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Two Seminole State honors students named 2017 Jack Kent Cooke Scholars

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The Seminole State College of Florida Jack Kent Cooke winners.
(L-R). Gustavo Diaz Galeas and Cathryn “Cate” Kandle.

Seminole State students shine again! For the third consecutive year, multiple honors students at Seminole State College of Florida were named winners of one of the nation’s most prestigious and lucrative scholarships.
Gustavo Diaz Galeas and Cathryn “Cate” Kandle were awarded the Jack Kent Cooke (JKC) Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship – worth up to $40,000 a year to complete a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university and up to $50,000 a year to pursue graduate studies. Diaz Galeas and Kandle were among 55 scholars selected this year to receive the award nationwide.
Kandle began attending Seminole State as a homeschooled, Dual Enrollment student and is majoring in biology. She hopes to transfer to Cornell University in the fall. She will continue her education as a biology major with a focus on sustainability. Kandle works as a student tutor in Seminole State’s Academic Success Center.
“It feels unbelievable,” says Kandle. “The Jack Kent Cooke scholarship has opened up my options so that I can go where I want.”
Diaz Galeas is studying computer engineering. He hopes to attend MIT in the fall. Diaz Galeas is the programming director in the STEM Student Club and also serves as an embedded tutor for the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) grant program and for the Academic Success Center.
“Because I am an international student, trying to find financial resources is really hard,” says Diaz Galeas. “The very fact that I got this scholarship means that I don’t have to worry about taking out loans, and I don’t have to worry about working. I can focus fully on my studies.”
Both Kandle and Diaz Galeas will miss the sense of community and the support from faculty and the Grindle Honors Institute that are found at Seminole State.
“I have felt like around every turn at Seminole State, someone has had my back,” says Kandle. “I never felt like I am in this alone. There are people who are always willing to help me and extend their hands to me.”
All of the JKC winners show financial need and strong records of academic achievement as indicated by grades, leadership skill, awards, extraordinary service to others and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Since 2006, Seminole State has produced a total of 17 JKC scholars, including a national record-tying four scholarship recipients in 2015. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation says its Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship is to community college graduates what the Rhodes Scholarship is to overseas study.
JKC Scholarships fund the costs of attending college not covered by other financial aid, plus academic advising, stipends for internships, study abroad and opportunities to network with other JKC scholars and alumni.
The Grindle Honors Institute offers enrichment programs for academically talented students wishing to enhance their experience at Seminole State. For more information, visit the Honors Institute website, or call 407.708.2062.

UNF Honoring Students’ Exceptional Service at Spring Commencement

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The University of North Florida will honor two students with outstanding records of volunteerism and caring spirits, when it hands out more than 1,620 degrees Friday, April 28, during spring commencement at the UNF Arena, Building 34, on campus.

Brianna Ballard

Senior Brianna Ballard, who is graduating this week with a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics, will be recognized as the recipient of the Senior Service Award, while, Sarah Rosen, a senior graduating with a degree in international studies, will be recognized as the recipient of the Albert D. Ernest Jr. Caring Award.
The UNF Alumni Association presents the Senior Service Award to a graduating senior for outstanding volunteer service to the University or community. The Caring Award recognizes students who demonstrate the spirit of caring, humanitarianism and volunteerism exemplified by Albert Ernest. Ballard will be honored during the 9 a.m. ceremony, while Rosen will be honored at the noon ceremony.
As an incoming freshman new to Jacksonville, Ballard, an Orlando native, immediately sought out volunteer opportunities as a way to become familiar with the campus and community. She began volunteering with the On-Campus Transition mentoring program, a program designed for UNF student-peers to help other students with developmental disabilities become acclimated to campus and feel a part of a community. She also participated in a Transformational Learning Opportunity study-abroad class to Peru, which opened her eyes to food insecurity and hunger present in our community, inspiring her to move forward with a major in nutrition.
Finding inspiration from her study-abroad experiences, Ballard created a food recovery program on the UNF campus and is the co-president/founder of the student-led organization, Food Fighters. The organization works with UNF Dining Services to recover and repackage food, providing meals and education to Northeast Florida Aids Network clients. The Food Fighters are not only successfully feeding the hungry and reducing food waste but are also teaching UNF students about food safety, nutrition education and leadership skills. The group’s work has also helped the University to build a bridge with local nonprofits.
Additionally, Ballard has served as the president of the UNF Healthy Osprey Club, a spin instructor at the campus Student Wellness Complex, a frequent volunteer at local gardens and food pantries as well as the St. Vincent’s Bariatrics Services Department. These opportunities have allowed her to share her passion for healthy living and inspire fellow students and others in Northeast Florida.
Sarah Rosen

