PRESS RELEASE: DECEMBER 19, 2024

SJR State celebrates fall graduates

Riley Speaks

Denver Fulghum

When Riley Speaks’ two younger siblings first underwent speech therapy, she had no idea it would lead her toward her future career path. But after witnessing their progress, the 20-year-old Palatka resident said she has found her calling.

“There were many words and sounds they could not say, and it was hard for people other than our family to understand what they were saying,” Speaks said. “I was able to attend some of their lessons, and watching the instructor use different techniques and exercises to increase their vocal abilities astonished me. It was amazing to slowly notice their improvement and how their hard work has paid off. Seeing the kind of impact that this speech therapist had on my siblings made me very interested in the vocation.”

After researching and praying about this possible career path, Speaks said that God gave her the confidence, rather than fear or anxiety about it. “Through that, I know that this is the direction that God is wanting me to head in,” she said.

Speaks is among the 350+ students who graduated Thursday from St. Johns River State College. With her Associate in Arts degree in hand, Speaks will transfer to the University of Florida next year, where she will begin her bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders, and will ultimately earn her master’s degree in speech language pathology.

Prepared to begin UF as a junior, Speaks said beginning college at SJR State has thought her how to manage her time wisely and efficiently. “When first starting college, I did not designate my time very wisely and would often be stressfully cramming in a bunch of work at the end of the week,” Speaks said. “The greatest thing that I learned about myself at SJR State is time management.”

Also among the graduates was Denver Fulghum, 25, of Palatka, who like many, is proof that slow and steady wins the race.

After high school, Fulghum knew his future needed direction and skill sets, and he began working on his A.A. degree; however, halfway through his academic journey, he experienced a drop in motivation and withdrew from the college.

“I left SJR State after I let my grades drop. I just didn't care about school anymore,” Fulghum said. But after much encouragement from his family and friends, and the realization that an education can improve career prospects and personal fulfillment, he reapplied to the College.

“It has taken me about five years to complete it (A.A. degree),” Fulghum said. Looking back, he advises to anyone who may be “stuck” to reach out for assistance and use the resources available to them. “Don’t be afraid to ask people for help,” he said.

Fulghum said the campus advisors helped to put him on the track to not only complete his degree, but also find his next step. “They helped me find what I want to do in life and to get the rights classes for the future.” With his A.A. degree now complete, Fulghum is considering transferring to the University of North Florida to study sports management.

Fulghum said the most significant thing he has learned about himself during his collegiate journey is confidence. “It helped me know that I can do anything I put my mind to.”

A portion of the ceremony was dedicated to the Paul “Dee” Causey President’s Award. Each year, the award honors the memory of an SJR State alumnus whom Pickens described as not only his mentor, but a fearless athlete, dedicated family man and successful businessman. “Dee Causey loved the underdog, and he loved nothing more than helping the underdog succeed,” Pickens said.

Abegayl O’Hara

This year, Pickens presented the award to Abegayl O’Hara, a nursing student from the St. Augustine Campus. Nominated by nursing instructor Wendy Thomas, “Abbey exemplifies unparalleled strength, resilience, and determination qualities that have not only shaped her life, but have also prepared her to excel as a compassionate and dedicated nurse,” Thomas said.

According to Thomas, Abbey was thrust into responsibilities far beyond her years. “At just eight years old, she became the primary caregiver for her mother, who struggled with physical and mental issues,” Thomas said. “This role required her to act as a parent, providing care and stability under extremely challenging circumstances… further complicated by the absence of her biological father.”

Despite these formidable challenges, Abbey displayed extraordinary perseverance. She made the courageous decision to return to school and earn her high school diploma. Tragically, Abbey's mother passed away when Abbey was 20 and expecting her first child. Determined to create a better life for herself, her husband and two children, she began nursing school and continued to distinguish herself as a compassionate, driven, and highly capable individual.

Shelby Bork, Valedictorian Award

Florida School of the Arts acting professor Kevin Kelly

“Her experiences have endowed her with a deep empathy and an unwavering commitment to patient care,” Thomas continued. “She understands firsthand the challenges that patients and their families may face and brings a unique perspective and passion to her work, using her own journey to inspire and uplift those around her.”

Shelby Bork of Duval County was presented with the Valedictorian Award. The award is given based on grade point average and difficulty of courses. Bork plans to transfer to the University of North Florida to study behavioral neuroscience.

Florida School of the Arts acting professor Kevin Kelly was the commencement speaker.

Before joining the FloArts faculty, Kelly was a professional actor based in New York City for 25 years. NYC theater credits include the Public Theater, Manhattan Theater Club, Lincoln Center, and the Acting Company; some favorite regional credits include Arena Stage, the Guthrie, Hartford Stage, Triad Stage and Two River Theater. TV and film credits include Law & Order and multiple soap operas. Kelly holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from New York University / Tisch School of the Arts.

Kelly conveyed to the graduates the necessity of improvisation – the ability to think on your feet and follow your instincts. As a gift to the graduates, Kelly shared his four favorite rules of improv to carry out in real life:

Always respond with a “Yes, and?” - commitment to collaborate with those around you.
Be present and in the moment.
Ensure your partner is successful.
Care.

“May you be the givers of many ‘yeses’ and the recipients of many great adventures. May everyone you share your day with feel like your partner,” Kelly said.

Photos from graduation can be found on the SJR State flickr page.

More than 350 students graduated Thursday from St. Johns River State College.