State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) recently hosted a weeklong series of ceremonies recognizing the academic accomplishments and future aspirations of our students. Events held from April 25 through May 2 highlighted a broad spectrum of achievements, from the perseverance of educationally disadvantaged youth to the career readiness of health science graduates.

SCF’s Honors Convocation ceremonies at the Bradenton and Venice campuses celebrated students for their academic leadership, resilience, and service. Sidney Martin and Susana Reyes Soto received the prestigious SCF Image Awards for overcoming significant challenges while embodying the college’s core values. SCF Dean of Students Jaquelyn McNeil also presented the Wayne Gulbrandsen Academic Scholarship for Single Parents to graduates Jessica Lagos, Kerin Schweigert, Brittany DeMars, Jennifer Gilson, Jessica Meza, and Tracey Nelson.

The College honored middle and high school students participating in its College Reach-Out Program (CROP). CROP supports students by providing academic motivation, skill development, and preparation for postsecondary education. Outstanding participants were recognized for their achievements during a special awards ceremony.

SCF’s health science programs marked key milestones with a series of meaningful ceremonies. A total of 111 nursing graduates received their pins, symbolizing their transition into professional practice. The group included 70 associate in science in Nursing (ASN) graduates and 41 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates. The ceremony featured remarks from SCF Dean Tammy Sawmelle, Ph.D., and faculty members, as well as a heartfelt address by ASN student Victoria Guajardo. Simon Borner was recognized with the prestigious Pat Kubler Award for excellence in nursing.

In addition, 19 Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) students and 18 Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) students were pinned in separate ceremonies, signifying their readiness to enter the healthcare workforce. Both programs maintain 100% certification pass rates and job placement for eligible graduates, reflecting SCF’s commitment to high-quality, career-focused education.

Sixteen Dental Hygiene graduates received their white coats and pins in a ceremony symbolizing their transition to clinical practice. The event included remarks from Erin Deckinga, president of the Florida Dental Hygienists’ Association, and concluded with several awards. Melissa De La Paz received both the Colgate Star Award and the Future Leader Award, recognizing her academic excellence and leadership potential.

SCF’s Collegiate Schools in Bradenton and Venice also marked graduation milestones. These innovative high school programs, based on the Swedish Kunskapsskolan model, are designed to foster independence, motivation, and early college success. Students graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree.

At SCFCS Bradenton, 65 students graduated. Highlights include:

• A thought-provoking keynote address by SCF Assistant Professor Katherine Bzura
• A 100% high school graduation rate
• Over 5,000 hours of community service completed
• 54 students will attend four-year institutions, while others plan to serve in the military, take a gap year, join the Peace Corps, or study abroad in Germany

SCFCS Venice students collectively earned over $2.5 million in scholarships from institutions across Florida. More than half of the Class of 2025 made the Dean’s List or President’s List while completing their A.A. degrees, contributing approximately 3,500 hours of community service.

The week culminated with SCF’s Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies on May 2, a celebration of academic achievement and resilience. Elizabeth Juliana Wigeri van Edema, recipient of the Outstanding Graduate Award, and Professor of Speech and Communication Jennifer Bieselin, named Student-Selected Faculty of the Year, delivered inspiring addresses that embodied the spirit of perseverance and accomplishment. In total, more than 940 degrees and certificates were awarded, including 568 associate in arts, 243 associate in science, 111 bachelor’s degrees, and 18 workforce certificates. Over 443 graduates proudly participated in ceremonies held at both SCF Bradenton and SCF Venice.

Through these events, SCF demonstrated its mission to support student success at every academic level and life stage. Each celebration reflected the college’s ongoing commitment to excellence, opportunity, and community impact.

At SCF, we meet you where you are. We’re Everyone’s College.

For more information, visit SCF.edu.

Tommy Gregory, J.D., is the President of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota.

Pictured: SCF Spring 2025 Graduates. Photo courtesy of SCF.

Twenty-five years ago, the Sarasota School Board, at the behest of a widely disliked Superintendent, decided to sneak a special referendum on a ballot for July for an additional millage. The school system was on the verge of financial ruin and more money is all the School Board and Superintendent cared about.

But voters were angry, very angry, at what they viewed as fiscal mismanagement and a betrayal of trust for sneaking the item on a special election when most people would not be in town or paying attention.

That referendum failed.

The School Board held a mirror to their collective faces and understood that they had blindly been following a superintendent without exercising any accountability or representation of taxpayers whatsoever. Instead of the taxpayer, they assumed the role of representing government. The School Board fired that Superintendent and soon hired what is now historically loved former Superintendent Wilma Hamilton.

Wilma’s job was to regain trust in the community and straighten out the financial issues plaguing the School Board in a very transparent and collective way. She reached out to The Argus Foundation Executive Director, Kerry Kirschner, who believed Wilma wanted to do the right thing by the students and community.

