College Receives Additional $30,000 Donation from Duke Energy Foundation

AVON PARK, Fla. – Nov. 29, 2021 — South Florida State College (SFSC) recently received another $30,000 donation from Duke Energy Foundation. In September 2021, SFSC received a grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to enhance the College’s Electrical Lineworker Program through an initiative called “Increasing Training Opportunities for Electrical Lineworker Students by Expanding Training Capacity and Improving Safety.”

“Supporting South Florida State College’s Electrical Lineworkers is vital to developing a diverse workforce to help support the needs of the energy industry,” said Nancy Dodd, Duke Energy Florida community relations manager. “Our continued collaboration with SFSC helps strengthen the vitality of the communities we serve, today and in the future.”

The most recent $30,000 donation from the Duke Energy Foundation will help further enhance the College’s Electrical Lineworker Program. “Because the program is growing, we’d like to purchase more climbing equipment and hardware, such as poles, transformers, and conductors, and to upgrade our current vehicles,” said Christopher Yeomans, electrical  distribution professor. “Upper body strength is important for students in the Lineworker program, so we’d like to purchase gym equipment for our Lineworker lab that will assist students in building that upper body strength.”

SFSC’s Electrical Lineworker Program prepares students to work as electric line technicians in the construction, maintenance, and repair of electric utility overhaul and underground systems. Through 1,500 contact hours of training at the College’s Hardee Campus, students gain an understanding of electrical systems, operations, and safety while mastering competencies in electrical distribution, basic electrical theory, and underground electrical construction operations. They learn how to maintain electric power systems and use electrical distribution equipment. The program provides practice in climbing, framing, building single and three-phase overhead lines, pole top and bucket rescue techniques, operating bucket trucks, and maintaining and repairing underground systems. Students who successfully complete the program earn a Career Certificate.

For more information about SFSC’s Electrical Lineworker Program, contact Christopher Yeomans, electrical distribution professor, by emailing yeomansC@southflorida.edu or calling 863-784-7045.

AVON PARK, Fla. – Nov. 19, 2021 –SFSC inducted 24 students into its Tau Epsilon chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society on Friday, Nov. 19. 

With families and fellow students looking on, the inductees recited an oath of membership, joining the honor society that recognizes distinguished academic achievement by students enrolled in two-year academic programs.

The guest speaker was Dr. Mark Bukowski, SFSC’s dean of student services. He advised students not to dwell on day-to-day annoyances but to focus on making an impact that would last into the future. He encouraged each new inductee to look for their own unique ways to be helpers to their fellow students and in their communities.

“Leave a lasting impression on people you work with and see every day. Never take for granted the effect you have on other people. You may not think about it on a daily basis, but you have a huge effect on other people’s lives and how successful they are.”

Dr. Bukowski said simple courtesy goes a long way in sustaining other people and that a simple smile to another person passing by in the hall may be the only encouragement they’ve had all day.

“Remember, we’re all fundamentally the same,” Dr. Bukowski said. “We want to be appreciated. We want to feel secure. We want to meet our potential. We want to have the opportunity to be successful. No matter what your demographic or what kind of background you come from, we all want to be treated with respect and to reach our potential. These are things that begin with each one of us helping to lay the groundwork for future generations.”

As the ceremony drew to a close, the inductees each signed the honor society’s membership book, recording their status as scholars of distinction at SFSC. When the auditorium lights dimmed, each scholar lit a candle signifying their fellowship in the society and received a white rose.

The 2021 PTK officers are Katherine Summers, president; Chiya Gilliam, vice president; Navishti Singh, secretary; Suzanne DelGrosso, treasurer; and Carol Mitchell, public relations.

AVON PARK, Fla. – Nov. 15, 2021 – In 1999, Time magazine proclaimed Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel the best musical of the 20th century. South Florida State College (SFSC) presents Carousel in Concert on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts on the Highlands Campus in Avon Park, Fla.

Carousel follows the tempestuous romance between the swaggering carousel barker, Billy Bigelow, and mill worker, Julie Jordan. This American classic features some of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most iconic pieces, including “If I Loved You,” “Mister Snow,” “June Is Bustin Out All Over,” and the iconic “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

“Carousel is a classic American musical,” said Cindy Garren, director of cultural arts at SFSC. “Its powerful message about forgiveness and the gorgeous music is inspiring. This is a must-see for theater lovers.”  

