AVON PARK, Fla. – Nov. 28, 2022 – Darlene Love, who performed and recorded “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” “He’s a Rebel,” “He’s a Fine, Fine Boy,” “Wait Til My Bobby Gets Home,” and “All Alone on Christmas” which was featured in the Home Alone 2: Lost in New York film, performs on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. The Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts at South Florida State College (SFSC) in Avon Park, Fla. hosts the Grammy® Award-winning vocalist’s only holiday appearance in Florida.
Love, who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by Bette Midler, has been called “the greatest vocalist of all time” by Rolling Stone magazine. Rolling Stone also ranked “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” at the top of its list of the greatest rock and roll Christmas songs.
“Love has performed with and backed up artists such as Sam Cooke, Jimi Hendrix, Elvis Presley, The Beach Boys, Sonny and Cher, Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, and U2,” said Cindy Garren, director of Cultural Programs. “She performs a few select Christmas shows each year. And isn’t it marvelous that she agreed to come to Avon Park?”
Love began her professional career singing lead vocals with the girl group The Blossoms and contributed backing vocals behind many of the biggest hits of the 1960s including the Ronettes’ “Be My Baby,” Shelley Fabares’ “Johnny Angel,” Bobby “Boris” Pickett’s “Monster Mash,” Frank Sinatra’s version of “That’s Life,” and the Crystals’ “Da Doo Ron Ron.” She was also part of a trio called Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans, who recorded Phil Spector’s version of “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah,” an Oscar-winning song from the 1946 Walt Disney film Song of the South, which got into the Top 10 in 1963.
In 1985, she starred on Broadway in “Leader of the Pack,” a jukebox musical based upon the song written by Ellie Greenwich. Other Broadway performances were Miss Gardner in Stephen King’s “Carrie,” Teen Angel in “Grease,” and Motormouth Maybelle in “Hairspray.” Love was also featured in the Lethal Weapon films as Trish, the wife of Roger Murtaugh. Love was also featured in the Oscar-winning documentary “Twenty Feet from Stardom” for which she won a Grammy® award.
For 29 years, Love appeared on “The David Letterman Show” performing her Christmas hit. Letterman dubbed her “Christmas Queen.” When his show went off the air in 2014, Love began performing her hit on “The View.”
Tickets for the performance are $40, $50, and $60 and are available online at sfscARTS.org, by phone at 863-784-7178, or by visiting the SFSC Box Office at 600 West College Drive in Avon Park.
The performance is sponsored by Joe and Suzanne Wright of V & W Farms and Dr. C.B. and Ranjan Patel. A pre-show dinner is available for $30 per person and includes chicken cordon bleu with savory baked potato, vegetables, and dessert. The dinner, hosted by SFSC Foundation, is served in the SFSC Board Room in Building F on the Highlands Campus, a short stroll from the venue.
SFSC Performing Arts presents over 35 performances at the 1,460 seat Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts. Upcoming performances include: Phil Dirt and The Dozers, The Melton Mustafa Quartet, Manhattan Transfer with the Diva Jazz Orchestra, A Salute to Glen Campbell with Jeff Dayton, The Brothers Four with The Limelighters, The Lviv National Philharmonic of Ukraine, Wings Celtic Dance, and Kathy Mattea. To view videos and the complete schedule, visit sfscARTS.org.
Basic Corrections Academy Class 108
AVON PARK, Fla. — Nov. 18, 2022 — During a ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 17 in the Alan J. Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts on the SFSC Highlands Campus in Avon Park, South Florida State College’s (SFSC) Basic Corrections Academy Class 108 graduated 25 cadets, the Basic Law Enforcement (BLE) Academy Class 269 graduated nine cadets, and the Cross Over to Basic Law Enforcement Class 363 graduated four cadets.
