Athletic Department Honors Student Athletes

AVON PARK, Fla.–April 30, 2015–South Florida State College (SFSC) recently celebrated another sensational academic and athletic year on April 29, as the college and athletic department announced their annual award winners at the 2015 Athletic Awards Day in the SFSC University Center, Highlands Campus.

Rick Hitt, SFSC athletic director and head baseball coach, delivered his remarks and greetings to a packed house, touching upon the panthers’ many successes of the year for the Lady Panther Volleyball team, Lady Panther Softball team, and the Panther Baseball team.

“We are proud of our student athletes here at SFSC,” said Hitt. “Yes, we gave out some individual recognition last night, but more than anything else we hope that each one of our players this year truly understands what a difference they can make as a member of a team. The world revolves around successful teams in all forms of life. For example, our families are a team, successful business are a team, and collegiate institutions are a team. Being a good, contributing teammate within the athletic arena, provides you with a chance to be a good teammate in life. We hope our student athletes grasp that concept.”

“One of the unique qualities of our athletic program is that academic excellence is first and foremost with our terrific student athletes,” said Dr. Leana Revell, vice president for academic support and student services at SFSC. “It is always a pleasure to celebrate the top male and female student scholar in the program. They are smart as well as talented athletes.”

It was a historic night as the event not only marked the year-end accomplishments for the SFSC student-athletes, but also for Dr. Revell, who steps down from her position this year after 11 years at the college. In celebration of all that she has done for athletics and SFSC, Dr. Revell was recognized and presented the 2015 Distinguished Service Award.

“Dr. Revell was chosen for this award because she is awesome,” Hitt said. “She has meant so much to our college in so many ways during her time here, athletics is just a piece of that. Her support of SFSC athletics has been tremendous and greatly appreciated. We will miss her leadership and support when she retires.”

“It has been a great joy to work with the athletic department over the years,” Revell said. “I was surprised and certainly appreciative of this high honor. It has certainly been my privilege to work with the coaches and the program. This special award is special to me and will indeed be treasured by me.”

During the SFSC Athletics banquet, each athlete was honored with a participation award from his or her coach.  Athletes who received special awards were:

Volleyball:

Academic and Athletic Excellence – Jada Spano

Academic and Athletic Excellence – Darby Jones

Academic and Athletic Excellence – Breighly Bolton

Softball:

Best Offensive Player – Paige Davis

Best Defensive Player – Kelly Olson

Most Valuable Player – Haley Pinterich

Baseball:

Most Improved Player of the Year – Rodney Forbes

Top Gun Award (Pitching) – Max Boling

Coach’s Award – John Tatum

Fantasy Baseball Champions – Rodney Forbes & Max Boling

Fantasy Baseball Runners Up – Harrison McClure & Tyler Knowles

Scholastic Athletes of the Year: (given to a male and female sophomore with the highest cumulative GPA)

Male – Chris Kazen

Female – Darby Jones

2015 SFSC Panther of the Year:

Callie Bobo

Panther Athletics Distinguished Service Award: 

Dr. Leana Revell

AVON PARK, Fla.–April 27, 2015–As South Florida State College (SFSC) celebrates 50 years of meeting the educational needs of DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties, the SFSC Foundation, Inc. celebrates 50 years of supporting the college and its students through scholarships. These milestones were celebrated at the 31st Annual Spring Gala on April 25 at the Hotel Jacaranda in Avon Park.

More than 150 supporters attended the event that commemorated a half a century of the college’s growth – from its key founders and supporters, to the achievements of its alumni, students, and faculty.

“This was our 31st Annual Spring Gala and since the college is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, we decided to tag onto that theme and invite all of our emeritus Foundation Directors back for special recognition,” said Don Appelquist, executive director of the SFSC Foundation, Inc. “Many were able to attend and it gave us the chance to once again show our appreciation to these generous people who gave so much of their time and energy to support South Florida State College.  The evening was great fun, and we raised needed money to support students at our college.”

Each year, the SFSC Foundation, Inc. conducts its annual meeting during the banquet and raises money for student scholarships. Last year the foundation awarded over $475,000 in scholarships.

The evening started off with a silent auction of items from local individuals and businesses with a special performance by “Patsy Cline and the Big Hoss Band.” During the meeting, the board elected and welcomed one new director for a three-year term, Dr. Vinod Thakkar. The college recognized several groups and individuals who have been instrumental in the establishment of the college.

