Alumna Jenale Alfonso Cruz Merges Her Passion for Dentistry and Research

AVON PARK, Fla. – June 10, 2026 – South Florida State College (SFSC) alumna, Jenale Alfonso Cruz, is passionate about becoming a dentist and a dental researcher. When she was 12 years old, her father had a cardiac event that sent him to the hospital, where nurses and doctors saved his life. Witnessing their dedication to patient care, Cruz decided that she wanted a career saving lives, too.

A first-generation college student, Cruz graduated from SFSC in December 2023 with an Associate in Arts and was the keynote student speaker during her Commencement ceremony. Currently, she’s working toward a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and Cell Science with a minor in Pathogenesis at the University of Florida (UF). Her goal is to become a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) and earn a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences.

Last spring, Cruz was awarded a prestigious Goldwater Scholarship. In 2026, the Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation drew from an applicant pool of over 5,000 college sophomores and juniors to award 1,485 students the Goldwater Scholarship. Scholars receive an annual amount of support equal to the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board up to a maximum of $7,500 per academic year.

The Goldwater Foundation is an independent agency that identifies, encourages, and financially supports outstanding graduates who wish to pursue research careers in the sciences, engineering, and mathematics. Cruz’s submission to the Goldwater Scholarship cited her three undergraduate research studies in which she participated at SFSC, a community college.

But Cruz’s academic journey hasn’t been an easy one. Because of her tenacity and desire to make significant contributions to patient care, she’s maintained her focus and developed supportive relationships that continue to point her in the right direction.

Seven years ago, Cruz met Dr. Albert Ruiz, a Sebring dentist, when she visited his office for a dental appointment. During a conversation with Dr. Ruiz, Cruz indicated that she was in college and working at a local restaurant to pay for tuition. She wanted to become an emergency room nurse or doctor. Dr. Ruiz offered her a job in his dental office and instructed her in dental assisting.

Cruz has said that as a dental assistant working with patients, she learned the importance of empathy, precision, and good communications. “At the dentist’s office, we pay attention to what’s happening with our patients beyond oral care,” she said. “While working with Dr. Ruiz, I noticed a difference in patients who have cardiovascular disease or systemic diseases.”

As a student at SFSC, Cruz was curious about the links between oral health and cardiovascular disease and wanted to know more. She met Dr. Mintoo Patel, biology professor, who was starting an undergraduate research project on “The Oral Microbiome as a Cardiovascular Biomarker: Bridging Dentistry and Cardiology.” Cruz signed on.

“I have watched Jenale grow from a curious student into a thoughtful and independent researcher, and the recognition through the Goldwater Scholarship is incredibly well deserved,” Dr. Patel said. “Her research on the oral microbiome as a biomarker for cardiovascular disease highlights the critical connection between oral and systemic health, an area of growing importance in modern medicine. Through this work, she has developed the analytical and translational skills to pursue clinically meaningful questions. This experience is laying a strong foundation for her future as a dentist/scientist, where she will bridge patient care with impactful research. I have no doubt she will make meaningful contributions to both dentistry and medicine.”

Other undergraduate research that Cruz pursued while at SFSC was “The Impact of HIV/AIDS on Oral Health: Implications for Comprehensive Care” with mentor Dr. Patel and “Pseudoziziphus celata GC-MS and LC-MS,” with Dr. Kate Calvin in her Organic Chemistry class. The research, in partnership with Bok Tower Gardens and Metaware Bio, studied and analyzed the endangered plant, the Florida Ziziphus. In spring 2026, Cruz returned to SFSC to continue research on “The Oral Microbiome as a Cardiovascular Biomarker.“

SFSC professors encouraged Cruz to present posters and make oral presentations at SFSC’s Undergraduate Research Forum and at significant scientific forums, such as the Florida Undergraduate Research Conference (FURC) and the Florida Academy of Sciences Annual Conference (FAS). Cruz and other SFSC students visited the Capitol in Tallahassee in 2026 to present their scientific posters and explain their research results to state lawmakers.

In summer 2026, Cruz is participating in the McNair Scholars Program at UF. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and prepares high-achieving first-generation undergraduate students for doctoral studies (Ph.D.). UF supports 25 scholars annually. The scholars work on research with mentors, develop writing and research skills, and attend workshops on the graduate admissions process.

“In the McNair Scholars Program, I’ll work with DMD/Ph.D. students in their lab doing oral microbiome research,” Cruz said. “I’m super excited. I’m the first online student ever at UF to get accepted into the McNair Scholars Program.”

