Grant Gives Part-Time Students Extra Help

AVON PARK, Fla. – May 17, 2017 – A $40,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has been awarded to the SFSC Foundation, Inc., to benefit part-time students who are attending South Florida State College in the 2017 summer and fall terms.

The grant comes from the Edward K. Roberts Community College Fund, which was established by Roberts as a legacy to support Florida’s community colleges and other charitable organizations. Managed by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, the fund continues Roberts’ vision of making higher education a priority, particularly for those motivated to seek a better life for themselves.

SFSC’s grant funds are designated to providing assistance to students who are attending college part-time and may not qualify for other forms of financial aid. The grant covers tuition, housing, books, child care, automobile repairs, and needs that would otherwise prevent students from attending college. Recipients are identified by SFSC’s Financial Aid Office.

“The SFSC Foundation has received this grant in the past, and we are grateful that the Community Foundation of Sarasota County is once again making it available to our students,” said Jamie Bateman, SFSC’s executive director of institutional advancement. “Gifts such as this build a pathway to education so that our students can improve their circumstances and prepare for careers that give their lives meaning.”

For more information about the SFSC Foundation and opportunities to creating lasting legacies through education, contact Bateman at 453-3133.

AVON PARK, Fla. – May 8, 2017 – South Florida State College’s Camp Adventure returns this summer with a new lineup of learning activities for children in grades 1-5.

Camp Adventure takes place Monday-Thursday, June 12-July 28, at the SFSC Highlands Campus. Cost is $157 per week and includes breakfast and lunch Monday-Thursday. Optional field trips and camp programs are available on Friday. Camp is closed the week of July 4.

The 2017 Camp Adventure begins with mural week in which kids create murals that will be displayed at SFSC and in area businesses. Week 2 takes kids on a Mission Impossible scavenger hunt for treasures hidden around the Highlands Campus. During week 3, campers produce and star in a production of Lewis Carroll’s “Jabberwocky” at the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts.

After the July 4 break, Camp Adventure explores Highlands County’s hometown heroes and learn about good citizenship. During week 5, campers form their own tribes and take on “Survivor”-style mental and physical challenges.  The final week of camp celebrates good times with wacky games, dress-up days, and a pizza party.

Camp starts at 8:15 a.m. each day. Parents can drop-off children as early as 7:30 a.m. and pick them up by 5:30 p.m.

The Camp Adventure registration packet includes an application, complete itinerary, and camp rules. For more information, email communityeducation@southflorida.edu or call 784-7388.

AVON PARK, Fla. – May 5, 2017 – “We have been trained and tested. We have proven our abilities to our instructors, to our loved ones, and most importantly to ourselves. We made it! We made it not to the end but to the beginning: the beginning of a new chapter that we must each write in our own lives.”

These parting words from South Florida State College graduate Steven Cullipher reflected the sentiments more than 400 of his fellow Panthers as they collected diplomas, certificates, and degrees during Thursday’s Commencement services at the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts.

Cullipher, who accepted his Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Supervision and Management (BAS-SM), was the keynote speaker at a service honoring students who received State of Florida high school diplomas and those who earned certificates, Associate in Science (AS) degrees, Bachelor of Science degrees in Nursing (BSN), and BAS-SM degrees through the Division of Applied Sciences and Technologies and the Division of Health Sciences. Emily Swenson, who earned her Associate in Arts (AA) degree, was the keynote speaker at a service honoring graduates who received AA degrees and Bachelor of Science degrees in Elementary Education (BSEE) from the Division of Arts and Sciences.

A native of Plymouth, N.C., Cullipher had a career as a theatrical lighting designer before earning his SFSC AA degree in 2015. Now working as an elementary school paraprofessional, he plans to apply for his teaching certificate and pursue a master’s degree.

Originally from Orange Park, Swenson was recruited to play the right setter position for the Lady Panthers’ Volleyball team. In addition to being the team’s co-captain, Swenson was elected president of the Student Government Association (SGA) and was named the 2017 Panther of the Year by the Athletic Department. She is heading off to the University of Central Florida (UCF) to study broadcast journalism.

