Daytona State honors students, employees, alum at awards convocation

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 17, 2013) - More than 150 students, three employees and an accomplished alumna were honored during Daytona State’s annual awards convocation, held April 10. The awards convocation is the preceding event to the college’s commencement exercises on Monday, May 13, at 2 and 6:30 p.m. at the Ocean Center.
 
Daytona State President Carol W. Eaton opened the ceremony reflecting on how academic success depends on teamwork among faculty, the college’s professional staff and students. “When those efforts intersect, amazing things start to happen,” she said. “Students, faculty and staff together begin to inspire each other. That place of interaction is a great place to be.”
 
Following the tradition of surprising the three employee winners, the president introduced and called up each awardee, as noted below.
 
Since 1999, a faculty member has been selected to receive the Presidential Teaching Excellence Award. This year’s recipient has been with the college since 2007 and has dedicated her life to continuing education for public service employees. Robin Davis, resident of Melbourne Beach, FL, has been lauded as the “trainer of trainers” by hosting and mentoring trainers throughout the state, having brought local, regional, national and international experts in multiple forensics areas, including crime scene, shooting reconstruction, active shooter, terrorism, driving instructor, gangs, drug investigations and officer discipline, just to mention a few.  To date more than 90 law enforcement officers have graduated from the New Detectives Academy which is now being modeled statewide by other training centers. Last year, she arranged the first FBI/Central Florida, FBI/National Associates Re-Trainer here in Daytona Beach that drew local as well as national experts in law enforcement training, management and educational delivery models.  This was attended by FBI associates and investigators from all over the state and Daytona State was headlined as the coordinator of training.
 
Representing administrative employees, Keith R. Kennedy, resident of Daytona Beach, FL, has been a faithful college employee for almost 30 years. He is the type of person who will simply ask, “Is there anything I can do to help?”  Often, he has been taken up on his generous offer and is asked to serve on committees and to help with a variety of situations where his input and perspective are greatly valued. Over the years, he has worn many hats, including that of adjunct instructor. He started as a custodian, and then moved to student development as a technician, working in the student services area.  Other hats include: counselor, advisor, director of community outreach and recruitment, director of retention and transition, director of admissions and community outreach.  Kennedy was promoted from director to assistant dean in 2004 and then to dean in 2010.
 
Representing career employees, the second recipient of the employee excellence award, Paige Sempsrott, resident of New Smyrna Beach, FL, is a native Floridian, born and raised in New Smyrna Beach and to this day is a proud “Cuda.” she joined the college in 2008 and has demonstrated a natural talent for customer service; her willingness to help is an inspiration to all who work with her. With a team-player attitude, she always rises to any challenge presented, whether professional or personal. And as an active volunteer at the college, she participates in the diversity in education opportunity day as well as the Career Employees Association. She represents the college during local job fairs and has been instrumental in the implementation of the new e- application software.
 
For the accomplished science alumnus award, Dana Johnson, resident of Gainesville, FL, received the Margaret Crumley Award for Distinguished Achievement in Science. The annual award, first presented in 2001, honors an outstanding alumnus who achieved an associate degree from the College of Science at Daytona State. Mrs. Crumley established this award to honor her son, John, and husband, Thomas. Dana Johnson earned an associate of arts degree from Daytona State College in spring 2011. A model example of a Daytona State graduate, Johnson has had remarkable success at a major university. Shortly after graduating from Daytona State she completed an internship at Marineland and transferred to University of Florida, and became actively involved in research, majoring in biology with a minor in entomology and nematology. For the past year and a half, Johnson has volunteered at a wildlife sanctuary in Gainesville, working in animal care and facility maintenance. Johnson is employed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, conducting medical and veterinary entomological research while working on her honors thesis. She is also researching tick-borne diseases in the Microbiology Department at UF. Award recipients are nominated and selected by faculty of the Science Department and must be working in (or retired from) a science-related field, used scientific knowledge to improve their community, and have distinguished themselves in their chosen field of science.
 
Student winners
 
Students were recognized for their academic, community service and athletic achievements. Among the award winners, 24 were named to the Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges program and 16 were inducted into the college’s Hall of Fame – the highest honor the faculty can bestow upon a student.
 
Induction into the college’s Hall of Fame is based on the highest standards of excellence in scholarship, leadership and citizenship. The 2013 inductees are: Kathy Adorno, Taylor Byle, Thomas Cole, Alicia Dove, Michael D. Francis, Caylee Fuhrmann, Anetta Goldsher, Kelly A. Hoff, Thea Kelsey, Mohga “Demi” Kodsy, Jason Moulter, Kathleen Newman, Ronald P. Roberson, Jessica M. Shaw, Liliann Tchouho and Joshua Washington.
 
