SFSC Fall Commencement Closes out 50th Anniversary

AVON PARK, Fla.–Dec. 18, 2015–South Florida State College marked the end of its 50^th anniversary with its fall term Commencement, Dec. 17, in the SFSC Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts on the Highlands Campus.

The evening ceremony saw nearly a hundred graduates cross the stage wearing academic regalia adorned with variously colored cords signifying their individual achievements.

“This is a historic occasion not only because you are graduating, but because we are also concluding our yearlong celebration of 50 years of excellence in education,” said Kris Rider, the chair of SFSC’s District Board of Trustees. SFSC got its start in 1965 when, after approval of the Florida Legislature, it opened in temporary quarters in downtown Avon Park.

“Beginning in 2016, we will focus on the next 50 years, of not only excellence in education, but of growth, expansion, and pursuit of our vision,” said Rider.

Martile Blackman delivered the student commencement speech. Blackman, who earned her Bachelor of Applied Science degree in supervision and management, started her freshman year at SFSC 34 years ago. After completing her first year of course work, she put her college education on hold while she raised five children. She returned to SFSC in 2012, earned her associate degree a year later and immediately enrolled in SFSC’s bachelor’s degree program.

“I used to have a problem finishing something I started. The only reason I finished a pregnancy was that I had no choice, nature took over,” said Blackman, to laughter of the students and guests. “I have now proved to myself and others that I can finish what I start and excel at it by where I am standing today.”

The 52-year-old Blackman, who joked that she was older than most of her instructors, imparted words of wisdom at the end of her speech by reciting a poem she had written for the occasion. She used her free verse poem to say that life was a long walk, along which travelers could, if they were willing, find answers to life’s questions, and in doing so, make their journey distinctly their own.

With her 34-year quest for a degree now complete, Blackman said she plans to start a career building upon the business skills and knowledge she learned at SFSC.

Before handing students their diplomas, Dr. Thomas C. Leitzel, SFSC’s fourth president, encouraged them to do “amazing things” with their lives. “Live each day with a curious mind, a generous disposition, and a desire to stand up for what’s fair and what is right,” said Leitzel.

“This truly marks the day when you join the community of alumni who are Panther Proud,” said Dr. Leitzel. “Show your pride. This is your day. You earned this moment.”

Dr. Charlotte Pressler, director of SFSC’s Honors Program, recognized two Honors Program graduates for academic excellence, outstanding leadership, and strong citizenship. They were Mariana Sabine Becker and Patrick Ryan Swafford.

In all, 202 students had met SFSC’s graduation requirements. The college conferred the Bachelor of Applied Science degree in supervision and management on 21 graduates. The college awarded associate degrees to 109 students. Vocational certificates or college credit certificates went to 57 students, with another 15 graduating from the Adult Education program.

Family and friends who could not attend the ceremony were able to go online to watch a live stream of the speakers and the students crossing the stage.

Elizabeth Andrews, professor of English, served as the mace bearer and chief marshal for this year’s ceremony. Assisting as marshals were Davida Austin, Thomas Bush, Dr. Catherine Cover, Robert Hampton, Dr. Michele Heston, Dr. Theresa James, Melanie Jackson, Claire Miller, and Lena Phelps.

In addition to Rider, other members of the SFSC District Board of Trustees in attendance were vice chair Derren Bryan, Kenneth A. Lambert, Timothy D. Backer, Tami Cullens, Dr. Louis H. Kirschner, Lana C. Puckorius, and Patrick “Joe” Wright.

After the ceremony, the graduates joined their families for a reception on campus, posing for pictures, with many heading off to dinner to celebrate their achievement.

AVON PARK, Fla.–Dec. 14, 2015–When Martile Blackman receives her bachelor’s degree during South Florida State College’s Commencement ceremony on Dec. 17, she will have completed a quest 34 years in the making.

After finishing high school in 1981, Blackman, a native of Hattiesburg, Miss., moved to Highlands County. In the fall of that year, she enrolled at SFSC. After completing her freshman-year course work, she took a break from college to start a family, with plans to resume her studies once the kids were in school themselves.

