Westfield High grad Michael Corwin has just received a Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute scholarship. It’s given to students pursuing an education in criminal justice, and Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid presented the scholarship to him.

The award is limited to students attending Virginia colleges and universities; and students are only eligible if they’re in jurisdictions where sheriffs participate in fundraising for this scholarship.

Applicants must include a personal essay and a letter of recommendation from their county sheriff. “Before writing the letters, I meet with each applicant to learn more about their academic achievements, community activities and career goals,” said Kincaid. “This year, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we met via Zoom. I was inspired by their diverse interests and enthusiastic commitment to public service.”

Corwin is in his first year at Northern Virginia Community College, majoring in Administration of Justice, Homeland Security. While at Westfield, he participated in the two-year Criminal Justice program and graduated with a 3.06 GPA. He was also a member of his school’s Marching Band, Wind Symphony, Jazz Ensemble and Indoor Drumline.

In addition, Corwin works as a range safety officer for the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority and volunteers on the security team at Centreville Baptist Church. After graduation, he wants to follow in his parents’ footsteps.

“I would like to enter the public safety field,” he said. “My dad is a retired Fairfax County Fire and Rescue employee, and my mother currently works for the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.”