Health Science Students Receive Scholarships through the FCS Foundation and Florida Blue

AVON PARK, Fla. — Jan. 30, 2026 — During the January meeting of South Florida State College’s (SFSC) District Board of Trustees, 33 students studying for careers in the health sciences at SFSC received approximately $28,704 in scholarships.

The Florida College System Foundation (FCSF) and Florida Blue awarded Nursing and Allied Health scholarships to SFSC students in Nursing, Surgical Services, Dental Education, Radiography, Paramedic, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and Health Services Management programs. The students may use the scholarships for tuition, textbooks, lab fees, and childcare.

Students receiving the scholarships are studying within three health science disciplines:

• Nursing: Guillermo Garcia Mulero, Sabrina Villegas, Andrea Vasquez, Reyna Quintero, Esther Smith, Trinity Vansickle, Mikayla Wesley, Alysia Mayer, Zareana Fogel-Thomas, Dominique Morales, Letisha Romero, Alexis Franklin, Denija Rochester, Rodrick Rivers, Noemi Secundino, Kaley Piggott, and Cristina Lopez-Rojas
• Surgical Services – Tabitha Trevelyan and Sierra Bullard
• Dental Education: Nereida Flores Becerra, Stephany Palafox, and Blanca Solis
• Radiography: Angela Salazar, Valerie Martinez, and Brisa Luevano
• Paramedic: Ashley Leppe and Ismael Mejia
• EMT: DaNayja Sturn, Kearsta Danser, Casey McLaughlin, and Savannah Mullins
• Health Services Management: Lorena Martinez-Bautista and Denise Blaine

The scholarships are the result of a partnership between the FSCF and Florida Blue. The Florida Blue Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship was created to sustain a source of funding for student scholarships at Florida colleges to meet the growing need for skilled nurses and allied health professionals who serve the state’s diverse population. The FCSF and Florida Blue award to SFSC students totaled $14,352. The SFSC Foundation, Inc. provided a 50% match of the original award from the FCSF and Florida Blue, as the funds must be matched dollar for dollar by private donors at the local level.

“These scholarship recipients represent the future of healthcare in our region,” said Emily Dabolt, SFSC executive director of institutional advancement. “Florida Blue’s investment goes beyond supporting individual students — it strengthens the entire healthcare infrastructure of our community. By removing financial barriers for students in high-demand fields, Florida Blue is helping ensure that families across our region have access to skilled, dedicated healthcare professionals when they need them most. We are deeply grateful for this partnership.”

The FCSF, based in Tallahassee, is a nonprofit organization that solicits gifts and donations from corporations and individuals for distribution to Florida’s 28 community and state colleges. SFSC has received scholarships for health sciences students since 2006. Florida Blue, previously known as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, provides individual and group health insurance to millions of Floridians.

AVON PARK, Fla. – Jan. 29, 2026 – Four Tuesday matinees will be presented at the Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts at South Florida State College (SFSC) in Avon Park. The schedule for Tuesday matinees includes a variety of music genres to entertain and move the audience.

America’s vintage rock and roll show, Phil Dirt and the Dozers, returns to the big stage on Feb. 3 with the music of The Beach Boys to the iconic hits of The Eagles. “Phil Dirt and the Dozers is a huge audience pleaser,” said Cindy Garren, director of cultural programs at SFSC.  “Audiences love their lighthearted fun and every note is performed live without tracks or gimmicks.” Tickets for the show are $22-$33. Sponsors for Phil Dirt and the Dozers are Vinfast of Sebring, Lampe and Keifer Hearing Aid Center, HoltonFL, and Pete and Dale Caldwell. 

Songs of Faith and Family with The Goldens is scheduled for Feb. 10 at 1:30 p.m. Chris Golden, an award-winning music producer, was honored by the Inspirational Country Music Association as the 2019 Entertainer of the Year and 2020 Instrumentalist and Producer of the Year. He has performed for every living U.S. president and graced legendary stages such as The Grand Old Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and Dollywood, and the Holy Land in Israel. Golden is a storyteller who has toured with Alabama and the Oak Ridge Boys, and will be joined on stage by members of his family. Tickets are $17-$25. Groups of 12 or more save 50% on regular admission. The concert is sponsored by Cowpoke’s Watering Hole and AdventHealth.

Relive the magic of the Bee Gees at Stayin’ Alive, the most definitive and dazzling tribute to one of the most iconic groups in pop music history, on Feb. 17. Stayin’ Alive is a full-scale multimedia production, featuring stunning visuals, big-screen video clips, and the nostalgic sound of Barry, Maurice, and Robin Gibb. Tickets for Stayin’ Alive are $22-$30. Groups of 12 or more save 15% on regular admission. The performance is underwritten by Spiegel Chiropractic Clinic, AdventHealth, and Dawn Dell, Broker Associate with Paradise Real Estate International. 

