Give to the Connor Max Firefighter Memorial Endowed Scholarship

When Connor Maxwell Fernandez, known as Connor Max, decided to enroll in Seminole State's fire and EMT program, it was not surprising as he came from a family of firefighters, police and military veterans. In answering the call to serve others, Connor became a part of a larger community of first responders with whom he developed an unbreakable bond of respect and support.

His motto was "Family First," and he always made himself available for family functions, dinners and vacations, providing much laughter and memories. Growing up, whenever neighborhood parents needed a babysitter, the children begged for Connor as he was a great role model. 

Connor was his mother's heart, grandma's treasure, papa's buddy, a "brother" to his friends, St. Genna's inspiration for bear hugs and her grandchildren, and his godfather's excuse to attend Orlando Magic games. His world was also filled with many family members and  friends. 

Living in Altamonte Springs for most of his life, he graduated from Lake Brantley High School where he excelled on the soccer field. He loved adventure, the UCF Knights, Bayer Munchen soccer, Andrea Bocelli, country music, bagpipes and everything patriotic; the American flag, the eagle, red, white and blue along with the Fourth of July. He loved his cat, but mainly, he loved his truck!

When he joined the brotherhood of Seminole County firefighters in 2020, he often spoke of how much he loved the job and the brothers and sisters with whom he served. When he was traumatically injured in a vehicle accident, many of his comrades came and stayed at the hospital during the eight days he fought for his life, offering their support and prayers. Sadly, Connor passed away on Sept. 24, 2022.

His mother, family and friends have established the "Connor Max Firefighter Memorial Endowed Scholarship" to continue Connor's legacy in supporting Seminole State students enrolled in firefighter, EMT or paramedic programs so they may become the next members of our community's first responder family.

See Connor's joy and passion for firefighting as highlighted in Seminole County's personal tribute to this amazing young man who accomplished so much in his lifetime. 

Success Stories

Nialynn Felix

While completing her Emergency Medical Technician certification, Nialynn discovered the love she found in helping the community, the family bond made with co-workers, and the opportunity to do more as a first responder.  She decided to continue her studies and become a firefighter through the Seminole State College Center for Public Safety Fire Academy. Her goal is to continue to grow as a paramedic firefighter and work her way into a leadership role. 

"This job is about more than just fighting fires; it’s about showing up for each other no matter the color of your skin or where you live. It’s about communicating with people and making them feel safe. It’s very stressful trying to make ends meet and pay the bills while making sure I pass my classes. I am so grateful for this scholarship, as it has taken a big weight off my shoulders. I am now able to give a hundred percent to this program and my future career." - Nialynn

Maximus McMichael

As a child, Max was a daredevil whose exploits often resulted in a visit by EMTs and firefighters who came to his rescue many times and treated the injuries he sustained during his adventures. He came to idealize these brave professionals, and to this day he always stops to watch as fire trucks zoom by. Studying to become an EMT/firefighter, Max looked forward to helping the people in his community. While in training, he learned his wife was pregnant with their first child. After taking a brief break, he has returned to the Fire Academy and looks forward to graduating in December 2023.

"I am so thankful to receive this scholarship. With a newborn, our finances are strained and I didn't know how I was going to pay for the training gear or classes. Without your help, I would not be able to realize my dream of becoming a firefighter. Thank you for helping to make my dreams come true." 

Carrina Padua Ross

Carrina's initial goal was to become a paramedic, but halfway through her program, she began her fire department clinical rotations and discovered an entirely different environment. Every station visit was like being invited into the home of a family. They joked together, cooked together, and showed a family aspect that Carrina never had while growing up. She learned that a firefighter's job is so much more than fighting fires; it is being there for someone on their worst day. While inthe  Fire Academy, Carrina is working double shifts in her EMT job. Her dream is to work for Seminole County Fire Rescue as a paramedic/firefighter after graduation.

"What kind of a person, who is in the midst of their devastation and pain, looks outside of themselves, so that a blessing evolves from their loss? A rare person. My godsend. I wish I could fully describe the way Connor’s Scholarship found its way to me. It came after tears, panic and fear. I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Connor, but simply by seeing the heart of his family, I can only imagine what a great person he must’ve been. This scholarship has been a huge help, and I’m so thankful for being able to focus more on my studies and cutting back on hours at work." 

Ronald May

As a child, Ronald dreamed of becoming either a baseball player or a firefighter. When his oldest brother died in 2018 from a heart aneurysm, Ronald didn't understand what an aneurysm was or why it cost his brother his life. From that moment on, Ronald knew that he wanted to learn as much as possible to help others and save lives.  A cadet in Seminole State's EMT/Firefighter Combined program, Ronald plans to remain in Central Florida to serve his community after graduation.  

"To have been picked for a scholarship like this one carries a heavy strong meaning. The support of a brother and his mother in the fire service gives me a whole bigger reason to be the best firefighter I can be. This scholarship helps me to be able to focus on my schoolwork and fire training and I am truly grateful. Thank you for not only sharing your story with me but thank you for giving me a chance to know more about your son."

Michael Davis

Michael feels that firefighting chose him. Three years ago, he settled into a job he planned to be in forever. Then one week, three different firefighters at three different times asked if he ever considered becoming a firefighter. He looked into it and immediately fell in love with the fire service. Since then, he has transformed from someone willing to settle for mediocrity to a proud first-generation firefighter who is goal-driven and will serve his community to the best of his ability.