In 1965, South Florida Junior College was established by the Florida Legislature and began operating in temporary facilities in downtown Avon Park. Over the past half a century and with significant community support, South Florida State College has grown to encompass the DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands campuses, the Lake Placid Center, and several off-site centers.

Today, the college offers three bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, college credit certificates, and vocational training. SFSC brings cultural enrichment to its community through the SFSC Theatre for the Performing Arts, the SFSC Museum of Florida Art and Culture, and a broad array of informal, non-credit learning opportunities.

As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, special events are being held in every community SFSC serves. A capital campaign is being launched to raise support for SFSC in its next 50 years. For more information on SFSC’s 50th Anniversary, visit http://www.southflorida.edu/college/50th-anniversary. 

The SFSC Foundation exists to enhance community awareness of the college, to encourage, solicit and accept gifts, to receive bequests, and to account for and manage cash and non-cash gifts donated to the foundation. Funds received by the foundation are distributed to benefit and advance the college and to encourage and subsidize its students, staff, and programs. In addition to scholarships and no-interest, short-term loans, the foundation provides educational facilities and low-cost housing opportunities for SFSC students.

Click here to view a photo gallery

NOTE:  This news story was originally published on April 27, 2015.  As of April 7, 2017, procedures changed, and students may now request official transcripts by clicking HERE or going to the student portal, Panther Central.

AVON PARK, Fla.–April 27, 2015–South Florida State College (SFSC) now offers students and alumni online Transcript Ordering, allowing users to order official transcripts via the Web 24/7. Official transcripts can be delivered electronically in as little as 15 minutes from when the order is placed. This service is contingent upon the receiving institution’s ability to accept online transcripts.

Users can order as many transcripts as they like in one online session using any major credit or debit card. SFSC students and alumni can access Transcript Ordering by logging into the secure student portal, Panther Central, or by visiting the National Student Clearinghouse at www.studentclearinghouse.org and selecting Order-Track-Verify, then Order or Track a Transcript.

Students and alumni who submit transcript requests receive real-time order updates by email and can request to receive instant mobile text alerts or track their orders online at the National Student Clearinghouse website. 

Among the benefits that students and alumni will realize from online Transcript Ordering are: 

• Convenient 24/7 access
• Electronic delivery within 15 minutes (if this service is available at the receiving institution)
• Secure transactions
• Immediate, secure electronic transcript delivery worldwide
• Automatic order updates via mobile text alerts and email
• Online order tracking
• Ability to order multiple transcripts for multiple recipients in one order 

Transcript Ordering is provided through the National Student Clearinghouse, a nonprofit organization serving the higher education community for more than 20 years. 

If you have any questions, please contact the SFSC Office of the Registrar at 863-784-7105 or recordstranscripts@southflorida.edu.

AVON PARK, Fla.–April 24, 2015–While growing up as a “military brat,” Kevin Brown, 33, was forced to make friends quickly, accept new surroundings, and have a deep appreciation to adapting and changing on a moment’s notice.

After many years of struggling with behavioral problems, lack of job options, and financial instability as a young adult, Brown had to make a life-changing decision at the age of 24. He decided to turn his life around and follow in the footsteps of his father, mother, sister, aunts, uncles, and cousins by entering the military.

“The military was just the right direction for me to go in at the time,” Brown said. “It straightened me out, and I started to see myself working there long-term. Although some may look at the military as a job, it was a calling for me.”

He was passionate about the opportunity to serve his country, turn over a new leaf, and become the first marine in his family. Unfortunately, Brown’s life plans didn’t turn out as he had hoped.

After serving just four and a half years in the Marines, Brown was medically discharged and unsure about his future. He had always dreamed about becoming a paramedic, working with computers, or becoming a culinary genius, but life circumstances always seemed to get in the way. As cliché as it sounds, he knew God had a plan for him.

At that point, Brown decided to do something for his family that would enable his future success in life. He decided to go back to college. This was his second chance at life and an opportunity to better support his family. 

He wanted to make sure he received clear advice on getting back to college and managing the next phase of his education. And that’s exactly what he found with South Florida State College. Thanks to his service in the Marines, he was able to take advantage of the G.I. Bill which covered all of his costs for attending SFSC.

