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Outstanding Graduate Award – Spring 2024
Winner:
Braydon Bernard
Braydon Bernard, an accelerated dual enrollment student, is graduating with his associate in arts degree and a 4.0 GPA.
“While most 10-year-olds were playing on the playground or eating lunch at school, I was preparing to have a craniotomy.” Bernard never let his health challenges deter him. Instead, his successful surgery and compassionate healthcare staff, particularly his surgeon, inspired his career goals. He intends to transfer to the University of Florida in the fall to study biochemistry, continuing his arduous path toward a future in pediatric neurosurgery and as a mentor to other children in need.
“Starting college is challenging and scary, but starting college at SCF is far from this.” He always felt that at SCF, there was always a resource he could rely on to ease his struggles. SCF’s personalized attention and faculty-to-student ratios helped him fall in love with the science of chemistry. And, as part of the dual enrollment program, he was able to be independent and harness his full potential. Bernard has received the Math Memorial Award and was named the Sunshine State Scholar for the 2022-23 academic year in Florida. He is the current president of the American Chemical Society Student Affiliate Club, research and development intern at Trace Eye-D, brain health scholar for the Brain Health Initiative, and mentor with Dive Into Reading. He also works for Scribe S.O.S, coordinating employees across three emergency departments, and shadows a doctor to further his knowledge of proper neurological exams. In addition to his medical interests, Bernard is currently completing flight lessons to earn his private pilot license and instrument rating.
Finalist:
Christina Leigh Beaver
Christina Leigh Beaver is graduating with her associate in arts degree and a 3.91 GPA. Music has long been intertwined with her life, and she knew since learning the saxophone in middle school that she wanted to pursue a career in music education. Beaver plans to enroll at the University of North Florida and would like to attain a master’s degree and Ph.D.
In high school, she joined theatre, marching band and multiple ensembles to expand her interests and observe her directors’ schedules to envision what her life would be like one day. She has always been successful with balancing her schoolwork and impressive extracurricular activities and carried that drive to SCF. In addition to her pivotal roles as a music theory tutor, ambassador for the music club and section leader for the Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota Choir, Beaver volunteers for SCF music outreach events such as the scholarship audition day, Pianapalooza! and Manasota honor choir. She was a scholarship recipient and performer for the Manatee Community Concert Band in 2023 and The Bay Chorale in April 2024. Beaver also received certificates of appreciation in 2022-2023 for “Service to the Performing Arts Department as a Student Ambassador,” “Stage Crew Extraordinaire,” and “Outstanding Service and Dedication as a Stage Manager.” Additionally, she completed an internship at Pops Summer Music Camp for middle school students, where she assisted in leading the classical saxophone ensemble.
Beaver believes that being at SCF allowed her to thrive as a student despite losing her mom at a young age and her dad just before her high school graduation. She will eternally appreciate the SCF Foundation scholarships for allowing her to sustain herself as a full-time working student. Her advice to [new] students echoes her own philosophy: “Live life every day to the fullest and be grateful for the opportunities you have.”
Finalist:
Shawn Anthony Cacciola
Shawn Anthony Cacciola is graduating with his associate in arts degree and a 3.85 GPA and plans to attend the University of South Florida in the fall. Cacciola fully believes SCF provided him with the best educational services he’s ever known. From instructors who taught him time management to peers and staff who provided necessary accommodations, his education took a complete 180⁰ turn. Cacciola has been on the Dean’s and President’s Lists, became a member of Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society, Sigma Kappa Delta English Honor Society and Tampa Bay Bridge to Baccalaureate (TB-B2B) Program, and was awarded the Christiane Felsmann Memorial Scholarship and William G. Selby and Marie Selby Foundation Scholarship.
He has realized everyone’s path in life will look different, so he strives to follow all his interests. Cacciola serves as team lead for the Global Relations team at his Security Management International internship and still finds time to actively perform in different musical projects, open mic shows, and with the West Coast Black Theatre Troupe. He wholeheartedly credits SCF for being able to champion forward. “If SCF taught me anything, it’s that no matter what preconceived notions we possess, we can amount to anything if given a proper support system, possess a strong work ethic and believe in our path.”
