Practical Nurses Honored in Pinning Ceremony

AVON PARK, Fla. – July 31, 2017 – On July 27, South Florida State College graduated a class of 23 practical nurses in a traditional pinning ceremony in the Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts at SFSC’s Highlands Campus in Avon Park.

The graduates were Clarita Chavez, Rolando Chavez, Julia Daughtery, Roselande “Rose” Eugene, Yoana Godinez, Whitney Hummel, Maria Jaimes, Veronica Librado-Galindo, Rebeca Lopez Herrera, Yesenia Lucatero, Leticia Lule, Jamie Matos, Misty Medley, Solirene “Sol” Mercado, William Moore, Vanessa Olivero, Breanda Ramirez Canchola, Erica Resendiz, Adam Rodriguez, Aron Ruiz, Andrew “Drew” Sedlock, Sydney Shaw, and Scotty Shievdayal Jr.

The class treasurer, Vanessa Olivero, introduced guest speaker, Barbara Kurtz. Kurtz, served as an instructor during the early stages of SFSC’s Nursing Program in the 1970s and later became its director. Kurtz told of her experiences starting and growing a nursing program at the college.

Adam Rodriguez, class president, said in his farewell address: “I encourage you, my fellow graduates, to continue to fight and be the conquerors that you are, to reach your goals in your careers. Be the light of hope in the midst of darkness and despair, stand up for the weak and defenseless. I am honored and humbled to be counted among you. Let’s be the nurses we were called to be!”

Each class of nursing graduates awards the Golden Duck Award to a nurse who has served as a mentor, guiding them through to graduation. The D.U.C.K. acronym represents the foundational elements of the mentoring arrangement: Developing, Understanding, Compassion, and Knowledge.

Erica Resendiz, class vice secretary, presented the Golden Duck Award to Yvette Fauteux. Resendiz referred to Fauteaux as “the best OB instructor.”

“She made our experience in the obstetrics department fun filled and amazing, which I know all of us will never forget. She is an excellent teacher, and we will always be grateful for her willingness to give of herself.”

During the ceremony, the graduates accepted their nursing pins from spouses, parents, and their children. Mary von Merveldt, director of the SFSC Nursing Education program, introduced each person presenting their loved one with the pin, reading words of thanks written by each graduate.

In addition to its 11-month Practical Nursing program (to become licensed practical nurses), SFSC offers an Associate Degree in Nursing Degree (ADN) program for students interested in becoming registered nurses, a one-year Transition-LPN to RN program, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

For more information about these programs, call Sara McGann at 863-784-7027 or contact the Advising and Counseling Center at 863-784-7131.

AVON PARK, Fla. – July 31, 2017 – South Florida State College graduated 18 students from its Firefighter Minimum Standards program at an evening ceremony on July 26.

Receiving their certificates were Gary Ball, Jonathan Bash, Jennifer Bidlack, Jarvis Carper, Annemarie Cornine, Antoine Daley, Kelly Gibson, Dillon Hathaway, Antoine Hester, Sean Howard, Wyatt Kofke, Jason LaManna, Justin LaRosa, Brandon Little, Wendy Roberts, Clay Sapp, Clayton Waldron, and Katelynne Wigton.

Deputy Chief Michael Linkins of the Polk County Fire Rescue, who has had a 30-year career in firefighting, presented the keynote address. He remarked that he started as a volunteer in August 1985 and was hired by Polk County in 1987.

“Firefighting is the best job in the world,” Linkins said, addressing the graduates. “Where else can you roll out of bed, jump in a fire truck, run people off the road, get to their house, kick in their front door, break their windows, put a hole in their roof, spray water everywhere, and as you walk out, they shake your hand and thank you for the job you do?”

“The job itself is that of a public servant,” Linkins said in a more serious tone. “The public expects us to be at our best 100 percent of the time. It’s tough to do. You may be on your 18^th call, and it’s hard to get out of bed to deliver that high level of service. But I encourage to do your best. The public has high expectations for firefighters, and public servants in general are held to a higher standard. We always provide the best service that we can for the public.”

Five students were recognized for special achievement. Antoine Hester was acknowledged for Highest GPA, the cadet with the highest grade point average. Justin LaRosa was awarded Highest Score on Final Practical, the highest score on the program’s final practical exam. Gary Ball and Wendy Roberts were awarded Company Leadership, the cadets who showed leadership within the program. Annemarie Cornine was presented with Most Heart, the cadet who showed the most determination and drive, despite adversity.

The Firefighter Minimum Standards occupational certificate program is for applicants who want to pursue a career in fire service but have limited fire training and experience. A cohort of cadets enroll in the Firefighter I course, often with the expectation of continuing through to Firefighter II training. Minimum Standards training is required for volunteer firefighters. Firefighter II training is required for those who wish to be employed as professional firefighters in Florida.

