Avon Park Walmart Awards SFSC Spark Good Grant

AVON PARK, Fla. – Sept. 25, 2025 – South Florida State College (SFSC) has been awarded a $1,000 grant to bolster faculty professional development opportunities that will, ultimately, nurture student academic success. This grant comes from the Avon Park Walmart store #3887 through the Walmart Foundation’s Spark Good program.

“These funds from Walmart will strengthen SFSC’s investment in faculty development and innovation,” said Carleigh Okwali, director of the Center for Innovative Teaching. “With this support, we can provide targeted training, tools, and resources that directly enhance our instructors’ professional growth and teaching strategies. By equipping our faculty with meaningful development opportunities, we continue to uphold our commitment to academic excellence and student success. We are deeply appreciative of Walmart’s partnership in this important work.”

As part of its commitment to faculty professional development and student success, the College recently created its Center for Innovative Teaching (CIT) on the Highlands Campus in Avon Park. Through the CIT, faculty can explore new technologies in teaching and innovation in course design to achieve greater student engagement.

For more information about the CIT at SFSC, contact Okwali at Carleigh.okwali@southflorida.edu or 863-784-7018.

LAKE PLACID, Fla. – Sept. 18, 2025 – South Florida State College (SFSC) invites members of the community to join in “Celebrating a Century of Learning: 100 Years at the 100 Building,” on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the SFSC Lake Placid Center, 500 E. Interlake Blvd., in Lake Placid.

The 100 Building at SFSC’s Lake Placid Center originated as the Lake Placid School in 1925 to serve as the main educational center for local children in grades 1 through 12. Although it has experienced several expansions and its purpose has evolved over the years, the building has remained an institution of learning.

“The centennial celebration is a tribute to the generations of students, educators, and families who have walked the halls of the 100 Building,” said Dina Capuano, SFSC off-campus instructional sites coordinator and organizer of the celebration. “For 100 years, it’s been a cornerstone of our community, a place where memories were made, futures were shaped, and students have continued to be inspired. Celebrating its legacy is a way of saying thank you and of remembering just how much a place can matter.”

During the celebration, guests are invited to wander the halls of the 100 Building, see SFSC’s current classrooms, and reminisce or imagine hearing the voices of teachers and their pupils from long ago. A video that documents the history of the building through the words of former students will be continuously on view in Room 124. The video was created by Mike Brown, SFSC adjunct instructor of Speech Communications, and narrated by Randy Paeplow, former director of the Lake Placid Center and a graduate of the Lake Placid School.

Children and adults can participate in games inside the building or outside on the lawn. On offer will be a giant Connect 4, large-block Jenga, corn hole, and a race to complete a puzzle of SFSC mascot, Pete the Panther. Clowns from Toby’s Clown School will perform walk-around comedy and do face painting. Guests can win one of several door prizes, such as an SFSC gift basket or an enlarged poster photo of the town of Lake Placid (circa 1950). A complimentary hot dog lunch will be available.

Visitors will have an opportunity to preview the College’s upcoming Art Lab 27, which will house a variety of formal community education art classes. 

For more information about “Celebrating a Century of Learning: 100 Years at the 100 Building,” contact Capuano at 863-784-7081.

AVON PARK, Fla. – Aug. 27, 2025 – South Florida State College (SFSC) Performing Arts is thrilled to unveil its highly anticipated 2025–2026 season at the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts on its Highlands Campus in Avon Park. The lineup promises something for every taste—from beloved children’s theater and interactive science adventures to nostalgic tributes and community-empowering collaborations. The season is funded in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.

“We are grateful to our generous sponsors and members whose contributions help us raise the curtain, especially with the Young People’s Theater Series for elementary school students and the Kaleidoscope Series of free performances for the community,” said Cindy Garren, director of cultural programs. “Sponsors like MidFlorida Credit Union, AdventHealth, Lisa and Bill Jarrett, and the SFSC Foundation help us strengthen the local economy, enrich our community, and make Highlands County an attractive place to work and play.”

Young People’s Theater Series

Tickets are $5 per person with one free adult chaperone ticket for every ten purchased. Performances run sixty minutes and free study guides are available for educators and parents.

