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FSA Awards Scholarships to Students Studying Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice

July 13, 2015

The Florida Sheriffs Association, following in its annual tradition, has awarded scholarships to hardworking students studying for a career in law enforcement, corrections, or another criminal justice field. These students look to follow in the footsteps of their parents, as they are also the sons and daughters of employees working full-time for a Florida Sheriff’s Office. To be considered for the scholarship, students submitted a five-page application and an essay on how their parent motivated them to choose law enforcement. The applications and essays were reviewed by a committee of representatives from the Florida Sheriffs Association whose members selected the ten recipients.

The 2015 recipients are:

Sarah Coleman – University of Florida 
Sarah is the daughter of Deputy Sheriff Kevin Coleman from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. She has participated in the National Honors Society, DECA, Teen Trendsetters, and the Spanish Honor Society. She was a marketing finalist for DECA Apparel and Marketing, and also earned the AP Scholar Award. Sarah plans to pursue a degree in criminology.

Cole Arthur – Clearwater Christian College
Cole is the son of Sergeant Sean Arthur from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. Cole has been active as a volunteer for organizations like the Salvation Army, and was the school treasurer for the National Honor Society. He has also been recognized as a Florida Bright Futures scholar, as well as earning as plethora of recognitions from his time on the school soccer team. Cole plans to pursue a degree in pre-law. 

Skyla Infante – University of Alabama
Skyla is the daughter of Deputy Sheriff Andrew Infante of St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office. During her time in high school, Skyla was heavily involved with the Jensen Beach band as well as being a member of the National Honor Society, AFJROTC, and Key Club. She has multiple awards for her skills as a musician, winning the outstanding musician award in 2012. Skyla intends to pursue a degree in criminal psychology. 

Matthew Dews – University of North Florida
Matthew is the son of Detective Robert Dews of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. Matthew has been an active volunteer with his church, as well as being a member of his high schools track and field team. He has served as treasurer of the National Beta Club, and has held multiple leadership positions with the Clay County 4-H Ham Jammers ranging from treasurer, to vice president, and then president. Matthew intends to pursue a degree in criminal justice.

Zachary Raschke – University of South Florida 
Zachary is the son of Master Detective Leonard Raschke of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Zachary was active in student organization as he was and a member of the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Rho Kappa, and the National Spanish Honor Society. He also was the captain of his high school hockey team, the Bloomindale High School Bulls. He was also successful with his academics as he was recognized for his outstanding academic and community performance in April of 2015. Zachary plans to earn a degree in criminology

Chantrell Frazier – Savannah State University 
Chantrell is the daughter of Ayanna Kelly, the Senior 911 Dispatcher for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. She was a member of her high school women’s basketball team as well as being a part of organizations like the Forensic Science Club, the Golden Key Honor Society, and the National Honor Society. It was with the Forensic Science Club that Chantrell held the position of social media coordinator. Along with being recognized for her role on the women’s basketball team, she earned a silver medal at her high school for maintaining a 3.5 GPA. Chantrell is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Forensic Science.

Charles H. Keene – Florida State University 
Charles is the son of Master Detective Charles Keene of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department. Charles was heavily involved in his high school organizations as he was a member of the National Honor Society, the National English Honor Society, BETA National Club, the Best Buddies Program, and SADD. He also was a volunteer of a youth church as well as being an assistant coach for a youth football program. He has been awarded for maintaining a high GPA as well as for completing over 100 hours of community service. Charles will be pursuing a Bachelor’s in Business before working toward a Juris Doctorate in Law.

Ethan J. Kirk – Indian River State College
Ethan is the son of Gregory L. Kirk, a background investigator and polygraph examiner for the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office. Ethan has extensive volunteer experience as he has worked with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Minnesota ALS/Friends of Don Sather, the Police Athletic League, and Family Meals, Inc. He was also the Student Site leader at the Habitat for Humanity Project. Ethan was a nominee for the 2015 St. Lucie Chamber of Commerce Florida Award for Exceptional Work in Social Studies, and in 2009 earned the City of Ft. Pierce Lifesaving Award for assisting in the rescue of five people when their boat had capsized. Ethan hopes to earn his Associates in Criminal Justice before pursuing a Bachelor’s in the same field.

Rachel Castelli – Florida State College of Jacksonville
Rachel is the daughter of Christopher J. Castelli, a Marine Enforcement Officer for the Clay County Sheriff’s Department. Rachel was heavily involved in high school extra-curricular activities as a member of the school basketball, tennis, cheerleading, and volleyball squads. On top of her efforts on the court, Rachel was a member of the Latin Club while volunteering with organizations like the YMCA, the Project Reach Homeless Education, St. John’s River Clean-up, and the Police Athletic League. With her exemplary skills both in and out of the classroom, Rachel has been recognized as Athlete of the Week (2013), Athlete of the Year (2014), and was awarded the Ridgeview High School Scholar Athlete Award. Rachel is pursuing an Associates in Criminal Justice before working towards her Bachelor’s in the same field. 

Kasey Starling – South Florida State College
Kasey is the daughter of Lieutenant William Starling of the Highlands County Sheriff’s Department. While juggling the responsibilities of the typical high school student, Kasey was also a volunteer swim instructor as well as volunteer in a middle school remedial reading classroom. She was also a member of the Respect Life Youth Ministry. Along with her volunteering efforts, Kasey was the FFA Secretary from 2013-14, and eventually became the FFA President the following year. She has been recognized and currently holds records from her time as a swimmer and an exhibitor with the county. Kasey looks forward to earning her Associates Degree before working towards a Bachelor’s in Criminology. 

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