For more information about the SFSC Fire Science Program, contact the SFSC Advising and Counseling Center at 863-784-7131, or visit www.southflorida.edu.

AVON PARK, Fla. – July 24, 2017 – Graduates of South Florida State College’s Radiography program were presented with pins on Thursday, July 20, in a ceremony that recognized them for completing two years of academic study and clinical instruction.

In May, the 12 graduates received Associate in Science (AS) degrees in radiography at SFSC’s spring Commencement service. At the pinning ceremony, the graduates gathered one last time to celebrate their achievements and to affirm their dedication to the highest standards of professionalism. They are now qualified to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART) national examination for certification and registration.

The graduates are Latesha Anglin, Kristine Castillo, Lorena Contreras, Amy Hinote, Rajad Lawrence, Dieucilene Michel, Brenda Miranda, Ana Montanez, Filiberto Montanez Jr., Rachel Ohly, Jose Resendiz, and Derek Whitten. They received radiology pins from relatives and special friends.

Clinical instructor Gary Frakes praised the graduates for being SFSC’s second class in which the original group of 12 students finished the program together. “All of the students in this class were determined to succeed,” Mr. Frakes said. “They provided support and energy for each other. Every challenge we put before them, they accepted and succeeded.”

Ann Frakes, his wife and fellow clinical instructor, recounted her personal and professional journey that began 30 years ago in Flint, Mich., when she earned her radiology degree at the age of 32. Later this year, she will retire as the lead mammographer and certified breast patient navigator for Highlands Regional Medical Center. 

“When I tell you I graduated from a good radiology program, I did,” Mrs. Frakes told the graduates. “But it would not compete with the one you just got through. It is now up to you to go as far as you can with your skills. Regardless of whether you say in this community or go across the state or across the country like myself, opportunities are out there. I want you do know that my radiography career as served me so well. It opened so many doors for me. It has been both professionally and financially rewarding. It has given me a wonderful life and the chance to see and do things. I can only hope it does the same for you.”

Radiologic technologists are employed primarily by hospitals and diagnostic imaging centers. By performing radiologic examinations, radiologic technologists aid in diagnosing, preventing, and treating disease. They prepare patients for exams, use radiographic equipment safely, perform complex imaging procedures, and produce accurate images of the body.

AVON PARK, Fla. – July 17, 2017 – South Florida State College honored eight graduates of its Dental Assisting program in a traditional pinning ceremony in the SFSC University Center Auditorium on July 13.

Receiving their pins were Jesula Bellegarde, Yaritza M. Davila, Maria G. Galarza, Danai M. Morales, Maria Y. Negrete, Liliana D. Ruiz, Brooke Shelton, and Riley White. 

Keynote speaker Bobby Sconyers, SFSC professor of dental assisting, became a dental assistant in 1977 when he joined the United States army. While in the army, he became a dental hygienist and a dental lab technician.  

“You leave as highly trained dental assistants,” Sconyers said to the graduates. “Now your job is to be the best assistant possible. But don’t stop there. Continue to challenge yourselves. Keep your curiosity, keep learning and growing.” 

In her final presentation to the graduates, class president Danai Morales said, “Mr. Sconyers taught us everything, pushed us, and had confidence that we would all do well. All this has helped us make it to where we are now—the graduating dental assisting class of 2017. This is the close of one chapter and the beginning of another. No matter where it takes us in life, I hope that one day we can reunite and have crazy stories to tell. But until then, I wish all of you the best in everything you do.” 

During the ceremony, graduates accepted their dental assisting pins from Dr. Deborah Milliken, chair of SFSC’s Dental Education program. Before pinning each graduate, Dr. Milliken recited the poem “Be Someone,” an inspirational verse by an unknown author. The poem encouraged each student to be the best person they could be and all the gifts of life would return to them. 

“This class is absolutely the best class I’ve ever had, to a person,” Sconyers said. “When I asked them to study, they studied. When I asked them to practice, they practiced over and over the processes they needed to master. This generation is absolutely amazing. I’ve told them a million times, ‘You’re the best students I’ve ever had.’ They make me want to be a better professor because of how hard they work.” 

Upon completing the Dental Assisting program, graduates can work as Certified Dental Assistants by passing the Dental Assisting National Board examination and qualify for Expanded Functions Dental Assisting Certification as well as Orthodontic Assistant Certification. 

SFSC also offers a two-year Associate in Science degree program in dental hygiene. Upon completing this program, graduates become dental hygienists by passing the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination and the Florida State Clinical Licensure Examination.