For Immediate Release:

Tallahassee, Fla. (July 3, 2014) – 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 2014 recipients are:

Carlos R. Salazar, Jr. – Florida International University
Carlos is the son of Detective Carlos R. Salazar, Sr. from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.  He has participated in the National Honors Society, National Social Studies Honor Society, Peer Ministry, National English Honors Society, and Christian Life Community. He received 1st Honors Awards for all four years and 1st Honors Awards in social studies and civics. Carlos will be pursuing his degree in prelaw and criminology.

Dakota Rizer – University of South Florida
Dakota is the son of Deputy Donald Rizer from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.  Dakota has been active in Future Farmers of America, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch Run.  He was elected as a peer leader and has received multiple awards for his volunteer work with the FFA. Dakota plans to pursue a degree in criminology.

Sierra Purden – Eastern Florida State College
Sierra is the daughter of Commander Gregory Purden of Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.  She has helped assist the State Attorney’s Office Teen Court Program where she served as a Teen Court prosecuting attorney. She played for her school’s varsity lacrosse team and was appointed cross country captain.  She was elected to student government as junior and senior class treasurer.  Sierra was honored with an award and recognition for a science research project from the Florida Institute of Technology and a National Writers Guild second place award for her short story.  Sierra intends to become a prosecuting attorney after college. 

Michael J. Scott – Georgia Southern University
Michael is the son of Sergeant Joseph Scott of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. Michael has been an active volunteer with the Junior Deputy Club and is a member of the CCSO Teen Leadership Academy. He has served in JROTC and was appointed as the JROTC Battalion Captain.  He served as Senior Team Captain of his school’s varsity football team. Michael was the overall winner for the CCSO “Do the Right Thing” award. He received a Special Forces and Tactics Award from West Point Academy. Michael plans to pursue a degree in political and military science through the ROTC program at GSU.

Jordan Brown – Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Jordan is the son of Captain Charlie Brown of Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. Jordan was active in student government and a member of the Community Service Ambassador Leadership Team. He has volunteered with Autism Speaks, the Halifax Hospital, Spruce Creek Baseball, Volusia County Sheriff’s Office Charity Committee, and helps to tutor kids in his local community. Jordan served as captain of his school’s baseball team. He received several scholar athlete awards, student of the month award, president’s list for outstanding grades, and was a nominee for the Superintendent’s Diploma of Distinction for Volusia County schools. Jordan plans to earn a degree in homeland security and become a lawyer.

Auston Saunier – Concordia University Chicago
Auston is the son of Britt Saunier of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.  Auston has been a cadet of the North Port Police Department Explorers Post over the last three years and volunteered over 100 hours of his time to the Explorers Post.  He has participated on his school’s football and track team.  He was on the honor roll and was awarded the True Blue Award twice.  He was also awarded a varsity letter twice for football and is recognized as a scholar athlete.  Auston plans to earn his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology or sociology.

Anthony Moffo – The University of Tampa
Anthony is the son of Major Randy Collier of the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. Anthony has attended tours of the Florida First District Court of Appeal, the M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building, the SRSO County Jail, and has participated in numerous ride-alongs with the SRSO. In school Anthony played golf, ran track, and was a member of his church’s youth group. He has spent time as a volunteer with the Navarre Beach Marine Science Center, Interfaith Ministries, and Gulfbreeze Waterfront Mission. Anthony will be pursuing a degree in criminology.

Olivia Nutting – The University of Florida
Olivia is the daughter of Detective Corporal John Nutting of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Olivia has volunteered at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in forensics, human resources, special projects, and media relations. She has volunteered with USDA, NRCS, and the Florida Hospital.  Olivia was active in club soccer, varsity soccer, and varsity track. She served as captain for various club and showcase soccer teams. She received the Courage Award Scholarship from the Julie Weber Memorial Soccer Tournament and multiple scholar-athlete awards.  She received the Dean’s and President’s List at Daytona State College. Olivia plans to earn a degree in environmental law and policy.

Rachel  Secharan – Florida State University
Rachel is the daughter of Ivan Secharan of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. Rachel participated in the Girls State 2013 Mock Government Symposium and was elected as Supreme Court Justice. She has volunteered with Children’s Miracle Network and with the BSO PAL Tutoring & Mentoring Program. Rachel was active in the International Baccalaureate Program, International Thespian Society, and National Honor Society.  She received an AP Scholar award for outstanding AP test scores and was recognized by BSO PAL for best tutor and mentor.  Rachel is pursuing a degree in criminal law.

Matthew Milligan – Florida Gulf Coast University
Matthew is the son of Lieutenant Mark Milligan of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. Matthew has participated in many ride-alongs with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. He serves as the club reporter for 4H, is active in flight ground school, as well as civil air patrol. Matthew volunteers and is a spokesperson for the Make a Wish Foundation and the Special Olympics.  In his spare time he is a freelance journalist, photographer, and owner of Matt Milligan Photography. Matthew received awards for Florida Weekly Best Up and Coming Photographer in 2013, Kohl’s Cares Award in 2011 for outstanding volunteer efforts, and was an exhibitor in a national gallery show. Matthew is pursuing a degree in forensics. 

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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 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 continues to support the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, which manages facilities and programs 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 [url=http://www.flsheriffs.org]http://www.flsheriffs.org[/url].