SFSC Graduates Fire Science and Emergency Medical Services Students

AVON PARK, Fla. – Jan. 31, 2023 – South Florida State College (SFSC) graduated a class of eight students from its Fire Science program, 10 students from its Paramedic program, and seven students from its Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program during an evening ceremony at the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, Jan. 27.

Receiving their Fire Science certificates were: Jackson Campbell, Christopher Davies, Iverson De La Nuez, Wayland Hayes, Roman Mancillas IV, Travis McKenna Jr., Chelsea Miller, and James Warren. Receiving their Paramedic certificates were Rocio Bazzano, Danielle Hester, Michael Linfante, Shelby Merritt, Clinton Norris, Kaley Piggott, Anthony Planeta, Aaron Prevatte, Martin Ramos, and Jordan Tipton. Receiving their EMT certificates were: Anthony Anderson, Michael Bacevic, Nicole Beard, Zachary Beasley, Yajahaira Buentello, Julian Cubilette, and Trina Hipp.

Five students were recognized for special achievement. Christopher Davies earned the highest GPA in Fire Science, Chelsea Miller was acknowledged for leadership in Fire Science, Martin Ramos earned the highest GPA for lecture in the Paramedic program, Rocio Bazzano earned highest GPA for lab in the Paramedic program, and Yajahaira Buentello earned recognition for earning the highest GPA in lecture and highest GPA in lab in the EMT program.

The guest speaker was Chief Brandon Ball of the Wauchula Police Department and adjunct instructor in SFSC’s EMT, Paramedic, Fire Science, and Criminal Justice programs. He addressed the graduates: “You are going to bear witness to the absolute best and the absolute worst our community has to offer. Your training prepared you to deal with both. However, your training’s only just begun. It’s the foundation that you’re going to build upon for the rest of your life. Every day, you’re going to walk away with insights that will prove useful to you at a later date.

“When you go home at the end of your shift, you won the game for that 24-hour period. The average public safety employee will spend approximately 20 years navigating the pressures of everchanging shifts, sleepless nights, financial hardships, and the mental burdens of the things that you see day in and day out. Go home at the end of every shift. Commit yourself to your family, teammates, and always stay at top of your game. The training you received today will likely save your life tonight. It may save the life of a family member or someone sitting right next to you tomorrow. Focus on seeking out those in need and commit to making our community a little safer place to reside.

“Stay humble. Stay dedicated. Focus on doing the right thing all the time. Your ethics and integrity are the foundations by which we’re all going to be judged.”

Graduates of the Fire Fighter Career Certificate program have completed 492 contact hours of training. A cohort of cadets enroll in the Firefighter I course, often with the expectation of continuing through to Firefighter II training. Firefighter II training is required for those who wish to be employed as professional firefighters in Florida.

The paramedic graduates completed an 11-month College Credit Certificate course offered through SFSC’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program. Paramedics work as part of an emergency response team called out to traffic accidents, fires, and other life-threatening situations.

The EMT graduates completed the 16 weeks of training, or 300 contact hours, in the program. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply to take the Florida EMT State Board Exam. EMTs function as part of an emergency rescue and transportation team by responding to emergency calls through a dispatch system, operating emergency vehicles safely, assessing scenes of accidents or illnesses, setting priorities for treating patients based on their degree of illness or injury, providing pre-hospital emergency care to treat trauma, shock, wounds, and other medical issues.

For more information about any of SFSC’s Public Safety programs, contact the SFSC Advising and Counseling Center at 863-784-7131 or visit southflorida.edu.

AVON PARK, Fla. – Jan. 27, 2023 – The Hit Men of Country, a new national tour made up of Nashville’s most talented singers and musicians, is scheduled for one performance on Thursday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. at the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts at South Florida State College (SFSC) in Avon Park. These country music makers have performed, toured, or recorded with some of country music’s greatest hit makers like Keith Urban, Travis Tritt, Jason Aldean, Wynonna, Trace Adkins, The Oak Ridge Boys, and Lee Greenwood.