Kerry and Wilma reached out to the big community players at the time and these groups funded an independent study of the school system. That study aired the good, the bad, and the ugly of the school system. It made recommendations and laid out specific areas where extra money should be spent were a referendum to be passed in the future.

Committees were formed both within the school district and outside of the district to help the school district reform itself. This transformation was public, transparent, genuine, and inclusive of voices outside of the district. Once it was on its way to being transformed, and had a track record of change, the school district decided to try again with another referendum. This time they chose March, when the snowbirds would be in town.

With the help of community leaders and organizations, Wilma Hamilton earned the trust of the community back through a lot of outreach, hard work, transparency and by genuinely listening to the community.

There was a lot to be learned from that saga which was 25 years ago. Unfortunately, the commissioners of North Port appear to have repeated the beginning of that story 25 years later. After a failed referendum in November which would have given the city commission borrowing authority for capital projects, the commission decided to place five separate items on a ballot when they knew voter turnout would be a fraction of what it was in November. They decided to quickly place items on the ballot that they did not have final design plans or updated business plans for – in essence, they had no idea how much money some of these projects would actually cost them in the end.

This was troubling to The Argus Foundation and we were concerned that voters did not have enough information, or, have enough time leading up to these referendum questions to understand the fiscal ramifications and all of the unanswered questions.

Argus asked Florida TaxWatch to perform an independent analysis of the financially related ballot questions, with both pros and cons, and they did just that in a very comprehensive report.

Voters now had a source they could rely on from a trusted historic state-wide organization to understand what they were voting on. The voters spoke loudly, with a higher than normal off-election cycle vote, although still very low in comparison to November- all of the referendum questions failed.

The question is, what will city commissioners do now? Will they change their ways, or dig in their heels? Will they punish voters for not trusting them, or will they transform the way they are governing as the School Board did 25 years ago? Time will only tell, but they certainly have a pathway to success established by some of our county’s greatest leaders 25 years ago. Hopefully, they will learn from it.

Christine Robinson is the Executive Director of  The Argus Foundation. 

In a heartfelt celebration marked by gratitude, unity, and hope, Gulf Coast Community Foundation officially cut the ribbon on Heroes’ Village—a transformative new development providing affordable housing for local veterans. The event began with the Presentation of Colors by students at Sarasota Military Academy and a powerful performance of the national anthem by Jazzmin Carson of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. The ceremony was grounded in shared purpose and deep gratitude. As I stood before a crowd of supporters, partners, and veterans, I was struck by the incredible journey that brought us to this moment—and the powerful future it represents.

On behalf of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation Board of Directors and staff, I was honored to officially open Heroes’ Village—a place where we begin to repay a small part of the immense debt we owe those who have served our nation. This project represents more than the completion of a building; it is the creation of a true home. A home that is permanent, stable, affordable, and filled with dignity.

The idea for Heroes’ Village was born in 2020, when Bob Bernhard, Skip Sack, and Peter Soderberg came to us with a shared vision: to create affordable housing for veterans in Sarasota County. Their conviction—and their early advocacy and later generous support, alongside their spouses Willa, Gail, and Elsa—helped launch Gulf Coast’s Veterans Housing Initiative and laid the groundwork for what Heroes’ Village would become.

That vision could not have taken shape without the City of Sarasota, which generously donated the land that made this development possible. Their early commitment reflected a shared belief in supporting those who have sacrificed for our freedoms. We also received early support from Congressman Greg Steube and Congressman Vern Buchanan—affirming this project’s value and reinforcing the community’s resolve.

That commitment inspired many others. Philanthropists and organizations including Ken and JoAnn Johns, the Home Depot Foundation, the Steinwachs Family Foundation, Kevin and Mary Fitzpatrick, the Schoen Foundation, the Strohl Family Foundation, Bob and Lin Williams, and many others stepped forward. Together with our nonprofit partner St. Vincent de Paul CARES, they helped turn vision into reality.

Every gift to this project carried a deeper message: our veterans matter. They deserve more than appreciation—they deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives in a place where they can heal and thrive.

Collaboration was the heartbeat of Heroes’ Village. Our work alongside elected officials and nonprofit partners showed just how powerful we can be when we come together for a common purpose. Support from local government helped move this project from vision to action, turning intention into impact.

And most importantly, to the veterans who will soon call Heroes’ Village home: this is for you. You’ve served our country with strength and courage—now it’s our turn to serve you with compassion, care, and authenticity.

As we cut the ribbon in front of a stunning mural by renowned local artist Tim Jaeger, we stood before more than a work of art—we stood before a tribute to service, resilience, and hope. The mural’s vibrant imagery captures the spirit of Heroes’ Village and the strength of the veterans who will live within its walls. Tim’s work doesn’t just adorn the building -- it elevates it, reflecting the pride this community holds for those who have served.

Heroes’ Village is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when generosity, vision, and partnership come together. Our work isn’t finished—but each step we take strengthens the path forward. Together, we’re building more than housing—we’re building hope.

Phillip P. Lanham is President | CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation.