The annual event recognized individuals whose professional accomplishments, community involvement, leadership and dedication have made a meaningful impact on the communities they serve and the continued advancement of Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC).

The 2026 awards highlighted the diverse ways members of the college community are making a difference, from professional achievement and academic scholarship to public service, athletics and community engagement.

Honoring Excellence and Service

This year’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipients represented a wide range of accomplishments and contributions.

Distinguished Alumni Award recipients included:

• James “Jimmy” Conner, Class of 1974 — Community Engagement Award
• Chief Henry Rains, Classes of 2025 and 2026 — Valor Award
• Jessica Noblin, Class of 2005 — Scholar Award
• Andrew Brinkley, Classes of 2018 and 2020 — Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award
• Rodney Drawdy, Class of 1984 — Professional Achievement Award
• Fay Paquette, Class of 1993 — Community Partner Award
• Christopher Blanton, Class of 2014 — Athletics Award
• Kelsey Gonzalez, Class of 2010 — Community Engagement Award

The college also recognized members of its faculty and staff for their contributions to the institution.

Faculty and Staff Awards:

• Jessica Terrell — Faculty Award
• Christopher McGuire — Staff Award

Celebrating a Lasting Impact

The annual banquet serves as an opportunity for Lake-Sumter State College to recognize the people who reflect its commitment to education, service and community involvement.

By celebrating alumni who have distinguished themselves in their professions and communities, along with faculty and staff who contribute to the college’s mission, LSSC continues to highlight the lasting influence of its college community.

The 2026 honorees represent the many ways individuals connected to Lake-Sumter State College continue to make a difference throughout the region and beyond.

The post Lake-Sumter State College Celebrates 2026 Distinguished Alumni and Hall of Fame Honorees appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Project Scholars is inviting South Lake County high school seniors to apply for its annual scholarships beginning October 1, 2026. The application deadline is January 15, 2027, and recipients will be announced during Pig on the Pond, April 2–4, 2027, at Clermont’s Waterfront Park.

The dates mark a new timeline for the scholarship program. By opening applications in the fall, Project Scholars hopes to give students more time to learn about the opportunity, prepare their materials and submit an application before the January deadline.

Project Scholars awards four students a $10,000 scholarship each, distributed over four years. For recipients, that support can help ease the cost of pursuing a college education. For the South Lake community, it is a chance to invest in students who have grown up here and are preparing for what comes next.

“Behind every scholarship is a student with goals, potential and a community cheering them on,” said Paul Rountree, president of Project Scholars. “We’re excited to open applications this fall and to celebrate our next group of recipients together at Pig on the Pond.”

The festival plays a central role in Project Scholars’ mission. Each spring, Pig on the Pond brings families, businesses and community partners together at Waterfront Park to support scholarships for local students. Announcing the recipients during the April 2027 event will give the community an opportunity to meet and celebrate the young people their support helps lift up.

Scholarship timeline

• October 1, 2026: Applications open
• January 15, 2027: Applications close
• April 2–4, 2027: Scholarship recipients announced at Pig on the Pond

Project Scholars encourages guidance counselors, educators, families and community members to share the opportunity with South Lake County seniors. Application information will be available through Project Scholars’ official channels when the application opens October 1.

About Project Scholars

Project Scholars is a South Lake community scholarship program that raises funds through its annual Pig on the Pond event. Scholarships of $10,000 over four years are awarded to deserving local seniors who demonstrate financial need, academic excellence, leadership, and community service. Additional scholarships are made possible through community sponsorships and memorial funds. For more information, visit pigonthepond.org or contact Amanda Nethero at 407-433-6048 or info@pigonthepond.org.

The post Project Scholars Scholarship Applications Open October 1 appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

• Canned meats, vegetables, fruits, stews, and chili; canned or dry soups
• Canned or packaged pasta 
• Peanut butter, tea bags, ground coffee, hot and cold cereals, and rice cakes
• Pancake mixes, syrup, powdered milk, juice boxes, and granulated sugar 
• Baby food and formula, granola, and cereal bars 
• Dry or canned pet food

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