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 2025, the Florida Sheriffs Association awarded twelve scholarships to outstanding students who plan to pursue careers in criminal justice.

“The Florida Sheriffs Association is proud to support the next generation of leaders in law enforcement,” said Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell, President of the FSA. “A career in criminal justice is more than a job — it’s a commitment to service, problem-solving, and protecting our communities. These scholarships help open the door for students who are ready to take on that challenge and make a difference.”

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 2025 FSA Criminal Justice Scholarship recipients include:

Ella McKenna Eagan

Ella is the daughter of Volusia County Sheriff’s Office Captain Erik Eagan. She plans to attend the Emory University School of Law where she will volunteer in the school’s juvenile justice clinic. Her focus will be on social media law to be an advocate for youth. 

Sa’nie Rylee Clark

Sa’nie is the daughter of Broward County Sheriff’s Office Probation Officer Page Roberson. Sa’nie will be a sophomore at the University of Central Florida. Following graduation, she plans to attend law school and eventually use her knowledge and resources to help individuals navigate the legal system.

Anniston Taylor Sims

Anniston is the daughter of Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Captain Christopher Sims.  Anniston will be a freshman at the University of Florida where she plans to major in sociology before moving on to law school after graduation.  She attributes her motivation to the four years she spent at the Newberry High School Academy of Criminal Justice.

Aalyssa Ann Gunn

Aalyssa is the daughter of Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Christopher Gunn.  She will be a Junior attending Trinity Christian College and seeking degrees in Criminology and Psychology.  She hopes to one day work with the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit and study the complexities of the human mind. 

Evan Matthew Garcia

Evan is the son of Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Assistant Sheriff Eric Garcia.  Evan will be a Junior attending Florida State University to study political science and accounting.  He would like to enter law school after graduation and use his knowledge to advocate for the underserved.

Isabella Marcela Aloy

Isabella is the daughter of Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Richard Aloy. Isabella will be a freshman attending the University of West Florida and would like to attend law school after graduation.

Christina Nicole Harrington

Christina is the daughter of Broward Sheriff’s Office Assistant District Chief Gary Harrington.  Christina began working with the BSO three years ago as a Regional Communications Officer after graduating from the academy.  She will be a freshman attending Nova Southeastern University working towards a degree in Criminal Justice with specializations in behavioral science.  She would like to continue her career with the BSO.

Carter Elliot Whitehead

Carter is the son of Union County Sheriff Brad Whitehead. He will be a freshman attending Florida Gateway College and plans to follow in his father’s footsteps (a 3rd generation law enforcement officer) and join the force.

Cassidy Raye Tanner

Cassidy is the daughter of St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Evidence Specialist Heather Tanner.  Cassidy will be a junior attending the University of North Florida where she is studying forensic accounting. 

Carter Sean Humphrey

Carter is the son of Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Deputy First Class Suzanne Humphrey. Carter will be a sophomore attending Florida Gulf Coast University seeking a degree in Criminal Justice. He would ultimately like to become a U.S. Marshal.

Phoebe Noel Chapman

Phoebe is the daughter of St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Mark Chapman.  Phoebe will be a freshman at Florida Gulf Coast University pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice.  She would like to work in law enforcement in a special victim’s unit.

Nicholas T. Porter

Nicholas is the son of Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Major Thomas Porter.  Nicholas will be a freshman at the University of South Florida working towards a degree in criminal justice.  He would ultimately like to work in law enforcement in a sheriff’s office..

###

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.