“Any dream is truly attainable with hard work, confidence in your ability, and dedication to what you are trying to achieve,” Swenson said.

Some 466 students met the SFSC graduation requirements for the spring Commencement. Of these, 212 received AA degrees, 68 received AS degrees, 132 received occupational or college credit certificates, and 21 received their State of Florida High School diplomas.  Fourteen received a BAS-SM degree, 13 earned a BSN degree, and six earned a BSEE degree.

Derren J. Bryan, chair, SFSC’s District Board of Trustees, spoke to graduates of the Division of Arts and Sciences about their accomplishments and the challenges that lie ahead. “For most of you, especially your parents, it may be a major dream come true. For you students, it’s an accumulation of long hours and sacrifices. It’s about setting a path, making adjustments when needed, but enduring forward into our world. Whether it be continuing on with your education, entering the workforce, or perhaps both, I speak for all of us here on this stage tonight, that we are so very honored and blessed to have had a part in your journey.” On Bryan’s behalf, trustee Timothy Backer delivered the identical message to graduates of the Division of Applied Sciences and Technologies and the Division of Health Sciences.

SFSC President Dr. Thomas C. Leitzel charged graduates to “go forth, find your corner of the sky, and do amazing things.”

Dr. Charlotte Pressler, director of SFSC’s Honors Program, recognized three Honors Program graduates for academic excellence, outstanding leadership, and strong citizenship. They are Margaret Dunn, Kelsey Pena, and Summer Xiong.

Faculty and staff selected to serve as marshals were Thomas Bush, Davida Austin, Brian Bohlman, Junior Gray, Robert Hampton, Melanie Jackson, Lorri Jaques, Dr. Theresa James, Cynthia Kinser, Dr. Kristina Lewis, Michelle MacBeth, Adam Martin, Claire Miller, Ricardo Pantoja, and Lena Phelps.  In addition to Bryan and Backer, members of the SFSC District Board of Trustees in attendance were Tami Cullens, Kenneth Lambert, Kris Rider, and Patrick “Joe” Wright.

Distinguished guests were SFSC president emeritus Dr. Norman L. Stephens Jr., Hardee County Superintendent of Schools Bob Shayman, Highlands County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brenda Longshore, SFSC Foundation President Terry Atchley, and Bishop Benjamin Carter.

AVON PARK, Fla. – May 3, 2017 – SFSC celebrates spring Commencement in two ceremonies on Thursday, May 4–at 4:45 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.–in the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts, Highlands Campus, Avon Park.

The 4:45 p.m. ceremony features students who are earning their Bachelor of Science degrees in Supervision and Management (BAS-SM), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Associate in Science (AS) degrees, occupational and college credit certificates, and State of Florida High School diplomas. Steven Cullipher, who earns his BAS-SM degree, will be student Commencement speaker at this ceremony.

During the 7:45 p.m. ceremony, students earning their Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (BSEE) and Associate in Arts (AA) degrees will march across the stage for their diplomas. The student Commencement speaker will be Emily Swenson, who earns her Associate in Arts degree.

Some 466 students will have met the SFSC graduation requirements for the spring Commencement. Of these, 212 receive their AA, 68 receive their AS, 132 receive occupational or college credit certificates, and 21 receive their State of Florida High School diplomas. The BAS-SM program will graduate 14 students, the BSN program graduates 13 students, and the BSEE program graduates six students. Participating in the two Commencement ceremonies will be 320 students.

Receptions will be held in the Catherine P. Cornelius Students Services and Classroom Complex (Building B) immediately following each of the Commencement ceremonies.

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 May 4 at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. ET.

Mace bearer and chief marshal for this year’s ceremony is Thomas Bush, and marshals are Elizabeth Andrews, Davida Austin, Brian Bohlman, Junior Gray, Robert Hampton, Melanie Jackson, Lorri Jaques, Dr. Theresa James, Cynthia Kinser, Dr. Kristina Lewis, Michelle Macbeth, Adam Martin, Claire Miller, Ricardo Pantoja, and Lena Phelps.

