Lake-Sumter State College held two commencement ceremonies to celebrate the achievements of over 325 graduating students.
The 70th Commencement Ceremonies was held on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at the Everett A. Kelly Convocation Center in Leesburg and on Friday, Dec. 13 at the Arts & Recreation Center in Clermont.
“LSSC’s commencement ceremonies celebrate success and perseverance,” says Dr. Laura Byrd, Interim President of Lake-Sumter State College. “Graduation is a momentous occasion for our students and their families. It represents the achievement of their goal to grow personally and professionally. We are proud to play a role in our student’s journeys and are excited for the positive impact they will continue to have in our community.”
Student Speakers
Miranda Starling was chosen to be the Leesburg Ceremony student speaker, and graduated with an Associate in Arts degree. A Leesburg native and graduate of Tavares High School, Miranda plans to continue her education at the University of Central Florida.
Jeffneed Nerestant was the Clermont Ceremony student speaker and graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Leadership. A Minneola resident and graduate of Lake Minneola High School, Jeffneed is known on campus for her enthusiasm in supporting her fellow students; she works on campus in the Learning Center helping students with their coursework and connecting them to additional resources.
Commencement Speaker
The Honorable Jason J. Nimeth served as the Commencement Speaker for both ceremonies. Judge Nimeth began his academic career here at Lake-Sumter State College (then Community College) as a dual enrollment student, earning his associate degree before continuing to the University of Florida for his bachelor’s degree. His passion for education initially led him to teach 8th grade in Lake County, an experience that shaped his understanding of mentorship and service.
Judge Nimeth then chose to pursue his legal education at Barry University’s Dwayne Andreas School of Law. He began as an assistant state attorney in the Fifth Judicial Circuit, where he worked to uphold justice and serve the public. His dedication and integrity earned him appointments from Governor Ron DeSantis to the Lake County Court in 2019 and later to the 5th Judicial Circuit in 2022.
Judge Nimeth will offer inspiration and advice to graduates, shaped by his own experience growing up in Lake County and his roles as an educator, attorney, and judge.
Graduates by the Numbers
- 341 graduates for Fall 2024, bringing the Class of 2024 total to 1,028 – an LSSC record
- 3.3 GPA is the average for this graduating class
- 67% of graduating students worked at least one job while enrolled
- 52% of graduating students are first-generation (neither parent obtained a bachelor’s degree)
- 28% of graduating students identify as Hispanic
- 27% of graduating students started their academic journey as a dual enrollment student
About Lake-Sumter State College
Founded in 1962, Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) offers a high-quality education at an affordable price to the communities of Lake and Sumter counties. LSSC embraces its mission as a community college to increase access and opportunity for all learners in its community. As a proud member of the Florida College System, LSSC serves more than 8,600 students annually at four locations and online: Leesburg, Four Corners, South Lake (Clermont), and Sumterville. LSSC offers non-credit, certificate, associate degree, and bachelor’s degree programs designed to support and prepare students to pursue their goals and join Florida’s dynamic workforce. LSSC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Learn more about LSSC at www.lssc.edu.