Basic Corrections Academy Class 108 graduates who received Career Certificates were: Ashley Alvarez-Burgos, Quanesha Berry, Dianne Borrero, Jason A. Brown, Nicole Franks Sauvey, Christopher J. Frolich, Michael Gaines, Anthony Garza, Denise Gobourne, Shannon Gould, Daniel Harmon, Shaylynn Hood, Latrent Jones, Katlyn Maharaj, Anthony Mercado, Erick Messer, Raven Pace, Jon-Shea Reed, Angelique Robertson, Gabriel Rosado Negroni, Julio Sanchez Victoria, Caleb H. Smith, Tray’Vis Smith, Keri Taylor Shine (class leader), and Dillon Townsend.
BLE Class 269 graduates who received Career Certificates were: Ryan Barkey (class leader), Garrett Barr, Carlos Castilla, Patricia DeLoera, Donald Fillmore, Jimmy Frazier III, Clarissa Garza, Hannah Gorman, and Gabriela Velasquez.
Basic Law Enforcement Academy Class 269
Crossover Academy Class 363 graduates who received Career Certificates were: Eduardo Lebron Colon, Randall Lowe, James Moore II, and Jose Romero Jr.During the ceremony, special awards were presented to several cadets. Of the Basic Corrections Academy Class 108, Keri Taylor Shine was honored as class leader, Ashley Alvarez-Burgos as executive officer, Quanesha Berry for Top Academics, and Michael Gaines for Top Gun. For the Basic Law Enforcement Academy Class 269 and Cross Over to Basic Law Enforcement Class 363, Ryan Barkey was honored as class leader and as Top Gun, Patricia DeLoera for Top Academics, and Jimmy Frazier III for True Grit.
Guest speaker for the graduation was Garrett Roberts, general counsel for the Highlands County Sheriff’s Department. Addressing the cadets, he said, “The career you have chosen is a noble one. It is your duty to ensure that it will be respected when you retire just as much as it is today. You will have the incredible opportunity like no other profession to make a true difference and change the lives of the citizens in which you serve. Citizens will call for your help on their worst day. When they think that all hope is lost, it will be your obligation, your sworn duty, to help that person in need. Children will run up to you and look at you like you’re Superman. Act like it. Spend as much time as you can investing in others. But do this while not wanting or expecting anything in return. Think about your legacy. How will you be remembered? Then, act with that end in mind. Be the person who seeks the truth and respects others. Be the person who lives with integrity. Be the person your family would be proud of. Be the protector of those who would be fearful. Be the hero that brings a smile to a child’s face. And, ultimately, be the change that you want to see in this world.”
Cross Over to Basic Law Enforcement Class 363
Upon successful completion of the SFSC 420 contact-hour Basic Correctional Officer Program, students earn a Career Certificate and are eligible to take the state certification examination to become a certified officer.
SFSC’s Basic Law Enforcement Career Certificate program trains students to become law enforcement officers in Florida. By successfully completing the program, they are eligible to take the state certification examination to become certified law enforcement officers. The program runs 770 contact hours or approximately five months full time or approximately 10 months part time.
The Correction to Law Enforcement (Crossover) Career Certificate program trains currently employed corrections officers to become law enforcement officers in Florida. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the state certification examination to become certified law enforcement officers. The program runs 515 contact hours or approximately 10 months part time.
For more information about these programs, visit southflorida.edu or call SFSC’s Criminal Justice Academy at 863-784-7285.
AVON PARK, Fla. – Nov. 18, 2022 – The Columbia City Ballet returns to South Florida State College (SFSC) with the holiday classic The Nutcracker on Sunday, Dec. 4, 3 p.m. in the 1,460-seat Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts on the Highlands Campus in Avon Park, Fla.
The Nutcracker Ballet tells the story of young Clara who receives a magical nutcracker at a Christmas Eve party from her Uncle Drosselmeyer. In a scuffle with her brother, the Nutcracker is broken. Uncle Drosselmeyer repairs the nutcracker, the party guests depart, and Clara sleeps under the Christmas tree to protect her Nutcracker. As she sleeps, mice and their Rat Queen invade the parlor. The Nutcracker magically comes to life and battles the mice. As she is about to be defeated, Clara strikes the Rat Queen with her shoe, saving her Nutcracker, who then becomes a handsome prince. The prince takes Clara on a fantastic journey to the Land of Snow where they meet the Snow Queen. She then travels to the Land of the Sweets where she meets Mother Ginger, Spanish Hot Chocolate, Bon Bons, Candy Cane Twists, and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
“This is a gorgeous production with a magic Christmas tree, toys that come to life, and a joyous woodland snow scene,” said Cindy Garren, director of SFSC Cultural Programs.
