Alumnus Toby Ellison Fulfills His Dream of Medical School and Directs a Film

AVON PARK, Fla. – Aug. 30, 2024 – Toby Ellison did not always dream of becoming a physician. Instead, the seed was planted over time, eventually leading him to begin his academic journey at South Florida State College (SFSC), where the idea was further nourished. He’s now a student at St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine in the Cayman Islands.

Before leaving for medical school, Ellison had the opportunity to direct a short film titled “Charles.” The film recently won the Best Short Film award at the Eastern Europe Film Festival and has been nominated at several other film festivals.

Ellison, a native of Wauchula, Fla., graduated from SFSC in spring 2020 with an Associate in Arts and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in Health Science from Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) in 2022. 

After completing his degree at FGCU, he realized that he needed two semesters of Organic Chemistry to vie for a spot at medical school. Because it was close to home, Ellison returned to SFSC for those courses through the Honors program.

“Because you have to do undergraduate research as part of the Honors program, I worked with Dr. Kate Calvin [Chemistry professor] on ‘GC-MS Profiling of Bioactive Compounds in Ziziphus Celata.’ In the United States, Zizphus Celata is a rare and endangered species. It’s only found on the Lake Wales Ridge in Highlands and Polk counties in the United States. We were looking at it from an environmental science perspective to see what we can do to save this plant.”

Ellison, along with three other SFSC student researchers, presented their findings on Zizphus Celata at the Florida Academy of Sciences (FAS) Meeting in April 2023.

He became intrigued by the undergraduate research conducted at SFSC under mentor Dr. Mintoo Patel [Biology instructor]. “I was interested in what Dr. Patel was researching and decided to challenge and push myself to learn and asked to participate.

“With Dr. Patel, we were looking at bacteria that are found on the tongue that can be linked to gastric cancers,” he said. “I chose the research because gastric cancer is the fifth leading cause of death at this time globally. It’s interesting to see that even through our eating habits the bacteria can accumulate in the mouth. From there, of course, it goes to the stomach. We were able to test people’s tongues. You might have thought that a person who was a smoker would be more at risk, but even those you would call healthy people, we found bacteria in their mouths that could be linked to cancer later.

“During my interviews for medical school, I had a chance to talk about that research,” Ellison said. “Undergraduate research pushes you to learn more. Your scope of knowledge is more in-depth because you’re hands-on with it. At my first research presentation, it felt good that people would ask me questions about my research topic and I was able to explain because we’d spent so many hours going over it in the lab. It’s a beautiful thing to acquire that type of knowledge and those skills. You learn laboratory procedures and skills, such as pipetting. You’re also working with your other classmates, so everybody’s doing something to add to the overall research.”

Ellison’s desire to go into medicine grew from his everyday associations with people he knew in the community. “I’ve always been raised in church settings and, being raised in the church, I kept hearing people’s problems, their medical concerns, and I would say, ‘I can pray for you and I’ll listen to you.’ Because I’m not a doctor, I didn’t have the medical knowledge to be able to do anything. I started to believe that it was my moral obligation to see if I could put myself in the right environment to grow, and then I could serve others by using my skills to make a meaningful impact. I decided to challenge myself and develop the self-belief that I could go to medical school.”

Ellison took the initiative and approached AdventHealth Hospital in Sebring to see if he could shadow doctors. “They told me that they normally only let medical students shadow doctors, but I got approval,” he said. “I shadowed an internal medicine doctor for a few days. I went with him on rounds, he explained to me patients’ diagnoses, and discussed the types of treatments he would prescribe. I also shadowed an internal medicine doctor in private practice.” Through SFSC’s Co-Op program, Ellison wrote a paper about his experiences and earned college credit.

While a student with Dr. Calvin, Ellison picked her brain. “Dr. Calvin had taught at a medical school for a few years. When she was teaching our classes at SFSC, she would tie in a lot of medical information. She knew that some of her students wanted to go to medical school.”

Although it’s early in Ellison’s studies as a medical student, he’s considering two areas of practice – Internal Medicine and Psychiatry.

Where he’d like to practice medicine is another consideration. “We talk about that at medical school – how there are a lot of places that don’t have doctors, such as rural areas,” he said. “Maybe I can go to a place where a doctor is most needed. When I did my undergraduate work in Health Sciences, we looked at health care in disadvantaged areas, such as food deserts. In a food desert, the population will likely have a lot of medical issues. I could pretty much work anywhere, but I’ll definitely look into those areas to practice. At the moment, I’m staying open to a variety of options.”