Although it was important to him, college always seemed a little selfish because he already had so much on his plate. “Being employed full-time, having a home and family to take care of, and going to college did not seem like a workable choice,” Brown said. “I worried about whether my family would be taken care of if I took this big step.”

More than a decade older than most of his peers, Brown was not the typical student you would see on a college campus. Upon separation from the military, he was hit with the realization that civilian life was wasn’t the easiest but he would have to make the best of it.

“Transitioning from the military to civilian life is something you cannot put into words,” Brown said. “Being employed full-time, having a home and family to take care of, and going to college has been quite the challenge. But, my wife has been my biggest rock and has supported me through everything.”

SFSC strives to make it a smooth and successful transition for all veterans. When veterans like Brown come home from war and try to put their lives back together, there’s often a giant missing link in their transition.

“Many veterans face a difficult transition to civilian life, ranging from readjustment issues to recovery from physical and mental injuries,” said Robert Hampton, veteran advisor. “Statistics show that without proper guidance, many will fail to graduate. But, Kevin is the perfect example of a veteran who has used the discipline the Marine Corps taught him. He has invested so much of his time, money, and determination so he could achieve his objective, a college degree.”

After it’s all said and done Brown is happy that he took on the challenge of going back to college. His experience at SFSC has been positive and has filled a huge void that he’s had in his life. He believes that his choices are more educated and based on facts, instead of in-the-moment choices that lead to nothing but headaches. He shared that he can truly say that he is a father and husband who is proud and loving of what he has as a family.

“Graduating with my associate degree has been 13 years in the making,” Brown said. “It’s reassuring to know that time or age is not a factor. After everything is said and done, you got to know what you want. You have to feel driven to do it. Then, everything else will fall into place by itself. It’s pretty awesome to finally fulfill this chapter in my life.”

After graduating from SFSC this May with an associate degree in Computer Information Systems, Brown plans to complete his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in information systems management at Hodges University. The path may be long, as he said, but his passion for an education and a better life has remained constant.

SFSC’s Spring Commencement ceremony will be held Thursday, May 7, 6:45 p.m., in the SFSC Theatre for the Performing Arts, Highlands Campus.

AVON PARK, Fla.–April 17, 2015–South Florida State College (SFSC) students were honored for academic excellence and community service during the college’s recent annual Awards Day ceremony in the SFSC University Center, Highlands Campus. Each year, faculty honor students who exhibit talent and exemplary quality that go beyond academic standards.

“Today, South Florida State College celebrated the outstanding academic achievements of our students,” said Dr. Timothy Wise, SFSC dean, student services. “The college is proud of their hard work and dedication to excellence.”

SFSC student Katelynn Leman was honored with the Joseph E. Johnston/Bette L. McDearman Student Services Award for exhibiting great ethics and character, exceptional academic achievement, outstanding involvement in professional, social, and cultural activities and programs, and for her contribution to the campus and community.

Students presented 2014-2015 Outstanding Instructor Awards to Dr. Brian Deery, Arts and Sciences, full time; Felicia Dozer, Arts and Sciences, adjunct; Adam Martin, Applied Sciences, full time; Carol Dutton, Applied Sciences, adjunct; and Dustin Woods, Adult Education.

Students who received special honors for participation in the following academic programs are:

• Athena Peel, Introduction to Business
• Tara Huften, Principles of Management
• Ashley Acosta, PTK Enhanced Membership
• Marianna Becker, PTK Enhanced Membership
• Nancy Cullen, PTK Enhanced Membership
• Ruben De La Cruz, PTK Enhanced Membership
• Joy Derrick, PTK Enhanced Membership
• Naomi Erekson, PTK Enhanced Membership
• Angelina Garcia, PTK Enhanced Membership
• Christina Gourley, PTK Enhanced Membership
• Katelynne Leman, PTK Enhanced Membership
• Elizabeth Maggard, PTK Enhanced Membership
• Araceli Marquez Diaz, PTK Enhanced Membership
• Omar Montelongo, PTK Enhanced Membership
• Keysha Pecor, PTK Enhanced Membership
• James Pinkney, PTK Enhanced Membership
• Irma Natalia Ramos, PTK Enhanced Membership
• Olivia Sanchez, PTK Enhanced Membership
• Jessica Sturgill, PTK Enhanced Membership
• Toni Crunkelton, 3-D Design
• Leighton Skipper, Drawing I
• Holly Scherlacher, Painting II
• Missy Simpson, Painting II
• Alina Cancel, Pottery II
• Tyler Akins, Graduate of the SFSC Honors Program, May 2015
• Gary Gergen, Graduate of the SFSC Honors Program, May 2015
• Isabela Gonzalez, Graduate of the SFSC Honors Program, May 2015
• Christina Gourley, Graduate of the SFSC Honors Program, May 2015
• Katelynne Leman, Graduate of the SFSC Honors Program, May 2015
• Stella Maldonado Enchautegui, Graduate of the SFSC Honors Program, May 2015
• Araceli Marquez Diaz, Graduate of the SFSC Honors Program, May 2015
• Christopher Robbins, Graduate of the SFSC Honors Program, May 2015
• Victoria Warren, Graduate of the SFSC Honors Program, May 2015
• Mariana Becker, Undergraduate Research Presentation Florida Collegiate Honors Conference, February 20-21, 2015
• Nicole Darder, Undergraduate Research Presentation Florida Collegiate Honors Conference, February 20-21, 2015
• Gary Gergen, Undergraduate Research Presentation Florida Collegiate Honors Conference, February 20-21, 2015
• Christian Reitnauer, Undergraduate Research Presentation Florida Collegiate Honors Conference, February 20-21, 2015
• Patrick Swafford, Undergraduate Research Presentation Florida Collegiate Honors Conference, February 20-21, 2015
• Dylan Whiteman, Undergraduate Research Presentation Florida Collegiate Honors Conference, February 20-21, 2015
• Ashley Acosta, Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Zully Beck, Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Stephanie Garcia, Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Amanda Angeletti, Medical Office Procedures
• Janesza Cardona, Freshman English I
• Edna Viljean, Freshman English I
• Cherie Racke, Humanities Survey II
• Rigenst Alfred, College Algebra
• Eliany Cabrera, College Algebra
• Thomas Cook, Freshman English I
• Brenda DeSantiago, Freshman English I
• Sandra Estrada, Freshman English I
• Donnie Mullins, Freshman English I
• Joy Derrick, Freshman English II
• Tara Huften, Freshman English II
• Sara Johnson, Freshman English II
• Donnie Mullins, American History
• Allie Mann, World History
• Christa Avant, Descriptive Astronomy
• Allen Abe Jr., General Physics I and II
• Javier Bautista, General Physics with Calculus I
• Tayler Allcorn, General Physics with Calculus II
• Chad Salvino, General Biology I
• Hector Ramirez, Human Anatomy & Physiology I and II
• Mary Stacy, Human Anatomy & Physiology I and II
• Megan Hughes, Medical-Surgical Nursing for the Adult and Children I
• Heather Oyola, Calculus I & Analytical Geometry
• Katherine Oyola, Calculus I & Analytical Geometry
• Nho (Mike) Cao, Pre Calculus Algebra
• Heather Oyola, Fundamentals of Speech Communication
• Katherine Oyola, Fundamentals of Speech Communication
• Steven Cullipher, Introduction to Biology
• Gabe Clogston, Computer Graphics
• Eric Daff, Computer Science
• Patrick Swafford, Computer Science
• Roxanne Guerndt, General Biology II
• Ebony Davis, 2-Way Introduction to Psychology
• Emily Hughes, Introduction to Psychology
• McKenzie Lisky, Abnormal Psychology Honors
• Terry Tovar, Human Development
• Catherine Walker, Human Development
• Allison Mann, Top Independent Study Student 2014 – 2015
• Taylor Webb, Media Exploration
• Jose Guerrero, Brain Bowl
• Karen Guerrero, Brain Bowl
• Maria Zamora, Brain Bowl
• Jordan Thornton, Brain Bowl
• Dakota Bryan, Brain Bowl
• Mathew Estima, Brain Bowl
• Christian Reitnauer, Brain Bowl
• Nicole Darden, Brain Bowl
• Garrett Edenfield, Brain Bowl
• Mike Cao, Brain Bowl
• Logan Boyd, Brain Bowl
• Tiffany McDonald, Brain Bowl
• George Perez, Brain Bowl
• Breighly Bolton, SGA President
• Melanie Sandoval, SGA Vice President of Internal Operations (Jurisprudence)
• Jorge Flores, SGA Vice President of External Operations
• Shantel Coughlin, SGA Secretary
• Jessica Lott, SGA Historian
• Tyler Knowles, SGA Treasurer
• Rebecca McKenzie, SGA Public Relations Officer

AVON PARK, Fla.–April 17, 2015–South Florida State College’s Museum of Florida Art and Culture (MOFAC) revealed the winners of its Student Art Exhibit during a reception on April 16.