Columbia City Ballet Executive Director William Starrett auditioned local children in October to perform a variety of roles with the professional company. Nancy McDuffee, a Sebring resident, is the local ballet mistress who has been rehearsing the young dancers since October.
The local cast includes:
Mice: Sophia Schlosberg, Ariana Bhandare, Finley Grace Pleger, Addison Philmon, Emmy Bury, Alice Penfield, Gabriella Alvarez, Haygan Hazeltine, Olivia Kelsey, Audrey LeClair, Ariella Arceo, Shelby Seymour, Adeline LeClair, and Helena Muhammad
Cherubs: Sophia Schlosberg, Ariana Bhandare, Finley Grace Pleger, Addison Philmon, Emmy Bury, Adeline LeClair, Helena Babbitt, Ariella Arceo, Shelby Seymour, and Helena Muhammad
Gingerbread Girls: Aubrey Dumbleton, Olivia Kelsey, Haygan Hazeltine, Gabriella Alvarez, Alice Penfield, Marleigh Miller, Noelia Barajas, and Makenna Smith
Bon Bons: Bailey Toney (lead), Mila Meredith, Lincoln O’Donovan, Raelin Corcoran, Tenley Cole, Maci Duncan, Finley Ryan, Charlee Veale, Caroline Gillman, Adelyn Sheffield, Allison Wall, Carlee Shelton, and Piper Smith
Lead Angels: Taylor Leidel, Paige Jahna, Sofiya Balikowsky, and Sophia Shaffer
Archangels: Bailey Toney, Shayla Farrow, Camille Schwartz, McKenzie Pletcher, Annandra Ramkissoon, Zoe Pletcher, and Isabella Conklin
Angels: Goldie Gedeon and Sarah Smith
Gift Givers: Goldie Gedeon, Audrey LeClair, Everli Himrod, Cypress Albritton, and Savannah Somarriba
Cinnamon Twists: Bailey Toney, Taylor Leidel, Shayla Farrow, Sofiya Balikowsky, Sophia Shaffer, and Paige Jahna
Sugar Plum Fairy Attendants: Charlie Veale, Raelin Corcoran, Allison Wall, Lincoln O’Donovan, Maci Duncan, and Tenley Cole
AdventHealth is the title sponsor of The Nutcracker. Series sponsors are Dawn Dell/Paradise Realty, Karlson Law Group, South Florida State College, and Kris and Mike Rider. Performance sponsors are Dr. Catherine P. Cornelius and Friends of June McDuffee.
Tickets can be purchased online at sfscarts.org or by visiting the Wildstein Box Office on the Highlands Campus of SFSC, at 600 West College Drive in Avon Park. Tickets are $30, $35, and $40, and children and students receive a 50% discount. Groups of 12 or more receive a 20% discount plus one complimentary ticket. The Wildstein Center Box Office is open Monday – Friday, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. To contact the Wildstein Center Box Office, call 863-784-7178.
SFSC presents over 30 national and internationally touring artists at the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts located on the Highlands Campus at 600 West College Drive in Avon Park. Upcoming performances include: “The Queen of Christmas” Darlene Love on Dec. 13; Phil Dirt and The Dozers on Jan. 3; The Manhattan Transfer on Jan. 10; A Salute to Glen Campbell on Jan. 17; and the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine on Jan. 19. For a complete schedule or to view performance videos, visit sfscARTS.org.