Delivering hit after hit after hit, including fan favorites like “God Bless the USA,” “Big Green Tractor,” and “I Swear,” the live concert features great insider backstage stories.

“This is a country music lover’s dream show,” said Cindy Garren, director of cultural programs at SFSC. “It’s a new production and we are one of the first in the state to present this ultimate country concert.”

Tickets are $20, $30 and $40. Groups or 12 or more can save 25% on admission. The performance is sponsored by MidFlorida Credit Union. 

The concert features Doug Carter, a producer for Grammy Award and Gospel Music Award winning artists. Carter has toured with Crystal Gayle, Pam Tillis, the Bellamy Brothers, Crystal Gayle, and more. Also featured is Jeff Zona on acoustic guitar and vocals. Zona was spotlighted in Guitar Player magazine at the age of 19 and has toured with five-time Country Music Association Vocalist of the Year, Lee Greenwood. Zona has made multiple television appearances with the Grand Ole Opry, TNN, and CMT.

The Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts is located on the SFSC Highlands Campus at 600 West College Drive in Avon Park. Tickets can be purchased online at sfscARTS.org or by phone at 863-784-7178. 

Upcoming concerts at the Wildstein Center include The Isaacs, a southern gospel band that are members of the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 1:30 pm. The Isaacs are a Grammy Award-nominated family group who specialize in acoustic Christian music with forays into bluegrass, folk, and country music. Tickets for The Isaacs are $20, $25 and $30.

A free performance of the U.S. Army Concert Band and Soldier’s Chorus performs on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 3 p.m. A limit of two tickets per household are available online at sfscARTS.org.

AVON PARK, Fla. – Jan. 24, 2023 – Rocky Kitchens, a former Panther basketball player, was inducted into the Hardee Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Hardee Agri-Civic Center in Wauchula on Saturday, Jan. 14.

Kitchens was one of the first students to sign an athletic scholarship at South Florida Junior College (now South Florida State College). Coached by Dunning Terrell, the team earned 19 wins and 14 losses during its first season of 1966-67. He was also a member of the College’s first Student Government Association (SGA) council. Kitchens graduated with his Associate in Arts from SFJC on May 1, 1968.

Through his career, Kitchens was a teacher, coach, and community education director. He served as deputy superintendent of Hardee County Schools for 16 years. During those years, he was on the founding and construction committees for Hilltop Elementary School and Hardee Junior High School.

Kitchens was a member of the founding committee for the Community Recreation Complex in Hardee County and was chairman for 16 years. He began a swimming program at the Recreation Complex pool. He was on the founding committee of the Hardee County YMCA and was one of the Board of Directors’ first directors. He was also on the founding committee for the Hardee High Baseball Complex.

“The Hall of Fame was created to honor those individuals who have positively impacted Hardee County athletics and devoted extraordinary efforts in doing so,” said Derren Bryan, president of the Hardee Athletic Foundation and member of the SFSC District Board of Trustees. “In Hardee County, we speak of the ‘Wildcat Way’ or the character expected of CATS: Character, Attitude, Trust, and Strength. We wanted a way to keep that legacy alive. We wanted to reflect on the memories of those who instilled these qualities and work ethic in all of us. Anyone who walks through the Hall of Fame entering Wildcat Stadium can see our history and many who are responsible for a lot of what they have been blessed to experience in their lifetime. The selection process is never taken lightly by the Board of Directors. The Board wants the Hall of Fame to represent to the community citizens set apart for excellence as well as having made an impact on Hardee athletics.”

Wildcat Stadium is the home of the Hardee Senior High School Wildcats in Wauchula.

“The Hardee Athletic Foundation can proudly say that Coach Kitchens and many of the other Hall of Fame members remain actively engaged in our community today,” Bryan said. “They invest time and effort to assist our youth by serving on committees in the community, in their churches, and in other ways.”