Carousel in Concert stars Broadway actor/singer/producer Ciarán Sheehan. Born in Dublin, Sheehan made his Broadway debut as Marius in Le Misérables and eventually as Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera. He then starred in the coveted role of the phantom for over 1,000 performances. Sheehan has starred in numerous productions with The Irish Repertory Company, sold-out four performances at Carnegie Hall in New York, and appeared on Law and Order, One Life to Live, Another World, Late Night with David Letterman, and on PBS nationally.

Critic Jeremy Gerard from Hollywood Variety wrote, “Sheehan has the kind of soaring stage voice from which indelible Broadway moments are made — the best yet.”

Dawn Cantwell, who stars as Julie, originated the role of Young Meg in Sting’s Broadway musical, The Last Ship. She costarred in Wicked as Nessarose and in numerous roles in national tours of Les Misérables, The Master Class, and Romeo and Juliet. She is currently a faculty member at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts.

“This is a concert version of the play,” Garren said. “The performers narrate the story.  There’s no dancing or scenery because the focus is on the music with a cast of Broadway performers who are flying here from New York City to our stage.”

Upcoming Artist Series performances include: The Gatlin Brothers Country & Christmas; Elvis Birthday Bash starring Mike Albert, Scot Bruce, and The Big E Band; The World of Musicals; Grammy award winner Lee Ann Womack; Argentina Tango Fire; The Simon & Garfunkel Story; National Dance Company of Ireland in Rhythm of the Dance; and Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock & Roll – Part 2.

Tickets for Carousel in Concert start at $27 and are available online at sfscARTS.org or at the SFSC Box Office at 863-784-7178. The box office located at 600 West College Drive in Avon Park on the campus of South Florida State College. Subscriptions are available for the nine-show series. “The best deal is the silver subscription for $285,” added Garren. “That’s nine shows for the price of seven.”

AVON PARK, Fla. – Nov. 9, 2021 – Grammy and Dove Award-winning Christian artist, Michael W. Smith, performs his only Christmas concert in Florida on Monday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. at the 1,460-seat Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts on the Highlands Campus of South Florida State College (SFSC) in Avon Park.

“This is my absolute favorite time of the year and I am so happy to be back on the road,” Smith said. This performance is presented by Balsam Hill, a Christmas décor company.

Tickets for this special holiday concert are $75, $60, $50, and $44. The SFSC concert is sponsored by Gayle Obermayr, DDS, MS. The Wildstein Center is located at 600 West College Drive in Avon Park. Tickets are available online at sfscarts.org or by calling the SFSC Box Office at 863-784-7178.

Smith has been releasing new music regularly and performing around the world to sold-out crowds for the over 35 years. During his storied career, he’s written and recorded over 36 No. 1 songs. He has been honored with three Grammy® Awards, 45 Dove Awards, and one American Music Award. Smith was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and has sold over 15 million albums. Amassing an in-depth catalog of achievements, a myriad of legendary performers recently honored him with a star-studded tribute concert in Nashville, Tenn. to celebrate his 35 No. 1 hits.

Smith’s recent USA Today, Yahoo! Music, and Billboard-acclaimed studio album, “A Million Lights and Parade,” and Good Morning America-featured and Grammy-nominated live worship album, “Surrounded,” have together become his 30th and 31st Top 10 hits on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart, more than any other solo artist in history. 

His most recent album, “Still Vol. 1,” is an atmospheric listening experience of improvisational music coupled with inspirational scriptures. More than just an outstanding songwriter and performer, Smith has given back to the global community throughout his career. Smith has raised funds to battle AIDS in Africa; started Rocketown, a safe haven for young people in Tennessee to meet and find hope; and has helped over 70,000 children through Compassion International. He has also written several bestselling books, including “Old Enough to Know” and “Friends are Friends Forever.” 

Smith’s heavily praised “Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas” features collaborations with Vince Gill, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Nettles, Bono, Michael McDonald, and Amy Grant.

WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 3, 2021 — The Aspen Institute named South Florida State College one of the 150 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges. The colleges selected for this honor stand out among more than 1,000 community colleges nationwide as having high and improving levels of student success as well as equitable outcomes for Black and Hispanic students and those from lower-income backgrounds. 

The 150 eligible colleges have been invited to submit data and narratives as the next steps in an intensive data and practice review process, culminating in the announcement of the Prize winner in spring 2023.

“The recognition from The Aspen Institute affirms that SFSC is a top-performing college due to quality learning initiatives led by a stellar faculty,” said Dr. Thomas C. Leitzel, SFSC president. “By analyzing the data Aspen collects, SFSC far exceeds performance indicators in such areas as number of credentials awarded, graduation rates, and overall student success.”

The Aspen Prize spotlights exemplary community colleges in order to elevate the sector, drive attention to colleges doing the best work, and discover and share highly effective student success and equity strategies. Since 2010, Aspen has chosen to focus intensively on community colleges because they are—as First Lady Dr. Jill Biden stated at the 2021 Aspen Prize ceremony— “a powerful engine of prosperity.”

But student outcomes vary enormously among community colleges, and improving those outcomes is essential to securing our nation’s economic future, strengthening communities, and ensuring that diverse populations experience economic mobility and prosperity. With these goals in mind, the Aspen Prize honors colleges with outstanding achievement in five critical areas: teaching and learning, certificate and degree completion, transfer and bachelor’s attainment, workforce success, and equity for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.

“In an era of persistent inequity and workforce talent gaps, our nation’s best community colleges are stepping up to deliver more degrees to increasingly diverse students so they are prepared for the good jobs waiting to be filled,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “Leaders of exceptional community colleges understand that achieving excellence requires expanding college access and increasing degree completion, but it doesn’t stop there.  They are committed to ensuring that all students—including students of color and those from low-income backgrounds—graduate with the skills needed to secure a job with family-sustaining wages or successfully transfer to and graduate from a university. That same commitment that stands at the center of the Aspen Prize: to advance the goals of social mobility and equitable talent development.”

The eligible colleges represent the diversity and depth of the community college sector. Located in urban, rural, and suburban areas across 34 states, these colleges serve as few as 230 students and as many as 57,000. Winning colleges have ranged from smaller institutions serving rural community and smaller towns—including Lake Area Technical Institute (SD, 2017 Prize winner) and Walla Walla Community College (WA, 2013)—to large community colleges serving major metropolitan areas, including Miami Dade College (FL, 2019) and San Antonio College (TX, 2021).

The four other previous winners are Indian River State College (FL, 2019); Santa Fe College (FL, 2015); Santa Barbara City College (CA, 2013); and Valencia College (FL, 2011).

In this first round, eligibility for the Aspen Prize is based on publicly available data.  Eligible colleges must show strong and improving student outcomes in key areas such as retention, completion, transfer, and equity. Nationwide, 15 percent of community colleges (150 of the approximately 1,000 public two-year colleges nationwide assessed for the Prize) have been invited to apply—the full list can be accessed on the Prize homepage.

The next steps in the process include:

• Selection of the top ten finalists by an expert panel of 15 experts in community colleges, higher education, and workforce training, to be announced in spring/summer 2022
• Fall 2022 site visits to each of the ten finalists, during which the Aspen Institute and partners will collect additional information, including employment and earnings data and insights about promising practices
• A distinguished jury will meet and make award decisions in the first quarter of early 2023
• Announcement of the Aspen Prize in late spring 2023

For a full list of the top 150 eligible institutions and to read more on the selection process, visit highered.aspeninstitute.org/aspen-prize.

The Aspen Prize is generously funded by Ascendium and the Joyce Foundation.

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program aims to advance higher education practices, policies, and leadership that significantly improve student outcomes, especially for the growing population of low-income students and students of color on American campuses. For more information, visit highered.aspeninstitute.org and linkedin.com/showcase/aspenhighered, and follow @AspenHigherEd on Twitter. The Aspen Prize hashtag is #AspenPrize.

The Aspen Institute is a community-serving organization with global reach whose vision is a free, just, and equitable society. For 70 years, the Institute has driven change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the world’s greatest challenges. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Institute has offices in Aspen, Colorado, and New York City, and an international network of partners. For more information, visit aspeninstitute.org.