“Nearly 185,000 students have attended a YPT performance since the program began in 1998 and, for many of the students, it’s the first time they attended a live concert or play,” Garren said.

• Pinkalicious the Musical – Wednesday, Oct. 8 and Thursday, 9, 9:30 a.m. A bright, whimsical show based on the popular children’s books, teaching lessons in moderation, self-control, and individuality.
• Air Is Everywhere (Mr. C Science) – Monday, 13, 9:30 a.m. A high-energy, interactive STEM show that explores the science of air through engaging, hands-on demonstrations.
• Holiday Traditions Around the World – Monday, 1, 9:30 a.m. at the Hardee County Agri‑Civic Center in Wauchula, Fla. A festive cultural celebration featuring Santa Claus and his elves, designed for elementary school students from Hardee and DeSoto counties.
• The Emperor’s New Clothes – Thursday, March 12, 9:30 a.m. Produced by Stages Production, this original musical of the well-known Hans Christian Andersen tale teaches lessons about peer pressure and vanity.

Free Performances

• United States Army Field Band and Soldier’s Chorus – Sunday, Nov. 9, 3 p.m. The 60-piece concert band and 24-voice chorus features highly trained musicians that present a program of classical, pop, patriotic, and show tunes that appeal to all ages.
• Astralis Ensemble – Thursday, Nov. 20, 7 p.m. Featuring flutist Angela Massey, cellist Laura Ususkin, and pianist Caroline Owen, these award-winning musicians will present a concert of romantic masterworks by composers Dvorak, Mendelelssohn, and Gaubert.
• United States Air Force Band – Sunday Jan. 11, 3 p.m. The premier musical organization of the U.S. Air Force, with soaring vocals, stirring symphonies, and a repertoire that ranges from patriotic anthems to jazz, pop, and classical favorites, delivers a powerful message of honor, service, and excellence.

Christmas Performances

• Ye Olde English Christmas with Peter Noone, the iconic voice of Herman’s Hermits – Sunday, Nov. 30, 7 p.m. With wit, warmth, and that unmistakable voice, Peter Noone brings a nostalgic holiday experience the whole family will love. Backed by a full band and wrapped in the cozy glow of Christmas, this one-night-only event is the perfect way to celebrate the season. Special appearance by the Highlands County Honors Chorus conducted by Joy Loomis.
• Flor de la Noche Buena – Sunday, Dec. 7, 3 p.m. Flor de la Noche Buena offers a heartwarming, family-friendly experience in Spanish and English that relates the Mexican legend of the poinsettia. Expect Latin-inspired Christmas songs, Mexican folk dancing, and a festive dance party. Ideal family entertainment.