Rosen, a native of Boca Raton, spent a year abroad after high school volunteering in Tanzania and Costa Rica. She is the new Volunteer Services coordinator on campus, stressing to students the importance of volunteerism as well as creating hands-on opportunities. Rosen is a Refugee Friendship Volunteer with World Relief Jacksonville, assisting new immigrant families as well as volunteering with Hubbard House, Habitat for Humanity, UNF’s Interfaith Center and Model United Nations chapter.
She founded the Osprey Volunteer Club and stays active in the organization. In the summer of 2015, she biked across the Unites States with others and raised $8,000 for grants towards affordable housing. Last fall, Rosen ran in the Philadelphia Marathon, raising funds for the non-profit organization Girl Up, which supports females in developing countries.
This semester, Rosen was an Interfaith Center student assistant, where she worked advancing the mission of the Center to establish pluralism on campus, in the community and beyond through interfaith events and dialogue. She will continue her journey at Columbia University pursuing a master’s in social work, with a focus in social policy.
The ceremony for the College of Education and Human Services as well as the Brooks College of Health begins at 9 a.m. The College of Arts and Sciences (art, biology, chemistry, economics, English, fine arts, French studies, history, interdisciplinary studies, international studies, math, music, philosophy, physics, practical philosophy and applied ethics, religious studies, Spanish and statistics) and the Coggin College of Business begin at 12:30 p.m., while the ceremony for the College of Arts and Sciences (anthropology, communication, criminal justice, political sciences, public administration, psychology, social work and sociology) and the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction take place at 4 p.m.
The University expects to award a total of 1,546 bachelor’s degrees, 195 master’s degrees and 56 doctorates this term. Including the spring 2017 graduates, UNF has issued a total of 72,206 bachelor’s degrees, 18,241 master’s degrees and 476 doctorates since first opening its doors in 1972.

UWF celebrates inauguration of President Martha Saunders

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The University of West Florida formally installed Dr. Martha Saunders as its sixth president during the inauguration ceremony held on April 21 at the UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts.
“The inauguration of a new president is really a celebration of the university she serves,” Saunders said.
Trustees, faculty, staff, students, board members, community leaders and delegates from institutions across the globe attended the celebration, which included a reception at UWF on the Emerald Coast on Tuesday, a distinguished guests reception on Thursday evening and an inauguration procession, ceremony and reception on Friday. Honored guests included Marshall Criser III, chancellor of the State University System of Florida, Madeline Pumariega, chancellor of the Florida College System, the Honorable Ashton Hayward, mayor of the City of Pensacola, Connie Crosby, representative of first UWF president Harold Crosby, past president Dr. John Cavanaugh, and Drs. Morris Marx and Judy Bense, presidents emeriti.
“This is an extraordinary day for the University of West Florida and I am thrilled to install Dr. Saunders as the sixth president of this remarkable institution,” said Mort O’Sullivan, chair of the UWF Board of Trustees. “She is the leader we need to take the University to the next level and help us grow our impact on our community, region, state and beyond.”
Saunders was selected as the sixth UWF president in September 2016, following a unanimous resolution passed by the Board of Trustees and confirmation by the Board of Governors in November. She assumed the role on Jan. 1, as the University launched its 50th Anniversary milestone celebration.
Saunders’ career in higher education began in 1984 at UWF, where she served as an instructor in the communication arts department. She quickly rose through the ranks, taking on roles including public relations program coordinator, director of the University Honors Program and dean for the College of Arts and Sciences.
Saunders also served as vice president for academic affairs at Columbus State University and as the first female chancellor for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She then led the University of Southern Mississippi as its first female president, before returning to UWF in 2013 as provost. In 2014, Saunders was appointed executive vice president at UWF, assuming the role as chief operating officer, in addition to chief academic officer and vice president for the Division of Academic Affairs.
Growth in enrollment, fundraising and campus structures were hallmarks of her previous leadership at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and the University of Southern Mississippi. Saunders envisions similar growth in those areas at UWF by increasing its physical presence in downtown Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach, investing in programs such as global online, cybersecurity and supply chain logistics and visiting local high schools to recruit talented students.
“I foresee a future when people arriving in this area will know they are in a university town because they can see it, hear it, feel it, experience it,” Saunders said. “ Our students will come to us fully confident in their choice because we will take them where they want to be.”
Saunders received a doctorate in communication theory and research from Florida State University. She earned a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Georgia and a bachelor’s degree in French from the University of Southern Mississippi.

