Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) will cross the stage with more than diplomas—they carry stories off resilience, determination and hard-earned triumph. This spring’s graduates have overcome obstacles, defied expectations and persevered through challenges to reach this milestone. From students who balanced school, work and club leadership roles to students who are veterans and those who were dual enrolled completing high school and an associate’s degree simultaneously.
PHSC will host spring commencement on Thursday, May 7, in the Grace World Outreach Church, located at 20366 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, Fla. 34601. Two commencement ceremonies will honor graduates earning bachelor’s and associate’s degrees and certificates. The morning ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the afternoon commencement will begin at 1:30 p.m. The event live stream link will be available at phsc.edu/grad.
This spring, more than 925 spring graduates are estimated to be eligible to participate, including many ambitious and accomplished students, who have been through numerous hurdles in pursuit of a higher education. These graduates embody the power of persistence and the promise of what comes next.
David Secrest, West Campus, is a U.S. Air Force veteran and is set to graduate from PHSC with his Associate in Arts. Secrest served nine years in the Air Force, including six years of active duty as an electrical and environmental systems technician working on the F-15E Strike Eagle, followed by three years in public affairs. Shifting from the structure of military service to civilian and academic life presented challenges, particularly in redefining his career path and adapting to a new environment.
After his military service, he chose PHSC for its strong support of veteran students and began his academic journey through the Chapter 31 Veterans Readiness and Employment program. During his time at PHSC, Secrest served as the student representative on the District Board of Trustees, where he worked to connect students with college leadership and advocate for the student experience. As he graduates, Secrest plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and continue challenging himself toward new opportunities.
Kyla Flood, North and West Campus, is set to graduate with her Associate in Science in business administration. During her time at the college, Flood balanced her academics with leadership and campus involvement, serving as a student worker and actively participating in student life on the North and West Campuses.
She began her studies online, where building connections and staying engaged presented an early challenge, before transitioning to on-campus classes and adjusting to a more traditional academic environment. She credits faculty such as Assistant Professor Danielle Knight, along with courses like English Composition and Applied Calculus, for shaping her academic experience and encouraging her involvement on campus.
As she grew more comfortable, she took on active roles in the Student Government Association and Future Business Leaders of America, developing skills in public speaking, networking and professional communication while learning to manage competing priorities.
As she graduates, Flood plans to continue her education at PHSC, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in either health care administration or organizational administration. She encourages new students to get involved and take advantage of campus resources, emphasizing that engagement and support services played a major role in her success.
Kristina Burmeister, West Campus, is set to graduate with her Associate in Arts, with a concentration in STEM-related coursework. Initially uncertain about her path after high school, she entered PHSC, exploring her options while adjusting to the expectations of college academics.
As she progressed through demanding science courses, including anatomy and physiology, Burmeister worked to strengthen her study habits and clarify her long-term goals. At the same time, she faced the personal challenge of stepping beyond her comfort zone. Describing herself as initially reserved, she gradually became more involved in campus activities, using those experiences to develop confidence and communication skills.
Her involvement grew into leadership roles within the Student Government Association, where she served as secretary before advancing to West Campus president. Balancing these responsibilities with her academic workload required sustained effort and time management, while also giving her experience in representing and advocating for fellow students.
Burmeister plans to continue her education at the University of South Florida, where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in health sciences, followed by a master’s degree in physician assistant studies.
Isabella Vullo, West Campus, is set to graduate with her Associate in Arts, focusing on marketing management and digital media. Throughout her time at the college, Vullo has combined her academic pursuits with a strong commitment to student leadership, shaping both her personal and professional growth.
Vullo served as vice president of the Student Government Association and later became president of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, experiences that helped her step out of her comfort zone and develop confidence as a leader. Once a self-described introvert, she credits her involvement in campus organizations with transforming her perspective and helping her grow into the person she aspired to be.
After graduation, Vullo plans to attend the University of Florida, where she will study persuasive advertising with a minor in public relations.
Steven Ferrell, East Campus, is graduating from the Fire Academy program, where he. completed extensive hands-on training designed to prepare cadets for the physical and mental demands of the fire service. The academy’s rigorous structure required months of continuous preparation, culminating in state certification testing, where cadets must demonstrate mastery of essential firefighting skills. Ferrell credits the program’s intensity and high expectations with helping him build discipline and resilience while preparing for the realities of the profession.
During his time in the academy, Ferrell trained under instructors from a wide range of fire departments, gaining exposure to diverse techniques and perspectives. This collaborative learning environment challenged him to adapt and refine his approach, while also building strong camaraderie among his fellow cadets.
As he completes the certification process, Ferrell plans to begin applying for positions in the fire service, with the goal of launching his career serving the community.
Brittany Manley, East Campus, is set to graduate with her Associate in Science in unmanned vehicle systems operations (UVSO). Coming into PHSC as a Veteran, Manley built a strong foundation in the drone and unmanned systems field through a hands-on, multidisciplinary experience that includes maritime, aircraft and ground systems, along with field-accurate mission planning.
She was drawn to the program for its unique versatility, beginning her journey in maritime unmanned systems before progressing into aircraft operations and earning her Part 107 certification. Her experience included advanced coursework as well as applied learning opportunities, including helping to host drone safety events and participating in mission planning activities.