While Cruz was doing research and taking courses toward her bachelor’s degree, she was preparing to take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) for entry to dental school. She took the test in January 2026. The test runs approximately five hours and consists of 280 multiple-choice questions.

Cruz anticipates graduating from UF in August 2027 with her bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and Cell Science, with a minor in Pathogenesis. She will apply to dental school and a Ph.D. program to do oral health research. “The first four years, I’d take classes like any other dental student,” she said. “Then, I’d have about two or three more years as a Ph.D. candidate.”

“I have a strong passion for dentistry,” she said. “I aspire to bridge the gap between clinical dentistry and biomedical research by investigating how oral bacteria contribute to chronic conditions, such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s. I aim to translate discoveries from the laboratory into innovative diagnostic tools and preventive therapies that improve both oral and overall health.”

June 2, 2026 – The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) recently awarded South Florida State College (SFSC) a $10,000 grant to support adult literacy through its Adult Education Department. The funds contribute to a record-setting, single-day total of nearly $16 million in grants nationwide supporting adult, family, and summer literacy programs in the 48 states where Dollar General operates. The milestone surpasses the Foundation’s previous record of more than $13.2 million granted in May 2025.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation for its investment in our students and our community,” said Courtney Green, director for adult education and technical dual enrollment at SFSC. “These funds will allow us to provide updated instructional materials, expand access to educational software, and help cover GED testing costs for adult learners who are working hard to improve their lives through education. Every day, we see students overcome significant obstacles to achieve their goals, and this support helps remove barriers that could otherwise prevent them from crossing the finish line. We are excited about the opportunities this grant creates and the positive impact it will have on the individuals and families we serve.”

SFSC Adult Education serves over 1,000 students annually through GED® preparation, Adult Basic Education, and ESOL instruction. Participants receive targeted literacy, math, and workforce-aligned instruction designed to increase reading levels, improve English proficiency, and support credential attainment.

“Since the Foundation’s inception in 1993, our focus has remained on making meaningful investments in students, teachers, and the organizations that support literacy and learning at every stage of life,” said Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “We are grateful for the impact teachers and educators make every day and are excited to have another record setting year of helping expand literacy access for learners of all ages. These funds will help educators enhance their instruction and create opportunities that help empower students to reach their full potential.”

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports organizations that increase access to educational programming, stimulate and enable innovation in the delivery of educational instruction and inspire a love of reading. Each year, DGLF awards funds to nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center to support adult, family, summer and youth literacy programs. The Foundation also offers a student referral program for individuals interested in learning how to read, speak English, or prepare for the high school equivalency exam. Referrals to a local organization that provides free literacy services are available online or through referral cards found in the Learn to Read brochures that are available at the cash register of every Dollar General store.

The Foundation plans to launch its seventh annual The Yellow Glasses Project campaign on Monday, July 20, 2026, in which customers can purchase yellow sunglasses at Dollar General stores for $2 each to benefit the DGLF.

To learn more about SFSC’s Adult Education offerings, visit southflorida.edu.

May 27, 2026 – The South Florida State College (SFSC) District Board of Trustees (DBOT) will consider adopting lab fees for the 2026-27 academic year at their Wednesday, June 24 meeting beginning at 1 p.m.

As per Florida Statute 1009.23, each Florida College System institution board of trustees is authorized to establish lab fees. Changes to lab fees occur when enrollment numbers fluctuate, costs increase, or there are amendments to the curriculum where courses are added, changed, or deleted.

SFSC looks to update the lab fees for 243 courses, with course information as follows:

• 33 courses will have no change to the lab fees
• 28 courses will have the lab fees reduced
• 94 courses will have the lab fees eliminated
• 75 courses will have the lab fees increased
• 13 courses will be assessed for new lab fees

For information on SFSC’s tuition and fees, visit southflorida.edu.

AVON PARK, Fla. – May 27, 2026 – South Florida State College (SFSC) is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to the SFSC District Board of Trustees, Robert “Bo” Conerly and Justin Fussell. Board members are appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Conerly is a senior project manager for Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. Active in his community, he is a member of the Association of State Floodplain managers and a past member of the Hardee Chamber of Commerce. He earned his associate degree from SFSC and his bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the University Florida.