The Art Department presented Outstanding Student Achievement Awards to Leighton Skipper, drawing; Holly Scherlacher and Missy Simpson, painting; Alina Cancel, pottery II; Taylor Webb, mixed media; Toni Crunkelton, 3-D; and Gabe Clogston, computer graphics.

Awards of Merit were presented to Shelby King, color pencil, “Sun and Moon;” Ashley Kinkade, mixed-media, “Water Nymph;” Allison Smith, digital media, “Geisha;” Toni Crunkelton, charcoal, “Master Drawing;” and Sara Canali, digital media, “Type Variations.”

Awards of Excellence were selected by Joey Sacco, artist and SFSC MOFAC Advisory Committee member. For their art, these students received monetary awards which were made possible by exhibit and reception sponsors. Their work will be displayed in SFSC’s student art collection. Winning artists were Holly Scherlacher, ceramics, “When It Rains;” Taylor Nicole Webb, mixed-media, “Trash Fish;” Shelby King, charcoal, “Boots;” Toni Crunkelton, linocut, “Flutter Bye;” and Cheyanne Hazard, digital media, “Kissimmee Water Legend.”

Awards for the Hotel Jacaranda Exhibit were selected by Sacco and Donald Appelquist, executive director of the SFSC Foundation, Inc. These students received purchase awards for their art, which were made possible by the SFSC Foundation, Inc. Their artwork will be displayed in the Hotel Jacaranda in Avon Park. Winning artists were Missy Simpson, painting; Holly Scherlacher, painting; Gabe Clogston, digital illustration; Mathew Kane, digital media; Jenna Blount, digital media; and Mason Belcher, digital media.

The $300 Tanglewood Art League Scholarship was presented to Missy Simpson by Norma Evans, President of the Tanglewood Art League, to provide Simpson with the opportunity to further her education. “Simpson’s positive attitude, excellent academic record, talent, and creative spirit made her the perfect candidate for this special scholarship,” said Cathy Futral, art professor.

The MOFAC Docent Award recognizes artistic excellence in the arts and outstanding service to the college, art department, and museum. This year’s $50 monetary awards went to Gabe Clogston, Holly Scherlacher, and Missy Simpson.

The Max Gooding Award provides $400 to five students for purchase awards for their art, which was made possible by SFSC Alumni Max Gooding who owns his own landscape architecture business, the Max Gooding Company. The Max Gooding Award was presented to Leighton L. Skipper, charcoal, “Harry Callahan, Sr.;” Gabe Clogston, digital illustration, “Day in a Life;” Katie LaDue, digital media, “A World of My Own;” Holly Scherlacher, watercolor, “Ceramic Shop;” and Missy Simpson, color pencil, “Friendship Is.”

SFSC’s art students developed the title of the show, promotional graphics, assisted with matting and framing the artwork, and helped install the pieces.

“We are so impressed with the talent of our students and the quality of the artwork submitted for the juried show this year,” said Mollie Doctrow, MOFAC curator. “These sentiments echo the words of the juror, Joey Sacco.”

The 2015 Student Art Exhibit sponsors are Joe and Suzanne Wright, Charles and Anne Reynolds, Bob and Monica Germaine, and the SFSC Alumni Association.

The exhibit will be on view at SFSC MOFAC through May 1 and is open to the public Wednesday through Friday, 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. For more information, call Mollie Doctrow, MOFAC curator, at 863-784-7195.

Click here to view a complete photo gallery from the Student Art Awards Reception

AVON PARK, Fla.–April 16, 2015–South Florida State College’s (SFSC) Take Stock in Children (TSIC) program recently awarded seven new scholarships to middle school and high school students in Hardee County at a contract signing on April 9 at the Hardee County School Board meeting.

Students who received scholarships were Lucia Galvez, Rosa Guerrero, Jonathan Orta, Priscilla Villazana, Luis Martinez, Adriana Perez, and Sandra Contreras-Ramirez.