The Commencement rehearsal takes place Thursday, May 4, at 10 a.m., in the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts.

AVON PARK, Fla. – May 3, 2017 – South Florida State College graduated 18 new corrections officers on May 3, sending them off on their careers with words of advice from one of their own.

The class of six men and 12 women of SFSC’s Basic Corrections Class 17-192 gathered at the SFSC University Center Auditorium on the Highlands Campus in Avon Park to receive their diplomas and hear from a fellow corrections officer, who is also an alumna of the program.

“It took a lot of hard work for you to get to where you are right now—corrections officers ready for a new career,” said Kemoy Newman, a lieutenant at the Florida Civil Commitment Center in Arcadia. “Everyone here can trust me when I say that because I’ve been through what these graduates have endured for the past 11 weeks.”

Newman recounted her own experience at SFSC, recalling her time on the gun range, the day she was doused with pepper spray, the times of doubt when she wondered whether she would pass the course. “That journey was worth the hard work because here I am now a lieutenant only two years after leaving SFSC, and now you are about to embark on your journeys,” Newman said.

Johnson urged the graduates to adhere to high ethical standards, treat well those whom they watch over while in their custody, and place their trust in their fellow officers. “Each day will bring you a new problem,” she said. “Learn from it, grow from it, and move on from it.”

From the auditorium stage, Michael Austin, coordinator, Criminal Justice Programs, handed diplomas to Willisia Kendrick, Charles Dowers, Terresa T. Osborne, Remy Rivera, Minerva Ramirez-Smith, Jean L. Daverne, Kshunquecowha Johnson, La’Ciera D. Edwards, Ruekeyta Gaskin, Bergeline Antoine, Akesha Jenkins, Yosvanis Leon, Mahogany B. Lawrence, Kneisha S. Smith, Nakyta S. Perkins, Charles G. Duchow, Shelby Hicks, and Dorceau S. Antoine. (Pictured above from left to right.)

He singled out four cadets for their achievements during the 420 hours of instruction. Duchhow and Gaskin earned top honors for their academic excellence. Perkins scored the firearms award for achieving the highest score on the firing range. Jenkins walked away with the “Honor Award,” Austin said, for her hard work and determination.

Before dismissing the class, Daverne, who had served as class leader, thanked his fellow graduates for the comradery they extended to each, making his job a pleasure.

“Each instructor planted seeds in our lives since we came together in February,” Daverne said. “Let’s not stop simply being corrections officer but grow to become supervisors, lieutenants, and even wardens.”

AVON PARK, Fla. – May 3, 2017 – On May 2, South Florida State College graduated 10 emergency medical technicians during an evening ceremony in the SFSC University Center Auditorium on the Highlands Campus in Avon Park.

Earning EMT certificates after four months of evening classes were Gerald Watson, Joseph Rey, Arianna Quesada, Leonardo Montano, Marlen Meza, Kody Littles, Paul Kidwell, Frans Jansen, Cali Gumpel, and Kylie Casey. (Pictured above, from left to right.)

“You have all worked diligently since starting the program in January and you rightly should be proud of your accomplishments,” said Richard Shepard, EMT instructor. “In the lecture, the lab, and in your field practicums, you have all excelled.”

Shepard singled out three graduates for their achievements. Meza received an award for highest grade point average, Jansen earned the top honor for best lab performance, and Watson was tapped for the “Most Heart” award for his passion and determination.

Upon completing the program, graduates are eligible to take the Florida EMT State Board examination.

Before Steven Ashworth, SFSC’s director of Emergency Medical Services and Fire Science Programs, awarded the graduates their certificates of completion, the students heard a send-off message from one of their peers.

“We have acquired the knowledge of what to do in an emergency situation,” said Montano, one of the 10 graduates. “To learn those skills, we have sacrificed family and personal time to attend class and study for exams, riding many hours in ambulances, taking care of patients, and now we’re ready to move on to careers as EMTs.”

