Tallahassee, FL (May 14, 2025) – Each year, the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) invests in our state’s future by recognizing ambitious, high-achieving students whose parents serve in Florida sheriffs’ offices. This year, FSA awarded its STEM Scholarship to 12 exceptional recipients pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
“Science, technology, engineering, and math aren’t just academic subjects—they’re the tools that help solve tomorrow’s challenges and keep our communities safe,” said FSA President and Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell. “Championing Florida’s youth has always been central to the Florida Sheriffs Association’s mission, and scholarships like our STEM Scholarship turns that commitment into real opportunity. Investing in these students is essential for Florida’s continued progress and prosperity.”
To be considered for the FSA STEM Scholarship, the student must have a legal guardian that is a full-time employee of a sheriff’s office. The students also must submit a five-page application and an essay on why they are passionate about studying in their STEM-related field. The applications and essays were reviewed by a committee of representatives from the Florida Sheriffs Association whose members selected this year’s recipients. The 2025 FSA STEM Scholarship recipients include:
Jadon Lee
Jadon is the son of Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Payroll Specialist Nhi Chan. Jadon will be a senior attending the University of Florida and majoring in Engineering. He has an interest in the space and satellite industry and hopes to fulfill his passion for design
Emma Renee Koehler
Emma is the daughter of Orange County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Joseph Koehler. Emma is a junior at the University of Florida working to get a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. She would like to work in the packaging industry to develop solutions that prioritize sustainability, accessibility, and user experience
Michael Ryan Harrington
Michael is the son of Broward County Sheriff’s Office District Chief Gary Harrington. Michael is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and hopes to follow with a master’s degree at Georgia Tech. He is interested in digital signal processing and nanotechnology and would ultimately like to work with a government agency, defense contractor, or top-tier engineering firm.
Hailey Lynn Hinchliffe
Hailey is the daughter of Collier County Sheriff’s Office Detective Sergeant Gregory Hinchliffe. Hailey is a Junior at the University of Florida and will finish college with a double major in biology and nutritional sciences. She plans to earn a master’s degree and Ph.D. simultaneously. Following that she would like a career in cellular and molecular biology.
Zoe Sandra Strom
Zoe is the daughter of Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jason Strom. Zoe is attending the University of Florida pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering. Her goal is to work in the marine industry, focusing on vessel electrical systems and large boat electrical infrastructure.
Isabella Grace Snyder
Isabella is the daughter of Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant William Snyder. Isabella is currently attending the University of Florida in pursuit of a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Following undergrad, she will pursue a master’s degree in biomedical engineering. She would like to focus on stem cell research to prolong and improve health in the field of regenerative medicine.
Kaegan Mckenna Roberts
Kaegan is the daughter of Baker County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Thomas Dyal, Jr. Kaegan will be a freshman attending Jacksonville University. While in high school she obtained a certificate as a nursing assistant. She would like to pursue a degree in a science field and ultimately specialize in pediatric oncology.
Ella Kristine McGilvrey
Ella is the daughter of Collier County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant James McGilvrey. Ella is attending Palm Beach Atlantic University to obtain a degree in Biology. Upon graduation she would like to enter a physicians assistant program and work as a PA in a hospital.
Mason Avery Alderman
Mason is the son of Osceola County Sheriff’s Office Major Robert Alderman. Mason will be a freshman at the University of Central Florida and plans to major in Kinesiology to study human movement and physiology. He plans to attend medical school and specialize in sports medicine, as well as conduct research in areas of injury prevention and performance enhancement.
Jamison Abigail Gilman
Jamison is the daughter of Escambia County Sherif’s Office Deputy James Gilman. Jamison will be a freshman at the University of West Florida where she plans to earn a degree in nursing. She would ultimately like to become a nurse practitioner.
Isabelle Helene Barnett
Isabelle is the daughter of Orange County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Chad Barnett. Isabelle will be a freshman at the University of Florida where she will study to obtain a bachelor’s degree in animal science. Her ultimate goal is to become a large animal and livestock Veterinarian.
Samantha Jean Earney
Samantha is the daughter of Volusia County Sheriff’s Office Detective Keith Earney. Samantha is attending the University of Central Florida working to earn a degree in marine biology. She would like to work with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to protect and conserve ecosystems while supporting the livelihoods of communities dependent on marine resources.
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.
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