MADISON, Fla. — North Florida College celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of its students and community partners during the annual Honors Convocation ceremony, held on April 24 at the NFC campus. The event recognized students for academic excellence, leadership, and community service throughout the 2024-25 academic year.
Faculty, staff, families and community members gathered to celebrate the hard work, character and dedication of NFC’s top students, as well as one community partner whose continued support has helped NFC students succeed both in the classroom and in the workforce.
In total, 26 students received Outstanding Student Awards across a wide range of academic and technical disciplines. Two special honors, Student of the Year and Friend of the College, were also awarded.
Hamilton County’s Kasey Carter named Student of the Year
Kasey Carter of Hamilton County was named NFC’s Student of the Year, the College’s highest student honor. The award is given to a student who maintains a GPA of 3.75 or higher, participates in student activities and leadership opportunities, and demonstrates a positive and committed attitude.
“The Student of the Year embodies the NFC Sentinel Spirit through high academic achievement, campus engagement, service to others and exemplary character,” said Jennifer Page, NFC Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs. “As a dual enrolled student with Hamilton County High School and North Florida College, Kasey has demonstrated a level of professionalism, organization and dedication that goes far beyond what is expected of a high school student.”
Jerry Gray honored as 2025 Friend of the College
Jerry Gray of Madison County was named the 2025 Friend of the College for his outstanding contributions to NFC’s workforce development efforts. Gray has partnered with NFC’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program to create opportunities for students in the logging industry.
“This year’s award is presented to Jerry Gray, who has partnered with NFC’s CDL program to offer drivers opportunities in logging,” said David Dunkle, Associate Dean of Economic Development and Workforce Education. “Gray’s commitment to supporting higher education in workforce careers makes him a standout Sentinel.”
A celebration of North Florida’s students
The Honors Convocation recognized students from across NFC’s six-county service district, including Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee and Taylor counties. Each award recipient stood as a symbol of the region’s resilience, talent and promise.
2024–25 Outstanding Student Awards
|
Award |
Recipient |
County |
|
CDL |
Andre Peterson |
Hamilton |
|
Social Science |
Karleigh Bembry |
Hamilton |
|
Communications |
Solomon Stiles |
Jefferson |
|
Biological Science |
Samuel Edwards |
Jefferson |
|
Registered Nursing (Traditional) |
Kelley Howell |
Lafayette |
|
Art Club |
Kat Ducksworth |
Lafayette |
|
Humanities |
Catherine Paulk |
Lowndes |
|
Sentinel Upstage Players |
Lorelei Bennett |
Lowndes |
|
Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
Athena Duran |
Madison |
|
Nursing Assistant |
Taylor Medlin |
Madison |
|
HVAC/R |
Stavon McCreary |
Madison |
|
Practical Nursing |
Erica Hampton |
Madison |
|
Mathematics |
Kiley Malone |
Madison |
|
Welding |
Zarkese Haynes |
Madison |
|
Garden Club |
Jack Agee |
Madison |
|
Student Organization of the Year |
Lisa Thompson, Club Advisor |
Madison |
|
Accounting |
Alan Quintanilla-Chavez |
Suwannee |
|
Early Childhood |
Ashley Sharpless |
Suwannee |
|
Physical Science |
Lillian Clay |
Suwannee |
|
Art |
Jilyanne Hiltibidal |
Suwannee |
|
Student Government Association |
Lillian Clay |
Suwannee |
|
Business |
Aaron Walsh |
Taylor |
|
Calculus |
Aiden Cone |
Taylor |
|
Registered Nursing (Bridge) |
Meijah Skelton |
Taylor |
|
Gaming & Technology Club |
Alexis Shaffer |
Taylor |
|
Phi Theta Kappa |
Trinity Salmons |
Taylor |
Special Awards
- Kasey Carter – Student of the Year (Hamilton County)
- Jerry Gray – Friend of the College (Madison County)
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Jerry Gray, NFC Friend of the College, pictured with Jennifer Page, vice president of academic and student affairs, and David Dunkle, associate dean of economic development and workforce education.
Kasey Carter, 2024–25 Student of the Year, Hamilton County
Madison County Honors Convocation recipients.
Lowndes County Honors Convocation recipients.
Taylor County Honors Convocation recipients.
Suwannee County Honors Convocation recipients.
Jefferson County Honors Convocation recipients.
Lafayette County Honors Convocation recipients.