“Now let’s congratulate ourselves,” Montano shouted, as he thrust his arms into the air to the applause of his fellow students, their families, and well-wishers on hand for the ceremony.

EMTs function as part of an emergency rescue and transportation team by responding to emergency calls, assessing scenes of accidents, setting priorities for treating patients, and providing prehospital emergency care.

For more information about SFSC’s EMT program and other Emergency Medical Services programs, call 863-784-7272.

AVON PARK, Fla. – May 2, 2017 – The SFSC Athletic Department honored its student athletes Monday evening at its annual awards ceremony at the SFSC University Center.

Savannah Walter, cross country runner, and Quentin Davis, first baseman for the Panthers baseball team, were named Scholar Athletes of the Year for achieving high GPAs. Walter earned a 4.0 GPA, while Davis held a 3.87 GPA. The Panther of the Year was Emily Swenson, co-captain of the Lady Panthers’ volleyball team.

Cross Country Coach Krista Schult honored Walter with the team award for academic excellence. Iliana Addison was named most improved cross country runner, and Grace Miller was the most valuable runner.

Volleyball Coach Kim Crawford presented awards for academic and athletic excellence to Swenson, Brooke Westphal, Mary Beth Boudrias, and Kayla Wood.

Softball Coach Carlos Falla selected Amanda Ross as the season’s best offensive player. Evangeline Futch was named most valuable player, and the Coach’s Award was shared by Stephanie Norris and Shavonda Howard.

Rick Hitt, athletic director and head baseball coach, presented the top athlete award to Equon Smith and named Gerig Blackman as his most improved player.

AVON PARK, Fla. – May 2, 2017 – On April 29, more than 160 supporters and friends of the SFSC Foundation turned out for its annual Spring Gala, a fundraising dinner and auction doubling as a celebration of the group’s support of South Florida State College.

“This was the Foundation’s 33rd gala,” said Jamie Bateman, SFSC’s executive director for Institutional Advancement, who wraps up her second year leading the Foundation. “This is not only an evening to raise money for scholarships and the college’s capital campaign, the Partnership Project, but a wonderful opportunity to say thank you to the many residents of Hardee, DeSoto, and Highlands counties who, through their support, make our students’ dreams come true.”

The Foundation held this year’s gala at Sun ‘N Lake’s Island View Restaurant. In a twist, the Foundation brought in SFSC’s Panther baseball players to add extra charm to the evening. Clad in crisp white shirts and bow ties, the players escorted guests to their tables and lent a hand in serving diners their meals.

Before the guests started their meals, Emily Swenson, president of the SFSC Student Government Association, thanked the Foundation’s supporters for their generosity and spoke of how their support touched the everyday lives of SFSC’s students. “In my two years on campus, I’ve been surrounded constantly by folks at SFSC who want the best for me and my fellow students,” she said. “Your support of the Foundation makes much of that possible.”

Swenson, who has her sights set on a career in broadcast journalism, will deliver the student Commencement address at the second of two SFSC graduation ceremonies on May 4.

The SFSC Foundation serves as an auxiliary support organization for SFSC, managing the college’s endowment, awarding scholarships, and encouraging giving. The SFSC Foundation awards nearly $500,000 in scholarships each year to students attending the college’s three campuses.

The college offers bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, college credit certificates, and vocational training programs. SFSC brings cultural enrichment to the community through the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts and the SFSC Museum of Florida Art and Culture (MOFAC).

The auction, donations, and ticket sales raised $51,000— up more than 10 percent from the previous year —for scholarships and SFSC’s Partnership Project, a major capital campaign to bolster the Foundation’s endowment.

Before a live auction called by Don Elwell, Highlands County commissioner, the guests heard from Brandon Rosenbaum, a second-year SFSC student who earned a Foundation-managed scholarship set up by the Highlands County Bar Association.

“There’s something special about studying at SFSC and the people you meet here,” Rosenbaum said. “I don’t think there are many colleges where I would have found the individualized attention and the support from so many caring people.”