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Highlands Today

SFCC To Hold Commencement On Monday

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Special to Highlands Today

Published: May 4, 2008

AVON PARK – South Florida Community College graduates will celebrate their self-determination, diligence, and long hours of study when they are honored during commencement on Monday, May 5, 6:45 p.m., in the SFCC Auditorium, Highlands campus, Avon Park.

Speakers will be Norman L. Stephens Jr., SFCC president, Dr. Louis Kirschner, chair, SFCC District Board of Trustees, and Dienatann "Dee Dee" Darceus, SFCC Class of 2008. Bishop Benjamin F. Carter Jr., pastor of Bethel Pentecostal Holiness Church of Avon Park, will give the invocation and benediction. Music will be performed by Nelly Guzman Ford.

Darceus, the student graduation keynote speaker, is a 2002 Hardee Senior High School graduate and will receive her associate in arts degree. She has applied to SFCC's Radiography Program for next fall.

"I always had an interest in X-rays and CT scans, dealing with medical machines," she said. "I've been a CNA (certified nursing assistant) for five years, working at the Florida Institute for Neurologic Rehabilitation Inc. in Wauchula. I enjoy working with people and to see them get better and return home."

Darceus' presentation at the SFCC commencement ceremonies are of particular importance to her family.

"I know my parents are happy," she said. "I'm the first person in my family to graduate from college. My family were farmworkers who had no education, so it's important—for financial reasons and to better myself and be a role model to my sisters."

Her sisters are currently students at SFCC. "Delia, my twin, is majoring in education and will graduate next year. Julia is working on a degree in counseling and will graduate in 2010."

Darceus' cousin, Wilney Francois, graduated in 2007 from the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Program. "In high school, we were in competition somewhat-for sports, grades, career. I'd say he's one of my inspirations."

However, her children, Zyann Laila Parker, 3, and Davarus Zondre Parker, 1, are her greatest inspiration.

"I want them to know that even though I was young when I had kids, it's possible to go to school and get what you want. It's not the end of me."

As a young mother and college student, Darceus has had a lot of support from family and her church. "If not for my mother, I wouldn't be in school. Mom, my sisters, and day care at Higher Ground (Ministry) helped me take care of the kids while I was in school."

"My job also helped me out by arranging work hours specially for me, so I could get 40 hours a week and go to classes. I took classes on Tuesday and Thursday nights and Monday and Wednesday mornings." Some days, Darceus worked a 3-11 p.m. or 7-11:30 p.m. shift. "Mama says I'm strong," she said. To maintain her energy, she prayed a lot and took her vitamins. "I eat healthy, and I got study time at work between shifts."

Her suggestions for other students with young children are these: "A mother wants the best for her kids. You have to get an education. No matter what your situation is, through God, you can better yourself. There are programs with day care. Ask for help, research. You also have to know about budgeting. Everyone has wants, but you have to decide, "Do I really need it now? Can I afford it? You have to be dedicated and have self-discipline."

Nearly 700 students will have met SFCC graduation requirements by the May commencement. Of these 537 will receive associate in arts degrees, associate in science degrees, associate in applied science degrees, occupational certificates, or college credit certificates, and 161 will be graduates of SFCC's Adult Education program. Approximately 200 plan to walk across the stage during commencement.

Marshals for this year's commencement are Erik Christensen, Dr. Brian Deery, Carol Dutton, Dr. Idalia Montanez, Tanna Markel, Joel Boydston, Peggy Sueppel and Ricardo Pantoja.

A reception for graduates and their families will be held in the Catherine P. Cornelius Student Services and Classroom Complex (Building B) immediately following the commencement exercises.

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