Sam Pritchard

Since childhood, Sam has been deeply influenced by the values of faith, service and compassion. These principles have shaped his character and instilled a desire to make a positive impact on the world around him. His experiences as an EMT confirmed that being a firefighter was his true calling. Seeing those in distress has motivated him to provide aid and support with compassion and unwavering dedication.

Nestlee Quinones

Knowing he will be able to help save lives and make an impact on the community is what drives Nestlee Quinones to become a firefighter. Growing up in a rough area of New Haven, Connecticut, Nestlee was constantly surrounded by violence and chaos. He saw that firefighters were the brave lifesavers in his community. He wants to give back to the community in the same selfless way those firefighters did when he was a child. After graduation, Nestlee plans to join a local fire department and looks forward to working with colleagues who share the same love for the career as he does. Before enrolling in the Fire Academy, Nestlee worked full-time at Orlando Sanford International Airport to support himself and his disabled mother. This scholarship made it possible for Nestlee to attend Seminole State's Fire Academy.

Kevin Edman

Kevin's passion for firefighting aligns with his desire to serve his community and a deep-seated drive to make a positive difference in the lives of others. After graduating high school in 2013, Kevin temporarily postponed his dream and worked in other fields. He feels he has finally found the career he wants to spend the rest of his life doing. 

"It's an honor to receive this award, and even more gratifying after learning about Connor and who he was as a person. His service to his community, commitment to living life to the fullest, and the importance he placed on putting his family first resonates with me and gives me a strong sense of duty to be the best I can be every day. Meeting his mother, Rebecca, drove home how special Connor was, and her dedication to ensuring his legacy continues  to motivate me to accomplish my goal of becoming a firefighter. This scholarship gives me the chance to continue my studies without it being financially overwhelming. I'm grateful for this opportunity and fully committed to honoring Connor’s legacy and life through hard work, sacrifice and serving others. Thank you to Rebecca and the Foundation for making this possible."

Jacob Dorminy

After being laid off by his employer and learning his wife was pregnant in the same week, Jacob decided to pursue a career that offered stability and the opportunity to help others. His father was a Reedy Creek District firefighter for over 20 years. As a new father, he now fully appreciates the role model his father was during Jacob's early years. Jacob's goal is to become something greater than himself - a valuable team member serving his community.

"Receiving this scholarship has made it possible for me to be fully present in my program and less stressed about having to support my family and cover my educational expenses at the same time. I do not take this opportunity lightly, and with your help, I am determined to become the best husband, father, and community member everyone can be proud of. Thank you! "

Jake Jessee

Jake defines his character as honest, helpful and patient; all values that build trust and respect. These values will aid Jake as he pursues a career as an EMT/Firefighter and allow him to give back to the community in a meaningful way. He follows in his father's footsteps, who served as a firefighter in the U.S. Air Force for 22 years. As a self-supporter, Jake is concerned about how he will cover his living expenses and pay for classes, uniforms and firefighting bunker gear. 

" I am deeply grateful to receive this scholarship which has been a tremendous help and relief in covering his educational expenses. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Caitlyn Strittmatter

Caitlyn grew up in a family that lived to serve the public and knew from a young age she wanted to be involved in the same. Her love of EMS and firefighting arose from hearing stories from her uncles and dad who encouraged her to follow in their footsteps. Her goal is to work for Seminole County and focus on mastering her Fire/EMT skills and then return to obtain her paramedic certification.  As the oldest of her six siblings, her family's finances are dedicated to supporting the family.  

"Receiving this scholarship is one of the most helpful things going into Fire Standards. I do not have enough words to express my gratitude to those involved in allowing me and other recipients to learn and grow without worrying about financial struggle. Supporting myself through college caused excess stress on my already crazy life and having this chance to not have the burden of college finances is a blessing I couldn't even imagine. Thank you so much again for everything!"

Additional Information

Thank you to the following supporters of this scholarship:

• Aida Acosta
• Angelina Aldrich
• Kalene Aldrich
• Damian, Emily and SJ Anderson
• Chris & Cindy Brown
• Emily Brown
• Frank Carmone
• Autumn Cedolia
• Vickie Couture
• Jeff Dixon
• Lisa Dottore
• Monique Eyal
• Firefighter Charity Alliance of Central  Florida
• Lynda Gordon
• The Gordon Alliance
• Howell Hanson
• St. Genna Herbert
• Ric Herbert
• In Memory of Richard Walter Herbert
• Darby Hold
• Howell
• Bonnie Jackson
• Kacey Kropf
• Shari Lagrange-Aulich
• Mary Lantz 
• Legacy Medsearch
• MFC Motorcycle Club-Central Florida Chapter
• MFC Motorcycle Club-Palm Beach Chapter
• Mindy Machock
• Lindsey MacClaren  (Green Lantern)
• Julie Mahler
• Susan Maika
• Dave Nypower
• Lindsay Owens
• Mary Painter
• Mike Parsons (Southeast Roofing & Construction)
• James Peacock
• Lori Ann Roberts
• Kari Rucker
• Christine & David Schlitt
• Jose Serrano
• Signal Lights of Zellwood Station
• Christian Skidgel
• Mike Smith
• Anthony Sos
• Erin Stearns
• Ruth Suman
• Rebecca "Mom" Thyssen
• Tonya Thompson
• Angela Townsend
• Valente Family Foundation
• Bruce "Papa" Van Aken
• Geri "Grandma" Van Aken
• Ventris Medical
• Tammy Yarborough
• Christine Ziegler