Direct from Ireland, Rhythm of the Dance, honors Irish roots on Feb. 24. The internationally acclaimed live production features the National Dance Company of Ireland and top-tier musicians and vocalists. This spectacular production blends the spirit of traditional Irish dance and music with cutting-edge stagecraft, taking audiences on an exhilarating journey through time. Tickets for Rhythm of the Dance are $30-$45. Groups of 12 or move save 20% on regular admission.

Tickets for all Tuesday matinees can be purchased online at sfscARTS.org, by phone at 863-784-7178, or at the Box Office located at 600 West College Dr. in Avon Park. A $3 per ticket processing fee is charged whether tickets are purchased online, in person, or by phone. There are no refunds and no exchanges.

The Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts presents over 30 world-class performances in a 1,460-seat, state-of-the art facility. Beer and wine are available at performances by Butler’s Eighteen East.

AVON PARK, Fla. – Jan. 29, 2026 – South Florida State College (SFSC) Performing Arts presents a free performance of “Numbers Don’t Lie” on Monday, Feb. 2 at 9:30 a.m. at the Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts in Avon Park. The multi-media musical is produced by Stages Productions, a professional company that specializes in curriculum-based performances for elementary students.

What happens when two struggling math students wander into an enchanted museum and awaken a long-forgotten exhibit? Magic, music, and a whole new way of seeing numbers come to life in the high-energy, multimedia musical, “Numbers Don’t Lie.”

“Through the contributions from the SFSC Performing Arts members and the Florida Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Performing Arts, we are able to bring this educational performance at no cost to Highlands, Hardee, and DeSoto county students,” said Cindy Garren, director of cultural performances.  “We encourage homeschool educators and private schools to join us, too.”

Meet Algie and Bree, two students falling behind in math who find themselves on a school field trip they’ll never forget. After losing track of their tour group, they stumble upon a dusty, broken-down exhibit known only as “The Brain.” According to museum legend, the Brain can answer any question in the world using math. When Algie and Bree attempt to power it up, nothing happens … or so they think. In a dazzling whiz-bang flash, the Brain springs to life, launching an unforgettable journey through the power of mathematics across civilization.

Weaving together the five core strands of elementary mathematics — Operations and Algebraic Thinking; Numbers and Operations in Base Ten; Geometry; Measurement and Data; and Number Operations–Fractions — “Numbers Don’t Lie” proves that math has shaped every facet of human history. From ancient innovations to modern breakthroughs, students see how numbers connect sports, science, medicine, music, and beyond.

Packed with audience participation, laugh-out-loud moments, and catchy original songs like “Pollution Solution,” “The Tap (Tape) Measure,” and the title song “Numbers Don’t Lie,” the production transforms math from a classroom challenge into a thrilling, hands-on experience. By the time the rousing finale, “Math Rules,” fills the stage, Algie and Bree (and the audience) can’t wait to bring their new-found knowledge back to the classroom.

Designed to align seamlessly with elementary math curriculum standards, “Numbers Don’t Lie” is an engaging, educational musical that inspires confidence, curiosity, and excitement about learning.

Stages Productions is a professional theater ensemble that specializes in bringing exciting educational programming to over 150,000 people each year. Since 1988, the Tampa Bay-based company has been performing throughout the Southeast and helping to redefine professional standards in family theater.

To reserve seats, email ypt@southflorida.edu or call the SFSC Box Office at 863-784-7178.  The Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts is located on the SFSC Highlands Campus at 600 West College Drive in Avon Park.

Jan. 22, 2026 – The South Florida State College (SFSC) Foundation hosted its ninth annual Million Dollar Hole-in-One Golf Shootout sponsored by Bill Jarrett Ford on Saturday, Jan. 17. This year, the event raised over $15,000 in support of SFSC Athletics.

Golfers participated in the three-day Golf Shootout and new Putt Challenge, which began on Thursday, Jan. 15 at Sun ‘N Lake Golf Club in Sebring. Throughout the qualifying rounds, 90 golfers swung for the $1 million prize, and 45 golfers tried to putt their way to $10,000.

The group of top 12 shootout qualifiers were: Kyle Braxton, Trent Adrian, Mike Nelson, Brooke Sortore, Ty Van Bulck, Todd Smith, Steve Sortore, Michael Thayer, Greg Lundgren, Michael Kelly, Jeff Taylor, and Paul Sippl. The Putt Challenge finalist was Jeff Taylor.

