Indian River State College Honors Outstanding Students at Annual Awards Ceremony

April 4, 2025 Indian River State College

Fort Pierce, FL (April 4, 2025) – Indian River State College recognized exceptional student achievement during its annual Awards Ceremony held Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at the Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Complex at Indian River State College’s main campus in Fort Pierce. The ceremony honored students who demonstrated outstanding academic excellence and significant contributions to campus and community through extracurricular activities.

"These students represent the very best of Indian River State College and embody our commitment to excellence in education," said Timothy E. Moore, Ph.D., President of Indian River State College. "Their dedication to academic achievement, leadership, and community service sets an inspiring example for us all and demonstrates the transformative power of higher education. As they continue their journeys, whether in further education or careers, they carry with them the skills and values that will help them succeed in an ever-changing world."

President Timothy E. Moore invited faculty and students who are U.S. Veterans to join veteran Michael Morse, as he received a Special Achievement Award

"The remarkable achievements celebrated today reflect not only the exceptional talent and dedication of our students, but also the supportive academic environment we have cultivated at Indian River State College,” said Heather Belmont, Ph.D., Indian River State College Provost. “Each honoree has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to their educational journey while positively impacting our campus and community. As we recognize their accomplishments, we also celebrate the transformative power of education to open doors and create new possibilities. These students inspire us all and represent the bright future we are helping to build."

Award categories included:

Academic Excellence - Associate in Arts Degree: Doneika Grinder
Academic Excellence - Associate in Science Degree: Matthew Vigilio
Academic Excellence – Bachelor's Degree: Paige Parker Smith
Academic Excellence - Postsecondary Adult Vocational Certificate: Tara Doughty
Academic Excellence - Veteran: Raymond C. McNamara
Community Service: Sara Anderson
General Excellence: Amanda Kollen
Leadership: Andrea Phillips
Special Achievement: Michael Morse

The ceremony featured presentations highlighting each student's academic accomplishments, leadership roles, and community service contributions.

Indian River State College’s annual Awards Ceremony represents the college's ongoing commitment to recognizing student achievement and promoting academic and personal growth.

Distinguished Scholars Award recipients included: Michael Abbate, Noely Allen, Sara Elise Anderson, Sonja Andries, Erin Arena, Megan Ash, Jose Avianeda, Robert Aylsworth, Talan Bennett, Meghan Brandt, Ella E. Bright, Benjamin Brooks, Kylee Bukaty, Arissa Caban, Nicholas Cahill, Mariangel Chacon, Jennifer Chavarria, Jeremiah Chiquito, Faith Comfort, Catelyn Cowher, Mary D'Angelo, Allana Dailey, Serena Davila, Natalia De Leon Lopez, Jaden De Windt, Anthony Dekker, Hanna Deschambault, Ethan Desmarais, Sebastian Dessart, Tara Doughty, Atlas Dow, Jose Duran, Erick Esparza, Alyssa Maryanne Espitia, Dylan Estrella, Lenita Evans, Elizabeth Blake Ferguson, Kayla Gammie, Jennifer Garcia, Kerri Gassior, Robert Gelsimino, Anaiise Germain, Marissa Giratoudis, J'dah Girigorie, Andrea Gomez Velarde, Jessica Green, Tabatha Greene, Doneika Grinder, Nelson Guevara-Matamoros, Lauren Hagwood, Oscar Hance, Robin Hanna, Carron Harris, Jessica Harris, Kimberly Heveron, Kaitlyn Hixon, Anaiya Hodge, Steele Holman, Dylan Holt, Tyler Hughes, Sodany Huy, Dalia Jaimes, Kenya Johnson, Jacob Keith, Nia Khoom, Shayne King, Amanda Kollen, Britlyn Krischke, Cara Leadabrand, Megan Lee, Bryan Lorenz, Adamari Luna, Natalie Mann, Megan Martin, Alayna McCallister, Raymond C. McNamara, Adrian Mendez, Peter Meyer, Victoria Minner, Kristen Miskanic, Tiffany Mobley, William Montgomery, Kevin Moore, Michael Morse, Hannah Myers, Tammy Nelson-Currica, Kelvyn Nero, Erin O'Brien, Alivia Oliver, Jessica Olsen, Jacqueline Ospina, Jasmin Padova, Maria Paiz, Angel Pascual-Juan, Andrea Phillips, Mario Pierre, Praneesha Pilly, Judith Pink, Jaime Raya, Richard Redfern, Noah Rich Royall, Caleb Rinchack, Elias Rodriguez, Ervin Rogers, Danielle Rustay, Kimberly Sachs, Lauren Salaya, Yuliana San Agustin-Ferrera, Makaria Sandlin, Brittany Scott, Paige Parker Smith, Raquel Solorio, Irina Steele, Quinn Stephenson, Shanta Stone, Madison Sweeney, Dani Tahan Zaim, Daniel Tavera, Jessica Taylor, Cameron Tellini, Clinton Thompson, Brian Tillis, Dorian Trammel, Ally Trent, Chloe Urea, Joseph James Vera, Matthew Vigilio, Savanna Waldron, Nathan White, Olivia Wilkie, Jordyn Winter, and Gissella Zavala.

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About Indian River State College: Indian River State College, serving Florida's Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offers high-quality, affordable education to 23,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides more than 120 programs leading to bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas. For more information, visit irsc.edu.

Media Contact: Kathleen Walter, Public Information Officer, kwalter1@irsc.edu