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IRSC Student Engagement and Leadership Awards Recognize Student Accomplishments in 2022

Image courtesy IRSC
The program celebrated the people behind the more than 70 student clubs, organizations, and athletic teams at IRSC and the hard work and initiative of the outgoing Campus Coalition Government (CCG) executive board throughout the academic year.

Fort Pierce - Wednesday April 13, 2022: Indian River State College (IRSC) students and faculty were recognized for their leadership, community outreach, and contributions to developing a dynamic and engaging campus environment for students at the Student Engagement and Leadership (SEAL) Awards Celebration held Wednesday, April 13, at the Bailey Auditorium at the IRSC Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex in Fort Pierce.

The program celebrated the people behind the more than 70 student clubs, organizations, and athletic teams at IRSC and the hard work and initiative of the outgoing Campus Coalition Government (CCG) executive board throughout the academic year.

SEAL Awards Celebration Recognize Student and Faculty Accomplishments

* All-Florida Academic Team

Sixteen (16) high-achieving IRSC students were selected for the 2022 All-Florida Academic Team for their academic achievements, leadership and service to the community. These students represent the largest-ever All-Academic team in the College's history and the second-largest team in the state: Gavin Crum, Stuart; Chelsea Pennington, Stuart; Janelle Price, Jensen Beach; Marissa Nichole Salguero, Palm City; Clara Breuer, Port St. Lucie; Ella Gates, Boyton Beach; Shelby Cheung, Fort Pierce; Hunter Cottone, Port St. Lucie; Salvina Dipaola, Port St. Lucie; Victoria Hamel, Fort Pierce; Desiree Colon, Vero Beach; Katerina Moyer, Sebastian; Mikelle Petersen, Vero Beach; Shannon Price, Jensen Beach; Erik Bustamante, Port St. Lucie, and Kayleigh Cunningham, Palm City. Cunningham was also named a 2022 Coca-Cola Academic Team Bronze Scholar.

IRSC recognized the work of some outstanding students at its College Awards Ceremony on March 31 in the McAlpin Fine Arts Center on Massey Campus in Fort Pierce.
Photo courtesy IRSC
IRSC recognized the work of some outstanding students at its College Awards Ceremony on March 31 in the McAlpin Fine Arts Center on Massey Campus in Fort Pierce.

* Student of the Year

The inaugural IRSC Student of the Year award recipient is Victoria Eniola of Port St. Lucie. Starting at IRSC in Fall 2021, Victoria focused on good grades and graduation. After meeting Emlyn Anderson, Professor and HOSA Advisor, she decided she wanted more than just good grades—she wanted to be a better leader and an example for other introverts like herself. Victoria recounts that taking on a leadership role in HOSA helped her leave her comfort zone and become a better person: "Being the President of HOSA and a leader at IRSC has helped me grow professionally and personally," shares Victoria. "It has taught me how to be a better person, listener, observer, and communicator."

IRSC Student of the Year award recipient is Victoria Eniola
Photo courtesy IRSC
IRSC Student of the Year award recipient is Victoria Eniola

Victoria recently earned three top recognitions at the 2022 HOSA State Leadership Conference—two gold medals in the competitive event categories "Medical Law and Ethics" and "Courtesy Corp" and a $600 scholarship. She graduated this spring with her A.A. Degree and plans to attend the University of Central Florida (UCF) to pursue her B.S. in Biology (pre-med).

* Academic Awards

While achieving a 4.0-grade point average as a college student is never easy, doing it as a student-athlete is even more challenging. Stepping up to challenges is what the Associate in Arts Academic Award recipient Lola Dragosavac of Lake Mary, FL, is all about. The motto "Whatever it takes to do it right" is her story. In addition to her classes, Lola's commitments include 5:30 a.m. practice sessions every week, afternoon practices, and participating as a volunteer at local swim and dive competitions. Lola has earned As in every class she has taken at IRSC. She has received a full scholarship to dive for the University of Richmond in Virginia.

This year's Bachelor's Degree Academic Award recipient is Alan Neiman of Fort Pierce. Alan has demonstrated outstanding intellectual curiosity, responsiveness to the challenges of learning, interest in research, and the ability to use an association of ideas to stimulate personal thinking. His 4.0 GPA speaks volumes, but what makes Alan stand out is his dedication to his studies, his hard work—and above all—his politeness. One professor observed that he was the only student who turned in their final and thanked them for the class.

* Community Service Award

Captain Loris "Kag" Cagnoni, U.S. Navy SEAL of Fort Pierce—Often seen on campus with his faithful K-9 Finn, Kag has served his country for more than 40 years as a decorated Navy SEAL—recognition that includes a bronze star. As a National Navy UDT Seal Museum board member, Kag organizes and participates in numerous museum events. He engages in tactical and K-9 demonstrations during the annual muster to showcase Navy SEAL's elite combat skills. He also participates in the "swim out ceremony," which entails swimming out the ashes of fallen teammates into the ocean in front of the museum. During the Memorial Day event at the museum, Kag is part of a group of special warfare operators who ring the bell and remove the tape to reveal the names of fallen SEALS on the memorial wall. If he's not at the museum volunteering, he is out helping raise millions of dollars for the Museum and other SEAL charities. Kag's dedication to his country and community is unparalleled, and he does all of this while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

