Pasco-Hernando State College honored 11 students with the Dr. Felisha R. Barker Outstanding Student Leader award at the 2017 Student Activities Awards Banquet held in April 2017 at the West Campus in New Port Richey. The prestigious awards are presented in memory of the late Dr. Felisha R. Barker, a former PHSC financial aid advisor, instructor and academic and club advisor. Also a former student leader at PHSC, Barker advocated and inspired students to excel and attain excellence in the classroom, on campus and in the community. Dr. Barker passed away in 2005 at age 31, after nearly a decade of employment at the college.
Dr. Felisha R. Barker Outstanding Student Leaders named in 2017 include:
Monica Baione (West Campus, New Port Richey) – Dedicated to helping others, Baione volunteered with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization while earning a 4.0 GPA and participating in several honor societies. After organizing a flash mob to bring mental health awareness to campus, the group was invited to re-enact the dance at the opening ceremony for the Southern Organization of Human Services Conference.
Ashley Bozarth (Spring Hill Campus) – Starting with a desire to help others, Bozarth grew into a true leader, establishing the Rotaract Club on the Spring Hill Campus. With her club, the talented artist won the local Swamp Monster Competition at Weeki Wachee in March. Events she organized benefitted pet adoption and built awareness of social issues.
Diana Castro Jaramillo (Spring Hill Campus) –A Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) and Psi Beta member, Jamarillo was named to the All-Florida Academic Team. Courage and determination helped Castro earn a place for herself on campus. Originally, from Manizales, Colombia, learning a new language was among the many challenges Jaramillo has faced since moving to the United States.
Devon Chavarria (Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, Wesley Chapel) – Once an introvert, Chavarria does not shy away from hard work, thinking outside the box or making difficult decisions. He takes a full course load with a rigorous engineering course load, works full time and served as Porter Campus Student Government Association president.
Scott Howery (West Campus, New Port Richey) – Among the most reliable and well-known students on campus, Howery is dependable, engaging, resourceful and always positive. Howery embodies excellence in his role as a member of the nationally ranked PHSC co-ed cheer team and founding president of the West Campus Rotaract club.
Ashley King (North Campus, Brooksville) – Passionate about increasing awareness and support for mental illness, King is an aspiring social worker and a skilled mediator of group discussions and collaborations as president of the campus National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) group.
Jessi Perez (East Campus, Dade City) – A single mother and part-time certified nurse assistant, Perez finds time to serve as a college peer mentor, and East Campus Phi Theta Kappa president and Student Government Association vice president.
Samantha Politano (Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, Wesley Chapel) – Dual enrollment student Politano completed her AA degree, served as PTK vice president, and traveled to the PTK convention in Jacksonville, wining third place for an Honors-in-Action project on road safety and an award for photography. Politano graduated as valedictorian of Wesley Chapel High School, class of 2017.
Ashley Puckett (East Campus, Dade City) – With a goal to step out of her comfort zone, Puckett earned a position as a student ambassador. She excelled in this role for two years, helping PHSC students and visitors feel welcome and included.
Richard Roberts II (West Campus, New Port Richey) – A champion for mental health awareness and advocate for increased compassion and understanding of others is Robert’s trademark. A dedicated PTK member, he organized more than 135 hours of community service, most for Habitat for Humanity.
Jennifer Scalf (North Campus, Brooksville) – Successfully juggling the demands of PTK chapter president, club leader, and peer mentor, Scalf is passionate about education and led her club to hold two successful Community College Completion Corps events in 2016.
Additionally, one military veteran student who exemplifies student leadership from each campus was recognized: Dustin Thomas, East Campus; Jason Raynor, North Campus; Aryan Szczurowski, Porter Campus; Frankie Wilkins, Spring Hill Campus; and Michael Bradley II, West Campus.
Community Service awards were presented to Phi Theta Kappa, East and Porter campus chapters, and Human Services Clubs at North, Spring Hill and West campuses.
For more information about Pasco-Hernando State College and the more than 50 student clubs and organizations, visit www.phsc.edu.
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) serves the educational needs and interests of its community by awarding certificates, diplomas, associate and baccalaureate degrees. As a comprehensive, multicampus learning-centered institution, PHSC utilizes various instructional modalities and support services. PHSC provides an accessible, diverse teaching and learning environment rich with opportunities for students to achieve academic success and cultural growth in a global society.
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