The Florida Sheriffs Association, following in its annual tradition, has awarded scholarships to hardworking students studying toward 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 2016 recipients are:

Matthew Booth – University of Central Florida
Matthew is the son of Master Deputy Mark Booth from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. He has participated in the Future Business Leaders of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Boy Scouts of America, and Order of the Arrow. He has achieved the highest rank of Eagle Scout and graduated high school with a 4.9 GPA. Matthew will be pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice at the University of Central Florida.

Janae Dace – Hillsborough Community College
Janae is the daughter of Yolanda Dace, payroll clerk at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. She participated in the Student Government Association, Tampa bay Academy of Hope, and the Precious Pearls. She participated in the law enforcement academy her senior year of high school, and received hands on experience working with the Circuit Court in downtown Tampa. Janae will be attending Hillsborough Community College.

Alexander Schoch – Polk State College
Alex is the son of Robert Schoch, Detention Deputy at Polk County Sheriff’s Office. He attended Summerlin Academy where he maintained a 3.5 GPA and received a Certificate of Commendation. He also participated in multiple service projects and is very well known in his community. Alex will be attending Polk State College pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice.

Robert Bullara, Jr. – University of Florida
Robert is the son of Robert Bullara, Sr., District Commander at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. He is currently employed at the Office of the State Attorney in Alachua County and is an active member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. Robert is a rising senior at the University of Florida pursuing a degree in Criminology with aspirations to attend Law School.

Karis Lilly – Florida Atlantic University
Karis is the daughter of James Lilly, Staff Inspector at the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office and retired Major from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. She graduated with a 4.1 GPA and was a member of the varsity volleyball team along with actively participating in several community service organizations. Karis will be attending Florida Atlantic University pursuing a double major in Psychology and Criminology.

Julia Van Fleet – Southeastern University
Julia is the daughter of Brian Van Fleet, Detective at the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office. She is the Treasurer of the 4H District Council and served as President of 4-H as well. Julia graduated with a 3.5 GPA and will be attending Southeastern University pursuing a degree in Forensic Criminology.

Heaven Coker – Hernando State College
Heaven is the daughter of Jesse Coker, Sergeant at Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. She served as Element Leader in JROTC receiving a superior performance award, and participated in the National Honor Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions, and played on the soccer team. Heaven will be attending Pasco-Hernando State College pursing a degree in Psychology and Criminology.

Hayley Musick – University of West Florida
Hayley is the daughter of Elizabeth Musick, Correctional Officer at the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. She participated in the UWF Mock Trial Association, Florida All- State Choir, and volunteered in community service projects as well as attending a mission trip to Guatemala. She graduated with a 3.69 GPA and received the Outstanding Witness Award from the American Mock Trial Association. Hayley plans to attend the University of West Florida to pursue a major in Legal Studies with a minor in Forensic Science.

Daryl Wilson, Jr. – University of West Florida
Daryl is the son of Latesha Hubbard, Classification Counselor at the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. He participated in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes as well as a volunteer for various community events. He also excelled in athletics receiving several awards recognizing his athletic ability. Daryl plans to attend the University of West Florida to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice. 

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The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of the Sheriffs of Florida, approximately 3,500 business leaders and 70,000 citizens throughout the state. Founded in 1893, FSA has quietly 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 http://www.flsheriffs.org