Alumna Found Her Calling Through Teaching

AVON PARK, Fla. – Oct. 23, 2025 – When Lauren Beasley Foreman graduated from Frostproof High School, becoming a teacher was not necessarily on her radar. However, life may take us on twists and turns, before we hear our calling. And so it was for Foreman. She now teaches business management and administration for ninth through 12 grades at Hardee Senior High School in Wauchula and was recently named the 2026 District Teacher of the Year for Hardee County.

Foreman earned her Associate in Arts from South Florida State College (SFSC) in December 2009 and went on to graduate from SFSC with a Bachelor of Science in Supervision and Management (BAS-SM) in May 2014. In fact, Foreman and her husband, Andrew, were in the first cohort to graduate from the BAS-SM program.

While at Frostproof High School, Foreman was a relatively shy student. She was quiet in the classroom, kept her head down, and unobtrusively slipped through the hallways.  She didn’t like large crowds, so she had a lot of anxiety about going to college. “The thought of going to a large university where classes are 200 plus students just terrified me,” she said. “Because it was a relatively small college and a better option financially, I decided to get my academic life started at SFSC.”

When she graduated from high school, Foreman considered going into law, but changed her mind. “I really didn’t want somebody else’s life in my hands that way — to make the wrong decision and have to deal with that.”

While a student at SFSC, Foreman worked part time at Lake Forest Veterinary Clinic in Avon Park. Although she enjoyed her job, some of the dogs she handled were just as big as she was and it played on her anxiety. So, becoming a veterinarian was off the table.

But Foreman loved history and decided to focus on that subject while working toward her associate degree at SFSC.

Teaching and Business
Early on, Foreman’s mother made an impact on her future career choice. “I never really wanted to be a teacher, but my mom had worked at every school I ever attended, all the way from elementary school to a small private school in Lake Wales to Frostproof High School,” she said. “My mom worked at some of the schools to help with tuition. Growing up, we didn’t have a lot of money, so any way she could help me with my education is what she did.”

Through her jobs, Foreman’s mother became something of a second mom to every student in the school. “I liked how she built relationships with the kids, so that got me started thinking about becoming a teacher,” Foreman said.

After working at the veterinarian’s clinic, Foreman became a substitute teacher in Frostproof. Although she wasn’t 100% sold on teaching at the time, she knew that she wanted to do something meaningful with her life.

Foreman learned about a new program at SFSC – the BAS-SM – and applied to the College. Her interest turned to business. “My dad graduated from a small college in Kansas where he got his bachelor’s degree in business,” she said. “All his life, he worked at local citrus companies. Careerwise, I was still in limbo, but I decided that business was a good place to start. To follow in my dad’s footsteps, I could either start my own business or I could jump into an office somewhere and build my way up. So that was the path I was taking.”

Dr. Tina Adams, lead instructor with SFSC’s BAS-SM program, found Foreman a co-op experience with an insurance company, Heartland Benefits, in Sebring. “I was able to work during the day and leave for my afternoon and evening classes,” Foreman said. “It gave me a taste of business.”

After graduating with her BAS-SM from SFSC in spring 2014, Foreman and her husband moved to Hardee County. Eventually, Foreman wanted to work closer to home, so she applied for a job as a permanent substitute teacher at Hardee Senior High School and was hired in 2015. She taught World History and U.S. History for 10th and 11th graders until she became pregnant with her son, John David. She returned to Hardee Senior High School as a permanent substitute teacher in the Reading Department, where she taught for six years.

In 2022, a position in the Business Department opened at the High School. While working toward her teaching certification through Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Foreman tested for certification in Business as her subject area. “I had my BAS-SM from SFSC, so I was a shoe-in for that teaching position,” she said.

Now, Foreman seems to be in her element teaching in the Business Department. “This will be my 11th year at Hardee Senior High School, and there’s always something new to learn in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program,” she said. “Not only do I teach the students and help them earn certifications, but I get certified in every one of those programs as well.”

Teacher of the Year

Foreman’s nomination for 2026 District Teacher of the Year for Hardee County came from other teachers at Hardee Senior High School. “In Hardee County, we have one high school, one junior high school, and five elementary schools,” she said. “For each school, the faculty and staff nominate a teacher and an Education Support Professional (ESP), which includes our paraeducators and support staff.”

