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.”
Student speaker Katiana Reyes-Negron (left) with President Fred Hawkins
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.”
Guest speaker Don Elwell (left) with President Fred Hawkins
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.”
Student speaker Heather Drommerhausen (right) with Dr. Mark Bukowski
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.”
Guest speaker Blaise Ingoglia (left) with President Fred Hawkins
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.”
AVON PARK, Fla. – May 7, 2026 – South Florida State College (SFSC) honored 14 Associate in Science (A.S.) in Surgical Services graduates in a traditional pinning ceremony on Tuesday, May 5 in the SFSC University Center Auditorium on the Highlands Campus in Avon Park.
The graduates are: Makayla Almonte, Angela Crivello, Justin De Lara, Sierra Evans, Jennifer Gil-Barrios, Jordan Hernandez, Alisha Lee, Kaylee Lindberg, Yeily Martinez-Luis, Crystal Mendoza, Lesly Parra, Tiffany Piña, Yaris Tolentino, and Tabitha Trevelyan.
During the pinning ceremony, the graduates’ loved ones and friends presented them with their individual pins.
Graduates of SFSC’s A.S. in Surgical Services are prepared for employment as surgical technologists. They prepare operating rooms for surgery, sterilize equipment, ready patients for surgery, and pass sterile instruments and supplies to surgeons during surgery. The program is offered on the SFSC Hardee Campus in Bowling Green, Fla., is 64 credit hours (15 months), and begins in January each year.
For more information about the associate degree in Surgical Services, contact Melinda Haygood, director of surgical services, at melinda.haygood@southflorida.edu or 863-784-7067.
AVON PARK, Fla. – May 1, 2026 – South Florida State College (SFSC) honored 11 graduates of its Dental Hygiene program in a traditional pinning ceremony in the SFSC University Center Auditorium on the Highlands Campus in Avon Park on Tuesday, April 28. The graduates completed their Associate in Science in Dental Hygiene.
Receiving their pins were Jaiden Bartlett, Abronikka Brown, Leslie Celis, Briseyda Eugenio Hernandez, Andy Gomez-Reyes, Jennifer Lopez, Anette Mejia, Jacqueline Quintero Galarza, Bianca Solis, Isai Venegas Baez, and Tiffany Young.
Graduates were presented their dental hygiene pins by Sherry McGrath, director of SFSC’s Dental Education program.
Four graduates gleaned special honors. Andy Gomez-Reyes earned The Colgate Star Award, Abronikka Brown received The Rising Scholar Award, Tiffany Young was presented with The Patient Education Award, and Briseyda Eugenio Hernandez was given The Golden Scaler Award.
Upon completing the Dental Hygiene program, graduates become dental hygienists by passing the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination and the Florida State Clinical Licensure Examination. They can, then, work alongside a dentist as a member of a dental health care team.
For more information about SFSC’s Associate in Science in Dental Hygiene, call Danielle Nuccio, Health Sciences advisor, at 863-784-7027 or email healthsciences@southflorida.edu.
AVON PARK, Fla. – May 1, 2026 – South Florida State College (SFSC) celebrates its new graduates with two Commencement ceremonies on Tuesday, May 12 at 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts on the SFSC Highlands Campus in Avon Park.
The student Commencement speaker for the 2 p.m. ceremony is Katiana Reyes-Negron, who is graduating from SFSC with her Associate in Arts. The student speaker for the 5:30 p.m. ceremony will be Heather Drommerhausen, who graduates with her Associate in Arts.
Special guest speaker for the 2 p.m. ceremony will be Don Elwell, who is chair of the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners and director of marketing and communications for the Alan Jay Automotive Network. Special guest speaker for the 5:30 p.m. ceremony will be Blaise Ingoglia, chief financial officer and state fire marshal for the State of Florida.
Elwell earned his Associate in Arts from Palm Beach State College and a bachelor’s degree in Accounting at Florida Atlantic University. He had an award-winning career in hotel management, marketing, and accounting in Florida, Las Vegas, and Atlanta before coming home to Highlands County in 2002. He has served as a Highlands County Commissioner for 14 years and has been director of marketing and communications at the Alan Jay Automotive Network since 2008. He has served on boards and committees of the United Way, the Salvation Army, the SFSC Foundation, and many other such organizations. Elwell was honored as Citizen of the Year twice, Volunteer of the Year, Best Master of Ceremonies 15 times, and, statewide, as Florida’s Best Local Elected Official.
