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 2024, the Florida Sheriffs Association awarded ten scholarships to outstanding high school seniors planning to pursue careers in Criminal Justice.

“The Florida Sheriffs Association remains committed to nurturing Florida’s young talent. These scholarships enable us to contribute to the development of future leaders in law enforcement,” said Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper, President of the FSA. “Pursuing a career in criminal justice means engaging in critical thinking, innovation, and community protection. Embracing criminal justice drives societal progression and prosperity and ensures our collective safety.”

Applicants looking for consideration for the FSA Criminal Justice Scholarship were required to submit a five-page application, including an essay regarding their passion for the field. The students must also have a legal guardian working for a Florida sheriff’s office. The applications and essays were reviewed by a committee of representatives from the Florida Sheriffs Association whose members selected this year’s recipients.

The 2024 FSA Criminal Justice Scholarship recipients include:

Neena Anjali Setia
Neena is the daughter of Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Rohit Setia. She will be a freshman attending the Florida State University and plans to major in forensics and psychology. 

Brayden Robert McAnally
Brayden is the son of Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Bradley McAnally. He will be a freshman at the Florida State University and plans to major in pre-law, with the goal of entering law school after graduation.

Ella Eagan
Ella is the daughter of Volusia County Sheriff’s Office Captain Erik Eagan. She is a graduate of Daytona State College and plans to enter law school in the fall.

Regan Grace Riddle
Regan is the daughter of Broward County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jason Riddle. She will be a freshman attending Daytona State College and plans to enter the field of criminal justice.

William Rusling Knecht
William is the son of Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Lt. Richard Knecht. William will be a senior attending Georgia Southern University and plans to go into law enforcement as a Federal Fugitive Recovery Agent.

Sa’nie Rylee Clark
Sa’nie is the daughter of Broward County Sheriff’s Office Probation Officer Page Clark. She will be a freshman attending the University of Central Florida and plans to go to law school after graduation.

Cassidy Raye Tanner
Cassidy is the daughter of St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Evidence Specialist Heather Tanner. She will be a freshman attending the University of North Florida and plans to go into the field of Criminology.

Lilliana Ryan Holman
Lilliana is the daughter of Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Detective Ryan Holman. She will be a freshman the University of Florida and plans to enter law school after graduation.

Carley Joan Smith
Carley is the daughter of Volusia County Sheriff’s Office Purchasing Agent Paul Smith. She will be a sophomore attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and plans to enter the military after graduation.

Dylan Michael Seese
Dylan is the son of Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Assistant Budget Officer Tracey Gibson. She will be a freshman attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and plans to go into the field of homeland security and intelligence, with a minor in cyber security.

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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.