Once the individual schools have chosen their teacher of the year and ESP of the year, the finalists go through an interview process with the School Board of Hardee County. The former District Teacher of the Year, as well as District employees and people from the community serve on the interview committee. Once finalists are chosen, the District holds an annual gala to unveil the winners.

Foreman believes that she was nominated, because once she moved into her position teaching CTE, it gave her exposure to more students and staff at the High School. “I practically became a second tech person and helped with technical difficulties,” she said. “I got to know more of our faculty and staff, as well as our students around campus.”

Through a grant from The Able Trust, Foreman teaches students technical skills, such as working with a Cricut machine, cutting vinyl, and printing T-shirts. The Able Trust is a Florida-based nonprofit that promotes employment for people with disabilities. “We’ve made T-shirts for high school clubs and for sports teams, and we’ve created awards for their competitions,” she said. “We’ve even made Christmas ornaments for Crews Bank & Trust here in town. By providing items for people at the school and in the community, I’ve gotten to know so many more people and students. I’m teaching students how to create things that they can sell. I teach our students real-world skills that they can use no matter what line of work they go into later on.”

Foreman pointed to a long classroom wall behind her. “All of the certificates on this wall are certifications that my students earned last year,” she said. “So, just over 100 students earned some sort of business industry certification. I offer WordPress website editing, so they get certified in that area. I offer classes in entrepreneurship and small business, so they can become certified entrepreneurs once they leave class. I also teach students how to use QuickBooks, a tool to help a business manage finances.”

According to Foreman, teaching is particularly important in these times, because “students have access to information right at their fingertips, but what they may not have is the ability to understand what is useful, what is harmful, or what is real. Students can watch a YouTube video to figure out how to fix a car. Although such videos are instructive, students don’t get needed social interaction and positive role models.

“Students need someone they can talk to, who will listen to them, who can help them understand the right and wrong of things. Some students might not have the best home life or maybe they’re just in a tough spot. A teacher should be a person they can open up to. It isn’t just about education. It’s about building relationships with young people. If they learn academics, that’s the cherry on top.”

Foreman’s Educational Choices

When Foreman speaks of her own education, she will tell you that she doesn’t regret taking the path she chose. “I have no regrets about not attending a big university like the University of Florida or Florida State University,” she said. “I never once regretted going to SFSC and later continuing on with the BAS-SM program. It was the best fit for me. A lot of the students in that program were from Hardee County and a few from Polk and Highlands counties. Because it was such a small group of students, our classes were hands-on, almost one-on-one. Our instructors sat right there at the table with us. It was a great experience.”

A special memory for Foreman is meeting the man who is now her husband, Andrew Foreman, in the BAS-SM program. Andrew had left the University of Central Florida and returned to Hardee County. After dating for some time, Andrew proposed to Foreman in the parking lot outside Building I on the SFSC Highlands Campus.

Andrew Foreman has also found career success after college. “When we were going through the BAS-SM program, Dr. Adams got him a job in the Loan Department at Crews Bank & Trust [formerly Wauchula State Bank],” Foreman said. “Andrew is now the area president for Polk County, so he oversees the Lakeland and Winter Haven branches.”

A large photo of the Foremans’ BAS-SM graduating cohort can still be seen on the wall in the SFSC Bookstore on the Highlands Campus. In fact, a current teacher at Hardee Senior High School, Dusty Mendoza, graduated from the program with the Foremans.

“We are so proud to have been part of that inaugural class,” Foreman said. “I have great pride in that. If it hadn’t been for SFSC, I wouldn’t have had my career, the best husband in the world, and our son, John David. It’s been an amazing ride. It may not have been the conventional pathway, but life doesn’t always turn out the way you think.”

Oct. 16, 2025 – South Florida State College (SFSC) is proud to announce the grand opening of Art Lab 27, a dynamic creative space at the Lake Placid Center. The lab will have a soft opening on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, during the College’s community celebration, “Celebrating a Century of Learning: 100 Years at the 100 Building,” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Art Lab 27 will officially open to the public on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, inviting participants of all ages to explore, imagine, and learn through hands-on artistic experiences.

