Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) and the LSSC Foundation announced the 2025 Honorees for the Distinguished Alumni & Hall of Fame Awards.

“Pursuing higher education, earning a degree, and achieving success is the core of the mission of Lake-Sumter State College,” says Dr. Laura Byrd, executive vice president, LSSC, and executive director, LSSC Foundation. “We are proud to celebrate the successes and impact of our alumni, faculty, staff, and partners, who showcase how this great institution is transforming lives and futures throughout our community.”

This year’s honorees will be recognized at a ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 2, hosted on the LSSC Leesburg Campus.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI HONOREES

Scholar Award – Reanna Lynn Boardway ‘08
Reanna is the principal of Eustis Elementary School. As a proud LSCC alumna and former student-athlete, she credits the college for instilling in her the discipline, resilience, and leadership that drive her efforts as an educator and community advocate.

Valor Award – Sheriff Patrick ‘Pat’ Breeden ‘08
Pat Breeden serves as the Sheriff of Sumter County with 34 years of law enforcement and corrections experience, all with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. He credits LSCC for providing the educational tools and values that shaped his character and guided his service-driven career.

Community Engagement Award – Kelsey Gonzalez ‘10
Kelsey is the Executive Director of Lake Cares Food Pantry and a passionate force for positive change in Lake County. She says her time at LSSC fostered her leadership and compassion, which continue to guide her daily work serving others and advocating for families in need.

Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award – Brittney Falconer ’17 ’19 ‘21
Brittney is a Family Nurse Practitioner with AdventHealth. After being inspired to become a nurse from watching her own mother’s career, she earned her AA, ASN, and BSN at LSSC. She says her time at LSSC empowered her academically and personally.

Professional Achievement Award – Heather B. Long ‘91
Heather is the Senior Vice President and Regional President/CEO for Central Florida at University of Florida Health, where she leads with a steadfast commitment to excellence and compassion. Earning her Associate of Science in Nursing from LSSC, Long credits the college’s support and resources with shaping her professional path and deepening her passion for service.

HALL OF FAME HONOREES

Faculty Award – Professor Jeremy Norton
Jeremy is a Professor of Political Science at Lake-Sumter State College who has impacted students and the campus community through his commitment to civics education over the last twenty-one years. He is known for supporting student initiatives and enriching the academic experience by connecting students with real-world political engagement.

Staff Award – Peter Napoles ‘08
Peter is an Operations Manager at LSSC where he has played a pivotal role in cultivating excellence in events and a vibrant creative arts environment. He has advised hundreds of fine and performing arts students and produced award-winning theatre productions and major community events.

Athletics Award – Emma Gray ‘19
Emma Gray, an Associate of Arts graduate from Lake-Sumter State College, was a trailblazing volleyball student-athlete who elevated the College’s athletics program to national prominence. Her exceptional performance helped lead Lake-Sumter to its historic first appearance in the NJCAA National Volleyball Tournament in 2018.

Community Partner Award – Duke Energy Florida
For over 25 years, Duke Energy Florida has been a vital community partner to Lake-Sumter State College, financially supporting the start-up and ongoing operations of the lineworker and energy programs with a total investment over $1.1 million. In addition to hiring graduates, the company supports curriculum development to ensure that LSSC’s energy programs are aligned with cutting-edge industry standards, ensuring graduates are well prepared for today’s workforce.