The Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation (FASF) proudly announced the recipients of its 2025 Scholarship Program during the Florida Attractions Annual Conference in Ponte Vedra Beach on June 9.
Established in 2014 by the Florida Attractions Association (FAA) and its Board of Directors, the Foundation was created to support the future of Florida’s tourism workforce by providing financial assistance to post-secondary students pursuing careers in hospitality-related fields.
FASF, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, also funds professional development opportunities for industry leaders and awards grants to FAA member businesses to support internal training initiatives.
Thanks to the generous support of FAA members, the Foundation has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships and grants since its inception. Scholarships are available exclusively to employees of FAA member businesses and their dependents; grants are awarded to FAA member businesses.
William (Quin) Anderson
William "Quin" Anderson has received a scholarship from the Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation in recognition of his dedication to the attractions industry and academic excellence. A Business Management major with a 3.56 GPA, Quin currently works at ZooTampa and has completed over 200 credit hours in hospitality-related coursework.
His passion for guest experience and leadership is evident in his active involvement with organizations like the President’s Leadership Fellows and Collegiate Leadership Tampa Bay. Quin also serves as an IAAPA Show Ambassador, where he was honored as Ambassador of the Year.
Quin’s short-term goal is to continue building his expertise in the attractions industry and secure a full-time role upon graduation in 2025. Long-term, he aspires to launch his own attraction business and mentor future professionals. With his strong foundation and vision, Quin is poised to make a lasting impact in Florida’s tourism landscape.
Maria Dezubiria
Chad Middleton Memorial Scholarship
Maria Dezubiria has been awarded a scholarship from the Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation in recognition of her outstanding academic and professional accomplishments. A graduate of Hospitality Management with Cum Laude honors, Maria is currently pursuing a Master’s in Event Leadership while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. She brings hands-on experience from two of the world’s top entertainment companies—Universal Orlando, where she works in Human Resources Operations, and The Walt Disney Company, where she serves as a professional intern and member of a Local Diversity Action Team.
Maria’s short-term goal is to step into a leadership role in event operations, where she can apply her passion for immersive storytelling and guest experience. Long-term, she aspires to become a senior leader in event strategy at Disney or Universal, crafting innovative, inclusive events that inspire and delight. Maria’s drive and dedication mark her as a rising star in Florida’s attractions and events industry.
Greer Gaspard
Greer Gaspard, an ambitious and high-achieving student, has received a Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation award. Pursuing a double major in Accounting and Biology, Greer maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA and brings a unique blend of business and science to the future of zoological management. As a dependent of a SeaWorld Orlando employee, Greer exemplifies a strong connection to Florida’s attractions industry.
Greer is a published author and active community member, serving as a figure skating coach, tutor, and student member of the International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association. Her long-term vision is to become CFO and eventually CEO of a zoo, aquarium, or wildlife sanctuary, where she can combine financial leadership with a passion for conservation.
This scholarship recognizes Greer’s dedication to academic excellence and her commitment to advancing wildlife care and education. Her future promises to make a lasting impact in Florida’s zoological community.
Ashley Smith
Barbara Kenney Honorary Scholarship
Ashley Smith, a standout student at the University of Central Florida, has received a prestigious scholarship from the Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation. A first-generation college student majoring in Marketing and Finance, Ashley has demonstrated exceptional dedication through her 550 internship hours at Universal Orlando Resort. Her work with the Digital & Technology team has fueled her passion for the hospitality and travel industry.
In addition to her academic achievements and 3.41 GPA, Ashley’s leadership shines through her involvement in organizations like Collegiate DECA and College of Business Ambassadors. She’s also earned accolades from Coca-Cola, Nestlé, and DECA. This summer, she will continue her growth as a Nestlé sales intern and Coca-Cola campus ambassador.
Ashley plans to pursue a full-time marketing or sales role at Universal Destinations and Experiences after graduation, with long-term goals of leadership in the attractions industry. Her story embodies the future of Florida tourism and hospitality.
Jaedyn Sobota
Arthur Hertz Memorial Scholarship
Jaedyn Sobota, a dedicated Hospitality Management student at the University of Central Florida, has received a prestigious scholarship from the Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation. A valued team member at Universal Orlando Resort, Jaedyn has already made a strong impression, earning the "Rookie Caretaker of the Year" award within just five months of joining the Attractions team.
With a 3.6 GPA and consistent recognition on the Dean’s List, she exemplifies both academic and professional excellence. Jaedyn is actively involved on campus as Vice President of UCF’s Improv Academy and a member of its audition-only House and Musical Improv teams. Her short-term goals include continued academic success and refining her career path within the hospitality industry. Long-term, she aspires to a leadership role at Universal, driven by her passion for theme park operations and guest service. Jaedyn’s selection highlights her promise as a future leader in Florida’s vibrant attractions industry.
About the Three Named Scholarships
Chad Middleton Memorial Scholarship
We lost our friend Chad Michael Middleton in a tragic accident in 2018. A third-generation leader at FPIS Brochure Distribution, founded by his grandmother and one of FAA’s first associate members, Chad was known for his Christian values, love for his wife and four sons, and commitment to excellence.
Respected for his professionalism and kindness, Chad was a unifying presence and a gentle peacemaker. His legacy continues through the lasting impact he made at FPIS and the many lives he touched.
The Chad Middleton Memorial Scholarship, funded by the Rick Soverns family of Sawgrass Recreation Park, honors a cherished friend and a life lived with purpose.
Barbara Kenney Honorary Scholarship
Ten years ago, Barbara Kenney of Kenney Communications provided the seed funding that launched the Florida Attractions Scholarship Foundation. Her generous gift enabled the Foundation to begin awarding scholarships to students pursuing careers in attractions and tourism.
Barbara, founder and CEO of Kenney Communications based in Orlando, has over 40 years of experience in strategic communications. Her company was among the FAA’s first associate members, and she was named FAA Associate Member of the Year in 1997.
Arthur Hertz Memorial Scholarship
Arthur Hertz, born in Brooklyn, New York, became a true Miamian after moving there at age 13. He joined Wometco Enterprises in 1955, learning the tourism industry from the ground up. He played a key role in Wometco’s acquisition of the Miami Seaquarium and helped manage other Florida attractions like the Citrus Tower and Conch Tour Train.
A champion for tourism, Arthur served on the board of the Greater Miami CVB, helped create VISIT FLORIDA, and later chaired its board. Inducted into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame in 2004, Arthur was also a generous philanthropist. In his memory, his family proudly funds the Arthur Hertz Memorial Scholarship.
