As spring begins to wind down, so too does the spring semester for local educational institutions like Pasco-Hernando State College. Tests have been taken, grades have been finalized, and commencements are on the horizon.
On May 8, PHSC will celebrate a pair of commencement ceremonies at the Physical Fitness Center at their West Campus in New Port Richey. The first will begin at 10:30 a.m., with the other being held at 3:30 p.m. that afternoon.
Across all of the students to conquer their coursework and meritoriously matriculate, 900 students will be eligible for graduation, with roughly 490 degrees and certificates set to be conferred that day.
Kendall Childers, a student at the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, is one of the many soon-to-be graduates. Childers will be receiving her Associate in Science degree in nursing, earning qualifications as a registered nurse, and will speak during the morning’s ceremony as well.
After moving to Tampa from Dunnellon, Florida, in 2020, Kendall earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from the University of South Florida (USF). It was during this period that she discovered her passion for nursing.
“Choosing to attend Pasco-Hernando State College’s Registered Nurse program was an easy decision, thanks to the program’s strong reputation and the supportive learning environment. I’m incredibly thankful for the knowledge, guidance, and clinical experiences I’ve gained throughout my time at PHSC,” Childers said.
Having already accepted a position at Tampa General Hospital, she plans to continue her coursework at PHSC this fall and earn her Bachelor of Science in nursing.
Sarah Summers, an East Campus student, will be offering her remarks at the afternoon commencement. A dual enrollment student from Zephyrhills High School, she has done so since her sophomore year. She is the secretary in the Student Government at PHSC and became the collegewide president for Phi Theta Kappa this year.
“I have learned a lot through these programs, and it is an honor to be a commencement speaker,” said Summers.
Several other students of note will be making their way across the stage during Thursday’s commencement ceremonies.
East and West Campus student Jakiara Willis will be graduating with a certificate in phlebotomy. Willis’ story is one of perseverance. Having to delay her studies at 19 years old to take care of her mother, who was suffering from Crohn’s disease, Willis returned to complete her education at age 30.
“I’m a child of a parent who is struggling, seeing my own mother go through this has given me a resolve to give back and help. I dedicate my experiences and goals to my mother, and if there’s even just one person I can help, it makes a difference,” said Willis.
Logan Lutz (West Campus) is set to graduate with an Associate of Science degree in health care administration. Following graduation, he looks to earn a Bachelor of Science in the same field.
Harlee Wilson (West Campus) is set to receive both her high school diploma and Associate of Arts degrees this spring. A dual enrollment student, she also began her coursework at PHSC as a sophomore. She looks to gain further education at USF in biomedical sciences in the hopes of becoming a forensic pathologist.
Amaya Beebe (West Campus) is yet another dual enrollment student gaining her Associate of Arts degree alongside her diploma. Beebe’s next plans are to attend Suffolk University in Boston to study politics while majoring in global cultural studies.
“My best decision was to do dual enrollment,” Beebe said. “PHSC has been super welcoming and helpful, and my instructors have made the process super smooth.”
Ruth Greenhaw (Porter Campus), another dual enrollment graduate, will be receiving her Associate in Arts degree Magna Cum Laude and high school diploma on Thursday. Veteran Juan Caraballo (West Campus) will graduate with his Associate of Science in digital media/multimedia technology.
West Campus and dual enrollment student, Samuel Wu, will be receiving both his diploma and Associate of Arts degree. Graduating valedictorian from his high school, Wu plans to attend the University of Florida to further his studies.
“Earning my degree while still in high school has really helped me jumpstart my college experience. Earning my AA allows me to go right into my major, having already covered all my general education and prerequisites,” Wu said. “I can dive deep into what I’m really interested in.”
Several other community leaders will offer words of encouragement and advice on Thursday, including PHSC President Dr. Jesse Pisors, District Board of Trustees Chair Marilyn Pearson-Adams, and Chancellor of the Florida College System Kathy Hebda, among others.
With many students come many relatives, and not every family member may be able to make it to the festivities. For those who cannot, the college will be livestreaming the event at phsc.edu/grad.
