Fall Commencement Celebrates Academic Accomplishment

Avon Park, Fla. – Dec. 15, 2023 – South Florida State College (SFSC) celebrated the academic accomplishments of its graduates with a fall Commencement ceremony held on Thursday, Dec. 14 in the SFSC Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts on the Highlands Campus in Avon Park.

Opening the ceremony, Terry Atchley, chair of the SFSC District Board of Trustees addressed the graduates: “Education is about growth, not just about grades. You have adapted and grown during these times, which has enriched you and added to your academic success. All the triumphs you and your fellow classmates shared together have created a remarkable bond and made your path unique. Graduates, as you embark on the next chapter in your lives, remember that SFSC is forever your home.”

In her presentation to the graduates, Jenale Alfonso Cruz, who earned her Associate in Arts during the ceremony, said that when she was 12 years old, her father had a near-fatal car accident. That incident prompted her to decide to one day become a medical doctor. After working with a local dentist as a dental assistant, her career path changed. Now, she is determined to become a dentist and educate patients on the importance of oral health.

Working full time, it took her four years to complete her associate degree. However, her dream of becoming a dentist may well come true because of her persistence and passion for her job and College endeavors. Her advice to the graduates was, “Don’t give up on trying and don’t ever be afraid of your mistakes. Know that passion and ambition will take you far in life to success. We have all become masters of our fates, and we must continue to dwell in the possibility. Let’s celebrate, Class of 2023. We made it!”

Fred Hawkins, SFSC president, in his first Commencement with the College, said to the graduates, “Commencement is filled meaning and engrained in the fabric we call academic traditions. This is your day, graduates. Take every second of this moment in. Take pictures, share the stories, and make memories with your family and fellow classmates. Take time to celebrate after you leave this campus, because what we do here is solemn and filled with tradition, as it should be, to honor your achievements. We are thrilled for all you have accomplished, and we are now united forever as proud Panthers!”

Approximately 352 students will have met the SFSC requirements by fall Commencement. Of these, 14 received their Bachelor of Science in Supervision and Management (BAS-SM), seven received their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), one received their Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (BSEE), 99 received their Associate in Arts, 78 received their Associate in Science, 35 received their State of Florida High School Diploma, 38 received their College Credit Certificate (CCC), and 35 received Career Technical Certificates. In all, 149 graduates crossed the stage wearing academic regalia adorned with variously colored cords and sashes signifying their individual achievements.

Mace bearer and chief marshal for Commencement was Michelle Leidel, and marshals were Tina Gottus, Courtney Green, Rob Hampton, Garrett Lee, Michelle Macbeth, Mlisa Manning, Sofia Ochoa, Michael Pate, Lena Phelps, Ricardo Pantoja, Andy Polk, Anthony Record II, Tina Stetson, and Megan Togno.

In addition to Atchley, other members of the SFSC District Board of Trustees in attendance were Vice Chair Timothy D. Backer, Derren J. Bryan, Tami Cullens, and Kris Y. Rider.

Dec. 7, 2023 – The Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts at South Florida State College presents America’s most popular nostalgia rock and roll tribute on Saturday, Jan. 6 with Phil Dirt and the Dozers. The Columbus-based group is a perennial favorite for its tight harmonies, lighthearted banter, and showmanship.

The performance is sponsored by Heartland National Bank and the Thakkar Family Foundation. “We’re kicking off our 40th anniversary at this performance,” said Cindy Garren, director of cultural programs. “Alan Jay Wildstein has graciously underwritten the cost of commemorative brass key tags that will be given out to the first 500 guests.”

Phil Dirt and the Dozers was founded in 1981 by Steve “Dr. Honk” Cabot, Bill Lehr, Mark Milligan, Howard Kandel, and Bill LeFavor. The group has traveled the continent playing to thousands of fans, released several albums, headlined a rock and roll cruise, and even had their own television show.

Specializing in music from the ‘50s and ‘60s, the Dozers deliver a fun, lively concert of music from the Beach Boys, Four Seasons, Roy Orbison, Sam Cooke, and more. Tom Gilbert from the Anthracite Concert Association in Pottsville said, “The collaboration between the musicians and audience, and the energy flowing on stage was remarkable.” 

“Steve Cabot has the uncanny ability to mimic the vocal styles of Frankie Valli and Roy Orbison,” said Garren. “Together with Tony Alfano, and the rest of the band, Mark Frye, Hadden Sayers, and Max Marsillo, the concert is high energy, nostalgic, and a great night out.”