“What a fabulous turnout! We are so grateful to our community for showing up and supporting our student-athletes,” said Emily Dabolt, executive director of the SFSC Foundation. “This event wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our sponsors, volunteers, and golfers, who believe in investing in our students’ futures.”

Proceeds from the golf shootout benefit SFSC Panther Athletics in women’s volleyball, women’s cross country, men’s baseball, and women’s softball. SFSC’s student-athletes assisted throughout the Golf Shootout.

 

Jan. 21, 2026 – The Mosaic Company has announced its support for the South Florida State College (SFSC) Foundation as a Platinum Annual Sponsor for 2026. Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., Mosaic works to support food security through its crop nutrition products and is committed to enhancing agricultural productivity.

“Helping the world grow the food it needs starts with investing in the workforce of tomorrow,” said Kirsten Turner, Mosaic public affairs manager. “Supporting the SFSC Foundation is one way we’re helping ensure students have access to quality education, training, and the nourishment they need to succeed, because when students thrive, communities thrive.”

The Mosaic Company hosts its annual two-day emergency response training at SFSC’s Highlands Campus. SFSC’s Public Safety and Health Sciences faculty and staff provide specialized training that equips Mosaic employees with the knowledge and skills needed to respond confidently and effectively during emergency situations. During the event, a highly competitive challenge is organized for participants, to inspire teamwork and comradery during high-risk incidents.

“We’re honored to partner with Mosaic as a Platinum Annual Sponsor of the SFSC Foundation,” said Emily Dabolt, executive director for the SFSC Foundation. “Their commitment to our students reflects a shared belief that education is the foundation of thriving communities. Together, we’re ensuring that talented, hardworking students have access to the opportunities they deserve, building a brighter future for our region, one student at a time.”

For more information on how to support the SFSC Foundation and SFSC students, call 863-453-3133 or email foundation@southflorida.edu.

AVON PARK, Fla. – Jan. 15, 2026 – This year’s South Florida State College (SFSC) Foundation Diamond Annual Sponsor is AdventHealth with locations in Sebring, Lake Placid, and Wauchula. A Diamond Annual Sponsor pledges $20,000 in opportunities and support to the College through the SFSC Foundation.

“At AdventHealth, we believe that investing in education is investing in the future of healthcare,” said Jason Dunkel, president and CEO of AdventHealth Sebring, Wauchula, and Lake Placid. “Our partnership with South Florida State College helps prepare the next generation of compassionate, skilled healthcare professionals who will serve our communities with excellence. We’re honored to support SFSC’s mission and thrilled to have the opportunity to play a role in shaping the future of care in our region as we all work together to build a stronger, healthier community.” 

AdventHealth supports SFSC’s students, faculty, staff, and the region it serves. Students complete clinicals at AdventHealth locations and learn from their experienced and caring nurses. They are not just a generous sponsor; they are a community partner in providing opportunities for our Health Science students to receive the training and knowledge they need to pursue a lucrative and caring career in healthcare. 

“AdventHealth Sebring exemplifies what it means to be a true community partner,” said Emily Dabolt, SFSC executive director of institutional advancement. “Its support of the SFSC Foundation directly impacts the lives of our students, helping to remove barriers and create pathways to success. When organizations invest in education, they invest in the future of our entire community, and we’re grateful to have AdventHealth Sebring standing with us in that mission.”

For more information on how to support the SFSC Foundation and Pave the Path to Success for our students, call 863-453-3133 or email foundation@southflorida.edu.

AVON PARK, Fla. — Jan. 9, 2026 — South Florida State College’s (SFSC) Bachelor of Science in Elementary Teacher Education (BSETE) was recently granted reaccreditation from the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE). Continuing accreditation has been granted through Dec. 31, 2032 – for seven years, the maximum number of years allowed.

SFSC emphasizes the importance of accreditation for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in Florida. Prospective educators are encouraged to ensure that the institution they choose is approved and accredited by the FLDOE, as this directly impacts teacher certification eligibility.

“At SFSC, our graduates can be confident that their degrees are fully recognized and validated by the FLDOE,” said Dr. Maday Leon, Elementary Teacher Education lead instructor. “Unfortunately, some students from other institutions discover—only after applying for teacher certification—that their programs did not meet all state requirements. This can result in licensure denial and the need to complete additional coursework.”

SFSC’s bachelor’s program in Elementary Teacher Education is designed to meet all state standards and includes embedded English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Reading endorsements. As a result, graduates enter the profession fully credentialed and do not need to return to complete additional endorsement courses.

