SFSC Celebrates Fall Commencement on Dec. 11

AVON PARK, Fla. – Nov. 21, 2025 – South Florida State College (SFSC) celebrates its new graduates with a Commencement ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 4 p.m. at the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts on the Highlands Campus in Avon Park.

The Commencement student speaker is Lacie M. Hershberger, who is graduating from SFSC with her Associate in Arts degree.

Guest speaker for the ceremony will be Kathryn Hebda. Chancellor Hebda currently serves as chancellor of the Florida College System at the Florida Department of Education, a position she has held since February 2019. As chancellor, she leads the Division of Florida Colleges in serving and providing support for the 28 state colleges that collectively serve over 670,000 students annually.

Chancellor Hebda’s career with the Department of Education began in 1992 with teacher certification and has included leadership roles in the Division of Public Schools, as well as serving as chief of staff prior to becoming chancellor. Her experience across educational sectors has always focused on increasing success for all students through continuous improvement in teaching and learning.

Chancellor Hebda holds a master’s degree in Music Education from Florida State University and a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Newberry College in South Carolina.

Approximately 349 students will have met the SFSC requirements by fall Commencement. Of these, 10 will receive their Bachelor of Science in Supervision and Management (BAS-SM), nine will receive their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), 97 will receive their Associate in Arts, 55 will receive their Associate in Science, 45 will receive their State of Florida High School Diploma, 38 will receive their College Credit Certificate (CCC), and 115 will receive Career Technical Certificates. Students participating in the Commencement ceremony will total 171.

Mace bearer and chief marshal for Commencement is Garrett Lee, and marshals are Marlene Cruz, Kelly Fairfield Dec, Tina Gottus, Courtney Green, Robert Hampton, Candy Jones, Michelle Macbeth, Tanna Markel, Micah Montague, Sofia Ochoa, Lena Phelps, and Andrew Polk.

The Commencement rehearsal will be held on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 9 a.m. at the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts. The ceremony will be live-streamed with access through SFSC’s website at southflorida.edu.

AVON PARK, Fla. – Nov. 17, 2025 – Orquesta Caribeño Tropicale, an 11-piece Latin band led by Miguel Lucas, joins Mexico Lindo Orlando Folkloric Ballet and Mariachi Nuevo Guadalajara, for a Spanish/English Christmas celebration at the Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts at South Florida State College (SFSC) in Avon Park on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 3 p.m. Betzaida Santana, owner of P2P Music Studio Academy, and Lett-Marie Perez, community relations specialist at SFSC, narrate the story in Spanish and English. Local students from P2P Studio Vocal Academy and Center Stage Dance will be featured in the performance.

“This is a performance for families,” said Cindy Garren, director of cultural programs at SFSC. “Narrators will share the legend of the miracle of the poinsettia in English and Spanish with the orchestra performing Christmas music with a Latin flair. Garren conceived and wrote the production about a young girl who has no gift to bring to the Christmas Eve mass. “I find it interesting that churches and homes are decorated with poinsettias during the holiday and so few people know the legend of ‘The Flower of the Holy Night.’”

Poinsettias, which originally came from Mexico, bloom in December and their vivid color make them a perfect holiday decoration. The star shaped pattern of the leaves represents the Star of Bethlehem and the red leaves symbolize deep love for the Christ Child.

“This Christmas celebration is an ideal performance for church groups and families,” Garren said. Groups of 12 or more can purchase tickets for $5 each. Adult tickets are $10 and youth are $5. Tickets are available online at SFSCarts.org, by calling 863-784-7178, or in person at the SFSC Box Office at 600 West College Drive in Avon Park.

After intermission, the audience is invited to dance salsa, merengue, bachata, and more with live music from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominica, and more. This is more than a performance—it’s a joyful experience celebrating Latin cultures.

Flor de la Noche Buena is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.

AVON PARK, Fla. – Nov. 13, 2025 – During a ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 12, South Florida State College’s (SFSC) Basic Corrections Academy Class 114 graduated nine new correctional officers at the SFSC Highlands Campus in Avon Park.

From the SFSC University Center Auditorium stage, Michael Austin, coordinator of SFSC’s Criminal Justice Academy, called up the nine and handed each new officer a certificate. Those receiving a certificate were class leader Cody Deloney, Ebony Bell, Shy’lan Bush, Nashay Dixon, Destyn Katz, Damien Miner, Esmeralda Toribio, Zykeria Wilkins, and Clinton Williams III.