Take Stock in Children (TSIC) is a statewide program that provides at-risk children with a mentor and a college scholarship. In return, TSIC scholar’s sign contracts in which they promise to remain drug-free, to avoid behavior that would get them into trouble with law enforcement, to attend school regularly, and to earn satisfactory grades. The students’ parents also sign the contracts and agree to provide home environments conducive to education and to participate in.

“When we awarded these 43 scholarships throughout DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands school districts, it was phenomenal,” said Irene Castanon, TSIC program coordinator. “There were so many students, who were really nervous and excited at this year’s contract signings. More importantly, their hope of going to college has now become a reality.”

The SFSC Foundation, Inc. is the lead agency for TSIC within the college’s service district of DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties. The program has been in place for 20 years and has awarded scholarships to over 500 local students.

For information about Take Stock in Children, call Irene Castanon, program coordinator, at 863-453-3133 or visit http://www.southflorida.edu/giving/take-stock-children.

AVON PARK, Fla.–April 14, 2015–Five South Florida State College (SFSC) students recently received special medallions and were recognized as the 2015 All-Florida Academic First and Second Teams at an awards ceremony on April 9 at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee.

SFSC students Joy Derrick and Katelynne Leman were selected for the All-Florida Academic First Team and Emma Cardinal, Ruben De La Cruz, and Jessica Saenz were selected for the All-Florida Academic Second Team.

In addition, Katelynne Leman was recognized as a 2015 Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Silver Scholar and Joy Derrick was recognized as a 2015 Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Bronze Scholar. Leman received a $1,250 scholarship, and Derrick received $1,000 scholarship.

The All-Florida Academic Team recognizes outstanding students for their academic achievement, leadership, and service to their communities. Students are nominated by their respective colleges to the All-USA Community College Academic Team competition sponsored by USA Today and the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) 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.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver, and 50 Bronze scholars, and providing nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually.

“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.”

Governor Rick Scott proclaimed April as “Florida College System Month” in honor of the great work being done at the state’s 28 colleges to prepare students for both professional and personal success.

“We are so proud of our three students who received a Coca-Cola scholarships this year,” said Kim Hemler, advisor and PTK advisor. “Only three silver Coca-Cola scholarships and six bronze Coca-Cola scholarships were awarded in Florida and two of the nine recipients were from South Florida State College. These scholarships are highly competitive and demonstrate the quality education our faculty provide for our students and the persistence of our students to succeed and continue their education to the university level.”

Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society of two-year colleges. PTK administers the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Program and recognizes Coca-Cola Community College scholars during All-State Community College Academic Team Recognition ceremonies held in 37 states. An independent panel of judges considers outstanding academic rigor, grade point average, academic and leadership awards, and engagement in college and community service in the selection process.

AVON PARK, Fla.–April 10, 2015–When more than 200 graduates from South Florida State College (SFSC) walk down the aisles of the Theatre for Performing Arts, May 7, to receive their diplomas, one candidate will celebrate not merely the end of a 10-year pursuit but that she is walking, period.

Teresa McGovern, 47, was told that she only had an 80 percent chance of ever walking again after suffering a spinal injury in 2011. Her journey to completing her Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management (B.A.S.) degree has been an exceptionally difficult one while overcoming spinal surgeries, uterine cancer, fibromyalgia, and several health setbacks. Because of her stubbornness and determination, it didn’t stop her from living her life.

When she graduated from Fort Myers high school in 1986, she planned to go to college, but her focus changed to children, work, family passing, and health issues.

After finding out she could not return to the job she once loved due to health concerns, she knew exactly what she wanted to do. As a mother of three and grandmother of five, McGovern set out to be the first in her family to earn a college degree.

“It’s a huge deal to me,” McGovern said. “I’d like it to encourage my family and let them and others know that it’s never too late to go back to college or to do whatever you want to do. It doesn’t matter what age you are, if you have the desire you can do it. The only person stopping you is yourself. Don’t let age or circumstances be an obstacle.”

This attitude helped McGovern rise to the top of her class with a 4.0 grade point average; to become a board member of SFSC’s Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) and the African American Association (AAA); to serve as a tutor for SFSC’s TRiO program, to be selected for the national honor society of two-year colleges, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK); and to be inducted into the inaugural class of SFSC’s national honor society for bachelor students, the International Society of Baccalaureate Scholars (ISBS).