Tickets start at $22 plus a $3 processing fee. More information on Phil Dirt and the Dozers and the SFSC Performing Arts series is available online at sfscARTS.org. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 863-784-7178, at the SFSC Box Office, or on online.

The Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts is located at 600 West College Drive in Avon Park. Parking is free and the concession stands accepts cash only.

Upcoming performances include Country Music Association Vocal Duo of the Year award winners Thompson Square on Jan. 20; Piff the Magic Dragon on Feb. 8; Croce Plays Croce on Jan. 27; Rumours: a Fleetwood Mac tribute and the national Broadway tour of the musical Little Women on March 6.

Dec. 12, 2023 – South Florida State College (SFSC) named Asena Mott, director of SFSC’s DeSoto Campus, as the interim director of SFSC’s Lake Placid Center due to the retirement of Randall Paeplow after 32 years of service to the College.  

“As we congratulate Randy Paeplow on his 31 years of service to SFSC, we would like to announce the appointment of Asena Mott as interim director of the Lake Placid Center in addition to her role as director of the DeSoto Campus,” said Dr. Michele Heston, vice president for academic affairs and student services at SFSC. “Asena’s leadership will be key to ensuring a seamless transition during this time. We appreciate Asena and the dedicated staff at the Lake Placid Center as we bid Randy a wonderful and well-deserved retirement.” 

Mott became the DeSoto Campus director in 2016 after 11 years in school administration and 10 years in teaching elementary school. In 2018, she was elected to the DeSoto County School Board and currently serves as School Board chair. She routinely participates in the Florida School Board Association training and is involved with Leadership DeSoto and the DeSoto Chamber of Commerce. Mott’s volunteer work includes serving as a child advocate for the Guardian ad Litem program, working with the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, mentoring through Take Stock in Children, and sponsoring the Interact Club to encourage “service above self” for high school students. 

“Even with my short tenure as president, I have quickly recognized Asena’s leadership skills and her obvious potential to take on this new role,” said Fred Hawkins, president of SFSC. “She puts students first and we needed someone to fill this position who would offer students the same attention and service that Randy did.”

“Our Lake Placid Center has been an important part of the community for decades, and I am honored to be a part of the Center’s next steps toward success,” said Mott. 

For information about SFSC and its campus locations, visit southflorida.edu or call 863-453-6661. 

AVON PARK, Fla. – Dec. 12, 2023 – South Florida State College (SFSC) honored 47 Associate in Science degree in Nursing (ADN) students in a traditional pinning ceremony on Monday, Dec. 11 in the Alan J. Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts at SFSC on the Highlands Campus in Avon Park.

The graduates are: Rigenst Alfred, Jennifer Allen, Reham Alqabsi, Mikala Armioia, Selena Badillo, Paxton Brooks, Kaitlyn Burkhardt, Cheyenne Carpenter, Cynthia Cerna, Kevin Coleman, Ruben Coronado, Zobeida Cram, Nicole Deleandro, Jaime Dixon, Mesha Estivene, Sara Fears, Harielle Florestal Fleurjean, Jessica Franceschi-Coffey, Elizabeth Galindo, Briana Garcia, Olivia Guerndt, Maricruz Jaimes-Ramos, John Anmherey Jimenez, Stephanie Kirnes, Austin Knutson, Shekinah Maranan, Patricia McElroy, Yisselle Mier, Javier Miguel-Ramos, Katelyn New, Christine Nguyen, Peter Piotrowski, Peyton Roberts, Kacie Romero, Aron Ruiz, Maria Ruiz, Terrion Salmon, Raney Sebring, Amber Shoemaker, Myra Solis, Taylor Suggs, Emily Tomblin, Mary Torres, Crystal Valadez, Josephnia Valdez, Priscilla Villazana, and Rose Virgile.

Each year, Nursing graduates award the Golden D.U.C.K. to someone who has served as a mentor to the students in the program. The D.U.C.K. acronym represents the foundational elements of the mentoring arrangement: Developing, Understanding, Compassion, and Knowledge.

During the ceremony, graduates Katelyn New and Jessica Franceschi-Coffey presented the 2023 Golden D.U.C.K. Award to Cori Whitehouse, R.N., nurse development manager with AdventHealth Sebring. New and Franceschi-Coffiey said that Whitehouse “ensured that we had smooth transition processes in college, assisted in getting students connected with scholarships, helped many of us progress to roles in the hospital, and advocated for us countless times.” The graduates stated that Whitehouse exemplifies the quote that “Anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you.”

