PHSC students and staff recently received award recognition by the Florida College System (FCS) and the National Tutoring Association (NTA).
Emily Brock, sophomore, was named the FCS Chancellor’s Clark Maxwell Scholar Student of the Month for April. She is president of Phi Beta Lambda (PBL), and is a member of Student Government Association and Phi Theta Kappa. Brock competed in the PBL Future Business Leaders of America placing in the top 10 in Small Business Management Plan category at the National PBL Conference in July 2017 and fourth in Desktop Publishing and fifth in Business Presentation categories in the state competition in March 2018. She is a recipient of PHSC’s 2018 Dr. Felisha R. Barker Outstanding Student Leader award. Brock is an active volunteer for many local organizations and is a peer mentor and student worker at PHSC. Brock, received her Associate in Arts degree at the PHSC commencement ceremony held on May 2.
Jonathan McCurnin, sophomore, was named Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) Student of the Month for May. McCurnin was the student speaker at the recent PHSC spring commencement afternoon ceremony, where he received his AA degree. Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at an early age, McCurnin has overcome numerous obstacles throughout his education and credits his success to the support he receives from his family, educators, and past athletic coaches. McCurnin is a recipient of PHSC’s 2018 Dr. Felisha R. Barker Outstanding Student Leader award. He is a PHSC student worker, the president of the PHSC East Campus Health & Fitness club and Student Government Association East Campus secretary.
Ryan Murphy, PHSC tutor, received a National Tutoring Association (NTA) Profile in Courage Award and a $500 scholarship from the organization at the annual NTA 2018 conference held at Innisbrook Resort, Palm Harbor, Fla. The Profile in Courage Award honors an NTA member tutor who has faced significant cultural, socio-economic, physical, or other challenges, yet has overcome these challenges in order to not only remain as degree-seeking student, but to serve other students at the institution. Murphy, who has cerebral palsy, does not view his disability as a burden, “I view difficulties as opportunities,” said Murphy, who tutors PHSC students at the East Campus Academic Success Center in Dade City. He helps students in English, speech, economics and other business courses. “At first, students are reluctant to engage with Ryan because they are uncomfortable with his disabilities; yet his optimism, calm demeanor and intelligence turns this dynamic around,” said Michael Childs, PHSC Academic Success Center coordinator. Currently, Murphy is pursuing an MA degree in accounting at Saint Leo University with plans to become a CPA.
Ahmy Arca, PHSC East Campus coordinator of student life and leadership, was named Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) Advisor of the Year in District 3. Arca has been with the college since 2007. He works closely with students providing support and promoting teamwork, opportunities and leadership. Arca received his Bachelor of Arts from University of South Florida and his Master of Science in leadership (MSL) from Nova Southeastern University.
For more information about PHSC programs and services, 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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