As Florida’s chief financial officer and state fire marshal, Ingoglia oversees billions of dollars in taxpayer assets and leading the Florida Department of Financial Services. His role includes managing the state’s finances, rooting out fraud, increasing financial transparency, and supporting first responders across the state. As CFO, Blaise Ingoglia’s top priority is making Florida more affordable, with a focus on lowering property taxes and reducing insurance costs for hardworking families. Prior to becoming CFO, Ingoglia built his reputation by holding government accountable, long before he held public office. Originally from New York, Blaise moved to Spring Hill, Fla., in 1996 with just $1,600 to his name. He soon found success as a mortgage broker and later founded Hartland Homes, a homebuilding company dedicated to helping working families achieve the dream of homeownership.
Approximately 601 students will have met the SFSC requirements by spring Commencement. Of these, 18 will receive their Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management (BAS-SM), seven will receive their Bachelor of Science in Elementary Teacher Education (BSETE), eight will receive their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), 169 will receive their Associate in Arts, 91 will receive their Associate in Science, 18 will receive their State of Florida High School Diploma, 14 will receive their College Credit Certificate (CCC), and 63 will receive Career Certificates. Students participating in the Commencement ceremony will total 388.
Mace bearer and chief marshal for Commencement is Garrett Lee, and marshals are 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.
The Commencement rehearsal will be held on Tuesday, May 12 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. – April 20, 2026 – During a ceremony on Thursday, April 16 on the Highlands Campus in Avon Park, South Florida State College’s (SFSC) Basic Law Enforcement (BLE) Academy Class 274 and the Cross Over to Basic Law Enforcement Class 367 graduated 25 students.
Melinda Burke, coordinator of Criminal Justice Programs at SFSC, presented each graduate with their Career Certificate. The graduates were class leader Rafael Iturrino, executive officer Gabriella Rivas, Kenneth Arias, Steven Ayuso Radinson, Nicholas Brehm, Alexandra Burrell, Luis Calderon II, Andrew Colman, Jason Gargan, Volney Glenn, Matthew Hager, William Hunter Jr., Kellas Kinman, Colin Moreno, Daniel Morrow, Daniel Otero, Marccus Palsgrove, Kyle Papp, Daniel Pepin, Kaleb Prejean, Jorden Reyna, Rebecca Stieglitz, Luke Ward, Christopher Young, and Benjamin Youngs.
During the ceremony, special awards were presented to recruits. Rafael Iturrino was honored as class leader, Gabriella Rivas as executive officer, Nicholas Brehm for Top Academics, Colin Morena and Daniel Morrow for Higher Overall Achievement for Firearms, and Daniel Pepin for Peer Leadership. An Academic Impact Award was presented to Sgt. Bryan Martini of the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, who assisted in training Classes 274/367.
“Martin County reached out to us, because they were unable to get the 15 students they sent to us into police academy training on the east coast in one group as they normally do,” said Dr. John McLaughlin, director of SFSC’s Criminal Justice Programs. “The students were able to train at SFSC after we found them housing and worked with them to complete the training faster by providing 50 hours a week training instead of the traditional 40 hours. We are happy to have worked with Martin County, Highlands County, Okeechobee County, City of Sebring, and the Town of Lake Placid, all of whom participated in the training. We were also fortunate that Martin County temporarily assigned Sgt. Martini to work with us to supervise his students and assist us in the training. With all these departments working together, we feel we raised the bar and hope to continue training with all of these departments in the future.”
Guest speaker for the graduation was Deputy Wesley Jones of the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office.
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 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.
Class 115
AVON PARK, Fla. – April 17, 2026 – During a ceremony on Thursday, April 16, South Florida State College’s (SFSC) Basic Corrections Academy Class 115 graduated 12 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 12 and handed each new officer a certificate. Those receiving a certificate were class leader Nahdia Ifill, executive officer Nicholas Smith II, Vintyre Barrett, Alexis Green, Malasia Horn, Kevin Laws Jr., Jose Loreto Jr., Roselande Pierre, Clarrissa Summers, Latajah Wallace, Takayla Wilson, and Takyla Wilson.
Two cadets were singled out for their achievements during the program. Earning top honors for academic excellence was Nicholas Smith II. Nahdia Ifill was given special recognition as class leader, and Nicholas Smith II was recognized as class executive officer.
Guest speaker for the ceremony was Dr. Robert Shannon, pastor of Wings of Faith Christian Worship Center in Sebring. He started his career in Corrections in 1979 and retired from the Florida Department of Corrections as warden at the Glades Correctional Institution when it closed in 2011.
The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard posted the colors at the beginning of the ceremony.
This graduation ceremony was somewhat bittersweet for Michael Austin, as it was his final Basic Corrections graduation before he retires from SFSC in August.
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.
March 30, 2026 – South Florida State College (SFSC) announced today that it has earned the 2026-2027 Military Friendly® School designation recognized as a Silver School.