During the pinning ceremony, the graduates’ loved ones presented them with their individual nursing pins. The graduates, then, passed the flame of a lamp, one to another, before reciting the Nightingale Pledge.

Mary von Merveldt, director of nursing education, explained the origins of the Nursing pinning and the importance of the lamp lighting ceremony to the graduates: “The pinning we know today originated in the 1850s at the Nightingale School of Nursing at St. Thomas Hospital in London. Having been awarded the Red Cross of St. George for her selfless service to the injured and dying during the Crimean War, Florence Nightingale chose to extend this offer to her most outstanding graduating nurses by presenting each of them with a medal of excellence. The presentation of the lamp is a symbol of the caring devotion nurses administer to the sick and injured in the practice of nursing. After nurses were pinned, Nightingale would light a lamp and pass the flame to each nurse as they recited the pledge. The passing of the flame represents a formal welcoming of new nurses to the profession.”

Graduates of the ADN program become registered nurses by passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). SFSC Nursing graduates are usually fully employed in nursing within a few months of graduation.

SFSC offers an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a two-year generic Associate in Science in Nursing, a 13-month transition licensed practical nurse to registered nurse Associate in Science in Nursing, and an 11-month Practical Nursing (PN) career certificate. For more information about SFSC’s Nursing programs, contact Danielle Ochoa, Health Sciences advisor at 863-784-7027 or by email at healthsciences@southflorida.edu.

AVON PARK, Fla. – Dec. 11, 2023 – With the thousands of alumni and exceptional graduates that South Florida State College (SFSC) has nurtured since 1965, selecting an outstanding alumnus to the SFSC Panther Alumni Society Hall of Fame is a difficult task. SFSC’s most prestigious alumni honor was awarded on Thursday, Dec. 7, during the SFSC Foundation’s annual Christmas Luncheon at the Hotel Jacaranda in Avon Park. The award was presented to John L. Sedlock.

“We are excited to honor John Sedlock as our 2023 Panther Alumni Society Hall of Fame inductee,” said Anastasia Fuchser, coordinator, SFSC institutional advancement and alumni development. “He has made his mark here in Avon Park and the surrounding area as a local business owner and strong supporter in this community. We congratulate him and welcome him to the Hall of Fame.”

Sedlock is president of Sedlock and Heston Construction, Inc. in Avon Park. He earned his Associate in Arts from SFSC in 1978 and had been recruited from a high school in Vienna, Va. to play as a pitcher for the SFSC Panther Baseball team from 1977 to 1978. In more recent times, Sedlock and Heston Construction have sponsored entertainment presented through SFSC’s Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts. Sedlock’s son and daughter earned their Nursing degrees from SFSC.

Sedlock’s love of sports has continued over the years. He and business partner, Terry Heston, have supported sports on every level in Avon Park throughout the last four decades. They’ve coached Dixie Youth Baseball, fed hundreds of steaks to Avon Park High School football players before home games, and have come to the aid of athletic complexes in Avon Park when they needed equipment or facilities upgrades, such as a batting cage or a concession stand.

“John is that steady, behind-the-scenes leader who makes things happen but is never in the spotlight,” said Dr. Michele Heston, who nominated Sedlock and is SFSC vice president for academic affairs and student services. “He’s just a lovely person. I believe that he deserves this particular award, because his whole career started out on SFSC’s baseball field. I feel that it’s important to honor people who have that staying power in a community. He came here from Virginia and realized that this is where he belonged and he’s been here ever since.”

For more information about the Panther Alumni Society Hall of Fame, call the SFSC Alumni Association at 863-453-3133 or email alumni@southflorida.edu.

AVON PARK, Fla. – Dec. 8, 2023 – Sometimes, amazing people step into our lives at just the right time to guide us along the way. Jenale Alfonso Cruz met those people over the last four years. Now, her dream of becoming a dentist and practicing in Highlands County, Fla. may likely come true.

Alfonso Cruz began her educational journey at North Hampton Community College in Bethlehem, Pa., but she will earn her Associate in Arts during South Florida State College’s (SFSC) Commencement ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. at the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts. In fact, she will be the graduation keynote speaker.

When Alfonso Cruz was 12 years old, her father had an atrial fibrillation (AFib) episode, leading him to pass out while driving to his store. At one point in the hospital, his heart stopped for almost 14 seconds. Although he was close to being pronounced dead, he miraculously recovered. It was a life changing moment for his daughter.