Number:	28
Name:	Olivia O’Quin
Position:	Infield
Height:	5’8″
Hometown:	Orlando
Class:	Sophomore

Number:	30
Name:	Brylan West
Position:	First Base
Height:	6’5″
Weight:	235 lbs.
Hometown:	Freedom
Class:	Sophomore

AVON PARK, Fla. – Jan. 19, 2023 – At the conclusion of the South Florida State College (SFSC) Foundation’s sixth annual Million Dollar Hole-in-One Golf Shootout on Saturday, Jan. 14, no one claimed the big prize. However, three qualifiers came closest to the 18^th hole and emerged for first, second, and third places. Scott Hitt came in first place when his ball came within 20’5” of the hole. Michael Ewing, in second place, came in at 21’2” from the hole and Steve Sortore’s golf ball fell 27’3” from the hole. Hitt won $750, Ewing won $500, and Sortore came away with $250.

This year, golfers struggled against the colder than normal Central Florida weather throughout the three-day Golf Shootout that began on Thursday, Jan. 12 and was held at Sun ‘N Lake Golf & Country Club in Sebring. In spite of the weather, 76 people turned out to vie for the $1 million prize money.

The golfers who rounded out the group of 12 qualifiers were: Tom Kestler, David Schmidt, Steve Sortore, Donald Bressette, John Zdonek, Shawn Bray, Jeff Taylor, Michael Ewing, David Boersma, Scott Hitt, Ty Van Bulck, and Doug West. Tom Kestler hit a hole-in-one during this round.

“We’re extremely grateful for the opportunity to host this event with the great support of the SFSC Foundation, our Foundation board members, our administration, our student-athletes, and our tremendously supportive surrounding community,” said Rick Hitt, SFSC athletic director. “The Golf Shootout gets bigger every year, and the continuous turnout of our competitors has been outstanding.

“A special thank you to Century 21 Advanced All Service Realty, Inc. and Ronnie Carter as our event sponsor. We are extremely grateful for their sponsorship over the last several years. To Bill and Lisa Jarrett of Bill Jarrett Ford, this year’s awards sponsor, and to all of our many sponsors for this event, we appreciate your support.  We look to continue to advance this event year after year.”

Proceeds from the Golf Shootout benefit SFSC Panther athletic teams in women’s volleyball, women’s cross country, men’s baseball, and women’s softball. SFSC’s student-athletes assisted with preparation and organization at the Golf Shootout.

In 2024, the seventh annual Million Dollar Hole-in-One Golf Shootout will return to Sun ‘N Lake with qualifying days on Thursday, Jan. 11 through Saturday, Jan. 13. For more information on the event or how to become a sponsor of next year’s Golf Shootout, contact the SFSC Foundation at 863-453-3133.

AVON PARK, Fla. – Jan. 17, 2023 – South Florida State College (SFSC) student and Sebring High School senior, Angela Huang, was named one of the top 300 scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2023, the oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. The 300 scholars will be awarded $2,000 each and their schools will be awarded $2,000 to use toward STEM-related activities.

“This is an impressive accomplishment by our student,” said Dr. Mintoo Patel, SFSC biology instructor and Huang’s research mentor. “It is a matter of great pride for our institution to see such student success. We have a great undergraduate research program at SFSC that nurtures students’ research passions and provides them with excellent mentoring and a supportive environment to achieve their best.”

The Regeneron Science Talent Search scholars were selected from 1,949 applications from 627 high schools across 48 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and four other countries. Of the top 300 scholars, 194 hail from American and international high schools in 35 states and China. In fact, Huang is one of 11 scholars named to the top 300 who represent a Florida high school.

The top 300 scholars were chosen based on their outstanding research, leadership skills, community involvement, commitment to academics, creativity in asking scientific questions, and exceptional promise as STEM leaders demonstrated through the submission of their original, independent research projects, essays, and recommendations.

This year, research projects covered topics, such as developing eco-friendly biofuel and improving methods used to detect diseases and neurological disorders. Some students focused on social issues, such as exploring ways to reduce social media-induced emotional distress and violence.