To learn more about Saunders, visit uwf.edu/president and for inauguration information, visit uwf.edu/inauguration.

Florida Lottery sets new March record for contributions to education

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Second Highest Month in History

The Florida Lottery today announces a new March record of $156 million in contributions to the state’s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF); bringing the Lottery’s total contributions to education for fiscal year 2016-17 to $1.2 billion with three months remaining in the current fiscal year. This marks the 15th consecutive year that the Lottery has generated more than $1 billion for Florida’s students and schools.
“The Lottery’s sole mission is to generate funds for students and schools in Florida, but we could not reach these remarkable contributions without the support of our dedicated players and loyal retailers,” said Florida Lottery Secretary Tom Delacenserie. “Every time someone purchases a Florida Lottery product, from the panhandle to the keys, they’re contributing to education in Florida and that truly is a win for everyone.”
This transfer marks the largest contribution to the EETF this fiscal year, and the second largest single-month contribution to the EETF in Lottery history behind January 2016 when transfers reached $238 million during the world-record $1.58 billion POWERBALL jackpot.
Over the past 29 years, the Florida Lottery has established itself as a dependable funding source for public education, while remaining one of the most efficient lotteries in the nation. Additionally, the Lottery has contributed more than $5 billion to the Bright Futures Scholarship Program to send over 750,000 students to college.
Florida Lottery contributions represent approximately six percent of the state’s total education budget. Lottery funds are appropriated by the Florida Legislature and are administered by the Florida Department of Education.

Diocese of Venice Receives PSC’s Triple E Award

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The Diocese of Venice (DOV) is a light to all who need its many services, but keeping the lights on costs money. By choosing to reduce their energy consumption, the DOV can put the savings toward important mission activities—earning them the Florida Public Service Commission’s (PSC) April Triple E Award for Energy Efficiency Efforts.
“The PSC recognizes the Diocese of Venice for exploring energy efficiency with its utility and implementing their suggestions,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown. “By making a smart energy efficiency investment, the Diocese was able to reduce one of its highest expenses—its electric bill—and thereby expand services for parishioners.”
The Diocese contacted Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) to ensure its plans for more classrooms and a gymnasium at St. Martha Catholic School in Sarasota were energy efficient. Following FPL’s recommendations, the Diocese invested in a new high-efficiency Thermal Energy Storage system, allowing on-peak electricity use and lower energy bills. St. Martha is projected to reduce electric use by about 20 percent, saving an estimated $3,000 or more per month.
“Often when a Catholic School and/or Parish are considering energy efficient measures, the overriding concern can become economical,” said Susan Laielli, Director of Communication for the Diocese of Venice.  “The Diocese worked together with the two schools and the Parish to figure out the most efficient use of energy to ensure that any decision would fully benefit parishioners.  We hope the energy efficiency commitment is an example of how to be a good steward of our environmental and financial resources.”
“FPL applauds the Diocese of Venice for making a prudent investment that will help them reduce energy use and provide immediate and long-term savings,” said Brad Gunter, Manager of FPL DSM Energy Efficiency Programs.  “All FPL customers—business and residential—have the opportunity to benefit from FPL’s free energy evaluations and its Demand Side Management programs to help reduce their energy use and monthly bills.”
About Diocese of Venice in Florida
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Venice in Florida was founded on June 16, 1984 by Pope John Paul II and consists of about 60 parishes and 14 schools in Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties. Call 941-484-9543, or email [email protected] for more information.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.