“Because of the work of the doctors and nurses at the hospital, my father is still with us,” Alfonso Cruz said. “I remember telling my mom that day, ‘I want to go to college to become a medical doctor. I want to save lives the way these doctors and nurses saved my dad.’”

Alfonso Cruz will be a first-generation college graduate. She pays tribute to her parents, Orlando Alfonso and Milagros Cruz, for inspiring her to attend college. “We lived paycheck to paycheck most of my life,” she said. “My dad was always upset with himself because he didn’t complete high school and didn’t go to college. He told me, ‘When you get older, I want you to be better than me. And I want you to go to college. If you don’t want to go to college, do something that you’ll love. Because when you love something, it’s not a job.’ Between my parents not graduating from high school and that accident, I knew that my purpose in life was to help people and educate them about health.”

Someone special came into Alfonso Cruz’ life at just the right time. “I was working at a local restaurant as a server to earn money to pay for college,” she said. “One day, I needed to go to the dentist, so my mother suggested I visit her dentist, Dr. Albert Ruiz.

“While I was at his office, he asked me what I was majoring in at college. I told him that I wanted to become an emergency room nurse or doctor. Then he asked me where I was working. I told him and he said, ‘I’m going to offer you a job. What if you come to work as a dental assistant in my office and I teach you everything?”

The next day, Alfonso Cruz accepted the job offer. After working for Dr. Ruiz for several months, she came to love the job. “Seeing him work, his ability to teach me, his patience, his care, and his love for his job inspired me to want to become a dentist. My boss is amazing.”

“In my job, I see oral health take a toll on people’s physical well-being,” she said. “The oral cavity is so important to the health of the human body as a whole. I know that when I become a dentist, I can educate people, change their lives, and give them confidence. I love everything about dentistry. I attribute that to Dr. Ruiz. He’s been my cheerleader over the last four years.”

But to pay for college, Alfonso Cruz has worked 40 to 45 hours a week. “I can’t have my parents pay for my college,” she said. “Because of my father’s income, I couldn’t get financial aid. But my parents don’t charge me for anything. I live at home, my meals are made for me, and my mom washes my clothes for me most of the time. My parents are great. I can’t take anything else from them.”

Alfonso Cruz has been a particularly good student, earning mostly A’s throughout her college career. Each term, she takes two to three classes. “However, my social life is non-existent,” she said. “I have friends at work but none outside of work. These last four years have been somewhat isolating.”

At one point, Alfonso Cruz became dissatisfied with her life because she felt that she wasn’t progressing toward her associate degree soon enough. She expressed her unhappiness to her English instructor, Rachel Wood. “I told her, ‘I don’t know why I’m here at college. I don’t know why it’s taking me so long to finish an associate degree. I’m 20 years old. By the time I’m finished with my associate degree, other people will have already finished their bachelor’s degrees.”

Wood consoled her. “Everyone has their own path,” she said. “Continue on. You’re doing great. What do you want to be?”

“That’s when I decided that I wanted to become a dentist,” Alfonso Cruz said. “I told her that I love my job and I love everything about it.”

So, Alfonso Cruz is ready to move forward and has secured a scholarship from Warner University, where she plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Biology. From there, she intends to spend a year and a half preparing to sit for the Dental Admission Test (DAT). What are her plans after dental school? “I’d like to come back to Highlands County and become an associate with Dr. Ruiz,” she said. “This is home for me.”

With personal experience behind her, Alfonso Cruz has her own advice for current and prospective college students: “If you need help, ask for it,” she said. “At SFSC, advisors, professors, and the people in financial aid will help you find a scholarship. Although I didn’t qualify through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), I applied for a scholarship through the SFSC Foundation and received $3,000. I didn’t think I was going to get anything. That money covered almost three semesters for me.

“Even if you only take two or three classes a term, don’t give up. You can do it. Otherwise, 10 years from now, you might regret that you didn’t go for it. When you’ve completed college, you’ll proudly say, “I did that.” If you don’t want to get an Associate in Arts degree, you can explore workforce options. Everything is possible. Don’t make excuses.”

AVON PARK, Fla. – Dec. 7, 2023 – South Florida State College (SFSC) celebrates its new graduates with a Commencement ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. at the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts on the SFSC Highlands Campus in Avon Park.