“Our goal is to ensure that SFSC graduates are not only well-prepared for today’s classrooms but are also credentialed without barriers,” said Dr. James Hawker, SFSC dean of arts and sciences. “By embedding required endorsements directly into the program, we remove unnecessary obstacles and allow our graduates to begin their teaching careers with confidence.”

This comprehensive preparation allows SFSC graduates to apply for teacher certification without delays and renew their teaching certificates every five years, ensuring a smooth transition from college to classroom.

The BSETE program was initially granted accreditation in 2014. In 2013, the need for teachers in elementary schools in Highlands, Hardee, and DeSoto counties became clear, as positions opened up through teacher retirements and the growth of school enrollments. After getting the final stamp of approval from the FLDOE to add the degree program, SFSC admitted its first class of 12 students in fall term 2014.

For more information about SFSC’s Elementary Teacher Education Program, visit southflorida.edu or contact Dr. Leon at 863-784-7154.

Jan. 2, 2026 – The South Florida State College (SFSC) Foundation will host its ninth annual Million Dollar Hole-in-One Golf Shootout sponsored by Jarrett Ford at Sun ‘N Lake Golf Club in Sebring with qualifying days taking place on Thursday, Jan. 15, and Friday, Jan. 16 from 11:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 17 from 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. The Golf Shootout for the top 12 finalists will take place at the 18th hole on Saturday, Jan. 17 at 5 p.m.

The $10K Putt Challenge will also be available for golfers on the same days as the Shootout for Thursday and Friday, but Saturday qualifiers can putt from 7:30-9:30 a.m. with a Final Qualifier at 10 a.m. to narrow down the competition to one finalist proceeding to putt for $10,000 on the 18th hole at 4:45 p.m.

Proceeds from the Golf Shootout and Putt Challenge benefit SFSC Athletics. SFSC fields four athletic teams: women’s volleyball, women’s cross country, men’s baseball, and women’s softball.

“As we approach our annual Million Dollar Shootout event, now combined with our Putting Challenge, we continue to be extremely grateful for the outpouring of support from our incredible sponsors, the SFSC Foundation and their outstanding staff, and of course, each and every one of our participants that have made this event over the years what it is,” said Rick Hitt, SFSC athletic director and head baseball coach. “We look forward to this year‘s event with great anticipation, and appreciate the time and effort that is put in by so many to continue to make this one-of-a-kind event a success.”

Amateur adult golfers are eligible to participate in the Shootout and Putt Challenge to compete for $1 million and $10,000 respectively, provided through Hole in One International. If no one sinks a hole-in-one in the Million Dollar Shootout, the closest shots to the hole will win prizes. First place will receive $750, second place will receive $500, third will receive $250, and fourth will receive a pro shop gift card from Sun ‘N Lake Golf Club. Golfers can purchase a bag of 10 balls for $10 for the Shootout and a bag of three balls for $10 for the Putt Challenge. Participants may purchase an unlimited number of bags. Register for the Golf Shootout and Putt Challenge during qualifying days at the Sun ‘n Lake Driving Range in Sebring.

“The Million Dollar Hole-in-One Golf Shootout has truly become a community tradition that showcases the best of what we can accomplish together,” said Emily Dabolt, executive director for institutional advancement at SFSC. “Every dollar raised goes directly to SFSC Athletics, funding scholarships, equipment, and facilities that make a real difference in our student-athletes’ lives. We’re grateful for the incredible partnership we have with local businesses and community members who make events like this possible.”

For more information about the Million Dollar Hole-in-One Golf Shootout and $10K Putt Challenge, contact the SFSC Foundation at 863-453-3133 or foundation@southflorida.edu.

ABOUT THE SFSC FOUNDATION

The South Florida State College (SFSC) Foundation enhances community awareness of the College, solicits and accepts gifts, receives bequests, and manages and helps to appreciate cash gifts or non-cash gifts donated to the SFSC Foundation. Such contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Funds received by the SFSC Foundation are distributed to endeavors that benefit the College and subsidize its students, staff, and programs. The SFSC Foundation offers scholarships and provides funding to maintain educational facilities.

Dec. 29, 2025 – Teachers, your night out is calling. The funniest teacher-comedians on the planet are back with brand new material, bigger laughs, and a fresh round of classroom-inspired chaos on the Bored Teachers “Is It Friday Yet?!” Comedy Tour at the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts at South Florida State College (SFSC) in Avon Park.

With 20 new April and May dates just announced, the tour will kick off on Thursday, Jan. 15 in Avon Park, Fla. and the spring leg of the tour will conclude on May 17. This wildly popular tour will be hitting 50 cities across the U.S.