Selection to the Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges program is based upon academic excellence as well as contributions to the college and to the community. Students selected for 2013 are: Jonathan Barratt, Emory Bernard, Thomas Cole, Alicia Dove, David Farino, Ty Kelly, Callie Kitchens, Stewart Knight, Demi Kodsy, Jimmy Langford, Danielle Latona, Sean McDonough, Nicholas C. Mizelle, Heather Moore, Hinesha Patel, Chelsea Perez, Theo Plowden III, Carissa Porter, Elizabeth Rivera, LeAnne Scherman, Kaleb M. Starr, Liliann Tchouho, Kadieann Tighe and Joshua Washington
 
Students honored for athletic or scholastic achievement or for their service to the college are:
 
Intercollegiate Athletics
Men’s Baseball - Taylor Byle 
Men’s Basketball - Theo Plowden III
Men’s Swimming - Victor Westerlund
Women’s Basketball - Kyla Muhammad
Women’s Golf - Mary Dawson
Women’s Softball - Tanna Seuferer
 
Division of Co-Curricular Activities
Student Government Association - Alicia Dove
Intramural Sports - Jeremiah Webb
Student Publications - Jessica Keith, Brianna R. Mims
Phi Theta Kappa - Hinesha Patel
 
School of Management
Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management - David Snowden
 
School of Applied Business
Economic & Business General, AA degree - Ronald P. Roberson
Business Administration, AS degree - Serafin Lopez
Paralegal Transfer Option, AS degree - Jake F. Teems
Accounting Technology, AS degree - Kelly A. Hoff
Office Administration; Medical Transcription Option, AAS degree - Carrie Manning
Office Management; Medical Option. certificate - Lissette Vargas
Office Administration; Administrative Assistant Option, AAS degree - Nancy Spagnol
Tax Preparation, certificate - Cynthia Roberts
Accounting Application; Computerized - Therese L. Bell
Business Operations; Entrepreneurship - Barbara Saucier
Business Management, certificate - Tina Lesshafft
Office Management, certificate - Hinesha Patel
Office Support, certificate - Patricia O’Gwynn
Television Studio Production, certificate - Joyce Wagner
               
College of Hospitality & Management
Hospitality Management, AS degree - Kayla Rose Davis
Food and Beverage Management; Culinary Management, AAS degree - Sheila J. Salemi
Baking and Pastry; Culinary, certificate - Andrea Rose
 
College of Education
Outstanding Service - Patrick R. Gingras
Exceptional Student Education, BS - Sharon E. Merwin
Elementary Education, BS - Keisha Washington
Secondary Mathematics Education, BS - Michael D. Francis
Secondary Biology Education, BS - Shannon N. McIntyre
Earth Space Science Education, BS - Jeanne M. Babiez
Educator Preparation Institute, BS - Chad M. Larson     
Teacher Education Major, AA degree - Brieann T. Rutten
High School Degree - Peyton Hessler
General Education Development Degree - Michelle Davis
English to Speakers of Other Languages - Maria Aguirre
               
College of Arts and Sciences
Chemistry, AA degree - Anetta Goldsher
Biology, AA degree - Thea Kelsey
Physics, AA degree - Anetta Goldsher 
Psychology, AA degree - Sean McDonough
Honors College, AA degree - Shannon DeTrolio
Mathematics, AA degree - Joseph Boyer
Dan Stout Award for Mathematics - Zachery Cate
Dance; Performing Arts, AA degree - Mellissa K. Williams
Drama, AA degree - Jordan Hutchinson
Music Production Technology, AS degree - Lamar Hickley
Ceramics, AA degree - Genesis Karma Mesiano
Studio Arts, AA degree - Hannah Hipolito Cruz
Music/Voice, AA degree - David Osorio
American Sign Language, AA - Lisa Curley
Photographic Technology, AS degree - Kaleb M. Starr
QUANTA - Thomas J. DiMarsico
Writing:  Literature Analysis, 1st place - Deborah Jones
Writing:  Narrative, 1st place - Johnathon Eva
Writing:  Argumentation, 1st place - Krista Baughman
Writing:  Poetry, 1st place - Bruno Leite
Writing:  General Research, 1st place - Katie Lamar
 