But the demands of raising five children—who range in age from 19 to 31—kept tugging away at her time. Now with all the children out of the nest, the 52-year-old Blackman will finally graduate from SFSC’s bachelor’s in applied science in supervision and management program.

The Sebring resident will not only pick up her degree, she will also deliver the student Commencement speech, giving Blackman an opportunity to tell her classmates and guests about a three-decades long journey that brought her back to SFSC.

“Giving this speech is a tremendous honor for me,” said Blackman. “I’ve put a lot of thought into what I going say because this is an honor I don’t take lightly.”

What prodded Blackman’s return to college? With only one child still at home in 2012, she decided her own education could wait no longer. She returned to SFSC to complete the associate degree she started in 1981.

“To my surprise and favor, the credits I earned during my freshman year carried forward, so it took me only one year to get my associate degree,” said Blackman. “Just as I wrapped that up, SFSC was one year into getting its new bachelor’s degree program in supervision and management going, so I decided to continue on toward a four-year degree.”

Blackman noted choosing a business degree was a good match for her. During her years as a full-time mother and homemaker, she had a hand in helping run a series of family businesses that included restaurants and commercial properties.

Reflecting on her decision to pursue a degree at SFSC, Blackman said she made the right choice. “The classes were small and help was always available when I needed it, including math and writing tutoring labs”

Still, Blackman said she encountered hurdles. “Mastering some of the computer-related work came a bit harder for me than for some of the younger students,” she said. “Usually, I was the oldest student in the class,” Blackman said amid chuckles. “Older even than most of the professors.”

Blackman’s age didn’t dampen her zeal to succeed. She was active in SFSC’s chapter of Phi Beta Lambda, the national organization for students studying business. In her senior year, she competed against students nationwide, reaching PBL’s national competition this summer. Blackman brought home trophies in client services, sales presentation, and project management.

“My senior year was special to me,” said Blackman. “My youngest daughter was starting her freshman year in college, and I was wrapping up my senior year winning at a national competition.”

While she awaits graduation, Blackman works as administrative assistant in a Sebring law office. When not in the office or class, she nurtures a home-based business selling women’s fashion.

What plans does Blackman have once she has her degree in hand? “I haven’t charted out exactly what I am going to do,” she said. “I am definitely going to work but leave some room so that I devote time to a cherished interest, the Highlands Little Theatre.” Blackman has a long association with the Sebring-based theatrical production group, staring in several of its productions.

Blackman said her children —Brittany, Brooke, Molly, Timothy, and Alexandra,—can’t make it to the ceremony, but, along with the public, they can watch it online. SFSC will live stream the graduation exercise on its website: www.southflorida.edu.

The ceremony, set for Dec. 17, at 6:45 p.m., will take place in the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts on SFSC’s Highlands Campus, with rehearsals scheduled for 10 a.m. that day. A reception will be held immediately following the graduation exercises.

As the ceremony draws near, Blackman said she is getting help on crafting her speech from SFSC graduation team members. She won’t reveal what she’ll tell the audience, estimated to number near 1,500, but knows what impression she wants to make on them.

“I want to leave the students and guests feeling a sense of encouragement,” said Blackman. “I want them to know they can accomplish what they believe in their minds is possible.”

AVON PARK, Fla.–Dec. 11, 2015–South Florida State College closes out its 50^th anniversary year with a Commencement ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 17, 6:45 p.m., at the Wildstein Theatre for the Performing Arts, SFSC Highlands Campus, Avon Park.

The Commencement speaker is Martile Blackman, who earns her Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management degree. She graduated from SFSC in December 2013 with her associate in arts degree.

Some 202 students will have met the SFSC graduation requirements. Of these, 109 receive their associate degrees, 57 receive vocational certificates or college credit certificates, 15 will be graduates of the Adult Education program, and 21 will receive a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in supervision and management. Participating in the Commencement ceremony will be 92 students.

Live online streaming, accessed by clicking a website banner at www.southflorida.edu, will allow friends and relatives to see everything from the processional to the last graduate crossing the stage. The stream begins on Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. EDT.

Mace bearer and chief marshal for this year’s ceremony is Elizabeth Andrews, and marshals are Davida Austin, Thomas Bush, Kathleen Cappo, Dr. Cate Cover, Robert Hampton, Dr. Theresa James, Melanie Jackson, Claire Miller, and Lena Phelps.

The Commencement rehearsal takes place Thursday, Dec. 17, at 10 a.m., in the Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts, SFSC Highlands Campus. The 2015 Commencement reception will be held in the Catherine P. Cornelius Student Services and Classroom Complex (Building B) immediately following the Commencement exercises.

AVON PARK, Fla.–Dec. 11, 2015–From January to mid-March, South Florida State College presents Good Time Tuesdays, a popular early afternoon series of performances of world-class entertainment at SFSC’s Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts at the Highlands Campus.

Individual tickets and subscriptions are on sale now. Subscription packages begin at $130 for all 10 Good Time Tuesdays performances. Individual tickets range from $13 to $28. All performances begin at 1:30 p.m.

 The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra starring Jeremy Davis and Clay Johnson kicks off the series with a big band show on Jan. 5 at 1:30 pm. Across America audiences have fallen in love with these two sophisticated Southern gentlemen and their high energy show. With swinging arrangements and a Rat Pack style, the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra’s program may include selections like Come Fly with Me, Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You, Crying, and That Old Black Magic.

 On Jan. 12, Simon and Son presents a delightful afternoon of heart-warming popular and classical music from Beethoven to the Beatles, including a well-liked, crowd-pleasing sing-a-long.

 The Piano Magic of Floyd Cramer featuring grandson Jason Coleman comes to the stage on Jan. 19. Floyd Cramer is one of the most admired and beloved instrumentalists of all time. His distinctive “slip note” piano style can be heard on classic songs of countless pop, country and rock legends like Patsy Cline, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and the Everly Brothers.

 The international hit show Bravo Amici is scheduled for Jan. 26, bringing its unique “popera” sound to Florida’s Heartland. With fans like Queen Elizabeth and Sir Elton John, this globe-trotting group of tenors and divas garners standing ovations around the world. Their genre-bending style has sold more than 3 million albums worldwide.

 Step back to the folk-rock movement of the 1960s with A Band Called Honalee on Feb. 2. In their first national tour, A Band of Honalee promises an afternoon of inspiring folk music from Peter, Paul and Mary, Joan Baez, and Bob Dylan.

 The funny, no-nonsense Ann Landers comes to life onstage on Feb. 9, in the performance of Lady With All the Answers. “Dear Ann Landers” helped shape the social and sexual landscape of the last half-century and this one-woman play focuses on a night in 1975 when Landers was faced with her own personal struggle as she writes “the most important column of my career.”   The performance is smile inducing, witty and, validating.

 The hottest dance show in Florida – Ballroom: South Beach Style – waltzes into the heartland on Feb. 16. Explore the art of Latin-style ballroom with this show’s gorgeous costuming, music from the past, and intricate rhumba, mambo, salsa, and jive dancing.

 Phil Dirt and the Dozers make a return trip by audience demand on Feb. 23. Come along on a musical ride of the 50s, 60s, and 70s with this high energy performance.

Award-winning actor, director, and playwright Frank Ferrante recreates his PBS and acclaimed London portrayal of Groucho Marx on March 1. The legendary comedian comes to life in this fast-paced show that includes the best one-liners, anecdotes, and songs including “Lydia, the Tattooed Lady.” Miriam Marx, Groucho’s daughter says, “Frank doesn’t just do Groucho….he is Groucho!”

On March 8, watch three guys perform on 30 instruments when the curtain goes up on New Odyssey. Their musical inventiveness and comic skills woo audiences wherever they perform, and sometimes the audience gets to participate in the act.

 New group rates for Good Times Tuesdays and all other SFSC cultural arts performances are available. “A minimum of 12 people constitute a group,” said Cindy Garren, SFSC director of cultural programs, “and there is always a free ticket for the group coordinator.” The group rate discount ranges from 10 to 40 percent for most performances.

“Good Times Tuesday matinees are perfect for women’s groups, or a family outing, to celebrate a special event, or just a group of friends,” Garren said.

A 25 percent non-refundable deposit is required to reserve seats, and seats could be added or deleted until final payment is due two weeks prior to the performance. For more information about group rates, email culturalperformances@southflorida.edu.

The matinee series is sponsored by Highlands Regional Medical Center, Lampe & Kiefer Hearing Aid Center, Palms of Sebring, and Family Elder Law.

The Florida Museum of Art and Culture, located in the Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts, is open one hour before all matinee performances and admission is free.

To purchase tickets for Good Time Tuesdays, call 863-784-7178. The SFSC Box Office is open Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Box Office closes for SFSC’s winter break on Dec. 18, at 5 p.m. and opens on Jan. 4, at 8 a.m. During the break, the public can purchase tickets 24 hours a day online at: www.sfscarts.org.

 The Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts is located on the Highlands Campus of SFSC, 600 West College Drive, Avon Park. SFSC also presents its Artist Series of nationally touring Broadway productions, musical groups, and more; a Jazz Series; Trending Now Series; and Young People’s Theater for elementary school students. For more information, including videos, visit: www.sfscarts.org. 

AVON PARK, Fla.–Dec. 9, 2015–South Florida State College graduated eight new correctional officers on Dec. 7. From the SFSC University Center Auditorium stage, Michael Austin, coordinator of SFSC’s Criminal Justice Academy, called up the eight and handed each new officer a diploma. Those receiving a diploma were class leader Ashley Kazlauskas, Michael D. Bowers, Sheila Brutus, Andrew L. Jackson, Diamond L. Madrid, Tamara Walker, Sebastian T. Wells, and Cynthia J. Zwer.

Sheila Brutus earned the top honors for academic excellence, and Cynthia Zwer scored the firearms award for her work on the shooting range.

“These cadets were a group of professionals,” said Austin. “They endured extreme conditions and circumstances to complete this training program. Some were parents, and they all had to commute a great distance to get to classes on time every day. I am confident they could all have promising careers in the criminal justice field if they chose to do so.”

Guest speaker for the ceremony was Michael Braswell, deputy with the Polk County Sheriff’s Department.

AVON PARK, Fla.–Dec. 7, 2015–South Florida State College has launched a new occupational program to meet the health care industry’s growing demand for home health aides.

The 165-hour course prepares students to provide in-home care to patients of licensed home health agencies. The course—taught over two terms— will teach students personal patient care, with an emphasis on caring for geriatric patents. Students will also learn about infection control, ethical responsibilities, and emergency response.

Home health aides provide in-home care to people recuperating from surgery, limited by a chronic illness, or suffering from dementia.

“Florida’s population mix points to an increasing demand for home health aides,” said Rebecca Sroda, dean for health sciences. “As baby boomers age and retire to communities across the state, home health agencies will need to ramp up hiring.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects demand nationally for home health aides to grow 48 percent by 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. Coupled with the region’s already large population of adults 65 and older, Sroda said the new program will meet an industry need.

No state law mandates the licensing or certification of independent home health aides in Florida. Nor does Florida require a state-administered test of home health aides. But the federal government requires home health agencies that receive Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement for patient care to ensure the home health aides they employ complete a training course.

With nearly two-thirds of Florida’s home health agencies serving Medicare and Medicaid patients, SFSC’s Sroda said the new course will prepare students to transition into a job with any agency, regardless of the funding source.

The program, including tuition, fees, and the screening will cost students $542.

The course is open to students 18 and older who have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Applicants must pass a background check that includes fingerprinting and a screening for drug use. Before final acceptance, applicants will complete a physical examination and show proof of hepatitis B vaccination.

To enroll in the home health occupational certificate program, call the SFSC Advising and Counseling Center at 863-784-7313, or email advising@southflorida.edu.

AVON PARK, Fla.–Dec. 7, 2015–On Dec. 1, Sierra Pelham arrived at the DeSoto Campus of South Florida State College’s Collegiate High School expecting just another routine day. Instead, she got the surprise of her young life.

Pelham learned she was among 14 finalists vying for one of six Leaders 4 Life fellowships, an award that comes with a $40,000 college scholarship.

Pelham was eligible for the fellowship because of her participation in the local Take Stock in Children (TSIC) program. The program matches students at-risk of not completing high school with mentors who guide them toward earning their diplomas, with college scholarships awaiting those who graduate and enroll in college.

“Sierra was chosen based on her strong leadership skills, moral character and academic success,” said Irene Castanon, coordinator of the local TSIC program administered by SFSC. Castanon had urged Pelham to apply for the fellowship after watching her progress in the program.

The Leaders 4 Life fellowship is a partnership between the Asofsky Family Foundation, which supports initiatives aimed at helping the state’s youth, and TSIC.

The 17-year-old learned she had been chosen as a finalist at the very end of the school day, when her classmates joined DeSoto High School administrators and Castanon in delivering the surprise announcement.

Pelham’s selection as a finalist from among 90 applicants brings her a MacBook Pro laptop. She will now submit a video essay to a statewide selection committee that will choose the six fellows in January.

The SFSC Collegiate High School is an initiative between the college and each school district in DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties that allows students to complete their high school diploma at a local SFSC campus while simultaneously earning college credits or an occupational certificate.

Pelham has already gained admission to the University of Central Florida, where she will work toward a degree in social work. She has earned a 4.28 grade point average at the Collegiate High School and placed in the top 10 percent of her graduating class.

Castanon said Sierra’s academic achievement and leadership on campus were key to her success in ranking as a finalist.

“Sierra has been an active in the National Honor Society, music theater, and the robotics club,” said Castanon. “What’s more, she has shown leadership off campus by volunteering for Habitat for Humanity for the past three years.”

If Pelham gets the fellowship, she can use money for textbooks, housing, transportation, and other college-related expenses. Even if Pelham is not among those selected, she, like other students who successfully graduate as a TSIC program participant, will receive a scholarship that covers her tuition.

AVON PARK, Fla.–Dec. 4, 2015–Registration for South Florida State College’s spring term is underway now. Students can register for classes through Jan. 5, either online or at any SFSC campus.

Classes start Jan. 6 for the 16-week spring term that runs through May 4.

Returning students can register and pay for classes through the college portal, Panther Central. New students can apply for admission to the college by clicking the “Apply Now” button at the top of SFSC’s home page at www.southflorida.edu.

SFSC recommends that those who have not yet submitted an application do so by Dec. 15. Applicants who wait beyond the Dec. 15 may encounter a delay if they need to submit additional documentation to support their application.

SFSC’s Advising and Counseling Center accepts walk-in registrations 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Fridays. Students can register in Building B on the Highlands Campus in Avon Park, at the Hardee Campus in Bowling Green, at the Lake Placid Center in Lake Placid, or at the DeSoto Campus in Arcadia.

Students can also register for first of the spring term’s two flex sessions. The first flex session begins Jan. 6 and features compressed classes that students can complete in eight weeks. The second flex session begins March 3.

SFSC offers two-year associate degree programs and numerous occupational training programs for folks who wish to enhance their employability skills through shorter courses of study.

The college offers Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management, a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs.

Financial aid is available to those who are qualified. For more information about financial assistance and scholarships, contact the SFSC Financial Aid Office at 863-784-7134. For further information about registration, call 863-453-6661 (Highlands Campus), 773-3081 (Hardee Campus), 993-1757 (DeSoto Campus), or 465-3003 (Lake Placid Center).

All SFSC campuses will close during the college’s Winter Break. The campuses close on Dec. 18, at 5 p.m. and open on Jan. 4, at 8 a.m. During the break, students can register online by following the Panther Central link at top of SFSC’s home page.

For information about SFSC and its programs, visit www.southflorida.edu.

AVON PARK, Fla.–Nov. 19, 2015–South Florida State College students and employees honored the Lady Panthers cross country team for its accomplishments at a special ceremony on Nov. 18 after wrapping up its inaugural season at the National Junior College Athletic Association’s (NJCAA) national cross country championships on Nov. 14 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. The championships were hosted by Iowa Central Community College.

“A few fast facts of historical importance:  First of all, Julia Soto, Savannah Walter, Cali Gumpel, Alexis Armstead, and Grace Miller will forever be known historically as the first ever cross country team at SFSC,” said Rick Hitt, SFSC athletic director. “Along the same lines, Coach Krista Schult and Coach Cassandra Marentes will be known historically as the first women’s cross country staff ever. The families and the meets will be remembered as the first ever. The SFSC administration and trustees will historically be remembered for deciding to add women’s cross country as a sport at SFSC for the fall of 2015.”

The SFSC Lady Panthers Cross Country team returned from the National Championships on Nov. 15 as the 25^th ranked team in the country. The Panther ran their way to a 25^th place team finish and each team member finished in the top 170 out of a possible 330 runners.

Grace Miller set the pace for the Panthers finishing 77^th overall with a time of 20:25 for the 3.1 mile run. Alexis Armstead (21:12), and Savannah Walter (21:17) finished 133^rd and 140^th, respectively. Cali Gumpel (21:21) finished 145^th, and Julia Soto (21:37) completed the course in 163^rd position.

“First and foremost, I want to say thank you to the ladies on the team,” said Krista Schult, coach, SFSC Cross Country, during the ceremony. “They have set the bar extremely high for what’s going to be expected in the years to come. There was only one minute, 12 seconds between all five runners at nationals. We had one of the smallest spreads between first place and fifth place, so that’s something to be proud of. We ran well as a team.”

Schult indicated that all five runners on the Lady Panthers cross country team will return for competition next fall, and SFSC will add five more runners, doubling the size of the team.

“There are three or four other colleges in the Florida College System that are in the process of forming women’s cross country teams, so you are pacesetters in all aspects of that word,” said Dr. Thomas C. Leitzel, SFSC president. “Thank you for bringing recognition to SFSC. Thank you for leading with quality. We treasure you as we do all students.”

The Lady Panthers held its first home meet on Oct. 3, 2015.

AVON PARK, Fla.–Nov. 19, 2015–The mystery surrounding the location of Fort Shackelford will be the topic of the next Kissimmee Valley Archaeological and Historical Conservancy lecture at South Florida State College.

Annette Snapp, an archeologist with the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Seminole Indian Museum, will be the conservancy’s speaker on Nov. 19, 7 p.m., in Building G, Room 101, on SFSC’s Highlands Campus. The public is invited at no cost.

Snapp will talk about the findings from an archaeological exploration that set out to locate Fort Shackelford, a Third Seminole War-era fort built on the edge of the Big Cypress National Preserve, but whose precise location remains shrouded in doubt. The talk will also cover the Seminole tribe’s efforts over the years to protect important cultural resources.

The U.S. government constructed forts throughout the southern half of Florida in its decades-long war with the Seminoles. Fort Lauderdale and Fort Myers endured to grow into cities. But Fort Shackelford’s precise location remains unknown, more than 100 years after its destruction.

Snapp, earned her doctorate in museum ethnography at Oxford University. She also studied applied anthropology and archaeology at the University of South Florida. For the last 20 years, Snapp has worked as a professional archaeologist in Florida and other southeastern states.

In 2013, the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki museum appointed Snapp its operations manager. The museum, located in Clewiston, is home to more than 30,000 artifacts where visitors can learn about the Seminole people and their culture.

The talk is one of a series at SFSC sponsored by the Lake Placid-based conservancy. For more information, call Anne Reynolds at 840-3995.