* General Excellence Award

Rolande Darville of Port St. Lucie—Rolande started her education at another college in Florida in 1992, earning her Associate's Degree in 1996. In the summer of 2020—24 years after receiving her Associate Degree—Rolande enrolled at IRSC and has been a part-time student for the past five semesters. She is a wife, mother, student, and Registered Nurse who works three to four 12-hour shifts weekly at Lawnwood Hospital. Rolande maintains a 3.77 GPA, has earned A's and B's in all of her classes, has been on the Dean's list, and has earned a perfect 4.0 in four of her five semesters here at IRSC. Rolande is currently the co-President of the International Club and will serve as the next CCG Vice President. She graduates this spring with her A.A. degree, and her goal is to receive a B.S.N. Degree from IRSC, which she is on track to earn next year.

* Leadership Award

Janelle Price from Jensen Beach began her journey at IRSC as an out-of-state student residing in St. Lucie County during COVID and was determined not to allow the world around her to hinder her student experience. She became involved in the Emerging Leaders Program and an inductee of the National Society for Leadership and Success. Janelle not only excelled academically but was an active student leader who served as the President of the Campus Coalition Government, a College Ambassador, a Peer Educator, and the Chair of the Helping Hands Committee. Additionally, she is one of the founding members of the IRSC Health & Self Club—which recently established a community garden on the Pruitt Campus. Janelle was a member of several organizations on campus, including the River Readers Book Club, Tomeu Mentors, Science Club, and Toastmasters. She is an IRSC Emerging Leader and Legacy Leader. She graduated with her Associate in Arts Degree (Engineering Track) this month.

* Special Achievement Award

Janie Desir of Vero Beach has overcome the odds and persevered to achieve her goals. Janie has been described as inspirational and motivating. She is regarded as someone who has not only succeeded but has thrived. Janie travels from Vero Beach to Fort Pierce each day to drop her son off at daycare and then walks from the daycare center to the Massey Campus for her Digital Media in Graphic Design degree program. Due to a rare eye condition, her visual impairment prevents her from driving, and she must rely on medical motor transportation for her daily commute. Janie has put her talents to great use and started a baking business in her home. She has recently created children's books, printed in Braille, that provide other parents with visual impairments the ability to read and teach their children basic skills such as the alphabet, numbers, and colors.

Photo courtesy GoFundMe
Janie Desir and child

* SEAL Award Recipients

  • RiverLife Achievement Award: Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) and Hallstrom Astronomical Society—the organization(s) that puts "LIFE" into RiverLife.
  • IRSC Pride Award: Chess Club—the organization that most effectively promoted its purpose.
  • Outstanding Community Service: Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society —for always sharing time, talent, and/or resources with the community in an exceptional manner.
  • Pioneer Impact Award: Virtual Connections Club—the organization that did the most to promote the activities of CCG and to benefit IRSC.
  • Individual Impact Award: Joy Jarriel of Okeechobee—in recognition of her academic excellence and demonstrated ability as a leader and role model.
  • Rising Star: Health & Self Club - The organization that has made significant improvements in its club structure and its involvement and promotion of CCG activities
  • Hart Award: Christie Lyon of Palm City - who consistently makes the time to listen and possesses the knowledge and ability to guide and care for students of IRSC.
  • Unsung Pioneers: Andrew Treadwell, Erika Strowbridge, Haseun Battistini, and Alex Arnold—who supported CCG because of their genuine desire to become personally involved.
  • CCG Representative of the Year: Dania Morse of Port St. Lucie, HOSA—the representative who most promoted the activities of CCG.
  • President's Award: Ronald Masse of Vero Beach, Science Club—the organization president who most effectively promoted their organization's purpose and supported the overall success of CCG.
  • Club Advisor of the Year: Tamara Serrano, Tomeu Mentors Club—who went above and beyond for HOSA and her support and encouragement of the success of CCG.
  • Club of the Year: The Science Club—for earning the most CCG points due to participation in community service, school involvement, educational development, and other IRSC programs.
  • Faculty of the Year: Dr. Robin Zide, Assistant Professor, Education, was presented with the Harriett Kirk Crago Faculty of the Year Award. This prestigious recognition is bestowed upon an instructor—nominated by students—who has exhibited expertise in the classroom and warmth and enthusiasm that has significantly enhanced the quality of life at IRSC.

IRSC 2021-2022 Faculty of the Month Recipients

September: Charles Lockett, Master Instructor, Health Science

October: Lanie Culligan, Master Instructor, Mathematics

November: Michelle Kinggard, Associate Professor, Education

December: Julie Boswell, Adjunct, Biology

January: Veronica Tempone, Associate Professor, Spanish/Modern Languages

February: Robin Zide, Assistant Professor, Education

March: Suchi Banerjee, Assistant Professor, English

April 2022: Alex Kanter, Master Instructor, Performing and Visual Arts

Outgoing 2021-2022 CCG Officers

President: Janelle Price

Vice President: Aeyanna Lucero

Secretary: Pedro Sanchez

Treasurer: Shannon Price

Press Secretary: Mia Swift

Incoming 2022-2023 CCG Officers

President: Pedro Sanchez

Vice President: Rolande Darville

Press Secretary: Pedro George Sofikitis