Four cadets were singled out for their achievements during the program. Earning top honors for academic excellence was Nashay Dixon of the Okeechobee Sheriff’s Office and Damien Minor of the Florida Civil Commitment Center. Cody Deloney of the Okeechobee Sheriff’s Office was given special recognition as class leader, and Zyleria Wilkins of the Florida Civil Commitment Center was recognized as class executive officer.

Guest speaker for the ceremony was Dana Orr, who is a Florida House of Representatives District 83 aide for Kaylee Tuck. Orr is a graduate of SFSC’s EMT program and was a certified EMT from 1985 to1987. In 1987, he attended the Basic Corrections Academy at Polk State College and was employed at Avon Park Correctional Institution from 1987 to 2013, when he retired.

Addressing the cadets, Orr stressed that the profession they are entering is about personal integrity and their moral compass. “In the world you’re about to enter, it’s going to test your moral code, it’s going to test the ethical foundation, and it’s going test the upbringing that you got. When you’re in situations that you didn’t expect, the ethical foundation that defines who you are as a person is what gets you through those times. It helps you make the right decision when nobody has ever instructed you on what the right decision is.

“If you set a good example, if the inmates you’re charged with watching know that you abide by the law and you abide by the rules, that you’re firm and fair, that they know if they have a heart attack, you’ll do everything to save their lives … if they know that, your job will be easier. They will respect you. They might not like that they’re in prison or jail, but they will respect you for that consistency and that clarity.

“Remember that you want to be the person you see in the mirror. You want to be somebody your mother would be proud of. You want to be the person your children will want to be some day. I give you this challenge: Everyday you look in that mirror, be somebody you can respect. And go out and serve your communities with pride.”

The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard posted the colors at the beginning of the ceremony.

The Basic Correctional Officer Program is 420 contact hours or approximately 11 weeks. Upon successful completion of the program, students earn a Career Certificate and are eligible to take the state certification examination to become certified officers. 

For more information about these programs, visit southflorida.edu or call SFSC’s Criminal Justice Academy at 863-784-7285.

AVON PARK, Fla. – Nov. 12, 2025 – The award-winning Astralis Chamber Ensemble, known for its expressive interpretations and innovative programming, performs at the Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts at South Florida State College (SFSC) in Avon Park, on Thursday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. This free performance features Angela Massey on flute, Laura Usiskin on cello, and Caroline Owen on piano.

“This is the first time that our Steinway piano will be played since its $50,000 restoration last year,” said Cindy Garren, director of cultural programs at SFSC. “The concert grand Steinway is the top choice for world-renowned artists because of its pristine sound. I invite music lovers to join us for this performance of romantic masterworks.”

Compositions from Mendelssohn, Dvorak, Karg-Elert, and Gaubert will be featured. “The musicians provide commentary and background information on each composition, engaging the audience with the music on a deeper level,” Garren said.

Angela Massey has been a featured guest artist with the Tryon Concert Association, National Flute Association, Kosciuszko Foundation in New York City, and the Artist Series of Tallahassee. She has performed in Italy, Romania, Switzerland, France, England, and Germany. Massey received degrees in flute performance from Carnegie Mellon University, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Laura Usiskin, DMA, enjoys a versatile career as a cellist and educator. Her playing has taken her to concert halls throughout the United States and Europe, including the Kennedy Center, Palazzo Chigi Saracini, Symphony Hall (Boston), Alice Tully Hall, Weill Hall, Zankel Hall, Merkin Hall, Miller Theatre, Barge Music, Steinway Hall, and Klavierhaus. Usiskin graduated from Columbia University cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience and Behavior, The Juilliard School with a Master of Music, and Yale University with a Doctor of Musical Arts.

Pianist Caroline Owen, DM, has played in venues across the United States, Canada, and Europe, including the DiMenna Center for Classical Music in New York and the Wiener Saal and Solitär at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria. Owen was the winner of the Florida MTNA Young Artist Competition and a semifinalist in both the 14th International Mozart Competition Salzburg and International Keyboard Odyssiad. She also won the 2018 Pro-Mozart Society of Atlanta Competition, from which she received a scholarship to study at the Salzburg Mozarteum. Owen earned her Doctor of Music in piano performance from Florida State University. She resides in Atlanta, where she holds positions at the University of Georgia and Emory University and serves as co-director of the Decatur Fine Arts Academy.

Tickets are available online at SFSCarts.org, by phone at 863-784-7178, or at the SFSC Box Office located at 600 West College Drive in Avon Park. Parking is free. Sheila’s Corner Pub on the MOFAC Patio and the SFSC Concession stand accept credit cards and cash. This performance is sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Performing Arts.

AVON PARK, Fla. – Nov. 4, 2025 – The Iconic English ‘60s beat band Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone rings in the holiday season at the Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts at South Florida State College (SFSC) in Avon Park on Sunday, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. The show will feature a playlist of Christmas tunes and the band’s classic hits, a festive concert that will transport audiences back in time.

At the age of 15, Noone achieved international fame as “Herman,” lead singer of the legendary pop band Herman’s Hermits who had 11 hits on Billboard’s Hot Top 20 List. Scoring their first hit in 1964 with “I’m Into Something Good,” Herman’s Hermits were members of the British Invasion along with The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who.

Classic Herman’s Hermits hits include: “I’m Into Something Good,” “Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter,” “I’m Henry VIII, I Am,” “There’s A Kind of Hush,” “The End of the World,” and “Dandy.” Ultimately, Herman’s Hermits sold over 60 million recordings. In all, 14 singles and seven albums went gold. The Hermits were twice named Cashbox’s “Entertainer of the Year.”

Noone and Herman’s Hermits tour the globe, consistently playing to sold-out venues. An Olde English Christmas features many holiday favorites like “The Little Drummer Boy,” “The Holly and the Ivy,” “Do You Hear What I Hear?” and “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.”

“The stage will be dressed in holiday finery,” said Cindy Garren, director of cultural programs at SFSC. “Joy Loomis and the Avon Park High School Show Choir will open the show with some old carols and a few fun modern tunes. The show will be merry, jolly, and amusing—perfect for the Christmas season.”

Tickets are $45, 40, $35, and $30, and are available online at SFSCarts.org, by phone at 863-784-7178, or at the Box Office located on the SFSC’s Highlands Campus at 600 W. College Drive in Avon Park. There is a $3 per ticket processing fee. Groups of 12 or more save 15%.

Educators from Highlands, Hardee, and DeSoto counties receive a 50% discount through the Teachers Rush program. Show a valid school district ID and receive two tickets at 50% off. Available only at the SFSC Box Office, night of show.

As “Herman,” the photogenic Noone graced the cover of nearly every international publication, including Time Magazine. He performed on hundreds of top-rated television programs and appeared with such luminaries as Ed Sullivan, Jackie Gleason, Dean Martin, and Danny Kaye. He also starred in ABC’s musical version of “The Canterville Ghost,” Hallmark Hall of Fame’s presentation of the classic Pinocchio (in which he played the title role) and three highly successful feature films for MGM: “Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter,” “Hold On!” and “When the Boys Meet the Girls.”

Throughout the ‘70s, Noone performed, composed songs, and produced recordings with such artists as David Bowie, Debby Boone, and Graham Gouldman. His album with the Tremblers, “Twice Nightly” and his solo effort “One of The Glory Boys” were both critically and commercially successful. With characteristic zeal, Noone took on leading roles in the full-scale theatrical productions of “Dick Wittington,” “Aladdin,” and “Sinbad the Sailor.” These live stage spectaculars were mounted at major theatres throughout Great Britain and Noone was highly praised for his outstanding work.

The ‘80s found Noone starring on Broadway in the New York Shakespeare Festival’s production of “The Pirates of Penzance.” He won rave reviews for his superb portrayal of the dashing, young hero, Frederic. His performance was so well received that he went on to reprise the role at the world-famous Drury Lane Theatre in London. Noone charmed audiences worldwide as he continued to play Frederic with both the U.S. National Touring Company and the International Touring Company of “Pirates.”

The performance is sponsored by Bill and Lisa Jarrett, AdventHealth, Heartland Periodontics, and Horton FL LLC. This concert is funded in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts is a 1,460-seat performing arts venue that presents over 30 international and national touring performances. Upcoming performances include: Flor de la Noche Buena on Dec. 7; Deana Carter on Jan. 10; Bored Teachers Comedy Tour “Is it Friday Yet?” on Jan. 15; Floyd Nation on Jan. 30; Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Hollywood on Feb. 21; Rhythm of the Dance on Feb. 24; Stomp on March 1; and The Lovin’ Spoonful on March 26.

For a complete schedule and to view artist videos, visit SFSCarts.org.