Nov. 16, 2022 – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis awarded state funds to South Florida State College (SFSC), Florida SouthWestern State College, and State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota today in Matlacha, Fla. Gov. DeSantis presented SFSC President Tom Leitzel with a check in the amount of $618,000 for the College’s Commercial Vehicle Driver and Welding programs.
| Name: | Joshlynn Sanchez |
| Year: | Freshman |
| Height: | 5’3″ |
| Hometown: | Bowling Green, Florida |
Mall by Bruce Marsh
AVON PARK, Fla. – Nov. 3, 2022 – “Bruce Marsh: A Long Glance” features recent panoramic paintings of everyday people and places in rural and suburban Florida by University of South Florida (USF) Professor Emeritus Bruce Marsh. “Bruce Marsh: A Long Glance” is on view now through Friday, Nov. 18, at the South Florida State College (SFSC) Museum of Florida Art and Culture (MOFAC) on the Highlands Campus in Avon Park.
“Bruce Marsh is a legendary painter in Florida,” said Anthony Record, MOFAC curator. “He has sustained a critical and rigorous painting practice that has evolved over decades, and countless artists have been influenced by his teaching at USF from 1969-2003.”
Mostly known for his closely observed landscape paintings, this is the first time an exhibition has been devoted entirely to his “Groups” paintings of ordinary people in ordinary, but spatially complex, places. Painted in oil on linen or aluminum, the paintings have extreme proportions—most of the canvases are six to eight feet wide and only about two feet high.
“Marsh’s work is extremely technically accomplished,” Record said. “And it’s incredible to see the detail he’s able to portray in these paintings of ordinary places with just a few carefully considered brush strokes.”
Many of the paintings were made during and immediately after COVID quarantine periods in 2020 and 2021. “Especially now that people are more comfortable gathering in public again, the paintings really make you aware of how we took for granted the great pleasures of spending time with others even in everyday locations like a mall, a diner, or the backyard,” Record said.
Learn more about Bruce Marsh and see examples of his work by viewing this MOFAC-produced video: https://youtu.be/dAoi99p_Hlw
MOFAC is located at 600 West College Drive, SFSC Highlands Campus, in Avon Park. For more information, call the Museum Office at 863-784-7130.
Avon Park, Fla. – Nov. 3, 2022 – South Florida State College (SFSC) will host a Veterans Day remembrance ceremony to honor the men and women who served their country in war and peace. The ceremony will be held Friday, Nov. 11, at 10:45 a.m., at Enlightenment Circle on the SFSC Highlands Campus in Avon Park. The public is invited to join SFSC students, staff, faculty, and administrators for this annual ceremony.
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael S. Ryan will deliver the official remarks during the ceremony. In August 2022, he assumed command of the 598th Range Squadron, Avon Park Air Force Range. Ryan was previously the director of operations of the 18 Operations Support Squadron, 18th Wing, and HH-60G instructor pilot, 33rd Rescue Squadron, at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. He was commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program at Auburn University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, summa cum laude, in 2004. He was awarded his Master of Systems Engineering from George Washington University in 2010 and his Master of Military Operational Art and Science from Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, in 2016. As a command pilot, he logged over 2,000 hours of total flight time. He was deployed twice to Afghanistan as a mission pilot.
Three SFSC students will give remarks in honor of all who served their country. Staff Sgt. Mark McGovern, a U.S. Air Force veteran, is working toward his Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to become a registered nurse. Master Sgt. Calvin Fogle, a U.S. Army veteran, is enrolled in the Career Certificate in Automotive Collision Technology Technician program. Senior Airman Justin DellaRocco, a U.S. Air Force veteran, is working toward his Associate in Arts.
The Sebring High School Show Choir will perform a musical tribute and the Avon Park High School Air Force JROTC color guard will present the American flag. After the ceremony, guests are invited to participate in a Remembrance Walk through a portion of the SFSC Highlands Campus.
To reach the location of the ceremony at the SFSC Highlands Campus in Avon Park, take Entrance 3 on College Drive. Enlightenment Circle is on the southeast side of the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts.
For further information about SFSC’s Veterans Day ceremony, contact Dr. Brent Ferns, SFSC dean of Applied Sciences and Technologies, at brent.ferns@southflorida.edu or 863-784-7424.