Fussell is the area president with Crews Bank for DeSoto and Hardee counties. He is the past president of the DeSoto County Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Florida Cattleman’s Association and the Florida Farm Bureau Federation. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education and Communication from the University of Florida.

“We are proud to welcome Mr. Conerly and Mr. Fussell to the SFSC District Board of Trustees,” said Fred Hawkins, SFSC president. “Their leadership, perspective, and dedication to service will play an important role as we build on our momentum and continue advancing the College’s mission.”

The governor has reappointed four trustees: Terry W. Atchley, Derren J. Bryan, Devon Donaldson, and Alison Hancock. Atchley, the chair of the SFSC District Board of Trustees was appointed to the Board in 2020. He is county manager for Hardee County. Bryan was appointed to the Board in 2011 and is the chief operating officer of Avail Companies. Donaldson was appointed to the Board in 2024 and is the owner of Geodev Financial Group. Hancock was appointed to the Board in 2024 and is a commercial relationship manager for SouthState Bank.

AVON PARK, Fla. – May 13, 2026 – Heather Drommerhausen graduated from South Florida State College (SFSC) on Tuesday, May 12 when she earned her Associate in Arts (A.A.). In fact, she was the student Commencement speaker for the 5:30 p.m. ceremony.

In her 63 years, she’s held many jobs, raised several children, and earned a number of specialized certificates; however, a college degree eluded her. After her mother’s passing, Drommerhausen applied to SFSC. Although she brought part of her journey to a close on Tuesday evening, she plans to continue her education and a life that has been dedicated in service to others.

Drommerhausen was born in St. Paul, Minn. “We lived in 13 different places in 13 years of my school career,” she said. “I graduated from Westwood High School in Fort Pierce, Fla. My dad worked for Whirlpool at the Distribution Center. Then, he had his own appliance store and we finally settled down.”

In high school, Drommerhausen was a good student. In her senior year, she was presented The Golden Tassel Award for her writing, academics, and other outstanding achievements. The award came with a scholarship. “Back then, I wanted to become a journalist,” she said. “I loved to write anything I could get my hands on. I loved finding out about people. I’m nosy. I want to know you, things about you, bring your story to life. Writing was just me.”

Drommerhausen came from a family that expected and encouraged children to go to college. “My father graduated from college with a degree in Mathematics,” she said. “My mother majored in education. I don’t believe she finished her degree. But they both had been to college. It was a big thing. It was always a dream of mine to go to college.”

But when she was a teenager, her parents divorced and life at home went into chaos. “Because of the divorce, the money was not available for college,” she said. “My fiancé at the time (later my husband) was getting ready to go into the military and would be leaving the area soon. He had been my sweetheart in high school.”

Drommerhausen’s fiancé was headed into basic training and would get a new duty assignment that would take him away from the area. He asked Drommerhausen to marry him. “So, I had to table what I really wanted to do and make some decisions.”

They married and the military took them to Germany and Austria and to Newport News, Va. In the meantime, they had three children.

Although Drommerhausen didn’t attend college early on, she earned several certificates while living in Newport News. “I have lots of certificates in child care,” she said. “I was in the Citizens Police Academy and the Citizens Firefighter Academy. I worked with Civil Defense.”

She explained that the Citizen Police Academy ran for 20 weeks and included practice on the firing range. “You go behind the scenes and learn what the police do and how they do it,” she said. “You’re the support element and outreach. If someone was missing, I did the tracking through the Sheriff’s Department and victims’ assistance. Oftentimes, people were more likely to be willing to speak to me, because I wasn’t uniform.” She participated with the Citizen Police Academy from 2018 until she moved to Florida in 2022.

Throughout her adult life, Drommerhausen worked with children. “I did daycare, Montessori-style in my home, because my husband was in the military,” she said. “It was a good career and it followed us everywhere. I worked with two special needs or medically challenged children to a regular population of four more, so six total, plus my own children.”

Drommerhausen and her husband also became foster parents. “We started off as respite parents, which meant that, someone needed backup or it was an emergency, the police just removed the children from the home and you watched them until they got placed with a permanent home.”

“I took on two young men, and the rest were all young ladies,” she said. “Some of them were at risk of being pregnant, some of them were suicidal. For some of them, things were so dysfunctional at home, they just needed direction and independent living skills. So that was my job and we did that for 22 years, and I loved it. Those children are my children. Once I get a child in my life, it’s my child. So, I have lots of children. I would say my children and those children are one of my inspirations for getting a degree and furthering my career.”