The Commencement speaker is Jenale Alfonso Cruz, who is graduating from SFSC with her Associate in Arts degree. While attending SFSC, she worked full time as a dental assistant and served as a Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society vice president of leadership. Upon graduation from SFSC, she will continue her education toward a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Warner University. Ultimately, her dream is to attend dental school and educate patients on the importance of oral health.

Approximately 352 students will have met the SFSC requirements by fall Commencement. Of these, 14 will receive their Bachelor of Science in Supervision and Management (BAS-SM), seven will receive their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), one will receive their Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (BSEE), 99 will receive their Associate in Arts, 78 will receive their Associate in Science, 35 will receive their State of Florida High School Diploma, 38 will receive their College Credit Certificate (CCC), and 35 will receive Career Technical Certificates. Students participating in the Commencement ceremony will total 149.

Mace bearer and chief marshal for Commencement is Michelle Leidel, and marshals are Tina Gottus, Courtney Green, Rob Hampton, Garrett Lee, Michelle Macbeth, Mlisa Manning, Sofia Ochoa, Michael Pate, Lena Phelps, Ricardo Pantoja, Andy Polk, Anthony Record II, Tina Stetson, and Megan Togno.

The Commencement rehearsal will be held on Thursday, Dec. 14 at 10 a.m. at the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts. The event will be live-streamed with access through SFSC’s website at southflorida.edu.

AVON PARK, Fla. — Dec. 6, 2023 — During the December meeting of South Florida State College’s (SFSC) District Board of Trustees, 32 students studying for careers in the health sciences at SFSC received approximately $28,650 in scholarships.

Florida Blue Nursing and Allied Health Scholarships were awarded to SFSC students in nursing, dental education, radiography, emergency medical services, surgical services, and phlebotomy programs. The students may use the scholarships for tuition, textbooks, lab fees, and childcare.

Students receiving the scholarships are studying within three health science disciplines:

• Nursing: Aitza Lopez-Aguiluz, Amelia Oliver, Sandra Sorto Chavez, Daryl Armioia, Paxton Brooks, Peter Piotrowski, Josephinia Valdez, Roseline Virgile, Hanna Frazier, Miriam Carranza, Raenne Elder, Kimerly Smith, Gina Lozada, Bethany Young, Cynthia Cerna, Lizbeth Macedo, Marta Ortego, Gabriella Riboni, and Ashley Thompson
• Dental Education: Veronica Molina, Alicia Lennon, and Alana Snell
• Radiography: Madison Deer, Ashlee Jackson, Dennis Mallen III, and Analaura Reynoso
• Emergency Medical Services: Corina Hobson, Melissa Johnson, and Marisol Villalobos
• Surgical Services: Keysha Perez
• Phlebotomy: MacKenzie Wallace

The scholarships are the result of a partnership between the Florida College System (FCS) Foundation and Florida Blue. The Florida Blue Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship was created to sustain a source of funding for student scholarships at Florida colleges to meet the growing need for skilled nurses and allied health professionals who serve the state’s diverse population. The SFSC Foundation, Inc. provided a 50% match of the original award from the FCS Foundation and Florida Blue, as the funds must be matched dollar for dollar by private donors at the local level.

“Students participating in intensive healthcare programs are often unable to work outside of their studies,” said Jamie Bateman, SFSC’s vice president for institutional advancement and external affairs. “Because of its commitment to education and statewide healthcare needs, Florida Blue has provided scholarships to aid these students in completing their programs and alleviating financial stress. These students will soon begin careers in nursing, dental care, and radiography – all fields that are critical in keeping our community safe and healthy.”

The FCS Foundation, based in Tallahassee, is a nonprofit organization that solicits gifts and donations from corporations and individuals for distribution to Florida’s 28 community and state colleges. SFSC has received scholarships for health sciences students since 2006. Florida Blue, previously known as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, provides individual and group health insurance to millions of Floridians.

AVON PARK, Fla. – Dec. 6, 2023 – South Florida State College (SFSC) honored 41 graduating students from three Public Safety Programs in a ceremony on Friday, Dec. 1 on the SFSC Highlands Campus in Avon Park.

The 10 cadets from SFSC’s Fire Science Academy are: Sidharth Ananthan, Nicole Beard, Yajahaira Buentello, Ethan Coatney, Trina Hipp, Sebastian Orozco, Alejandro Perez-Caruz, John Phillips, Joseph Staffieri, and Cody Sweatt.