Past Outstanding Graduate Award Winners
Winner: Jaelyn Elizabeth Landers
Jaelyn Elizabeth Landers graduates with an associate in arts degree and a 3.61 GPA. She plans to pursue a career in labor and delivery nursing, as she’s had a longstanding desire to help mothers, fathers and babies through some of the most challenging and wonderful times in their lives. She’s also experienced her fondest memories in labor and delivery – meeting her younger siblings.
Landers understands firsthand that tough choices are critical in life. She chose to stay close to home and attend SCF while working and spending time with her father, who lost his battle against kidney cancer. She’s since been supporting her family, paying for college and applying for any available scholarships. Despite her hardships, she’s seen the best in her surrounding community and is committed to giving back. Beyond maintaining an impressive GPA and managing her priorities, Landers has been an integral member of SCF. She is currently the President of the Student Government Association (SGA) and Vice President for STEM.Med, and in 2022, she served as the Vice President of SGA. Landers has also been an active member of Phi Theta Kappa, Sigma Kappa Delta and the History & Political Science Club.
Her service extends outside the College, volunteering for various organizations and events such as Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Keep Sarasota Beautiful and K-Kids Club at Taylor Ranch Elementary Open House. She has even managed to find time to help set up and break down local schoolteachers’ classrooms. Her leadership positions with SGA allowed her to advocate for students and forge long-lasting relationships with faculty and staff, who continue to root for her. Landers credits SCF’s many resources, from academic to mental health support, for her success and encourages fellow students never to shy away from asking for help. “SCF is definitely a place where you can grow and succeed.”
Finalist: Colton Cook
Colton Gray Cook, former United States Coast Guard, served four years stationed in Key West, FL, as an electronic technician, consisting of various deployments and search and rescue missions, and is graduating with an associate in arts degree and a 3.62 GPA.
Cook equally values maintaining stellar grades and participating in extracurricular activities. He is the current President of Student Veterans of America Bradenton Chapter, founded and created the annual SCF Dodgeball Tournament, joined the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and participated in numerous volunteer events.
In addition, he was accepted into the two-week Warrior Scholarship Program hosted at Cornell University during Summer 2023, where he was mentored in humanities, physics, trigonometry and computer coding. His immediate goal is to work in finance on Wall Street to help people get the most out of their investments and live their dreams. Cook knows he wouldn’t be where he is today if he didn’t serve his country and receive the GI Bill and wants to pay it forward. His true passion lies in fishing, and his ultimate goal is to protect the ecosystem and help prevent over-fishing in Bradenton by working with commercial fisheries. As career- and goal-minded as he is, Cook sincerely appreciates SCF’s exceptional professors, dedicated faculty and support staff for making his time here remarkable.
Finalist: Kristen Rose Pizzo
After a nine-year hiatus, Kristen Rose Pizzo graduates with her associate in arts degree and a 3.94 GPA. Pizzo disregarded discouraging remarks that returning to college would be a waste of effort and was compelled to re-enroll at SCF to become a veterinary technician. She’d spent several years working at a veterinary clinic where she met a deaf client. Pizzo didn’t know American Sign Language (ASL) and could only use written communication. She felt helpless and immediately registered for SCF’s ASL classes, which led her to the College’s Tutoring and Academic Success Center (TASC).
Working as a writing and ASL peer tutor ignited her passion to become an educator. Pivoting her initial career goals, she plans to attend the ASL Interpreting program at the University of South Florida after graduation. She aims to work in the field as an interpreter before attaining a master’s degree in Interpreting Pedagogy to teach ASL in a higher education setting. Pizzo values relationship building and has joined several organizations, including the Nerd Culture Club, Phi Theta Kappa, and the Sarasota Deaf-ASL Group, and served as a Student Activity Budget Review representative.
She earned Outstanding Academic Achievements in “Introduction to Literature” and “Horror, Fantasy & Science Fiction” and the Honors Convocation Award “Outstanding Award in American Sign Languages.” Working as a TASC tutor, Pizzo is most proud of the guidance she’s provided students, some with debilitating conditions. As someone who’s struggled with a severe speech impediment herself, she’s appreciative of SCF’s inclusivity. She urges students “to open your mind and heart to the wisdom and lessons people have to share, and I guarantee you will become the best version of yourself.”