In 2016, Drommerhausen’s husband died. She, her mother, and her grandson moved to Sebring, Fla. in 2022. She has raised her grandson, Alexander, since he was 9 months old.

Her mother suffered from progressive Alzheimer’s dementia and passed away from breast cancer in January 2024. After she died, Drommerhausen turned to her sister and said, “I don’t have anybody other than Alexander to take care of anymore, and Alexander’s an adult.”

“Alexander has Asperger’s,” Drommerhausen said. “The best way to describe him is that he’s Sheldon from the ‘Big Bang Theory.’ He’s very self-sufficient, very independent, but it’s Groundhog Day — everything has to be the same.”

Drommerhausen’s daughter, RoseMarie, earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Teacher Education (BSETE) from SFSC in May 2024. Drommerhausen said, “I couldn’t believe my daughter was going to graduate college. This will be three out of my four children that have college degrees. I’m so proud of her. Then I thought, ‘Wait a minute, maybe I could go to college, but I don’t have any money.’”

RoseMarie suggested they see if her mother would qualify for financial aid. “There’s FAFSA as well as other financial aid that’s available,” Drommerhausen said. “I started classes at SFSC in fall 2024.”

RoseMarie works at Crane Brook Academics, a private school in Lake Placid. She teaches 15 fourth, fifth, and sixth-grade neurodiverse students in the classroom.

Neurodiverse children may have autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, or sensory processing issues. They often show strength in creativity and innovation but may face challenges with social skills, emotional regulation, and sensory input. People who are committed to working with neurodiverse children support them by accepting and celebrating them.

“I graduate this year with my Associate in Arts, then I hope to graduate with a bachelor’s in Elementary Teacher Education from SFSC in two more years,” Drommerhausen said. “I want to be a teacher — to work with neurodiverse, hard to reach, or children that need a little extra, a little boost.

“I want to work with children with attention deficit disorder, children with dysgraphia,” she said. “Perhaps, those like Alex who have Asperger’s, maybe on the autism spectrum. People call them the square peg that doesn’t fit in the round hole. But I found in my life that with children, with anybody, we’re not perfect. So, how are we going to find what you do so well, what makes you so special, and how to get you to excel? Everybody has a little switch in there that turns the light on, that gets them on track. So those are the students I want to reach. I’ve met with Dr. Maday Leon (lead instructor of SFSC’s BSETE program) and Michelle Devane (Education professor). I’m on track to go ahead and start with the program in fall 2026.”

Drommerhausen encourages other older adults to continue learning. “One of the things that was sad working with my mom and a couple other Alzheimer’s dementia patients was that most of them had just retired. They withdrew, and sadly, they progressed with Alzheimer’s dementia. The mind needs to be exercised. If you don’t want to come to college for the education, come to keep your mind active. There are plenty of electives that are offered that can inspire you. They keep you going, keep your mind growing, and keep you functioning. You’re learning something new and, at the same time, you’re doing something great, like creating art, watching and critiquing movies, or learning about literature. At SFSC, you fit in, no matter whether you’re a teenager that’s in high school doing dual enrollment all the way up to a senior.”

For anyone who has a dream and doesn’t know if they can ever make it a reality, Drommerhausen said, “Just realize that your dreams can come true. Keep promises to yourself, use patience, faith, reward, and you’ll get there. Keep on walking. Just keep on putting one foot in front of the other.”

AVON PARK, Fla. – May 13, 2026 – South Florida State College (SFSC) marked the end of the 2025-26 academic year with its spring Commencement held in two ceremonies on Tuesday, May 12 in the SFSC Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts on the Highlands Campus in Avon Park.

During the 2 p.m. ceremony, SFSC honored the recipients of the Associate in Arts and State of Florida High School Diploma.

Honored during the 5:30 p.m. ceremony were students who earned their Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Teacher Education, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Associate in Science, College Credit Certificates, and Career Certificates.

Opening the ceremonies, Terry Atchley, chair of the SFSC District Board of Trustees, told the graduates, “Your achievement is not just a personal triumph. It is a beacon of hope and possibility for all who will follow in your footsteps. You are the future of this region, this state, and this nation.”

In her presentation to fellow graduates during the 2 p.m. ceremony, Katiana Reyes-Negron, who was awarded her Associate in Arts, told how her mother’s death from diabetes and kidney failure inspired her to become an endocrinologist. “My mother made the best of her life,” she said. “She is the reason why I have stuck to this career goal. She is the reason I hope to make a positive impact in pediatric medicine. Throughout life, challenges and obstacles will be inevitable. It’s important to stay positive and turn weakness into strength.”