Comedy, Country, Tributes and Christian Music

• 

  Deana Carter

  Deana Carter – Saturday, Jan. 10, 7 p.m. Deana Carter takes the stage with her signature blend of heartfelt lyrics and Southern charm featuring the hit songs “Strawberry Wine,” “We Danced Anyway,” and “Did I Shave My Legs for This?” Co-presented with Sun Events.
• Bored Teachers Comedy – Thursday, Jan. 15, 7 p.m. They’ve gone viral for telling the real stories of classroom chaos — now they’re hitting the stage to bring the laughs in person. Get ready for a night of gut-busting laughter with the comedians from the Bored Teachers team — the ones who turned teacher stress into comedy gold. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, student, or someone who just loves a good laugh, this show is for YOU.
• Ronstadt Revue featuring Genesia – Saturday, Jan. 24, 7 p.m. With Gesenia’s stunning vocals and a world-class band behind her, this is more than a concert—it’s a heartfelt celebration of one of music’s most versatile and beloved voices. This Spanish and English program includes all the hits you love: “Desperado,” “You’re No Good,” and “Blue Bayou.”Floyd Nation – Friday, Jan. 30, 7 p.m. With state-of-the-art sound, visually stunning lights, and a band of world-class musicians, Floyd Nation delivers the full Pink Floyd experience—transporting you through decades of legendary music. It’s not just a show; it’s a journey through sound, light, and emotion.
• The Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute – Thursday, Feb. 12, 7 p.m. Experience the energy, the hits, and the legend with Shawn Gerhard as Garth Brooks in this high-octane tribute show that fans are calling “the next best thing to Garth himself.”
• Mark Lowry and Friends – Sunday, Feb. 15, 4 p.m. Grammy-winning singer, storyteller, and cowriter of “Mary, Did You Know?” delivers an afternoon of joyful, heartfelt music and hilarious moments. Expect southern gospel, comedy, and powerful worship that only Mark can deliver.
• 100 Years of Hollywood with Neil Berg – Saturday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. From the golden age of the silver screen to today’s biggest blockbusters, experience the unforgettable music that made movie history with Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Hollywood! Featuring a cast of Broadway stars, this dazzling production brings to life the greatest film songs of all time from Singin’ in the Rain to Titanic, The Wizard of Oz to The Greatest Showman, and so much more.
• PROUD Tina: The Ultimate Tina Turner – Thursday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m. Produced by Showtime Australia, The Queen of Rock and Roll lives on in this high-energy performance featuring powerhouse vocals, dazzling dancers, and a dynamite band performing Tina’s iconic hits.
• Gary Puckett – Friday, March 6, 7 p.m. Step back in time and relive the golden age of pop-rock with legendary performer Gary Puckett, lead singer of Gary Puckett & the Union Gap! With one of the most powerful voices of the ‘60s and ‘70s, Gary delivers a night of chart-topping hits and nostalgic favorites.
• Changes in Latitude –Friday, March 13, 7 p.m. Back by audience demand, this fun concert thrills audiences with their amazingly authentic reproduction of a Jimmy Buffet concert. Steve Kareta mimics Jimmy’s casual storyteller style while the live band takes you on a musical cruise around the islands.
• 

  Lovin’ Spoonful

  Lovin’ Spoonful – Thursday, March 26, 7 p.m. Relive the feel-good sounds from the 1960s with a defining band that captured the music of the generation. With their signature blend of folk, rock, and sunshine pop, The Lovin’ Spoonful delivers a show that’s sure to make you smile, sing, and sway along to songs like “Do you Believe in Magic,” and “Summer in the City.”

 Tuesday Matinees at 1:30 p.m.

• Three American Troubadours on Jan. 13 celebrates the lives and careers of six-time Grammy winner James Taylor, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Carly Simon with 13 Top 40 hits, and Carole King who wrote or cowrote 118 Billboard Hot 100 pop hits.
• Celebrate Celine with Jenene Caramielo on Jan. 20 is a spectacular afternoon of passion, emotion, and pure vocal brilliance of Celine’s top hits.
• Snare and Steinway with Eddie Metz and Rossano Sportiello on Jan. 27 is mainstream jazz, warm, welcoming, and masterfully played. This is the perfect concert for music lovers.
• Phil Dirt and The Dozers on Feb. 3 returns every year with a delightful, toe-tapping concert of music from The Beach Boys, The Four Seasons, the Eagles, and more. A nostalgic performance that audiences adore!
• Chris Golden’s Songs of Faith and Family on Feb. 10 brings inspiring gospel and faith-based music in a concert that is down home and genuine that will touch your soul.
• Stayin’ Alive on Feb. 17 is the largest and most definitive production of its kind, offering big-screen video clips, photos, and dazzling imagery, recreating a live Bee Gees concert.
• Rhythm of the Dance on Feb. 24 returns to the Wildstein Center featuring world-class Irish dancers, traditional musicians, and unforgettable choreography in a joyous journey through Ireland’s rich cultural heritage. From haunting ballads to high-energy jigs and reels, every moment pulses with passion and precision.
• Assisted Living, the Musical on March 3 is a side-splitting and touching show that explores the ups and downs of life in a retirement community. With witty humor, catchy songs, and lovable characters, this musical comedy shines a light on friendship, family, and finding joy at every age. Expect some adult subject matter.
• The Lettermen on March 10 features timeless harmonies and unforgettable memories from a world-renowned trio that have captivated audiences with their signature sound.

Tickets for the general public go on sale Monday, Oct. 6. Tickets can be purchased in person at the SFSC Box Office, Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Phone orders are also available at 863-784-7178 and there is a $10 service fee.