Art Lab 27 is designed to inspire imagination and artistic expression in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Guests can paint pottery, design mosaics, create on canvas, explore rock painting, and experience the thrill of splatter painting while enjoying a space that encourages exploration and creativity.

Art Lab 27 is designed to spark creativity while also encouraging learning. Participants can explore artistic techniques, creative problem-solving, and design concepts as they create their own unique works of art, blending hands-on fun with meaningful skill-building.

A key feature of the new space is the Art Lab Experience, a drop-in open studio where the community can unleash their creativity on their own schedule. No advance registration is required; visitors simply stop by, choose their project, and let their imagination lead the way. The Art Lab Experience is available on Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and visitors are encouraged to check the schedule at southflorida.edu/artlab27 to ensure the College is open. In addition, scheduled workshops will offer guided activities for those who want to dive deeper into specific projects and techniques. These workshops require pre-registration to reserve a spot.

“Art Lab 27 was designed to inspire and educate,” said Tina Gottus, director of Corporate and Community Education at SFSC. “This isn’t just about crafting a project—it’s about understanding artistic techniques, exploring creative problem-solving, and building confidence through hands-on learning. We want every person who walks through our doors to leave not only with something beautiful they’ve created, but also with new skills and a deeper appreciation for the creative process.”

The community is encouraged to check the calendar of events, workshops, and open studio hours at southflorida.edu/artlab27.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Young People’s Theater Series

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

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

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

Free Performances

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

Christmas Performances

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

Comedy, Country, Tributes and Christian Music

• 

  Deana Carter

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

  Lovin’ Spoonful

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

 Tuesday Matinees at 1:30 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Upcoming MOFAC exhibits are: 

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

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

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

AVON PARK, Fla. — Aug. 18, 2025 — During a ceremony on Friday, Aug. 15 on South Florida State College’s (SFSC) Highlands Campus in Avon Park, the Basic Law Enforcement (BLE) Academy Class 273 and the Crossover to Basic Law Enforcement Class 366 graduated 13 cadets.

The graduates who received Career Certificates were Dilmer LaRowe (class leader), Reece Baker, Nathan Conroy, William Cusick, Gavin Harden, Jeffery Johnson, Travis Likens, Kyle Lowe, Lawrence Merlino, Cameron Morris, Jose Pontinela Jr., Austin Rhodes, and Emmanuel Rodriguez-Sanchez.

Special awards were presented to cadets. The award for Top Academics was presented to Rodriguez-Sanchez, and the award for Peer Leadership was presented to Melino.

Guest speaker for the graduation was Lt. C. Wayne Gunn of the Highlands County Sheriff’s Department.

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 (Crossover) 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 programs, visit southflorida.edu or call SFSC’s Criminal Justice Academy at 863-784-7285.

AVON PARK, Fla. – Aug. 15, 2025 – South Florida State College (SFSC) launches its Young People’s Theater series on Wednesday, Oct. 8 and Thursday, Oct. 9 at 9:30 a.m. with Pinkalicious the Musical, which is based on the beloved books by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann. Featuring music and lyrics by John Gregor, this one-hour musical is ideal for pre-K to third grade students.

“It’s a delightful show that teaches students about self-control, the importance of moderation, and embracing your individuality,” said Cindy Garren, director of cultural programs at SFSC. “The show is playful, educational, and very pink!”

Air is Everywhere, featuring Mr. C Science, an action-packed, interactive show, is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 13 at 9:30 a.m. Students learn how air affects our world in ways they never imagined—from flight and pressure to weather and wind power. “Mr. C is real science,” Garren said. “It’s an ideal event to teach STEM concepts while having a lot of laughs!” This performance is geared for grades one to five.

Mr. C, or Kevin Cornell, has been recognized as the “New Bill Nye the Science Guy.” With 20 years of experience as an educator, he hosts and produces award-winning STEM programs in partnership with PBS stations. Cornell has earned gold, silver, and bronze Telly Award and multiple regional Emmy awards for LearningScienceisFun.com. His shows are high-energy and filled with hands-on demonstrations designed to spark curiosity and laughter.

The popular Holiday Traditions Around the World, featuring Santa Claus and his hard-working elves, will be at the Hardee County Agri-Civic Center in Wauchula on Monday, Dec. 1 at 9:30 a.m. Sponsored by Mosaic, this performance is targeted for Hardee and DeSoto County elementary

school students. “Transportation is an issue for our school districts and the Civic Center has a nice stage and auditorium, so we hope to fill all the seats,” Garren said.