AVON PARK, Fla. – Oct. 29, 2021 – Braden Beaney, a senior attending DeSoto County High School, was surprised in his classroom, recently, when his teacher, family, friends, and his Take Stock in Children mentor broke the news that he had been named a finalist for the Take Stock in Children Leaders for Life fellowship. He is one of 12 finalists vying for six Leaders for Life Fellowships.

The Fellowship, which recognizes student leaders, comes with a $40,000 scholarship that covers non-tuition expenses, such as housing, books, and transportation. As a Leaders for Life finalist, Beaney received a MacBook laptop computer and has been asked to submit a video essay to be considered for the Leaders for Life Fellowship.

The Leaders for Life Scholarship is an initiative of the Asofsky Family Foundation, which supports programs aimed at helping the state’s youth. The Foundation awards the scholarship in partnership with Take Stock in Children. The South Florida State College (SFSC) Foundation is the lead agency for Take Stock within the College’s service district of DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties.

Beaney is eligible for the Leaders for Life Fellowship because of his participation in Take Stock in Children. Take Stock is a statewide program that provides at-risk children with a mentor and a college scholarship. In return, Take Stock 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. The local Take Stock program was established in 1996 and has awarded college scholarships to more than 521 local students.

Beaney graduates from DeSoto County High School in spring 2022. As a dual enrollment student through South Florida State College (SFSC), he anticipates graduating from the College with an Associate in Arts in spring 2022, as well. Beaney plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in Biology from his dream school, the University of Florida. His ultimate goal is to become a medical doctor in psychiatry to conduct research on mental disorders and the treatment of those illnesses.

In his young life, Beaney already understands what it means to take charge in a crisis. Over the years, he has assisted in caring for his stepfather, who has multiple sclerosis. And when his mother broke her foot, he became his mother’s main caretaker. In the workplace, Beaney has taken on leadership roles. He worked at Winn-Dixie supermarket for a year as a cashier and was entrusted with training new employees. He has served his school and community while participating in organizations, such as the National Honor Society, Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT), Students Against Destruction Decisions (SADD), and the Green/Environmental club.

Dale Wolgast, a retired school principal from the DeSoto County School District, has mentored Beaney through Take Stock in Children for the past three years.

“One of the things foundations, and those accepting students into universities, look for are completers,” Wolgast said. “Will they finish what they start and on time? Braden checks all those boxes when it comes to finishing and completing something he starts. This scholarship would put him over the edge to be able to afford to go to a major university and go into the field of medicine that he desires. He’s one of the greatest kids I’ve ever met and, as a retired school principal, I’ve met a lot of them.”

Since the inception of the Leaders for Life Fellowship program, the local Take Stock in Children program has had 14 finalists and, of those, eight have gone on to become winners of the $40,000 non-tuition scholarship.

“In Highlands, Hardee, and DeSoto counties, you run a great Take Stock in Children program,” said Marilyn Stewart, director of Take Stock in Children’s Leaders for Life Fellowship program. “The staff has been wonderful. The process and management is great. You all do a great job with the students.

“I’ve been working for Take Stock in Children for 22 years and I’m never complacent with it. I’m always surprised at the grit and determination that these students have. There are low income, high-achieving students from across Florida. They come from all walks of life. If they’re given the opportunity to succeed — with a good mentor, with some financial backing, and some positive support — they will thrive.”

“The Leaders for Life Fellowship finalists and winners are the top of the crop,” Stewart said. “Often, they don’t even need the Fellowship. A lot of the students achieve all kinds of grants and scholarships on their own. The Fellowship is not really a scholarship, although there are financial benefits to being in the program. But to be in the Leaders for Life Fellowship, we provide leadership, annual conferences, and mentoring. Other students who’ve gone before these students will reach out and mentor them. We have former Leaders for Life Fellowship students who work at Google and Microsoft. We have three medical doctors who are Fellowship members. They’re all willing to reach out and help the students coming along, to talk with them and share their experiences with them. That’s what’s really beautiful about Leaders for Life.”

To learn more about Take Stock in Children in DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties, contact 863-784-7343 or tsic@southflorida.edu.