OGA Winners:
Ana Graciela Gonzalez
Ana graduates with an Associate in Science in dental hygiene. She plans to work in a dental office and further her education by earning a Bachelor of Applied Science in health service administration at State College of Florida.
As a student, Ana has been involved in dental hygiene organizations, outreach and community service. She served as a student delegate for the Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association and was a second-place award winner at the 2021 Florida Dental Hygiene Symposium Poster Research Session along with her classmate. She has visited an elementary school, residential home and a local church teaching students and adults how to brush, floss, and do other oral health preventative measures.
Ana and her family emigrated from Honduras 12 years ago. As an immigrant family, her parents worked hard to give Ana the opportunity to become the first generation to go to college. Her goal is to help her community by promoting and improving oral health by providing quality dental hygiene treatment and home care education. She also serves as the youth leader, musician, and board member for her local church. Ana has worked as a student ambassador at the Student Services desk for two years where she welcomes, assists and answers questions for potential students and campus visitors. She is grateful for her SCF experience.
“SCF gave me hope and motivated me to believe in myself by accepting me into the college … and pursue my dream career by graduating this semester with my A.S. degree in dental hygiene.”
OGA Winners:
Kaitlyn Lorraine Shehorn
Kaitlyn is graduating simultaneously from SCF and Venice High School (VHS), having participated in SCF’s Accelerated Dual Enrollment program, which allows qualified high school students to enroll in the College full time and earn an Associate in Arts degree. She will attend the University of Florida to study public relations in the College of Journalism and Communications.
Kaitlyn has excelled academically and holds a 3.93 GPA. She is a lifetime member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. She also served as the band captain for the VHS Marching Indians, president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, and secretary to the Student Government Association’s senior class.
Kaitlyn earned the Girl Scout Gold Award (awarded to fewer than six percent annually) for developing an educational campaign about healthy and unhealthy relationships called #whatislove. She also helped organize SCF’s Healthy Relationships Week. As part of service to her community, she created the first annual VHS Toy Drive to benefit Sarasota Memorial Hospital-Venice. Kaitlyn has been involved in several leadership summits, including recently being selected as a delegate for the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State from American Legion NO-VEL Post 159.
Kaitlyn says time management is crucial for success. “With the right schedule, you can accomplish everything on your list and more! Visit the Academic Resource Center and respect your professors. They are full of wisdom and knowledge.”
Finalist:
Brian Keith Edwards II
Brian graduates with a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN). He maintained a 4.0 GPA while working full-time as a staff and charge nurse at Sarasota Memorial Hospital (SMH) Respiratory Progressive Care Unit. He plans to pursue a degree in healthcare administration and a Master of Science in nursing.
Brian’s college plans were interrupted in 2013 when his father was laid off from his job and then diagnosed with cancer. He postponed college, worked to help support his family, and founded the SciGuy Tutoring program that is still active and has served more than 120 students. His interaction with his father’s nurses led him to pursue a degree in the field. His path involved many steps, including working up to 80 hours per week while earning his Associate in Science in nursing, and working full-time as a registered nurse while earning his BSN.
Brian’s experience in the SMH Respiratory Progressive Care Unit during COVID-19 contributed to his capstone paper titled “Breathing Under Pressure,” which addresses ways to prevent pressure injuries related to oxygenation devices. He has agreed to share his findings with future students enrolled in the course. Brian encourages students to stay ahead of the game by being organized and not procrastinating. He says SCF allowed him the opportunity to grow as a nurse throughout the pandemic and offered unrelenting support in trying times.
Finalist:
Ashley Nicole Zinna
Ashley graduates with an Associate in Science in occupational therapy. Her goal is to work with individuals involved with the justice system as an occupational therapy assistant and later study to become a certified occupational therapist. She has been on the SCF president’s and dean’s lists, was vice president of the Occupational Therapy Assistant Club and was a volunteer for the Tim Tebow Foundation’s Night to Shine.
Before attending SCF, Ashley earned a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology from the University of Texas at San Antonio and says it took several years to find her passion. In her second semester at SCF, she listened to a podcast about the medical challenges facing inmates and decided to focus on this population. She hopes to spread occupational therapy awareness, facilitate support groups and improve the lives of those in the prison system.
Ashley encourages student success by getting to know your professors and taking advantage of SCF’s many resources.