The Emperor’s New Clothes, based on the much-loved tale by Hans Christian Andersen, is scheduled for Thursday, March 12 at 9:30 a.m. Geared for students in third to fifth grade, this musical, produced by Stages Productions, features a bumbling emperor and his court who learned the cost of deceit by crafty swindlers. “Andersen based his fairytale on a 14th century folktale, but he added the innocent child who speaks the truth,” Garren said. “This tale has been teaching children about vanity and pride for hundreds of years.”

Tickets for the performances are $5 per person and one free ticket is available for every 10 purchased. Bookings for homeschool groups, private schools, and public schools are available now by emailing ypt@southflorida.edu or calling the SFSC Box Office at 863-784-7178. Free study guides for each performance are available online at sfscARTS.org.

SFSC kicked off the Young People’s Theater Series in 2006 and over 100,000 students from Highlands, Hardee, and DeSoto counties have attended a performance. 

AVON PARK, Fla. – Aug. 12, 2025 – South Florida State College (SFSC) received a $15,000 grant from the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, Inc. to provide scholarships for students from DeSoto County who attend classes at any of SFSC’s campuses – in DeSoto, Hardee, or Highlands County. These funds will be matched dollar for dollar through the SFSC Foundation, bringing the total funds for scholarships to $30,000.

Scholarships will be awarded up to $1,500 for full-time students, up to $1,125 for students enrolled between 9 and 11 hours, and up to $750 for students enrolled between 6 and 8 hours.

The criteria for obtaining a scholarship through the Selby Foundation grant are that the application must be based on financial need and the student must be a resident of DeSoto County and a graduate of Desoto County High School, maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA to be considered for renewal, and be accepted into or enrolled in a degree program at SFSC.

Scholarships from the Selby Foundation grant are available for fall term 2025 and spring term 2026.

“The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation’s continued partnership demonstrates the power of sustained community investment in education,” said Emily Dabolt, SFSC executive director of institutional advancement. “This renewable scholarship program has become a bridge to opportunity for our DeSoto County students, ensuring that financial barriers don’t stand between them and their college dreams. With each graduating class, we’re seeing the ripple effects of this generosity — students who once thought college was out of reach are now completing degrees and building careers right here in our community.”

To apply for a scholarship through the Selby Foundation grant, students are encouraged to speak with a student advisor at the SFSC DeSoto Campus at 2251 NE Turner Avenue in Arcadia, visit the SFSC Office of Financial Aid on the Highlands Campus at 600 West College Drive in Avon Park, or call 863-993-1757.

Aug. 7, 2025 – South Florida State College’s (SFSC) Bachelor of Science in Elementary Teacher Education (BSETE) program earned a 3.7 out of 4.0 on the Florida Department of Education’s Annual Program Performance Report (APPR) for 2025.

Among all Elementary Education, ESOL, and Reading programs reviewed, only five Florida institutions scored higher than SFSC, placing the program among the top teacher preparation programs in the state.

The APPR evaluates teacher preparation programs on several key measures of quality:

• Candidate Readiness: This category assesses certification exam pass rates. SFSC scored Level 4 (highest level), reflecting outstanding performance on the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations.

• Workforce Contribution: This aspect tracks graduate employment in teaching. SFSC scored Level 4, with all graduates employed in the teaching profession and additional weighting awarded because SFSC’s degree prepares teachers in a designated high-need area.

• Annual Evaluations: This section is based on employer evaluations of recent graduates. SFSC scored Level 3, with 100% of completers rated Effective or Highly Effective by their districts.

These results affirm the excellence of SFSC’s faculty, staff, and graduates, and highlight the program’s strong role in preparing highly qualified teachers for Florida’s schools.

“The program’s success is a result of the dedication of BSETE professors and adjuncts whose enthusiasm for teaching empowers our student teachers to change lives,” said Dr. Maday Leon, lead instructor for BSETE. “We will continue to support our communities by developing effective educators.”

For more information about SFSC’s BSETE program, contact Dr. Leon at leonm@southflorida.edu or 863-784-7154.