Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) successfully hosted the Distinguished Alumni and Student Life and Leadership Awards Ceremony on April 23, an event honoring achievement, service and leadership across all campuses.
The annual celebration brought together students, faculty, staff and families to highlight the exceptional accomplishments and contributions that strengthen the PHSC community. From academic excellence to community engagement, the ceremony showcased individuals and organizations who exemplify dedication, integrity and a commitment to making a positive impact.
Among the evening’s top honors, Jody Jones was named Distinguished Alumna of the Year, recognizing her achievements and continued contributions beyond her time at PHSC. Jones is a graduate of the PHSC’s class of 1980 and has served as a Statewide Advisor for Florida since 1999, assisting Florida colleges, universities and schools within the K-12 system. She is known nationally as an exemplary leader in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) community and has inspired generations of FBLA student leaders.
The Corporal Timothy J. Read Veteran Student Exemplary Leadership Award, which honors student veterans for their engagement and leadership in campus life, was presented to recipients from each campus: Shane Stalvey (North Campus), Rick Damer (East Campus), Ryan Sjolander (West Campus), Kris Kranz (Spring Hill Campus) and Joseph Lasko (Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch).
Student Assistants and Ambassadors were also recognized for their vital role in supporting campus life and enhancing the student experience. Honorees included McKenna Beach, TJ Jones and Krista Knowles (North Campus); Dendya Homidas (East Campus); Lasita Knox, Kyla Flood and Sophia Sites (West Campus); Brianna DeRosa Green, Ava Hoyt and Noelle Wilkins (Spring Hill Campus); and Gigi Vega, Mark Moran Calderon, Lillyanne Bebin and Cell Torres (Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch).
PHSC’s student organizations were celebrated through the 5 Star Club Incentive Program, which recognizes clubs demonstrating exceptional growth, leadership and service. This year’s 5-Star Honor Clubs included FBLA, NAMI on Campus, Phi Theta Kappa, Psi Beta and the Social and Human Services Club.
The Exemplary Student Engagement Award was presented to Curtis Scaglione, dean of the School of Business Innovation and Technology, for his outstanding involvement and commitment to student life. Scaglione has advised students across campuses, including as the advisor of the Future Business Leaders of America club, where he won Advisor of the Year at the Florida State Leadership Conference in March of 2025.
The prestigious Dr. Felisha R. Barker Outstanding Student Leaders Award recognized exceptional individuals who embody service, leadership and dedication to others. Recipients included Kyla Flood (North Campus); Gisselle Guerra and Amanda Campos (East Campus); Lasita Knox and David Secrest (West Campus); Bianca Vasquez (Spring Hill Campus); and Lynn Sampat and Kealy Hunter (Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch).
Dozens of students were honored as Rising Star and All-Star Students, reflecting emerging leadership and continued excellence across campuses. Recipients included:
Rising Star Awards — Ivan Mendoza, Rajan Charan, Jason Guerra and Kaelin Lowry (East Campus); Makayla Mendez, Kyler Ruck and Izzie Spoto (North Campus); Mark Moran Calderon, Gigi Vega, Mercury Shippman-Pugh, Marcos Angulo Hernandez, Amelia Azarova, Leonard Peebles, Noah Lowery, Isabella Angelov, Cris Jimenez and Jean Pacheo Vazquez (Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch); Jordan Fernandez, Tahanae Rosario and Angela Kwarren (Spring Hill Campus); and Elizabeth Capitoni, Arina Nossova, David Hennes, Kirby Boatman, John Lias, Jillian Mabin, Andrew Buzo and Josephine Pitocco (West Campus).
All-Star Students — Dendya Homidas (East Campus); McKenna Beach and Nataly Scott (North Campus); Jesse Rodriguez, Joseph Lasko, Kaie Spence and Deleya Edwards (Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch); Raina Alexis, Brianna DeRosa Green, Cara Hargrave, Ava Hoyt and Jordan Ridenour (Spring Hill Campus); and Sophia Sites, Billy Bachelor, Blythe Quimby, Kristina Burmeister, Matt Gerlack, Robert Lischak, Josephine Pitocco and Sean Abrams (West Campus).
“This celebration recognizes the leadership, dedication and impact that define our PHSC community,” said Eric Hall, Ed.D., president of PHSC. “Our honorees demonstrate that leadership is not defined by a title, but by action, service and the ability to inspire others. As someone whose own journey began here, I’ve seen firsthand how this institution transforms lives. The achievements we celebrate reflect not only what these individuals have accomplished, but the meaningful impact they will continue to make in their communities for years to come.”
PHSC extends its sincere appreciation to the students, faculty, staff and families who contribute to making this event a meaningful celebration of leadership, dedication and community pride.