Special guest speaker for the 2 p.m. ceremony was Don Elwell, chair of the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners and director of marketing and communications for the Alan Jay Automotive Network. He told the graduates, “I want to share a few universal truths I’ve gathered along the way. Growth lives outside the comfort zone: Nothing significant ever happens while you’re feeling perfectly safe and cozy. The Power of showing up: It is the discipline to do the work when no one is watching. Define success on your own terms: Success isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whatever your “why” is, hold onto it tightly.”

The 5:30 p.m. ceremony featured student speaker Heather Drommerhausen, who earned her Associate in Arts (AA) after years in the workforce and raising children. She plans to continue her education through SFSC’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary Teacher Education. Addressing the graduates, she said, “Some of you are beginning your journey. Others are beginning again. I have learned this: Dreams delayed are not dreams denied. Responsibilities may pause your journey, but they do not erase your purpose. You are living proof that growth does not have an expiration date. As you move forward, remember this: Make a positive difference. True success is measured not only by titles or incomes, but by the impact we have on others.”

Special guest speaker for the 5:30 p.m. ceremony was Blaise Ingoglia, chief financial officer and fire marshal for the state of Florida. He presented the graduates with five rules. “Learn how to think, not just what to think: The world needs people who can analyze problems, challenge assumptions, and call out hypocrisy when it is needed. Be tenacious: The difference between those who succeed and those who don’t always comes down to how they respond when things don’t go their way. Never listen to the naysayers: Keep believing in yourself, no matter what people say, but appreciate those who were with you on the way to the mountain top. Be fiscally disciplined: The most expensive thing is regret. Remember to give back: Sometimes success is measured by how many others you help along the way.”

When Fred Hawkins, SFSC president, spoke to the graduates, he said, “We come together to honor you, our graduates, and your family and friends. Everyone on this stage is so proud of you and it gives me great pleasure to say to all of you … congratulations on this accomplishment.”

Approximately 601 students met the SFSC requirements by spring Commencement. Of these, 18 received their Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management (BAS-SM), seven received their Bachelor of Science in Elementary Teacher Education (BSETE), eight received their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), 169 received their Associate in Arts, 91 received their Associate in Science, 18 received their State of Florida High School Diploma, 14 received their College Credit Certificate (CCC), and 63 received Career Certificates. Students participating in the Commencement ceremony totaled 388.

Mace bearer and chief marshal for Commencement was Garrett Lee, and marshals were Dolores Breedlove, Marlene Cruz, Kelly Fairfield Dec, Tina Gottus, Courtney Green, Robert Hampton, Candy Jones, Dr. Maday Leon, Michelle Macbeth, Mlisa Manning, Tanna Markel, Sofia Ochoa, Michael Pate, Lena Phelps, and Andrew Polk.

AVON PARK, Fla. – May 12, 2026 – South Florida State College (SFSC) honored 54 Associate in Science in Nursing (ADN) students in a traditional pinning ceremony on Thursday, May 7 at the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts on the SFSC Highlands Campus in Avon Park. 
The graduates are: Jada Altieri, Welsey Baggett, Rosendo Barrera, Bonnie Bowden, Emily Canals Ortiz-Vasquez, Hannah Caveney, Esha Collins, Dusti Connors, Rhianna Davis, Flavia de la Paz Martinez, Colten Denby, Katja Eddinger, Mya Ervin, Jessica Folan, Alexis Franklin, Derek Garcia, Camryn Hall, Yesenia Hernandez, Benito Hernandez Jr., Christian Inabnett, Maria Lopez Morejon, Deborah Loriston, Yazmin Lozada, Itzel Magana-Navarette, Myrlande Matine, Monica Medrano, Stephanie Mejia Gomez, Imelda Mendez-Guerrero, Dominique Morales, Aleksandra Nader, Stephanie Perez, Robert Brian Perkins, Callie Phillips, Tristan Quinn, Reyna Quintero, Cadee Richardson, Isabella Rivero, Denija Rochester, Letisha Romero, Paola Rosa Medina, Liliana Sanchez Jimenez, Magnolia Santiago, Erica Sebastian-Paz, Rachel Shaw, Katrina Ashley Siason, Woaldor St Vil, Madalyn Tyson, Trinity Vansickle, Andrea Vasquez, Juanita Villafana Rocha, Brian Weed, Mikayla Wesley, Shonoye Whitely, and Sammara Williams.