Huang was recognized for her research titled, “FadA-Secreting Fusobacterium Nucleatum as a Marker for Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Colorectal Cancer.” In April 2022, Huang was awarded fourth place in Cell and Molecular Biology when she presented this research at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Atlanta, Ga.

Last year, Huang made presentations at other scientific conferences, including the Experimental Biology (EB) annual meeting in Philadelphia. EB is an annual meeting of five scientific societies that explores the latest biomedical research. Closer to home, Huang has consistently earned kudos while participating in high school science fairs. For her research on colorectal cancer, she placed first in Cell and Molecular Biology at the District Highlands County Science Fair, first place in Cell and Molecular Biology at the Heartland Regional Science Fair, and second place in Cell and Molecular Biology at the State Science and Engineering Fair of Florida, which attracted 900 participants.

“We celebrate this year’s scholars for their exceptional work and unmatched motivation to use the power of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to make a meaningful mark on the world,” said Christina Chan, senior vice president, Corporate Communications and Citizenship at Regeneron. “Through our partnership with the Society for Science, it is our goal that the Regeneron Science Talent Search elevates young scientists and underscores the significance of STEM in solving society’s biggest challenges.”

On Thursday, Jan. 24, 40 of the 300 scholars will be named Regeneron Science Talent Search finalists. Each of the finalists will receive $25,000 and participate in the final competition in Washington, D.C. in March. The top prize for the most promising emerging STEM leader in the United States is $250,000.

For more information about undergraduate research at SFSC, contact Dr. James Hawker, dean of arts and sciences, at 863-784-7329 or james.hawker@southflorida.edu.

AVON PARK, Fla. – Jan. 11, 2023 – Founded in 1902, the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine is one of its nation’s largest and most internationally known ensembles. South Florida State College (SFSC) in Avon Park is honored to host the Orchestra at the 1,460 seat Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m.

“This concert and the Orchestra’s American tour is a testament to the power of music to overcome adversity,” said Cindy Garren, director of cultural programs at SFSC.

The Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine was established in the medieval city of Lviv in 1902. The Orchestra has toured extensively around the world to countries including Poland, Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany, and The People’s Republic of China.  During the past several seasons, they have completed highly acclaimed recordings for major international labels including Naxos, Toccata Classics, and Brilliant Classics.

The multiple award-winning conductor, Theodore Kuchar, is the most recorded conductor of his generation. Stanislav Khristenko, who has been called a “poet of piano,” is the featured soloist, performing Chamber Symphony No. 3 for flute and string orchestra. The Chamber Symphony No. 3 was composed by the contemporary Ukrainian composer, Yevhen Stankovich.

The program will include Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A major, Opus 92. This symphony was completed in 1812, the year in which Napoleon was beginning to fail in his conquests. Celebrating this turn of events, the Seventh Symphony premiered at a concert in Vienna on Dec. 8, 1813 to benefit troops wounded in the Battle of Hanau, a small but tactical victory on Oct. 31, 1813, which routed Napoleon into a retreat in the War of the Sixth Coalition.

During the tour, the Lviv Orchestra of Ukraine will appear at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center for the Arts in Washington, D.C., and 38 cities throughout the United States.

“I am proud that South Florida State College is presenting these remarkable musicians,” Garren said. “Orchestra members needed special permission to leave their country during this war-torn time. I am asking all music lovers to show their support for these artists and their country.”

Tickets are $45, $35, and $25. Groups of 12 or more can save 25% on admission. Tickets can be purchased online at sfscARTS.org or by calling the SFSC Box Office at 863-784-7178 which is open Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. This performance is sponsored by Jane Hancock and Don Applequist, and Marcia Ward. The Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts is located on the SFSC Highlands Campus at 600 West College Drive in Avon Park.

Avon Park, Fla. – Jan. 5, 2023 – “We Live on Old Dixie HWY Too” features recent paintings and installations by New College of Florida drawing instructor Marlon Tobias. Meet the artist and enjoy free refreshments at the artist reception for the exhibition on Wednesday, Jan. 11, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., at the Museum of Florida Art and Culture (MOFAC) on the South Florida State College Highlands Campus in Avon Park. The exhibition is on view through Friday, Feb. 10.