In summer 2023, Ellison took a brief break from his studies to exercise his creative muscles. His short film “Charles,” is a true-life story about a young man named Charles Mason who started his own church which became Church of God in Christ. The church was founded in 1897 and now boasts over 6 million members. Ellison became involved in the project because his uncle, Edward Hearns, wrote a book about Mason and wanted to turn it into a film. He showed Ellison a script and asked him to direct it.

“When I was growing up, I was always the one holding the camera and telling my brothers and sisters ‘Do this, say that. If you don’t do it, I’m gonna tell Mom.’ In 2015, I took classes at a film school in Orlando because I wanted to learn about editing and aspects of filmmaking. I then started writing and editing. But I hadn’t done much because I was in college and doing research.

“We made ‘Charles’ in Tennesee with the help of aspiring actors and no budget. No films had been made about Mason, so we decided it was our chance to fill the gap.” Currently, “Charles” is circulating worldwide film festivals until next year. In the meantime, view the trailer HERE.

Ellison’s advice to anyone facing a challenge, whether it’s about attending college or life in general, is: “Even if you’re in a good situation and you’re capable of doing more, offering more, don’t be afraid to push yourself, stretch yourself, challenge yourself. Leave your comfort zone and push yourself. For me, it was going to medical school. Put yourself in the right environment to grow. You have to actively pursue your dreams.”

[Photos courtesy of Toby Ellison.]

Avon Park, Fla. – Aug. 28, 2024 – Chelsea Marvel-Brooks will earn her Electrical Lineworker Career Certificate from South Florida State College (SFSC) in December 2025. The Plant City, Fla. native currently resides in Bowling Green. Although her path to an education as a lineworker was fraught with obstacles, she overcame them to find clarity for her life, as well as future employment that will provide a good income and sustenance for her spirit.

In 2024, Duke Energy gave the SFSC Electrical Lineworker program a $50,000 grant. When Marvel-Brooks was asked to explain how this grant contributed to her education and future, she told this story of her personal journey and accomplishments:

“On the morning of May 1, 2017, I dug out a bookbag stuffed with clothes from the bottom of my laundry hamper, gathered my three young children into my car, and drove down U.S. Highway 27. I was chasing after a better life for the sake of my children’s future and I’ve been chasing that life ever since.

“Upon starting our journey, my children and I endured many hardships, including homelessness. Some nights were cold, most nights were long, but with every night, I was driven by faith. In March 30, 2023, I was finally able to get my own apartment.

“On Feb. 28, 2020, by the grace of God, I found the Alpha and Omega Freedom that provides a program for battered women and children in Hardee County. People who run the program dedicate their lives to helping other women like me, who have children, find the freedom we have been seeking for so long. Through the Ministries, we became involved with the local community, attended betterment classes, and never missed a day of church.

“At this time, recruiters from South Florida State College partnered with the Alpha and Omega Freedom Ministries to provide a class that brought awareness about the resources available through the College to better women’s lives through education. After the class, I took the opportunity to speak with a recruiter personally. We discussed my strengths, my skills, and my desire for an opportunity to better the future of my family. The recruiter recommended that I sign up for the College’s Electrical Lineworker program. Although a male-dominated field, it requires strength, courage, communication, and a true desire to not only make a difference but be the difference. As a woman who loves a challenge, is dedicated to helping others, and strives for a brighter future, I knew in that moment that I wanted to become a lineworker.

“Prior to starting classes at SFSC, I sat down and wrote out a set of goals for myself and my family, focusing on the fundamentals I had yet to obtain. One of my priorities was reinstating my driver’s license.

“At the age of 17, my driving privileges were suspended for driving under the influence. I was undereducated and unaware of Newton’s third law: “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” I had no idea how much the choices I made then would affect my life later on.

“Over the years, I spent time and money fulfilling the requirements of the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles and the court system to reinstate my driving privileges. On Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 2024, I finally met all the requirements, paid the last penny, and successfully passed my driving test. I was presented a clearance letter that validated my driver’s license and reinstated my driving privileges in Florida.

“For over 10 years, I knew there was a greater reason driving me to obtain a valid driver’s license. After starting the Electrical Lineworker program at SFSC in January 2024, I found that reason. While I’m only four months into the course, I give all credit to my instructors and fellow classmates for motivating me to apply to reinstate my driver’s license and understand the responsibilities that come with it.

“Although I successfully obtained a high school diploma by passing the GED examinations as a young adult, I enrolled at SFSC with a seventh-grade education. Through all the lessons life has taught me, nothing could prepare me for the line world like SFSC. At SFSC, I’m surrounded by well-educated instructors who have great communication and a pure desire to help shape the next generation of electrical lineworkers effectively, while being surrounded by like-minded students who make daily sacrifices to better their own future. Together, we have become a family at SFSC.