She shared that concentrating on a bachelor’s degree this late in life wasn’t the easiest, however she received considerable assistance and advice from SFSC faculty and staff.

“Sometimes being able to talk to my instructor whenever I needed to about whatever’s affecting me made the biggest difference,” McGovern said. “The students are not just a number here. These professors open their hearts to students and make us feel as if we are a part of their family. They don’t do this because they have to, but because they want to.”

“Teresa is one of the hardest working students I have known,” said Adam Martin, PBL advisor and instructor in SFSC’s B.A.S. program. “When she sets a goal for herself, she doesn’t let anything get in her way of accomplishing the task. Her achievements in Phi Beta Lambda and relentless fundraising will be missed. I wish her all the best and know she will accomplish anything she puts her mind to.”

College has forever changed McGovern’s viewpoint on life. She will forever look at people and circumstances more critically, strategically, and comprehensively. She only hopes that her journey will inspire and motivate her own family members to pursue a college education so they can go anywhere they want to in life.

“Dr. Tina Cardenas, lead instructor, SFSC’s B.A.S. program, really pushed me to see the light at the end of the tunnel and believe that no matter what age I am I can do this,” McGovern said. “If it wasn’t for her compassion and other instructors alike, my classmates and I wouldn’t have the knowledge and capabilities we have today.”

She will definitely miss all the extraordinary people she’s gotten to know along the way at SFSC and the place she’s grown to love. Graduation may be sad time for McGovern because another part of her journey is coming to an end, but she’s eager and optimistic for a new chapter of her life to start.

It is during difficult times, she said, that she is reminded of the true value of her education and the reason why she pursued it in the first place. McGovern says she really has her husband Duilio to thank for where she is today.

“Until recently, I never really shared with my husband how much of an inspiration he is to me,” McGovern said. “I wanted him to know that he has truly been the biggest supporter and motivator in my pursuit to reaching my goals. Living with polio hasn’t been the easiest journey for him, but he is the strongest person I know. He took one word out of my vocabulary, and that word is ‘can’t’.”

Just ten years ago, McGovern would have never thought such an achievement possible. Yet, the very quest of her degree provided the inspiration to keep going. Despite her sacrifices and daily struggles, she believes that one day, her children and grandchildren will have unlimited opportunities they may not have experienced otherwise.

“If there is one lesson I would pass along, it is that when you are struggling, take one step at a time,” McGovern says. “You can do it, you just have to do it slowly, and plan everything out. Cause if you don’t do it, you’re only hurting yourself.”

After finishing her bachelor’s this May, McGovern plans to pursue a master’s degree and a doctorate in business. She ultimately hopes to return to Highlands County and come back to teach at her favorite college, SFSC.

SFSC’s Spring Commencement ceremony will be held Thursday, May 7, 6:45 p.m., in the SFSC Theatre for the Performing Arts, Highlands Campus.

AVON PARK, Fla.–April 8, 2015–South Florida State College’s Take Stock in Children program recently awarded six new scholarships to students in DeSoto County. 

Students who received scholarships were Aaron Gamez, eighth grade; Jessica German, tenth grade; Michaelyn Grantham, seventh grade; Katelyn Kersey, seventh grade; Jose Ochoa, seventh grade; and Rafael Villegas-Patino, eigth grade.

Take Stock in Children (TSIC) is a statewide program that provides at-risk children with a mentor and a college scholarship. In return, TSIC scholars sign contracts in which they promise to remain drug-free, to avoid behavior that would get them into trouble with law enforcement, to attend school regularly, and to earn satisfactory grades. The students’ parents also sign the contracts and agree to provide home environments conducive to education and to participate in.

“When we awarded these 43 scholarships throughout DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands school districts, it was phenomenal,” said Irene Castanon, TSIC program coordinator.  “So many students were really nervous and excited at this year’s contract signings. More importantly, their hope of going to college has now become a reality.”

The SFSC Foundation, Inc. is the lead agency for TSIC within the college’s service district of DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties. The program has been in place for 20 years and has awarded scholarships to over 500 local students.

For information about Take Stock in Children, call Irene Castanon, program coordinator, at 863-453-3133 or visit www.southflorida.edu/giving/take-stock-children.