For more information, artist videos, and to purchase tickets, visit sfscARTS.org. A $3 processing fee is charged in addition to the admission. Special discounted group rates are available for most shows when a minimum of 12 tickets are purchased, plus one free ticket for the group leader. Call Tracey Ligon at 863-784-7178 for group rates.

The Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts at South Florida State College is located at 600 West College Drive in Avon Park. Parking is free. Major sponsors of the season include: Lampe and Kiefer Hearing Aid Center; Heartland Endodontics; Heartland Periodontics; Dawn Dell Broker/Associate with Paradise Realty International; Seacoast Bank; Get Fish Slapped; Sedlock & Heston Construction; Spiegel Chiropratic; and Dr. Catherine P. Cornelius.

AVON PARK, Fla. – Aug. 26, 2025 – South Florida State- College’s (SFSC) Museum of Florida Art and Culture (MOFAC) opens for the 2025–2026 season on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 11 a.m. with The World of Wentzel. MOFAC is open Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free. 

Mary Wentzel is a watercolor and ink painter whose work features bold colors and rhythmic detail depicting the vibrant flora and fauna of the state of Florida. Wentzel was the curator at the Museum of Arts and Sciences in Daytona Beach and the Ormond Memorial Art Museum. Wentzel exhibits throughout Florida and she has won many awards, including Best in Show in 2025 and 2023 at the Granada Grand Festival of the Arts. 

A graduate of the Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia, Wentzel also illustrated a series of environmental books for children written by Robert Andrew Provan and published by Archway Publishing Company. Her illustrations have appeared in “Once Upon a Recipe,” 1987 New Hope Publishing; “Ruth Law: Daytona’s Pioneer Aviator, Her Place in Aviation History;” “Image of a Man: The Story of the Shroud of Turin;” and “The Florida Quest: Laptop Lauren and the Trackers.” She received an honorable mention for the Royal Dragonfly Book Award for picture books for children age 6 and older. 

“Crazy’s A to Z for Kids” (2021), Wentzel’s second book, features various animals in their natural habitats. She has also published a Crazy’s A coloring book for children. 

The Photography of Heartland Living Magazine will be featured in the Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts Gallery. Several Florida photographers, including Carolton Ward Jr., Dustin Angell, Caroline Maxcy Fox, Rafael Pacheco, Shawn Leach, Traci Newlin, and Lisa Taylor Hall, will be featured.

The Artist Opening Reception will be held in the lobby of the Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts at SFSC on Sept. 11 at 11:30 a.m. An Artist Talk will be presented by Mary Wentzel at the reception. 

Upcoming MOFAC exhibits are: 

• Returning to Our Nature, artist Adorable Monique, Oct. 29 to Dec. 12
• Earth and Ocean, ceramic artists Allison Battaglia, Nina Samuels, and Charles Morrison at The Morean Clay Center, Jan. 14 to Feb. 25
• Land and Sea: Original Oils by Tom Sadler, March 4 to April 3
• Annual Student Art Show, April 8 to May 8

MOFAC is recruiting volunteers to assist as docents to greet guests and monitor the exhibits. “Volunteers can help out one or two hours a week or two hours a month,” said Cindy Garren, director of cultural programs at SFSC. “Volunteering at MOFAC is a pleasant way to spend a few hours and no experience is necessary. An art background is not required.” 

For more information about volunteering, email culturalperformances@southflorida.edu or call MOFAC at 863-784-7240. 

Name:	Keely Jones
Year:	Freshman
Height:	5’7″
Hometown:	Avon Park, Florida

 

Name:	Leyla Escobar
Year:	Freshman
Height:	5’2″
Hometown:	Clewiston, Florida

 

Name:	Emily Avila
Year:	Freshman
Height:	5’3″
Hometown:	Avon Park, Florida

 

Name:	Melina Cardona-Vargas
Year:	Freshman
Height:	5’5″
Hometown:	Lake Wales, Florida

 

Name:	Elizabeth Allen
Year:	Freshman
Height:	5’4″
Hometown:	Sebring, Florida

 

Name:	Carlie Eaton
Year:	Freshman
Height:	5’6″
Hometown:	Okeechobee, Florida