“Each day, the instructors give the students a task to complete. Each task challenges not only the students’ physical strength but also their intelligence, efficiency, communication, and ability to work as a team in a timely manner. After every task, I become more and more aware of my own personal strengths and weaknesses. It allows me to grow emotionally in front of my children, which I believe is the seed to their brighter future.

“In 2023, Melissa Seixas, president of Duke Energy Florida, said, ‘For our communities to thrive, we need skilled lineworkers to maintain our infrastructure, and SFSC can prepare individuals for a rewarding career by equipping them with the skills and knowledge required to perform utility linework.’

“After receiving the grant from Duke Energy, SFSC expanded the amount of its safety equipment, tools, and climbing gear for each class. In turn, the number of students for the program increased, and it allowed me to be there today.”

“Chelsea is one of the most highly motivated and studious students that I have the pleasure of training,” said Christopher Yeomans, SFSC Electrical Distribution professor. “She has a bright future ahead of her.” 

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 Yeomans, electrical distribution professor, by emailing yeomansC@southflorida.edu or calling 863-784-7045.

Aug. 28, 2024 – The South Florida State College (SFSC) Foundation introduced a new scholarship that honors Heidi Bates Arnold, a local paramedic and SFSC alumna.

The Bates family established the Heidi Bates Arnold Scholarship to remember and celebrate the life of their daughter and sister who was a banker, but found her calling in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and through her training at SFSC, she became an EMT and then a paramedic.

Heidi’s family reflected on her character by saying: “She had the physical and mental aptitude for lifesaving care. Her calm demeanor in crisis, compassion, and rapid decision-making skills made her an exceptional first responder. Heidi found her true calling in life through her service to others and we hope this fund enables others to follow in her footsteps.”

The Heidi Bates Arnold Scholarship will provide a student who resides in DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Glades, or Hendry County with $500 for tuition and non-tuition expenses. The student must be enrolled full-time in the EMS program at SFSC and demonstrate financial need. The number of student scholarships awarded will be determined by the funds available each year.

“We are so blessed to partner with the Bates family and honor Heidi in such an influential way,” said Jamie Bateman, vice president for institutional advancement and external affairs at SFSC. “Many people remember her and the impact she had on so many. Through this generous donation and the establishment of her scholarship, many more will benefit from her legacy. Heidi touched lives through her servanthood as a paramedic, and now she continues to do so in her memory.”

Students can apply for the Heidi Bates Arnold Scholarship through SFSC’s online scholarship platform at southflorida.awardspring.com. For more information about this or any scholarship at SFSC, email foundation@southflorida.edu or call 863-453-3133.

Aug. 9, 2024 – Governor Ron DeSantis appointed two new District Board of Trustees (DBOT) members for South Florida State College (SFSC) on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. The two new trustees are Denise Grimsley and Alison Hancock.

“On behalf of our entire SFSC community, I welcome Ms. Grimsley and Ms. Hancock to the board. We are excited about the experience, expertise, and knowledge they bring to the College,” said Fred Hawkins, president of SFSC. “Their dedication to our region and commitment to education will enhance our mission as we prepare the next generation of leaders.”

The new appointments include:

Denise Grimsley is the chief executive officer for The Development Group. Prior to her current role, she served as a state senator and a member of the House of Representatives and was a member of the SFSC Foundation board from 1998 to 2021. Grimsley earned her Practical Nursing Career Certificate from SFSC, an Associate in Science in Nursing from Polk State College, a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Warner University, and an MBA from the University of Miami Herbert Business School.

“I appreciate Governor DeSantis’ confidence in me for this appointment and I am eager to continue my partnership with South Florida State College under President Hawkins’ leadership,” said Grimsley. “I will serve with intentionality and mindfulness, knowing South Florida State College’s impactful role in empowering the future workforce of our region and the legacy that creates. Together, we will inspire economic growth and create opportunity for our communities.”

Alison Hancock is the assistant vice president and commercial banking relationship manager for SouthState Bank. She is a member of the board for the United Way of Central Florida and a former member of the Sebring Noon Rotary. Hancock earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Finance from the University of Florida Heavener School of Business.

“South Florida State College is a tremendous asset to our community and the state of Florida as a whole,” said Hancock. “I am honored to have been given the privilege to help this institution continue to grow and thrive in today’s everchanging climate.”

The SFSC DBOT meeting schedule can be found on southflorida.edu/college/calendar.

Denise Grimsley

Alison Hancock

Number:	1
Name:	Kelsey Dodd
Position:	Libero
Height:	5’4″
Class:	Sophomore
Hometown:	North Fort Myers

Aug. 5, 2024 – South Florida State College (SFSC) will usher in the 2024-25 academic year with Convocation on Monday, Aug. 12. This year’s keynote speaker is Bill Yeargin, president and CEO of Correct Craft.