FMEA Announces Annual Lineman Competition Winners

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Florida Linemen Recognized at the Florida Municipal Electric
Association 17th Annual Florida Lineman Competition

Lineworkers from across the state competed for top honors this past weekend at the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) 17th annual Florida Lineman Competition. A crowd of more than a thousand looked on as lineworkers put their skills to the test performing tasks they encounter in real-world scenarios. Tasks range from replacing cross arm beams to relocating transformers to rescuing an injured lineman. Competitors earn points for completing the tasks as quickly as possible and lose points if safety standards and proper work practices are not met. This year’s event was hosted by Lakeland Electric and held at Tigertown Complex in Lakeland.
More than 150 lineworkers participated, including teams and apprentices from Lakeland Electric, Keys Energy (Key West), Tallahassee, JEA (Jacksonville), Alachua, Lake Worth, Fort Pierce Utilities Authority, Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU), Orlando Utilities Commission, Beaches Energy (Jacksonville Beach), Kissimmee Utility Authority and Ocala, as well competitors from Talquin Electric Cooperative, Clay Electric Cooperative and Scottsburg, IN.
Journeymen, those have been in the industry for at least five years, competed in teams of three. Apprentices, or lineworkers in training, competed individually.
This year, the Overall Journeymen Team Winners Cup went to Terry Cobb, Nick Ellis and Jason Smith from the City of Tallahassee electric utility. Taking home the Overall Apprentice award was Mike Morgan of GRU.
“The annual lineman competition showcases the work lineworkers do on a daily basis and provide people with an opportunity to see linework in action,” said Amy Zubaly, FMEA Interim Executive Director. “We extend our congratulations to the winners and our deepest appreciation to all the lineworkers across the state who literally put their lives on the line every day. Their impact on their communities is profound as we recently witnessed following Hurricanes Hermine and Matthew. We thank them for their service.”
Established in 2001 by the FMEA, the Florida Lineman Competition brings together public power lineworkers from across the state to demonstrate their skill and knowledge in the craft of line work. At the competition, journeyman and apprentices compete for professional recognition, attend training courses and practice essential skills in a safe environment. The competition encourages safety awareness, teamwork and networking with other utilities.
For more information on FMEA and the Florida Lineman Competition, please visit www.publicpower.com. 
The Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) represents the unified interests of 34 public power communities across the state, which provide electricity to more than 3 million of Florida’s residential and business consumers.

April 24-30 is World Immunization Week

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Immunizations, or vaccines, are the safest, most effective way to protect you and your child from certain infectious diseases. They work by helping your body develop antibodies against specific diseases, so you are better able to fight off these infections when exposed.  Most vaccines cause only minor side effects including fever, local redness and lymph node enlargement, symptoms which are far less serious than the disease itself.  True contraindications are rare but include Guillen-Barre and high fevers.

Dr. Michelle Miller
Dr. Michelle Miller

Most schools require each student to follow the immunization schedules recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Examples of vaccines recommended for children include flu, polio, pneumonia, hepatitis, meningitis and HPV, along with the combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.
The CDC provides schedules for children from birth through age 18, as well as for those who missed immunizations during their early childhood. These schedules are reviewed and updated each year and can be found on Capital Health Plan’s Healthwise® Knowledgebase.
Immunizations can protect your child from dangerous diseases, while also helping to reduce the spread of diseases to others around you, especially those with compromised immune symptoms like the elderly and cancer patients. While a vaccine cannot completely guarantee a person won’t get sick, it will make the impact of the disease much less severe if it is contracted. The cost of an immunization is significantly lower than treating the disease.
It’s not just kids – adults should also stay up to date with their vaccinations as most vaccines require booster shots to stay active. The vaccines you need as an adult depend not only on your age, lifestyle, overall health, pregnancy status and travel plans, but also on who you are in close contact with and what vaccines you had as a child. Travel vaccine recommendations can be found on www.cdc.gov/travel. Vaccines often recommended for adults include flu, shingles and tetanus.
Vaccines save lives every day. In an effort to educate people about the preventive power of vaccines, April 24-30 has been designated as World Immunization Week. During the 2016-2017 influenza season, there have been 20 child fatalities in the United States. In Florida, there have been 185 deaths due to influenza and pneumonia across all ages.
This week, take the first step by checking out our Healthwise® Knowledgebase at www.capitalhealth.com, where you can find printable immunization schedules, in-depth articles, videos and interactive tools. Call your doctor to schedule any needed vaccines for your family to help them stay healthy.
Dr. Miller is a board-certified Family Medicine physician at Capital Health Plan.