FSA Announces Winners of 2021 FSA STEM Scholarship

JUPITER, FL – June 26, 2021 – Since 1993 the Florida Sheriffs Association has sought to encourage and reward high-achieving students whose parent(s) work in a Florida sheriff’s office. Whether they are looking to follow in their parent’s footsteps with a career in an area of criminal justice or blaze a trail of their own in the STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), FSA has established two college scholarship programs to assist with costs associated with higher education.

The application process for both scholarships requires the student to demonstrate a strong desire and ability to succeed in their chosen field, write an original essay based on a given prompt, and provide at least two (2) letters of reference from individuals knowledgeable of their qualifications and plans for the future.

FSA is proud to announce the winners of the 2021 FSA STEM Scholarship:

Carsyn Riley Griffis – Georgia Southern University

Carsyn is the daughter of Terri Griffis of the Baker County Sheriff’s Office. She is attending Georgia Southern University and will graduate in May 2022 with degrees in Public Health and Biochemistry. Her goal is to become a nurse esthetician and eventually obtain her Doctorate of Nursing Practice.

Cassandra Isabel Green – University of Florida

Cassandra is the daughter of Sergeant Menachem Green of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. After graduating high school with her Associates Degree, Cassandra will attend the University of Florida where she will major in Health Science. Her goal is to become a pediatric oncologist.

Daniel Rossman – University of Florida

Daniel is the son of Sergeant Richard Rossman of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. Daniel is attending the University of Florida and is on track to graduate with honors. He is majoring in Aerospace Engineering with plans to attend law school to pursue patent law, specializing in aviation. Ultimately Daniel plans to join the Air Force Judge Advocate General Corp.

Drew James Smith – Nova Southeastern University

Drew is the son of Sergeant Andrew Smith of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. Drew has been accepted into the Nova Southeastern University 7-Year Dual Admission Program that will lead to a bachelor’s degree and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. He then hopes to begin a residency in the field of public health.

Jonathan Lee Sarasa – University of Michigan

Jonathan is the son of Lieutenant Susana Sarasa of the Miami-Dade Police Department. Jonathan will attend the University of Michigan where he plans to earn bachelor’s degrees in Science of Ecology, Evolution, & Biodiversity, and Statistics. He plans to further earn a doctorate in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Jonathan would like to focus on conservation strategies for terrestrial and marine life.

Joshua Cade Ura – University of Florida

Joshua is the son of Colonel Robert Ura of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Joshua will attend the University of Florida where he plans to major in Aerospace Engineering. He would like to work for NASA to study the field of space travel.

Kaleb Matthew Starr – University of the Incarnate Word

Kaleb is the son of Kimberly Starr of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Kaleb is currently in his second year of medical school at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas. His goal is to complete a residency in family medicine and return to Florida where he would like to practice as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine in underserved regions.

Marissa Lanae Shank – Florida Atlantic University

Marissa is the daughter of Lieutenant Anthony Shank of the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. Marissa will be a senior at Florida Atlantic University. She will graduate next year with a science degree in Biology. Her plans include working in a hospital as a certified nursing assistant while studying for the MCAT. Once she has received her M.D., she would like to work in pediatric emergency medicine, as well as working with drug addicts.

Paige Elizabeth Murrill – University of Florida

Paige is the daughter of Deputy Jason Murrill of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Paige will be attending the University of Florida where she plans to ultimately earn a doctorate degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology, as well as a master’s degree in Business Administration. Her goal is to find employment in a research facility where she hopes to lead teams to study cancer research or infectious diseases.

Raquel Beatriz Rossman – Nova Southeastern University

Raquel is the daughter of Sergeant Richard Rossman of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. Raquel is a senior at Nova Southeastern University and is on track to graduate in December with a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Neuroscience. She has been hired as a medical scribe and will work at a local hospital while applying to medical schools.

Tate Wyatt Williams – Florida Gulf Coast University

Tate is the son of Deputy Brian Williams of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Tate will be attending Florida Gulf Coast University with plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering. His goal is to research and develop clean alternative energy sources that would be as efficient as natural gases and gasoline.

Timothy D. Hudson II – University of North Florida

Timothy is the son of Molly Hudson of the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. Timothy will be a senior attending the University of North Florida. He will be pursuing a Doctorate in Physical Therapy with a specialty in geriatric physical therapy in order to improve the quality of life for the elderly.

For more information on the FSA Scholarship Program, please visit our scholarship page. Donate today to make an impact in the life of these students and their parents, who work to serve and protect us every day. Your gift will help FSA reach its goal to provide a $2,000 scholarship to at least 25 students studying law enforcement, science, technology, engineering or math.