The 14 cadets from the Paramedic program are: Armando Carpio, John Dwan III, Jarrett Chapman, Michael Friedt, Ibis Jimenez, Robert Kevas, Alexander Licea, Daniel Paul, Anthony Perez, Edward Snell, Chelsea Whitmire, Ladaran Wilson, Credie F. Windemaker IV, and Nicholas Wood.

The 17 cadets from the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program are: Michael Beasley, Pierre Richard Beaucicot, Iverson De La Nuez, Austin Garrett, Corrina Hobson, Melissa Johnston, William Kozak II, Roman Mancillas IV, Colten Meier, John Nussbaum, Daniel O’Meara, Rebecca Oser, Hanna Poucher, Ryan Respress, Aleecia Rhoden, Marisol Villalobos, and Arthur Woodlruff.

Chief Matt Zahara of the Fort Meade Fire Department was guest speaker during the ceremony. When speaking to the cadets, he stressed that their choice of career always comes back to people. He said that he has watched firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs over the years and noticed that a common driving force is an inner competitiveness. He stressed that leadership begins from the day the cadet is hired and that leadership is made up of character, integrity, work ethic, and the ability to put others above oneself. And competency is a quality he urged the cadets to strive for.

In closing, he asked the cadets to consider what their Why? is. “Is it the competitive drive, that your father and father’s father were firefighters, or that you have a desire to serve? The days ahead will be hard mentally, physically, and emotionally. If you know your Why?, it will help you to have a long and successful career.”

Special recognition was given to seven cadets: From the Fire Science class, Cody Sweatt was honored as class leader and Yajahaira Buentello was recognized for having the biggest heart. From the Paramedic class, Jarrett Chapman was lauded for having the highest GPA and Nicholas Wood was given special recognition for desire to return to class after being hospitalized. From the EMT class, Austin Garrett was honored for having the highest GPA in lecture, Ryan Respress was lauded for highest GPA in lab, and William Kozak II was recognized for having the biggest heart.

Graduates of the Firefighter 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.

AVON PARK, Fla. — Nov. 16, 2023 — During a ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 15 on the SFSC Highlands Campus in Avon Park, South Florida State College’s (SFSC) Basic Corrections Academy Class 110 graduated eight cadets, the Basic Law Enforcement (BLE) Academy Class 271 graduated nine cadets, and the Cross Over to Basic Law Enforcement Class 365 graduated one cadet.

Basic Corrections Academy Class 110 graduates who received Career Certificates were: Vaughn Jenkins (class leader), Ulysses Granados-Gomez, Brittainy Grant, Andrew Ortiz, Devidal Richardson, Porsche Wade, and Walter Williams.

BLE Class 271 graduates who received Career Certificates were: Andru McCarty (class leader), Jacob M. Jimenez (executive officer), Veronica Chillemi, Beronica Fabian Tomas, Anthony Garza, Antonio Islas, Guadalupe Martinez-Valle, Antonio Miyares, and Jean Vernet.

The Crossover Academy Class 365 graduate who received his Career Certificate was: Donald Phillips III.

During the ceremony, special awards were presented to several cadets. Of the Basic Corrections Academy Class 110, Vaughn Jenkins was honored as class leader and Ulysses Granados-Gomez for Top Academics. For the Basic Law Enforcement Academy Class 271 and Cross Over to Basic Law Enforcement Class 365, Andru McCarty was honored as class leader, Jacob M. Jimenez as executive officer, and Beronica Fabian Tomas for Top Academics.

Guest speaker for the graduation was Garrett Roberts, general counsel for the Highlands County Sheriff’s Department. Addressing the cadets, he said, “Becoming a law enforcement or corrections officer is not for the faint of heart or the selfish. It takes hard work and sacrifice. While today signifies your graduation, it is merely the first step in your career, where the work has just begun. The career that you’ve chosen is a noble one. It is your duty to ensure it will be respected when you retire just as much as it is today.

“Citizens will call you on their worst day. They will think all hope is lost. It will be your obligation and your sworn duty to help that person in need. Children will look at you like you’re Superman. Act like it. Spend a few minutes with a child. Spend as much time as you can investing in others. But do this, not by wanting or expecting anything in return. Think about your legacy. How will you be remembered? Then act with the end in mind. Be the person who seeks truth and respects others. Be the person who lives with integrity. Be the person your family will be proud of. Be the protector of those who are fearful. Be the hero that brings a smile to a child’s face. Ultimately, be the change that you want to see in this world.”

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 Criminal Justice programs, visit southflorida.edu or call SFSC’s Criminal Justice Academy at 863-784-7285.