“Marlon Tobias is an artist with an archival practice,” said Anthony Record, MOFAC curator. “He uses this incredible wealth of archival material that has been passed down to him from the maternal side of his family as the subject of his art. Things like family photos, letters, legal documents, even collected objects like silverware and achievement awards inform his paintings and are included in his installations.” 

In the mid-1800s, Tobias’ great-great-grandfather, Cubby Wardlaw, acquired land in Callahan, a small, rural town in Florida about 15 miles north of Jacksonville, and his family has established and maintained a community there.

“Tobias is working with a remarkable amount of Black history and Florida history that his family has been a part of and documented,” Record said.

As African Americans in the mostly white town of Callahan, Tobias’ family lived under the constant threat of being displaced by their white neighbors. Their meticulous record-keeping was a strategy for clearly establishing and documenting their history on the land, their legal ownership of property and wealth, and to control how these things were maintained and transferred to the next generation. They even used Robert’s Rules of Order and would take meeting minutes for regular family meetings which have been saved.

“Tobias’ paintings, installations, and collected objects tell stories that give us an intimate view of the people that played a pivotal role in the development of this community in Callahan,” Record said. “Tobias says that every person’s life is history, and his work allows us to meet these people from the past, to learn from that history and relate to how they lived, organized, and thrived.”

Learn more about Marlon Tobias and see examples of his work by viewing this MOFAC-produced video.

MOFAC is located at 600 West College Drive, on the SFSC Highlands Campus, in Avon Park. For more information, call the Museum Office at 863-784-7130.

AVON PARK, FL – Jan. 4, 2023 – The South Florida State College (SFSC) Foundation will host its sixth annual Million Dollar Hole-in-One Golf Shootout at Sun ‘N Lake Golf Club in Sebring with qualifying rounds taking place on Thursday, Jan. 12 and Friday, Jan. 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Saturday, Jan. 14 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The final round of the top 12 will take place at the 18^th hole on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 5 p.m. Proceeds from the Golf Shootout benefit the SFSC Athletic Department. SFSC fields four athletic teams: women’s volleyball, women’s cross country, men’s baseball, and women’s softball.

“We are excited again to host the Million Dollar Hole-in-One Golf Shootout,” said Rick Hitt, SFSC Athletic Director. “Since the inaugural Shootout, we have given thousands of dollars in prize money to our qualifiers and we look forward to doing it again this year in hopes of delivering on the grand prize of $1 million. This community has supported athletics at every level every year that I can remember in the 35 years of my coaching career. We look forward to the enjoyment of the qualifying rounds and the excitement and enthusiasm that the final round of the Million Dollar Hole-in-One Golf Shootout brings.”

Amateur adult golfers are eligible to participate in the Shootout and compete for $1 million provided through Hole in One International. If no one sinks a hole-in-one, the closest shots to the hole will win prizes. First place will receive $750, second place will receive $500, third will receive $250, and fourth will receive a pro shop gift card from Sun ‘N Lake Golf Club. Golfers can purchase a bag of 10 balls for $10. Participants may purchase an unlimited number of bags. Register for the Golf Shootout during qualifying rounds at the Sun ‘n Lake Driving Range in Sebring.

“Our Million Dollar Hole in One Golf Shootout is a fun and exciting event, and we are grateful to everyone who supports SFSC by participating in this event,” said Jamie Bateman, vice president of institutional advancement and external affairs at SFSC. “The success of this event is made possible by our generous donors and sponsors who take the lead in helping to pave the path to success for our students through higher education. Our student athletes and all our students are blessed because of everyone who comes out to play and swing for $1 million.”

For more information about the Million Dollar Hole-in-One Golf Shootout, contact the SFSC Foundation at 863-453-3133 or foundation@southflorida.edu.