December brought exciting celebrations for Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) as the College hosted its 72nd Commencement Ceremonies. 

LSSC conferred degrees and certificates to more than 440 graduates across two ceremonies, a nearly 35% increase from December 2024. 

“These ceremonies were a powerful reminder of the perseverance and determination of our graduates,” said President John Temple. “Each student leaves Lake-Sumter State College not only with knowledge and skill but with the character and resilience to lead in a rapidly changing world. I have every confidence that they will continue to uphold the values of integrity, service, and innovation as they pursue their goals and contribute to the prosperity of our communities.” 

Key facts about this graduating class: 

• The Class of 2025, all graduates in 2025, was the largest graduating class in College history 

• Graduating students ranged in age from 15 to 58 

• Nearly 33% of graduates started their college journey as a dual enrollment student 

• Average GPA was 3.2 and 19 students earned a perfect 4.0 GPA 

• 56% of students received a scholarship from the LSSC Foundation while enrolled, receiving $464,975 in scholarship support 

• 73% of graduates worked at least one job while pursuing their education 

• Just under half of graduates are first-generation students, meaning neither parent has earned a bachelor’s degree 

Inspiring Messages from Distinguished Speakers 

Graduates at both ceremonies heard inspiring and engaging messages from community leaders. 

At the Clermont ceremony on December 10, graduates heard from commencement speaker Donna Kirtland, Executive Director of the Live Well Foundation of South Lake, who shared an inspiring message to be bold—to take initiative, lead with integrity, and embrace every challenge as an opportunity to grow. She encouraged graduates to use courage, kindness, and authenticity to make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond. 

In Leesburg the next day, Representative Nan Cobb was the commencement speaker and she encouraged graduates to be strong, resilient leaders who take initiative, learn from challenges, and actively contribute to the Lake County community they call home. She emphasized that their education at Lake-Sumter State College has prepared them not just for successful careers, but to shape a stronger future for the region through service, integrity, and hard work. 

Student Speakers share their experiences 

The student speaker serves as a representation of the many student stories that make up our student body. 

In Clermont, Alexis Singleton was chosen as the student speaker. She graduated with an Associate in Arts and will continue her academic journey by transferring to Florida Gulf Coast University where she plans to earn her bachelor’s degree in logistics, a field that matches her passion for solving complex, real-world problems. 

In her speech, Alexis shared how living with chronic illness made school feel out of reach at times, but also taught her that true success comes from persistence, determination, and asking for help when you need it. She encouraged fellow graduates to keep moving forward even when the path feels foggy, trusting that there is always clarity ahead if they are bold enough to keep fighting for their goals. 

In Leesburg, Dejah-Thoris Waite served as the student speaker. Dejah-Thoris had previously earned an Associate in Arts degree from Lake-Sumter, but returned to earn an Associate in Science Nursing degree. She will continue at LSSC in the RN-BSN program with ambitious goals for the future. She plans to earn an MSN, become a midwife and nurse practitioner, and ultimately attend medical school to become a surgeon. 

Dejah-Thoris met her husband at Lake-Sumter in Chemistry class. Eight years and three children later, she still calls that meeting her favorite college memory. 

In her speech, Dejah-Thoris reflected on her journey as a nursing student, mother, and Lakehawk, sharing how resilience, faith, and the support of her LSSC community helped her persevere through challenges to reach this milestone. She encouraged graduates to keep pursuing their dreams and to use their education and experiences to uplift others, especially the most vulnerable in their communities. 

Students Recognized for Excellence 

The Order of the Lakehawk, created in 2019, is the most prestigious and significant honor that a student may receive at Lake-Sumter State College. This award recognizes outstanding academic achievement, dedicated college involvement, and significant community service. Students inducted into the Order of the Lakehawk represent the very best of our student body. 

Students are inducted twice a year and no more than ten students will be inducted annually. 

For Fall 2025, three students were inducted: 

A Belleview native, Bryce Abshier returned to college nearly twenty years after starting, proving that dreams never expire. Balancing family, full-time work, and a near 4.0 GPA, he earned his Associate in Arts and plans to continue at the University of Florida in Advertising. 

Crystal Anderson graduated with her Associate in Science in Nursing. A passionate advocate for mental health, she launched a mentorship program for student nurses and plans to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner to serve her community. 

Edward Strack graduated summa cum laude with his Associate in Arts, while balancing full-time work, family, and caregiving with compassion and excellence. A Phi Theta Kappa and NSLS member, he exemplifies servant leadership and will continue his academic journey at the University of Central Florida. 

LSSC also appreciates student-athlete Caitlin Frampton for singing the national anthem and the Lake County Sheriff Office Honor Guard for presenting the colors at both ceremonies.