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. Nursing graduates presented the 2026 Golden D.U.C.K. Award to Kristina Wilson, SFSC Nursing success coach.

During his introduction of Wilson, graduating student Tristan Quinn said, “She has supported us with compassion, guidance, and encouragement every step of the way.”

Two of the Nursing graduates were honored with special recognition. Andrea Vasquez was presented the Thakkar Academic Excellence Award and Maria Lopez Morejon was given the Thakkar Clinical Excellence Award.

Guest speaker for the ceremony was Ralene Graham, SFSC Nursing instructor. During the 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.

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 (LPN) to Registered Nurse (RN) Associate in Science in Nursing, and an 11-month Practical Nursing (PN) Career Certificate. For more information about SFSC’s Nursing programs, contact Danielle Nuccio, Health Sciences advisor, at 863-784-7027 or by email at healthsciences@southflorida.edu

AVON PARK, Fla. – May 8, 2026 – Katiana Reyes-Negron has wanted to become a physician since she was in high school. On Tuesday, May 12, she will be the student speaker during South Florida State College’s (SFSC) 2 p.m. spring Commencement ceremony at the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts on the Highlands Campus in Avon Park. Her dream of becoming a doctor comes closer to reality when she is conferred her Associate in Arts that afternoon.

Reyes-Negron came to the United States from Puerto Rico at age 9, when her mother was offered a job at Avon Park High School as a Spanish teacher. Reyes-Negron graduated from Avon Park High School.

She dreams of becoming an endocrinologist, a doctor that specializes in diagnosing and treating hormone imbalances and disorders of the endocrine system, such as diabetes and thyroid diseases.

“A lot of people in my family have diabetes,” she said. “That made me want to specialize in something that much of my family has struggled with for a while.”

Reyes-Negron’s mother, Maryangeliz Negron, was a particular inspiration for her desire to go into medicine. “My mother passed away with diabetes, was an amputee, and had kidney failure,” she said. “She meant everything to me. She was always there for me. When she passed away in spring 2019, something was missing. I was only 13 at the time and freshly going into high school. I felt a little lost and a little mad. There are so many bad people in this world, but it had to be my mother who was taken.”

Although Reyes-Negron told her mother that she wanted to go into medicine, she didn’t indicate her interest in particular specialization.  

Reyes-Negron first learned about endocrinology when she was a child. “I was almost pre-diabetic. So, I went to an endocrinologist who worked with me on nutrition. After my mom passed away, I researched endocrinology.”

Upon graduating from SFSC, Reyes-Negron plans to work on a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences. She’s already received acceptance communication from universities in Florida and is waiting to hear from others. “I want to get my bachelor’s degree, then take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) to get into medical school and become a doctor.” Ideally, she’d love to go to medical school at the University of Florida.

Ultimately, Reyes-Negron would like to practice medicine at a hospital. “I want to work in pediatrics, because when I was struggling with pre-diabetes, I was a child,” she said. “I want kids to understand the urgency of living a health life.”

While a student at SFSC, Reyes-Negron had an opportunity to participate in undergraduate research. “Under Dr. Kate Calvin, my organic chemistry professor, my classes researched Pseudoziziphus celata and we presented the results of our studies at the Florida Academy of Sciences Annual Conference at the University of Tampa in March,” she said. Florida Ziziphus is one of the rarest and most endangered plants in Florida, and the woody shrub is endemic to Florida’s Highlands and Polk counties. It maintains a symbiotic relationship with the gopher tortoise.

“I would like to do research in the future that specifically relates to the endocrine system,” Reyes-Negron said.

In addition to being a student at SFSC, she has worked for Dr. Pankaj Patel’s gastroenterology and hepatology practice, scheduling procedures, since December 2025.

“As a student interested in medicine, it gives me more experience, not necessarily medically or hands on, but it gives me medical office experience. I know how to handle insurance and I’m able to schedule people for procedures. It’s a bit closer to what I want to do for a living than many other jobs, and it has been a great opportunity.”

Reyes-Negron encourages others to continue their education. “It’s important to at least have an associate degree,” she said. “If you continue on to a bachelor’s degree, all the better. It’s especially important in today’s economy. You always need to have a backup plan, and education definitely provides a productive one.”