In addition to her academic and technical training, Manley served as President of the Student Veterans of America chapter, where she strengthened her leadership skills and expanded her professional network among student veterans.
After graduation, Manley plans to relocate to Daytona Beach and attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the fall, where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in unmanned aircraft systems
Izabell Street, Workforce Development Center at Gowers Corner, is set to graduate from the Construction Technician/Worker Apprenticeship Program. Street completes her training with a strong foundation built on lifelong exposure to the construction industry and a deep family legacy in the field. From an early age, Street was immersed in hands-on building experiences that helped shape her career path and passion for construction.
Before enrolling, Street was working outside the field and had not yet figured out her pathway to enter the industry. A chance conversation with a customer led her to learn about PHSC’s apprenticeship program, prompting her to discover PHSC’s program that would allow her to build formal skills while gaining practical experience. Choosing to pursue the program meant committing to the physical demands and technical expectations of construction work, while adjusting to a structured training environment.
As she completes the program, Street moves forward with industry experience and training that position her for continued work in construction, building on both her early familiarity with the field and the skills developed through the apprenticeship.
Emmalise Feliciano, West Campus, is set to graduate with her Bachelor of Applied Science in supervision and management. Entering higher education while still in high school, she faced the added pressure of managing college-level coursework alongside her existing academic responsibilities, requiring her to quickly adapt to increased expectations. Following a personal setback that resulted in community service, Feliciano used the experience as a turning point, finding renewed motivation to refocus her goals and fully commit herself to academic and personal growth.
Through her involvement in Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Feliciano discovered the power of connection, leadership and stepping outside her comfort zone. These experiences led to national recognition through the FBLA, earning first, seventh and ninth place finishes in events like public speaking, future business executive and state of chapter. Feliciano additionally served as the first student representative on the Foundation Board, launching initiatives such as “Invest in a Better You.”
After graduation, Feliciano is excited to apply her skills in real-world professional settings while continuing to grow her business ventures, building on the experience gained during her time at PHSC.
Kaylee Smith, Porter Campus, is a homeschooled dual enrollment student who is set to graduate from PHSC with her Associate in Arts this Spring. Entering college coursework outside of a traditional classroom setting, she faced the challenge of adjusting to a more independent academic structure while also seeking out opportunities for connection in an unfamiliar environment.
Smith discovered a true college experience through her involvement in campus clubs, honor societies and events, where she built meaningful friendships and a strong sense of community. Smith grew during her time at PHSC and served as the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society college-wide president, where she helped lead and connect students across campuses. Through her involvement in PTK, she discovered additional opportunities such as the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), which led to qualifying for national-level competition.
As she graduates from PHSC and high school, Smith plans to attend the University of South Florida, where she will pursue a dual degree in Biomedical Sciences and Psychology. She aspires to continue her education in medical school and become a pediatric oncologist.
Joseph Stosh, West Campus, will graduate this Spring with an Associate in Arts degree. A local student-athlete, Stosh chose PHSC to pursue basketball while staying connected to his community. Throughout his time at the college, he balanced the demands of a competitive athletic schedule with his coursework, relying on the flexibility and support of his instructors.
As a member of the basketball team, Stosh experienced a period of growth and adjustment as the program worked through challenges on the court and adapted to new leadership under Head Coach Phil Gaffney. These experiences strengthened team dynamics and reinforced a sense of accountability and perseverance.
As he graduates from PHSC, Stosh has a few options to choose from as he plans to transfer to a four-year institution to continue playing basketball while pursuing a degree in business administration.
Taylor Schultze, West Campus, is set to graduate from PHSC this Spring with an Associate in Arts degree, with a concentration in STEM-related coursework. Schultze relocated from across the state to join the college’s softball program, a transition that required her to adapt to a new environment while balancing the demands of collegiate athletics and academics. Despite the initial uncertainty, she found strong support from faculty and teammates, which helped her adjust and succeed.
During her time at PHSC, Schultze developed both academically and athletically, crediting her professors’ commitment to student success and the team’s resilience through a coaching transition.
As she graduates from PHSC, Schultze plans to attend Florida Gulf Coast University, where she will pursue a degree in marine biology. Schultze credits PHSC’s AA degree pathway for being up-to-date for transferable courses.
Miah Webb, Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, is graduating this spring with an Associate in Arts degree, with a concentration in early education. Webb chose PHSC for its proximity to home and affordability, but her experience quickly expanded beyond convenience as she became involved in the college’s cross country program.
Initially intimidated by the team’s competitive reputation, she worked to build confidence while managing the dual responsibilities of academics and athletics. With the support of her coaches and professors, Webb strengthened her performance on the course and in the classroom, benefiting from an environment that emphasized both personal and academic growth.
After graduation, she will transfer to the University of South Florida through the FUSE program to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education.
Commencement speakers for the morning include Eric Hall, Ed.D., PHSC President; David Secrest, PHSC District Board of Trustees Student Representative; Nicole Newlon, PHSC District Board of Trustees Chair; and Wilton Simpson, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture. Approximately 272 degrees and certificates will be conferred at the morning ceremony.
Commencement speakers for the afternoon include Eric Hall, Ed.D., PHSC President; Kaylee Smith, PHSC Phi Theta Kappa Student President; Nicole Newlon, PHSC District Board of Trustees Chair; and Wilton Simpson, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture. Approximately 272 degrees and certificates will be conferred at the afternoon ceremony.