Since launching the tour in 2022, the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour has sold out theaters in nearly every U.S. state and across seven provinces in Canada, expanded internationally to the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand, and performed in front of more than 200,000 teachers worldwide. With over one billion video views, 10 million followers, and the No. 1 teacher-comedy podcast, Bored Teachers has become the go-to brand for educators everywhere seeking laughter, community, and a little comic relief.

One teacher described the show as “the night out we needed to make it through the school year.” Another joked, “I just wish it was eight hours long like a real PD session.” Even non-teachers rave that it’s one of the funniest comedy shows they’ve ever seen.

“Teachers spend their lives giving everything they have for their students,” said one Bored Teachers comedian. “This tour is about giving something back—an unforgettable night of laughter and connection. Judging by the response, it is exactly what teachers need right now.”

But it’s not just for educators. Anyone who has ever been in a classroom, dealt with a parent-teacher conference, or struggled to keep a straight face during a staff meeting will find the jokes hilariously relatable.

Founded by former teachers James and Marilou Tarantino, Bored Teachers started as a grassroots social community built on the hilarious truths of life in education. Almost a decade later, it has evolved into the world’s leading teacher-entertainment company producing viral sketches, stand-up tours, podcasts, articles, and content that spotlight the struggles, joys, and absurdities of the profession. Today, Bored Teachers is not just a media company, it’s a global movement that gives teachers a voice, a laugh, and a place to belong.

Tickets for the one-night-only performance at SFSC are $32-$45. Tickets are available online at sfscARTS.org, by phone at 863-784-7178, or by visiting the SFSC Box Office located at 600 West College Drive on the Highlands Campus of SFSC. Groups of 12 or more can save 10%. To reserve group seats, call 863-784-7287.

This performance is sponsored by Get Fish Slapped Marketing, Seacoast Bank, Heartland Endodontics, C&C Plumbing, Dr. Catherine P. Cornelius, and Bill and Lisa Jarrett, and sponsored in part by the state of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.

About the Wildstein Center
The 1,460-seat venue presents over 30 national and international productions. Upcoming performances include Celebrating Celine on Jan. 20; Ronstadt Review featuring Genesia on Jan. 24; Snare & Steinway with The Rossano Sportiello Trio on Jan. 27; Floyd Nation on Jan. 30; The Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute on Feb. 12; Mark Lowry and Friends on Feb. 15; Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Hollywood on Feb. 21; Rhythm of the Dance on Feb. 24; Proud Tina on Feb. 26; STOMP on March 1; Gary Puckett and the Union Gap on March 6; The Lettermen on March 10, and The Lovin’ Spoonful on March 26.

AVON PARK, Fla. – Dec. 12, 2025 – For the South Florida State College (SFSC) graduates who gathered in the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, Dec. 11, the Fall 2025 Commencement ceremony was a time to celebrate.

Student Commencement speaker Lacie Hershberger, who received her Associate in Arts, congratulated fellow classmates on persevering through their studies to graduation. She offered advice from lessons learned through her own life. Hershberger graduated from high school 23 years ago. She had a dream of attending Florida Gulf Coast University and becoming a broadcast journalist. However, before the end of her second semester at the university, she returned home, feeling overwhelmed. Through the years, she married, had children, and held several jobs managing offices and teaching at private schools. The desire to earn a college degree never left her. With the support and urging of her husband, friends, and her current employer, she enrolled at SFSC. “To anyone sitting in the audience thinking, ‘Maybe it’s too late for me,’ I am living proof that delay doesn’t mean defeat,” she said. “I truly believe that sometimes the best stories are the ones that take a little longer to write.”

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

Early in the program, SFSC District Board of Trustees chair, Terry Atchley, welcomed guests and addressed the new graduates: “Commencement is a celebration of the journey you’ve completed and the limitless future that lies ahead. Your time at SFSC has equipped you with more than just knowledge— it has prepared you to lead, to innovate, to serve, and to make a meaningful impact in the communities you call home. Wherever life takes you, carry the spirit of Panther Pride with you, and never stop learning, growing, and striving.”

Special guest speaker, Kathryn Hebda, who serves as chancellor of the Florida College System at the Florida Department of Education, encouraged the graduates: “You chose higher education not because it was easy, but because you believed in its promise and its power to make your life better and, in many cases, the lives of your loved ones. You step now into your future. Take the knowledge, the skills and experiences, and the memories you’ve gained here and use them boldly and generously. In the words of Dr. Seuss, ‘Oh, the places you’ll go.’ Now go, strengthen your families. Go, elevate your communities. Go, make a meaningful difference in the world around you. Be courageous, curious, creative — and even alliterative! Your future awaits.”

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.