually like to work in a law enforcement agency as a deputy.

Erica Denise Bryant
Erica is the daughter of Broward Sheriff’s Office Deputy Diana Milhomme. She is pursuing a degree in criminal justice from Bowie State University with plans to work as a crime scene investigator and eventually work in law enforcement.

Isabella Marcela Aloy
Isabella is the daughter of Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Richard Aloy. She plans to continue her studies at the University of West Florida where she is seeking a degree in political science. She would like to go to law school to become a corporate attorney.

Cassidy Leigh Ross
Cassidy is the daughter of Lake County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Michael Ross. She plans to continue her studies at the Middle Georgia State University where she is working towards a degree in criminal justice. Following graduation, she would like a career as a crime scene investigator with a law enforcement agency.

Kourtnei Jaye Hopkins
Kourtnei is the daughter of Marion County Sheriff’s Office Human Resources Director Monica Chisholm. She plans to attend Louisiana State University where she will major in criminal justice. She would eventually seek to become an attorney so she can use her voice to advocate for others.

Kayla Denae Roberts
Kayla is the daughter of Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Thomas Roberts. She plans to attend Faulkner University where she will seek a degree in criminal justice. She would eventually like to work in law enforcement.

Christopher Nicholas Stronko
Christopher is the son of Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Lt. JoAn Eckstein. Christopher will be attending Embry Riddle Aeronautical University seeking a degree in aerospace engineering. He is also planning to attend the United States Air Force Academy to become a commissioned officer and pilot.

Ella McKenna Eagan
Ella is the daughter of Volusia County Sheriff’s Office Assistant Chief Erik Eagan. She is currently enrolled at the University of Florida Levin College of Law where is working towards a Juris Doctor. Following graduation, she plans to serve as a judicial clerk.

Ryan Kristopher Mohr
Ryan is the son of Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Kristopher Mohr. He is currently attending the University of North Florida where he is majoring in criminal justice. He would eventually like to join the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission where he can contribute to the protection of Florida’s natural resources.
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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.