published: Friday, April 30, 2010

SFCC faculty, students honored

Special to the News-Sun

AVON PARK -- Students and instructors were honored for academic excellence and community service during South Florida Community College's annual Awards Day ceremony held recently in the SFCC University Center Auditorium.

Each year, faculty honor students who exhibit talent and exemplary qualities that go beyond academic standards. Students, in turn, pay homage to outstanding faculty.

The top honor of the day -- the Joseph E. Johnston/Bette L. McDearman Student Services Award -- was awarded to Philmore Navarrete for his outstanding academic achievement and involvement in student-related activities on campus, outstanding leadership ability both on and off campus, and his contribution to fellow students and the college.

Navarrete graduates in May with an associate in applied science degree in computer programming and analysis. He is a student worker in the Student Activities Office, participates in various community service activities such as the Miracle League and Relay for Life, occasionally plays SFCC mascot "Pete" at campus events, and was the 2007 vice president of the Seventh-day Adventist student group.

"I wasn't expecting to receive this award," Navarrate said. "It's very surprising. I'm very grateful for the people that nominated me. I guess this shows that trying hard does pay off."

Taylor Bennett, Pete Guerra and Hong Nguyen were also nominated for the award.

A surprise guess also made an appearance at the ceremony. Linda Karp, Florida Junior Community College Student Government Association (FJCCSGA) District II advisor, attended the ceremony to present David Michener, coordinator, Student Activities and Recruitment, with the FJCCSGA's highest honor -- the 2010 FJCCSGA District II Advisor of the Year award.

SFCC SGA members nominated Michener for the honor stating, "He influences the lives around him more than he could ever realize. He goes out of his way to fulfill the students' needs and does the work of 10 people with a smile."

SFCC students awarded Dr. Cherie Stevens as the 2010 Professor of the Year for the Division of Applied Sciences and Technologies. Instructor Felecia Dozier was chosen as the 2010 Instructor of the Year for the Division of Arts and Sciences.

SFCC students also chose Lori Shumard and Kellie Zimmer as the 2010 Professors of the Year for the Division of Arts and Sciences.

"In class and out of class participation is essential to the college experience," said Annie Alexander-Harvey, dean, Student Services. "We take this day to encourage, reward, and recognize our students' and faculty's efforts."