AVON PARK — Incoming college freshmen wouldn't normally think of off-campus housing as a necessity unless they're heading to one of the larger state universities, but South Florida Community College actually has a need for it. The Jacaranda Hotel's women's dormitory was booked through the school year that ended in May, said Don Appelquist, the executive director of the SFCC Foundation. Even though 10 apartments were left for the men, he anticipates nearly all of the men's dorms will be booked as well before August. Jacaranda, operated by SFCC, houses 35 male and 35 female students who live outside of the Highlands, Hardee and DeSoto counties, even though Appelquist said an occasional student from DeSoto might prefer taking courses at the main Avon Park campus without taking the commute. Most of the out-of-district students attend SFCC to join one of the athletic teams. ...more

June 5, 2008

AVON PARK — Before Eddie Money takes the stage June 27 at South Florida Community College, he'll have some hot water with lemon and honey in his dressing room, coffee, a quart of French Vanilla creamer, sugar and Equal. One hour before the curtain goes up, there should be a deli tray of fruit and vegetables with dip in the band's dressing room And after the show, they'll have three pizzas – pepperoni, sausage and supreme – from a national chain. And two dozen buffalo wings. It's all in the contract, says Doug Andrews, SFCC's dean of cultural programs. ...more

June 5, 2008

LAKE PLACID — Graduating seniors are finding that admission to a state university is getting tougher as budget cuts force the four-year colleges to reduce or limit enrollment. "We know of many students who had planned to or intended to go to one of the universities, who because of their [admission] restrictions, are coming here first," South Florida Community College President Norman L. Stephens Jr. said Monday. The University of South Florida will freeze its freshmen enrollment at this year's level – 3,700. The Tampa university plans to reduce class offerings and increase class sizes. The University of Florida will cut its undergraduate enrollment by 1,000 students a year for the next four years. ...more

June 2, 2008

This weekend, more than 670 Highlands County students graduated into semi-adulthood. Armed with their high school diplomas, dreams and aspirations, many will leave the area to pursue higher studies or just find greener pastures. Some will undoubtedly remain in Highlands County, drawn by family ties or just opportunities in family ventures. Almost a third of the county's high school graduates attend community college before continuing their studies or joining the workforce. ...more

June 2, 2008

AVON PARK — With little discussion, college trustees on Wednesday approved a $20.8 million budget that is $393,000 smaller than the previous year. Even though 6 percent growth is expected in student enrollment, the 2008-09 South Florida Community College budget contains $20,000 less in student fees, $24,500 less in gifts, $57,000 less in rent and commissions, and $33,000 less in interest, fines and other revenues. A 2 percent raise was approved by the board, but a full-time administrator will not be replaced, another administrator has been moved to the teaching faculty, and $60,000 in cuts were made to the full time and part time staff. ...more

May 29, 2008

SEBRING — One of Adam Simmons's childhood goals was realized on Thursday when the Sebring senior walked out onto Firemen's Field, not as a Blue Streak, but as an All-Star. ...more

May 24, 2008

AVON PARK — South Florida Community College sophomore first baseman Brandon Decker has been selected to participate in the June International Baseball Series in Millington, Tenn. ...more

May 23, 2008

AVON PARK — Alaina Hobbs collected two degrees at South Florida Community College on Monday night –– her high school diploma and her associate of arts degree. ...more

May 7, 2008

AVON PARK — South Florida Community College is preparing its budget with about $1 million less this year than last year. "The budget news is not good; we have less than we hoped," said SFCC President Norm Stephens. "The good news is we have known this was coming and have been preparing to manage it." The state legislature will pass the budget today, but Stephens said he already has a good idea what to expect –– $1 million less for the general fund and the loss of matching revenue for money raised for scholarships and building improvements. ...more

May 5, 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. ...more

May 4, 2008