PANAMA CITY – More than 300 students walked across the stage at the Marina Civic Center Sunday afternoon as they received their degrees from Florida State University’s Panama City campus.
“Today is a day of reflection. As you leave college today, you take with you, yes, a diploma, and you take your place among the fortunate. Some of you came here from families where education was expected. Some of you had to overcome obstacles to get here and today you become the first in your family to graduate from college,” said Dr. Gordon Sprague, businessman, racecar driver, dairy farmer and Sunday’s speaker.
“So now what are you going to do with your education?” Sprague challenged.
Some students had solid plans.
“I got hired with the Department of Children and Families. I start that May 16th and I’m going to be a child protective investigator, so pretty much I’ll be investigating child abuse and neglect,” said Carly Galbreath, who received her bachelor of social work Sunday. Galbreath earned the spot in Marianna after completing an internship with the department.
“I’ve always been interested in helping kids,” she said.
Also receiving a bachelor’s in social work was Debra Hutto.
“Eventually I’m going to be an LCSW, which is a licensed clinical social worker, but I have to go for my master’s first. But I’m going all the way,” Hutto said.
Hutto plans to work as a substitute teacher at Rosenwald High School and will start working on her master’s degree in the fall.
“I want to become a promotions managers for one of the video game or multi-media companies. Working for Disney Interactive would be one of my dreams,” said Miranda Adams, who received her master’s in corporate and public communication.
Adams lives in Crestview and commuted to her job at the Disney Store in Destin and school in Panama City. She plans to start a family before pursuing a new job with her degree.
Others were less sure of their plans, but no less confident.
“We’re going to help our community,” said Whitney Stafford, who received a bachelor of science in professional communication.
Chase Mendenhall received a bachelor’s in electrical engineering.
“I plan on going to work, hopefully in central Florida somewhere. I got accepted to grad school – lot of big decisions,” he said.
“Take the summer off, figure out what to do – either go back for a master’s degree or find something to work at, a campaign,” David Boggs said of his plans for the immediate future. Boggs received a bachelor’s in political science.
“On our campus, we’re very personal, we have faculty that care, we have students that are excited about trying to learn. It’s just a fun experience for all of us,” said Dr. Jerome Barnes, professor of electrical and computer engineering.
