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. Thanks to the partnership formed by the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) and the Motorola Solutions Foundation, ten high-achieving students will receive a college scholarship.  Annually, the Motorola Solutions Foundation supports the efforts of the FSA by generously donating $20,000 to support their STEM scholarship for students pursuing a career in any STEM-related field (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math). The Motorola Solutions Foundation awards grants each year to organizations, such as FSA, which support and advance public safety programs and technology & engineering education initiatives.

“This is a great way to support those who mean the most to our law enforcement officers,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “These fields are fast growing in our society and the need is there to educate our youth so they may have an opportunity for a bright future.”

“Motorola Solutions Foundation is honored to be able to support the efforts of the Florida Sheriffs Association. As a leading technology company that understands the value of the safety of communities worldwide, we know the importance of a quality education for tomorrow’s technology professionals,” said Matt Blakely, executive director of the Motorola Solutions Foundation.

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 the FSA reviewed these applications and essays, selecting ten of these students. The 2018 recipients of this scholarship are:

Mark Brigman – Polk State College
Mark is the son of Bobby Joe Brigman, a Sergeant of Polk County. Mark will be studying chemistry as he plans to become a pyrotechnics chemist. Some leadership positions that Mark held were being a member of the PCSO’s Explorer Post, Science National Honors Society and minister to the sick for St. Joseph’s Church.

Sydney Cabrera – Florida State University
Sydney is the daughter of Mario Jesus Cabrera, staff attorney for Polk County. Sydney will be studying biomedical engineering as she plans to take her education track all the way to medical school where she will study to become a pediatric pathologist. Volunteering at Lighthouse Ministries’ Troxell House, being the captain of several athletic teams and being vice president of the Math National Honor Society are just a few extracurricular activities that Sydney remains active in.  

Andrew Haskell – Florida Polytechnic University
Andrew is the son of April Payan, a public safety telecommunicator in Brevard County. Andrew will be obtaining a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering with a concentration in nanotechnology. Some leadership positions during high school that Andrew held included being the sergeant of arms of Mu Alpha Theta, president of the International Club and class representative of Key Club.

Angela Moon – Florida State University
Angela is the daughter of Sgt. Christopher Moon, in Miami-Dade. Majoring in biochemistry and pre-professional health studies, she wants to pursue a career as an orthopedic surgeon. Involved in a number of organizations, Angela was the captain of the tennis, volleyball and soccer team along with creating an initiative to help facilitate relationships between mentors and foster children called Moons and Star.

Megan Mosbach – Florida Gulf Coast University
Megan is the daughter of Jamie Mosbach, a Community Engagement Officer, and Ron Mosbach, a retired Law Enforcement Officer in Collier County. Megan will obtain her degree in nursing and ultimately obtain a graduate degree as a Physician’s Assistant. Involved in a number of organizations, Megan was a member of the basketball team, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a volunteer for Naples Girls Basketball Foundation, a volunteer for the Collier County Sheriff’s Office and a volunteer for Collier County Public School.

Alexandra Pabon – Florida State University
Alexandra is the daughter of Sgt. Eric and Linda Mixon in Monroe County. Alexandra will obtain her degree in forensics and criminal justice. She wants to pursue a career as a medical examiner and work with law enforcement on major crimes. Involved in a number of positions, Alexandra was a member of student council, Relay for Life, president of the National Honor Society, president of the Nike Club and captain of the track and cross country team.

Allison Ridgely – Santa Fe College
Allison is the daughter of Deputy Dennis Hanner from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office. Allison will obtain her degree in sports medicine, where she wants to pursue a career that revolves around sports. Allison volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club, House of Hope and Celebrities For Kids. Additionally, she was the varsity cheerleading captain and a member of the National Honor Society.

Devin Saunders– Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Devin is the son of Sgt. Deborah Saunders of Miami-Dade County. Devin will obtain his degree in engineering and then pursue a master’s degree. Ultimately, Devin aspires to own his own company. Volunteering at the Diamond Minds Transformational and Leadership Academy, being a mentor in the Miami Kappa League Leadership and Development Program and being an active member of the Church Media Ministry are just a few of the extracurricular activities that Devin has taken part in.

Hunter Scilex ­– Liberty University
Hunter is the son of Sgt. Richard Scilex of Pasco County. Hunter will be obtaining his B.S. degree in aeronautics with a concentration in commercial and corporate. Ultimately, Hunter wants to become a flight instructor at a flight school and eventually become an airline pilot for a major airline. As a member of the JROTC, Hunter has held several positions as well as volunteer positions at Hudson Elementary School as a safety patrol trainer and a member of First Baptist Church New Port Richey.

Kaci Thoman ­– Florida Southern College
Kaci is the daughter of Becki Thoman, a criminal research investigator in Collier County. Kaci will obtain her B.S. degree in athletic training, and then she will be off to medical school. After the completion of her master’s degree, Kaci wants to pursue a career as a Physician’s Assistant. Involved in various organizations, Kaci is a member of Iota Tau Alpha, Phi Epsilon Kappa, National Society of Leadership, Phi Eta Sigma and Lakeland Sandwich Ministry.

For additional information on the Motorola Solutions Foundation grants program, visit: [url=http://www.motorolasolutions.com/foundation]http://www.motorolasolutions.com/foundation[/url].

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The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of Florida’s Sheriffs, approximately 3,500 business leaders and 70,000 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 both established and continues to fund the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches with facilities throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. The Florida Sheriffs Association 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 http://www.flsheriffs.org.