College of Health, Human, and Public Services
Dental Hygiene, AS degree - Vadim Cheban
Dental Assisting, certificate - Kristen Ort
Surgical Technology, certificate - Emily Zimmerman
Health Information Management, AS degree - Christina Lilly
Early Childhood Education, AS degree - Samantha Noonan
Radiography, AS degree - Mandee Benoit
Physical Therapist Assistant, AS degree - Ian Lewis
Respiratory Care, AS degree - Belinda Smith
Massage Therapy, certificate - Debra Kruck-Forrester
Occupational Therapy Assistant, AS degree - Jessica M. Shaw
Medical Assisting, certificate - Angela Kushner
Human Services Addictions Specialization, AS degree - Sheyenne N. Crespo
Human Services Addictions Studies Specialization, certificate - Lisa M. Schmidt  
Human Services Assistant Specialization, certificate - Sharon L. Graham
CNA Patient Care Assistant - Kimberly E. Dowdell
Practical Nursing, certificate - Sherry Fain
Nursing, AS degree - Caylee Fuhrmann
Criminal Justice Technology Bridge, AS degree - William Weaver
Basic Correctional Officer Recruit Training, certificate - Rachel Whidden
Basic Law Enforcement Recruit Training, certificate - Daniel Weeks
Firefighter, certificate - Lisa M. McGlumphy
Paramedic, certificate - Josh Cady
EMS, AS degree - Rachel Link
EMT, certificate - Shannon McCranie
 
Academic Support Center
SI Leader of the Year, Science - Cindy Dunn
SI Leader of the Year, Mathematics - October Blaise
Tutor of the Year, Academic Support Center - Katelynn Martin
Tutor of the Year, Learning Resources Center - Hannah Engle
Tutor of the Year, College Writing Center - Joshua Washington
Peer Tutor - Semion Goltzman
First Impression Clerk of the Year, Academic Support Center - Liliann Tchouho
First Impression Clerk of the Year, College Writing Center - Cy Newman
 
College of Technology
Computer Specialist, certificate - Benjamin D. Soltren
Computer Information Administration, AS degree - Thomas E. Zufelt
Information Technology Administration, certificate - Nathaniel R. Ledford
Information Technology Analysis, certificate - Dave W. Castetter
Information Technology Management, certificate - Dave W. Castetter
Information Technology Support Specialist, certificate - Valeriy V. Ekubov
Computer Programming and Analysis, AS degree - Michael L. Taylor
Information Technology Technician, certificate - Paul J. Girard
Web Development Specialist, certificate - Brianna R. Mims
Computer Programming, certificate - Maria J. Scognamiglio
Network Services Technology, AS degree - James J. Fischer
Network Communications (LAN), certificate - Samuel Thy
Network Communications (WAN), certificate - Kevin A. Pendergrast
Network System Developer, certificate - Buddy C. Stringfellow
Cable Installation, certificate - Luis D. Ortiz
Wireless Communication, certificate - Valeriy V. Ekubov
Network Services Tech, AS degree - Ahmad Baradaran
Electronics Engineering Technology, AS degree - John M. Sullivan
Internet Services Technology, AS degree - Gary Flatt
Computer Engineering Technology, AS degree - Buddy C. Stringfellow
Computer Engineering Technology Cisco (CCNA), certificate - Anthony D. Bradfield
Engineering Technology; Information Systems Technology-Concentration, BS - Michael W. Goodwin
Electrical Engineering Technology, BS - Scott Hood
Kitchen and Bath Specialization, certificate - Martha Doucette
Interior Design Technology, AS degree - Megan Gunby
Architecture and Building Technology, AS degree - Debra Frank
Drafting and Design Technology, AS degree - Johnathan M. Anderson
 
Mary Karl College of Workforce and Continuing Education
Child Care Apprenticeship, certificate - Marta Wagner
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology, certificate - Stephen E. Fletcher
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic, certificate - John Palacios
Cosmetology, certificate - Charles E. Graham
Electrical Union Apprenticeship, certificate - Randall L. Outinen
Plumbing Apprenticeship Union, certificate - Freddy R. Tejeda
Machining, certificate - Randall L. Reuille Jr.
Automotive Collision and Refinishing, certificate - Jarrod Stabley
Automotive Service Technology, certificate - Brian Bright
Performance Engine Technology, certificate - Renzo J. Beccari
Welding, certificate - David G. Parsons
 
Advanced Technology College
Service to Advanced Technology College - James J. Fischer
Associate of Science - Jennifer T. Egler
 
Flagler/Palm Coast Campus
Service to Flagler Palm Coast Campus - Jay Pilachowski
AA - Jason Moulter
Dual Enrollment - Melissa Diamond
 
DeLand Campus
Business Management, certificate - Roselyn Brown
Dental Scieces, AS degree - Ania Pineiro
Nursing, AS degree - Melinda K. Crowley
Dual Enrollment - Jasmine Rogers
 
Deltona Campus
Service to Deltona Campus - Lisa Horan
Legal Studies, AA - John Wilson
Cosmetology, certificate - Kathy Adorno
 
New Smyrna Beach/Edgewater Campus 
Service to New Smyrna Beach/Edgewater Campus - Brett Gernertt
Nursing, AS degree - Samantha Gross
AA - Kathleen Newman

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