Carrying the Torch: Ethan Wilson Scholarship Fund honors 2025 award recipients

In a touching tribute to the legacy of a beloved first responder, the medical staff at AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach announced the 2025 recipients of the Ethan Wilson Memorial Scholarships, awarding three college-bound seniors and, for the first time, one firefighter-in-training.

The scholarship was created in memory of Ethan Wilson, a firefighter and paramedic with the Ormond Beach Fire Department who died unexpectedly in February 2023 after a surfing accident. Wilson was just 33 years old.

Now in its third year, the scholarship helps young people pursue careers in health care or public service.

Each high school recipient receives $1,000 per year while enrolled in college and studying in a healthcare-related field. This year, the program expanded to include a $500 annual award for aspiring firefighters.

The 2025 Scholarship Recipients are:

• Braeden Drywa, 18, senior at Spruce Creek High School (GPA 3.46). Drywa will attend Valdosta State University to pursue a Doctorate in Music, with a focus on Music Performance and Music Therapy.
• Sara Riga, 18, senior at Bishop Moore Catholic High School (GPA 4.30). Riga is headed to Florida State University to study Biology and pursue a career in medicine.
• Annalise Yee, 17, senior at Pine View School (GPA 4.60). Ranked at the top of her class, Annalise will attend the University of South Florida – Sarasota, majoring in Biomedical Science with plans to enter the medical field.
• Jordan Goldman, 26, is the inaugural recipient of the firefighter-in-training scholarship. A former educator with a degree from James Madison University, Goldman is currently enrolled at Seminole State College of Florida to become a certified EMT/Firefighter.

“This scholarship program is a beautiful extension of Ethan’s life,” said Dr. Jose Rosado, chief of the Medical Staff at AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach. “He dedicated himself to saving lives — and now, through this fund, he’s helping others pursue careers in service and healing.”

At the ceremony, Ethan’s wife Ashley stood with their 2-year-old son, Coast, joined by his firefighting team and members of his hospital care team.

“This ceremony is always emotional, but it’s also filled with so much hope,” said Ashley Wilson. “Ethan lived to serve others — as a firefighter, a father, a friend. Seeing these students step forward with that same spirit is the best way we can honor him.”

The ceremony also recognized Ethan’s final gift: the donation of his organs, which saved several lives.

“Ethan gave life in every sense of the word — in how he lived and how he left this world,” said Dr. Louis Blaum, hand surgeon at AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach and treasurer of the Ethan Wilson Scholarship Fund. “These students carry forward his mission of care, courage, and commitment.”

Photo caption:

The medical staff at AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach recently announced the 2025 recipients of the Ethan Wilson Memorial Scholarships, awarding three college-bound seniors and, for the first time, one firefighter-in-training. The scholarship was created in memory of Ethan Wilson, a firefighter and paramedic with the Ormond Beach Fire Department who died unexpectedly in February 2023 after a surfing accident.

Back row from left to right: Joshua Champion, chief operating officer, AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach; David Goldman, DO, chief medical officer, AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach; Dennis Hernandez, MD, chief executive officer, AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach; and Louis Blaum, MD, hand surgeon, AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach.

Front row from left to right: Jordan Goldman, firefighter-in-training scholarship recipient; Sara Riga, scholarship recipient; Braeden Drywa, scholarship recipient; Annalise Yee, scholarship recipient; Darla Fish, chief nursing officer, AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach; and Jose Rosado, MD, chief of the Medical Staff, AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach.