The KVAHC Speaker Series Presents Archaeologist Melissa Timo

AVON PARK, Fla.–Feb. 27, 2015–The Kissimmee Valley Archaeological and Historic Conservancy’s (KVAHC) Speaker Series presents “Dispatches from the Deep: The Archaeology of Florida’s Spanish Shipwrecks,” with archaeologist and historian Melissa Timo on Thursday, March 12, 7 p.m., Building G, Room 101, at South Florida State College’s, Highlands Campus. The public is invited at no cost.

Spanish ships have been navigating Florida’s waters for more than 500 years. This program will highlight the evidence underwater archaeologists have uncovered over the years about failed colonies, far-reaching trade networks, and doomed plate fleets. Participants will explore the evidence and learn how they can visit these unique Florida resources.

Melissa Timo is the public archaeology coordinator for the Florida Public Archaeology Network Southwest Region. She received her master’s from the University of West Florida focusing on Historical Archaeology. Melissa has worked as an archaeologist and historian throughout the eastern United States and specializes in historic cemeteries, frontier communities, and African American archaeology.

For more information, contact Anne Reynolds at 863-840-3995.

AVON PARK, Fla.–Feb. 24, 2015–High school juniors and seniors in DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands’s counties will get a first-hand glimpse at what college has to offer at South Florida State College’s (SFSC) new Collegiate High School program coming fall 2015.

SFSC’s Collegiate High School program helps students earn college credits while simultaneously completing their high school diploma. The program expedites educational opportunities, eliminates duplication between high school and college course content, increases the rigor and challenge of course offerings while in high school, and provides free college tuition, registration, and laboratory fees for students. In many cases, students graduate with both their high school diplomas and associate’s degrees. Industry certifications such as business administration and citrus production technology.

Collegiate High School students attend all classes at their preferred SFSC campus while still participating in extracurricular activities at their home high schools. Prospective students should contact the SFSC campus advisor regarding availability of particular programs. Collegiate High School students have access to all SFSC student resources, events, and activities.

Students participating in the program must attend college classes at any SFSC campus for at least one full year. During this time, students must complete at least 30 credit hours during grade 12 or may begin earlier in grade 11 with the potential to complete the entire associate degree (60 credit hours) within two years. All college classes taken must apply toward high school graduation and an associate or baccalaureate degree.

High school sophomores and juniors currently enrolled in DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands county high schools are eligible to apply. Requirements include parental permission, a minimum 3.0 grade-point average, and college ready scores on all sections of the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT), ACT, or SAT. Students must see their high school guidance counselor to verify eligibility, select appropriate courses, and approve the application for submission to SFSC.

Information packets and applications for admission are available at any SFSC campus, in the Highlands Campus Registrar’s Office, or in high school guidance offices. The application deadline for admission is June 15, 2015.

Once a student has determined eligibility, he or she must meet with an SFSC advisor to determine a major, establish a degree plan, and then register for an orientation session at SFSC.

SFSC will host information sessions for prospective students at each campus throughout the year. SFSC’s Lake Placid Center will host an information session for Lake Placid High School students on Wednesday, March 25, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., in Room 124. Lake Placid High School students must register with their high school guidance counselor by March 11. For more information on upcoming Collegiate High School information sessions at SFSC’s DeSoto Campus, call 863-993-1757; SFSC’s Hardee Campus, 863-784-7061; SFSC’s Lake Placid Center, 863-784-7083; and SFSC’s Highlands Campus, 863-784-7329.

For more information on SFSC’s Collegiate High School program, contact Dr. Kimberly Batty-Herbert, dean of arts and sciences, at 863-784-7329, battyhek@southflorida.edu, or visit http://www.southflorida.edu/future-students/dual-enrollment.

AVON PARK, Fla.–Feb. 24, 2015–The Florida College System recently announced that South Florida State College (SFSC) students Emma Cardinal, Ruben De La Cruz, Joy Derrick, Katelynne Leman, and Jessica Saenz were chosen to represent SFSC as members of the 2015 All-Florida Academic Team.

Only 124 students statewide were selected for the team, which is comprised of high-achieving college students from the 28 state and community colleges in the Florida College System. These students will be recognized at an awards ceremony on Thursday, April 9, at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee.

The All-Florida Academic Team recognizes outstanding students for academic achievement, leadership, and service to the community. These students were nominated by their respective colleges to the All-USA Academic Team competition sponsored by USA Today and the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society. In addition, PTK also distinguishes the top 30 students of each class by selecting them to the All-Florida First Team based on ratings in competition throughout the state.

“I’m pleased to recognize this group of outstanding scholars for excelling in their studies while providing leadership and service to their schools and communities,” said Pam Stewart, commissioner of education. “Our colleges have done an excellent job preparing these students for success now and in the future. I’m confident these are among the next generation of leaders in the Sunshine State.”

In nominating students for the All-Florida Academic Team, colleges consider participation in honors programs; membership in, and awards received from, academic or honors organizations; awards and honors received for academic and leadership accomplishments; academic enrichment achieved through study, internships and cultural experiences; and sharing of academic attainments, knowledge and skills through community service.

The SFSC Honors Program is designed for those students who want to take on the full intellectual challenge of a college education. Students in the program gain intellectual development and cultural enrichment; are taught by qualified and experienced faculty; are eligible for scholarships; and receive recognition at SFSC’s graduation ceremony. For more information on the SFSC’s Honors Program, call Dr. Charlotte Pressler at 863-784-7247 or Charlotte.Pressler@southflorida.edu. For more information about the All-Florida Academic Team, visit the All-Florida Academic Team website www.floridacollegesystem.com/all-florida.

AVON PARK, Fla.–Feb. 18, 2015–For the third year, students from South Florida State College’s Panther Youth Partners (PYP) program participated in the Drug Free Highlands (DFH) retreat on Feb. 13 at the Champions for Children Theater.

High school and middle school students from Highlands County schools are invited each year to attend the retreat were the students are educated on the consequences of drug abuse and are involved with providing input on ways to improve prevention efforts in our community.

SFSC’s PYP students took part in DFH planning process for the strategic plan that addresses the concerns of the community in regards to drug abuse each year. Drug Free Highlands mission is to organize, inform, educate, and unite the community in its efforts to reduce substance abuse among youth.

The Drug Free Highlands retreat was a team-building work day spent educating coalition members about the substance abuse response guide (SARG) process. The first part of the day was spent conducting logic models which help identify problems in the county and why they exist, the members then analyzed how our environment may support the behavior, and then the coalition located data to support the findings.

The second part of the day was spent on environmental strategies and DFH’s action plan. This time was dedicated to looking at already existing resources or finding new resources that change social norms, deter risky behaviors, and support healthy choices for all. The group then revised and updated the action plan to reflect the coalition goals. Within the action plan, the strategies, responsible parties, and timeline were all documented. The action plan is then used as a guideline to eradicate substance abuse in our community and enhance the lives of our residents and beyond.

“Students involvement and creativity in addressing the issues our community face day to day in regards to drug abuse is the best and most effective way to reach our youth,” said Eddie Cuencas, PYP coordinator at SFSC. “The goal of the coalition and its partners is to work together as a team for the community and the future of our youth.”

SFSC’s PYP program is a federally funded workforce program that offers services to students ages 16-21 that help them gain skills to obtain employment. The services include academic support; financial aid and financial literacy advising; career development assistance; personal, academic and career counseling; job shadowing; and employability skills workshops. The program also works in conjunction with agencies such as the Health Department, Drug-Free Highlands, the Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Alliance, Ridge Area Arc, and the Career Source Heartland to provide students instruction on topics such as health awareness, drug and pregnancy prevention, table etiquette, job interviewing and resume skills, as well as volunteer and job shadowing opportunities.

For more information on SFSC’s PYP, visit www.southflorida.edu/pantheryouth or call Cuencas at 863-784-7161 or Eddie.Cuencas@southflorida.edu.

AVON PARK, Fla.–Feb. 17, 2015–Whether you’re just starting out, looking to re-enter the workforce, or wanting to switch careers, but you’re not sure about an area of study, South Florida State College’s (SFSC) 17th Annual Career Connection Expo will introduce participants to career options in a variety of academic areas on Thursday, Feb. 26, 8 – 11 a.m., in SFSC’s Panther Gymnasium, Highlands Campus. The free event is open to anyone interested in learning about career opportunities.  

Over 75 guest exhibitors representing a wide array of occupations will be on hand to discuss educational and employment opportunities, the nature of their work, and opportunities for advancement in their fields. These exhibitors will include professionals from the agriculture industry, construction and building trades, art-audiovisual, business and finance, health and medical science, human services, law and government, computers/information technology, transportation and logistics, marketing, manufacturing, U.S. military, and many other professions.

The event will give community members and prospective students the chance to discover what each career might offer in the future, learn about academic requirements and job options, hear from current and former students about their experiences in the program, and find out how to get started at SFSC and pay for school. Prizes will be given away in drawings.

Representatives from SFSC’s admissions, financial aid, advising and counseling, veteran’s services, academic divisions, and Career Development Center will be available to answer questions from prospective students and the public.

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

For more information about the expo or to access SFSC Career Development Center services, call 863-784-7410, visit the Career Development Center on the first floor of Building B, Room 111, Highlands Campus, or visit http://www.southflorida.edu/current-students/career-development-center.

AVON PARK, Fla.–Feb. 17, 2015–Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteer Lea Ann Curry was recently presented the Champion of Service Award by Volunteer Florida and Governor Rick Scott at a Florida Cabinet meeting on Feb. 5. Curry, along with Rachelle Duroseau and K9s for Warriors, was one of three Floridians recognized for their outstanding efforts in volunteerism and service.

Curry was selected for being instrumental in leading Disaster Preparedness efforts for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, helping over 4,000 families build evacuation plans and kits. She also holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel as a volunteer with the Civil Air Patrol. Curry is a registered nurse with over 49 years of emergency response experience, involving disasters such a Hurricane Andrew, the Oklahoma City Bombing, Hurricane Katrina, the 9/11 attacks in New York City and at the Pentagon, and Hurricanes Charley, Frances, and Jeanne.

The Champion of Service Award was established in 2013 by Volunteer Florida. Recipients must demonstrate excellence in volunteerism, community service, national service, civic, social, or corporate responsibility; be creative in the use of people, resources, and opportunities; have a role in advocating for volunteerism in their local community; make an outstanding contribution to community service efforts; and have an honorable commitment to volunteer service.

“It is an honor to recognize these great Floridians for their service to Florida’s veterans, at-risk children and families, as well as disaster preparedness and response,” said Governor Rick Scott. “Volunteers have a significant and positive impact on our communities, and I am honored to present these outstanding individuals with the Champion of Service Award for their commitment to the wellbeing of all Floridians.”

“Rarely do you meet someone of Lea Ann’s caliber,” said Kris Juve, RSVP coordinator at SFSC. “In the world of volunteerism, which is full of altruistic individuals, she is one of our RSVP shining stars.”

“Rachelle Duroseau, Lea Ann Curry, and the team at K9s For Warriors have a willingness and motivation to serve and better their community,” said Chester Spellman, CEO of Volunteer Florida. “Our volunteers help to make Florida the best state in the nation to live, work, and raise a family, and I applaud these great Floridians for their valued service.”

Volunteer Florida, the Governor’s Commission on Community Service, was established in 1994 by the Florida Legislature to administer grants under the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993. The Commission grants funds to Florida AmeriCorps and National Service programs; coordinates volunteers and donations in a disaster; and inspires all Floridians to serve their communities. For more information, visit www.volunteerflorida.org.

For more information on SFSC’s RSVP, contact Kris Juve, RSVAP coordinator, at 863-784-7189 or Kristini.Juve@southflorida.edu.

AVON PARK, Fla.–Feb. 17, 2015–South Florida State College (SFSC) kicked off their 50th Anniversary on Feb. 14, SFSC’s Highlands Campus, with a celebration that featured a Panther Baseball doubleheader against Sante Fe College, a reunion of SFSC’s cheerleaders, delicious barbeque from Cowpoke’s Watering Hole, and children’s activities–a bounce house, face painting, and an obstacle course.

Since its establishment in 1965, South Florida State College has responded to the educational and cultural needs of its communities. Employees of the college and SFSC Foundation, Inc., students, alumni, and members of the community came out to celebrate the college’s accomplishments and those of every student who has passed through the doors of SFSC.

SFSC will present other 50th anniversary events throughout 2015. All members of the community are invited to participate in these events as SFSC celebrates the success of the college’s first 50 years, and as we look to the future and what the next 50 years will bring. Sponsors for the SFSC 50th Anniversary Kick-off Celebration were the SFSC Alumni Association and Cowpoke’s Watering Hole. Sponsors for the year-long 50th anniversary are the Sebring News Sun, Dental Care of Mid-Florida, and Harbor Community Bank.

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Prior to the start of the Panther baseball game, Mrs. Tami Cullens, a member of the District Board of Trustees, and her grandson Cullen were featured on the pitcher’s mound and threw out the ceremonial first pitch. It was a meaningful way to celebrate and honor five generations of generous support to South Florida State College. Cullens was also joined by her mother, Eileen Sachsenmaier.  Nearly 50 years ago, the Sachsenmaier family deeded the property on which the Highlands Campus is now located.

 

AVON PARK, Fla.–Feb. 16, 2015–At its employee Professional Development Day on Feb. 13, South Florida State College unveiled a new college Vision Statement:  A globally aware academic destination driving regional transformation through innovative collaboration. 

“Since 1965, South Florida State College has been an engaged provider of higher education in our community,” SFSC President Dr. Thomas C. Leitzel said.  “This year is significant for SFSC as we celebrate our 50^th anniversary of exemplary service.  It is a perfect time to craft a new vision that will serve us into the next half-century of service. Visions inspire. They offer a compelling reason to advance and lead.” 

Although the new vision statement was voted on and accepted unanimously during the December 2014 SFSC District Board of Trustees meeting, college administration chose to officially launch the vision statement on a day when all college employees come together–Professional Development Day. 

“The Vision Statement, adopted by the District Board of Trustees in December, is a powerful declaration of the college’s aspirations,” Dr. Leitzel said.  “It establishes our operational mindset to become greater and to make a huge impact in the educational infrastructure of Florida’s Heartland.” 

Working in tandem with members of World Design Marketing (WDM), SFSC began the process of developing a new SFSC vision statement in October 2014. “Great visions move us and inspire us to something bigger than we previously imagined,” said Wayne Johnson, senior partner, WDM. “A great vision takes us from what we are to what we want to become.  The best visions aren’t truly attainable. It’s an endless future. Great visions inspire an immediate change within an organization that rallies around the new vision.” 

During the Professional Development Day presentation of the Vision Statement, Johnson indicated that some of the changes an educational institution may see are an invigorated staff and students, an increase in enrollment, and a greater impact within the institution’s community. 

The vision creation process for SFSC moved quickly. The college held 10 focus groups over three days to glean stakeholders’ vision of SFSC’s future. College employees, college advisory committees, and community leaders from SFSC’s service district of Highlands, Hardee, and DeSoto counties were invited to offer their comments on what the college should become. 

Johnson explained that at its foundation and core, SFSC is a teaching and learning institution and that the college offers quality with integrity. “This is what the college does, but institutions need a vision that goes beyond the day-to-day operations. Education is changing, students are changing, economics are changing; therefore, SFSC must remain relevant.” 

Through the focus groups, consistent themes emerged, prompting the creation of six pillars that support SFSC’s new Vision Statement: 

Quality – Personalized education via personal excellence

Leadership – Driving regional transformation

Relevance – Keeping local focus on the global pulse

Destination – Premier academic programs that attract engaged learners

Partnership – Accelerating change through bold collaboration

Technology – Pushing the envelope of academic enterprise 

“These six pillars arise out of what college employees do every day, and they support the vision,” Johnson said. “The pillars are points of engagement, and everyone at the college has a role in these pillars. Some people will be involved in all of them, others in only a few.” 

“SFSC proudly serves the residents of DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands Counties with high quality, responsive academic programs, meeting the needs of the community through a first class, high quality teaching/learning platform,” Dr. Leitzel said.  “Stemming from this platform and led by outstanding faculty, the college has developed a new vision statement that will guide us in our strategic planning functions:  to become a globally aware academic destination driving regional transformation through innovative collaboration.”

AVON PARK, Fla.–Feb. 12, 2015–South Florida State College’s (SFSC) library presents the African Art Collection exhibition reception, Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2 p.m., in Building Y, First Floor, Library, SFSC Highlands Campus. The reception will share the work behind the African Art Collection such as research, oral history interviews, and design. This event is open to the public and light refreshments will be provided.

The exhibition will be on display Feb. 18 through March 26 in the SFSC Library, Highlands Campus.

Collected primarily in Somalia just after the end of World War II, the SFSC African Art Collection captures a snapshot in objects of the culture, place, and time. Intricately beaded dolls, exquisite wood carving, and camel bells showcase the art and artistry of Africa.

On public display for the first time, this collection highlights the unexpected connections of our community to the larger world. Students and subject experts combined forces to research, document, and display this collection.

The African Art Collection is co-sponsored by the SFSC Foundation, Inc., SFSC Library, and SFSC’s Museum of Florida Art and Culture (MOFAC). For more information, contact Claire A. Miller, librarian, at 863-784-7305 or millerc@southflorida.edu.

AVON PARK, Fla.–Feb. 12, 2015–The Kissimmee Valley Archaeological and Historic Conservancy’s (KVAHC) Speaker Series presents archaeologist Dr. Vance Geiger, Thursday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m., Building G, Room 101, at South Florida State College’s, Highlands Campus. The public is invited at no cost.

Dr. Geiger’s presentation begins with an introduction to how anthropologists approach the study of religion and then will apply that framework to Native Americans in the Southeast, primarily the Cherokee.

He received his Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Florida in 1994, and began teaching at the University of Central Florida and Rollins College as an adjunct professor. In 1999, he became a full-time instructor at the University of Central Florida in the Department of Anthropology. He began working with Dr. David Jones on the North America Indians studies program and subsequently taught Indians of the Southeast, Plains Indian, Ethnography of North American Indians, and Native American Religions.

For more information, contact Anne Reynolds at 863-840-3995.