“As a global leader in his industry, Bill Yeargin will be visiting SFSC to discuss his experiences and accomplishments with our administration, faculty, and staff at our annual Convocation,” said Fred Hawkins, president of SFSC. “Each year, we invite a guest to Convocation so we can learn mindful and innovative ways to serve our students and community. We are excited for him to share his wisdom and leadership techniques with us as we begin a new academic year at the College.”

Correct Craft has dedicated almost 100 years to providing quality and innovative watercraft products globally. In the past 20 years, Correct Craft has acquired companies that have expanded its footprint into watersports, engines, fishing boats, research technology, offshore boating, and manufacturing. The company continues to serve the marine industry from every angle and has won Manufacturer of the Year in the state of Florida and Most Innovative Company by Soundings Trade Only, a magazine for the marine industry.

Aside from his role as president and CEO of Correct Craft, Bill Yeargin is the author of six books with two bestsellers. He speaks about leadership worldwide and serves as the board chair for the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). Yeargin was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters by Nova Southeastern University for his “contribution to the lives of others and the betterment of humanity.” He earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Florida Atlantic University and an MBA from Nova Southeastern University, and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

At this year’s Convocation, SFSC employees will enjoy the keynote session and a book signing with Bill Yeargin, along with departmental meetings, training, and staff awards. All SFSC campus offices will be closed from 8 a.m.–2 p.m. on Aug. 12. Offices will reopen 2–5 p.m.

The fall academic term begins on Wednesday, Aug. 14 and registration is still open. 

AVON PARK, Fla. – Aug. 2, 2024 – South Florida State College (SFSC) honored 36 graduating students from three Public Safety programs in a ceremony on Wednesday, July 31 on the SFSC Highlands Campus in Avon Park.

The nine cadets from SFSC’s Fire Science Academy are: Michael Beasley, Aiden Brantley, Noah Browning, Cameron Cantu, Jesus Inciarte Fuenmayor, Sebastian Orozco, Jaycen Register, Aleecia Rhoden, and Uriel Tovar. Special recognition went to: Michael Beasley, as Class Leader; Cameron Cantu for earning Highest GPA; and Jaycen Register for Most Heart.

The eight cadets from the Paramedic program are: Jack Arseneau, Jackson Campbell, Clayton Johnson, David Julius, Hunter Knuckles, Antoinette Stewart, Jorge Sanchez-Torres, and Elizabeth Velazquez. Special recognition went to: Elizabeth Velazquez for Highest GPA in Lecture, Jorge Sanchez-Torres for Highest GPA in Lab, and Clayton Johnson for Most Heart.

The 19 cadets from the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program are: Zachary Durastanti, Davian Gamez-Cendejas, David Hagelstein III, Emily Jestes, Tiana Jones, Chloe Mason, Ismael Mejia, Michael Smith, Jerry Whitten, Victoria Wright, Jonathan Young, Jeremiah Bessard, Jordan Frazier, Stephen Goff, Danielle Medley, Meggan Mills, Jennifer Moore, Aaron Murray, and Makayla Vansickle. Special recognition went to: Davian Gamez-Cendejas for Highest GPA in Lecture, Makayla Vansickle for Highest GPA in Lab, and Jeremiah Bessard for Most Heart.

Chief Matt Zahara of the Fort Meade Fire Department was guest speaker during the ceremony.

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, call 863-784-7278or visit southflorida.edu.

AVON PARK, Fla. – Aug. 2, 2024 – Julia Mercer (seated, left), director of programs and services, and Donna Smolarick (seated, center), director of development, accepted a garden bench on behalf of their organization, Ridge Area Arc, from the students who attended South Florida State College’s (SFSC) Construction Trades Summer Camp. Bagwell Lumber of Avon Park donated the materials toward the project. Building the garden bench gave the students an opportunity to learn power tool, tape measure reading, plans reading, and teamwork skills. At the same time, they benefited a local non-profit organization. The free Construction Trades Summer Camp attracted 30 students, ages 14-17. They participated in classroom and shop training and earned a Construction Site Safety Certificate from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). In addition, the students were taught leadership, resume writing, and job interview skills. The College intends to offer the Construction Trades Summer Camp again in 2025. For information about any of the Construction Trades programs at SFSC and funding opportunities for job training, see the Construction and Utility Trades Class Catalog on the SFSC website at: https://bit.ly/3DzYoqv, call 863-784-7008, or email fred.hayes@southflorida.edu.