“SCF is an incredibly unique community of faculty and staff willing to do whatever it takes to see their students succeed inside and outside the classroom. I genuinely feel the experiences and education I got from attending SCF are invaluable and have prepared me to graduate and pursue my career with confidence.”
Winner: María Camila Medina Almaguer
María Camila Medina Almaguer, an established pianist since age seven, immigrated to the U.S. from Cuba with her family shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic. An international student with English as her second language, she completed her GED at Miami Dade College and now graduates with her Associate in Arts degree with a 4.0 GPA.
Medina plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in music, concentrating on composition and media scoring, and secondary degrees in business and entrepreneurship to understand the full scope of the music industry. Medina made the President’s List and Dean’s List in 2021 and 2022, respectively, and maintained her perfect GPA while participating in numerous performances with SCF Bradenton Symphony Orchestra, SCF Presidential Jazz Combo and Jazz Big Band. She won the Florida College System Activities Association 2022 Student Artist Competition piano division and was the faculty-chosen recipient of the Sarasota Steinway Society scholarship.
She volunteered as an accompanist to Master of Fine Arts students at Florida State University/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training and served as an essay judge for the Arts & Essay Contest at the Atlantic Institute in South Carolina. Medina shared that without the help of the SCF Financial Aid department, SCF Foundation and SCF Music Program donors, neither she nor her brother would have been able to pay for tuition.
“I was venturing into a new country where everything I truly knew about higher education – music especially – was that it was very expensive. SCF offered me affordable opportunities to develop my musicianship, and today, I feel very lucky and honored to become one of its alumni.”
Finalist: Victoria Lauren Flounders
Victoria Lauren Flounders, former beauty and wellness professional who worked as an esthetician and massage therapist, graduates with her Associate in Arts degree with a 3.75 GPA. She intends to study theatre, dance and performance at New College of Florida. Her ultimate goal is to join the Florida State University/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training to earn a Master of Fine Arts degree. Initially hesitant to re-enroll in college,
Flounders resumed her education after her three young children began school. She strives to teach them the value of education and set an example of hard work and perseverance. “Nothing motivates me more than imagining their faces glowing with pride as I walk in my cap and gown. That is what I picture each day I enter SCF.”
Flounders has exceeded her goal of gaining a fulfilling college experience while managing her family life. She is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and has represented Delta Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society at several campus events.
A dedicated member of the SCF Theatre Program, she has worked as a stage manager, actress, assistant director, and projection designer, and joined its work-study program. She has received awards for Best Actress in a Leading Role and Most Promising Newcomer. In addition, Flounders helped pioneer SCF Theatre’s internship program. After landing an artistic apprenticeship at Urbanite Theatre, she lobbied to receive educational credit for her position.
“I have received life-changing guidance, opportunities, and recognition through the SCF Theatre Program and staff, and though moving on will be hard, I am confident in my future.”
Finalist: Nikki Francisco
Nikki Francisco graduates with her Bachelor of Science degree in Supervision & Management, concentrating in Technology Management, with a 3.57 GPA. After graduation, she plans to earn industry certifications and pursue a career as an IT Project Manager.
Though her educational journey has been unconventional, she has not let her disability hinder her success. With government assistance, Francisco attended Vocational Rehabilitation, which helped her enroll at SCF. Her newfound confidence pushed her to build an impressive list of academic and extracurricular achievements. She has made the President’s List since 2020 and holds a part-time job with the SCF Foundation. Francisco is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, treasurer for the Entrepreneurship Club, and former vice president and current president of Future Business Leaders of America – Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL).
Through FBLA-PBL, Francisco represented SCF at the State and National Leadership conferences in 2022 and earned several Information and Project Management awards. She also represented SCF students and clubs as a Student Activity Budget Review committee member from Fall 2021-Spring 2022 to help determine where funds needed to be allocated.
Francisco is an engaged student and active volunteer. She started her non-profit organization through which she raised nearly $5,000 for Philippine typhoon relief and provided 750 families with food and clean water. She is also involved with the National Alliance on Mental Illness and The Bridge Church. Francisco has learned to find her strengths in unconventional places and strives to help others do the same.
“SCF has given me the confidence that I can be a contributing member of society and that I am more than my disability.”