Graduations, donations and more: Good news in Ocala/Marion County | June 12, 2022
Area students excel in higher education
University graduates
Andrew Paraiso, Ocala, Bachelor of Arts degree, College of the Holy Cross
Carter Gibb, Ocala, graduated Cum Laude, Bachelor of Arts degree in English, College of Charleston
Shanti Alexander, Ocala, an undergraduate degree, Troy University
Queciana Y. Walton, Ocala, Bachelor of Science degree in marketing, Jacksonville State University
Anna Ross, Ocala, graduated Magna Cum Laude, Bachelor of Arts degree, political science, minor in environmental science, American University
True dedication: At Ocala's Zone Health and Fitness, the athletes made Memorial Day count
Downtown Ocala restaurant news: Mark's Prime Steakhouse has new owner; upgrades planned
'I specifically was not in the loop': Don Browning spars with other Marion school board members
Dean’s List
Spencer Kyle Truman, Ocala, studying criminal justice, Iowa State University
Honor Roll
Carrie Combs, Ocala, studying for a Bachelor of Science degree in medical imaging, Mercy College of Ohio
Hospice of Marion County makes final wishes come true
Hospice of Marion County recently helped two patients fulfill dreams. These summaries come from a hospice news release:
• Dominik, a patient at the E. W. and Lucille Cates House, has a rare genetic disorder that typically claims its victims by age 10. He has wanted to be in the Army since he was old enough to recognize what it does.
Medical Social Worker Desiree Kelley and HMC Director of Volunteers and Veteran Support Beverly Lafferty arranged a celebration where soldiers presented Dominik with a cap, shirt, patches, dog tags, toys and multiple pins.
Hospice also arranged for a veteran recognition ceremony performed by Tom Howard, an HMC volunteer.
• Susan and her partner, Bryce, were together for 14 years and had discussed getting married before she died. Hospice Medical Social Workers Desiree Kelley and Hannah Stuckey planned a wedding at the E. W. and Lucille Cates House.
Chef Jose Cortez picked a cake; the Jasmine Thrift Store team and nurses helped pick an outfit; and Chaplain Herb Agee performed the bedside ceremony.
“The wedding may not have been official with the State of Florida, but it was more than enough for our patient and her partner and that’s all that matters,” Kelley said.
Pace Center for Girls receives $10,000 grant from State Farm Insurance agent Angie Lewis
Pace Center for Girls, Marion, representatives received a $10,000 grant from State Farm Insurance agent Angie Lewis recently as part of State Farm Outstanding Community Engagement Program, according to a press release from the insurance company.
“I know firsthand that the work Pace does creates brighter futures,” Lewis said in the release. She nominated and selected Pace Marion to receive the grant. “I’m honored to present Pace Marion with funding that will benefit and empower our community’s next generation of young women.”
With more than 1,000 girls served in Marion County since 2001, Pace is a transformational program that empowers girls to reach their highest potential and shows them that a life of love, success, and happiness is possible for them, the release said.
Dunnellon Community Thrift Shop donates $1,000 to the Community Garden
Dunnellon Community Thrift Shop volunteers Jan Salter and Danna Moore recently presented a $1,000 check to Jon Brainard, the Community Garden manager, according to a press release from Joann McCullough, publicity/donations for the Thrift Shop.
The 27 raised beds of the Community Garden are located on the grounds of the Boys & Girls Club and are farmed by both club members and by members of the community, who can rent a plot for the year for $25.
The money donated by the Thrift Shop will be used to update the plumbing system and to purchase rain barrels, the release said.
Dunnellon Community Thrift Shop donates $1,000 to Williston Animal Group
Dunnellon Community Thrift Shop volunteers Tony Tatarka and Georgi Gunnell recently donated $1,000 to Williston Animal Group President Carol Tchebanoff, according to a news release from Joann McCullough, publicity/donations for the Thrift Shop.
The money will be used to help pay veterinary bills incurred by the 501(c)(3) organization as it prepares the dogs rescued from area kill shelters for permanent adoption, the release said.
WAG is a canine-only shelter operated by loyal animal loving volunteers, the release said. The organization normally has 10-12 dogs in residence that were rescued from often horrific situations and are in need of both TLC and vet attention, the release said.
Ocala Licensed Practical Nurse earns statewide award
Ocala licensed practical nurse Roxanne Acosta was recently honored as the 2022 LPN of the Year at the Florida Health Care Association’s 2022 Excellence in Long Term Care Nursing Awards, according to an association press release.
Acosta, who has 14 years of service in long term care and 40 years of experience as a nurse, has served in various capacities and is currently the quality assurance director at Palm Health Management in Ocala, known locally as Palm Garden.
“[Roxy] gives 110% of herself to everyone every day,” Waylene Close, director of clinical services at Palm Health Management, said in the release. Close nominated Acosta for this award. “She will never disappoint you and will always try to help. She has been there, done that, and is not afraid to tell you how something should be done in a
way that is uniquely Roxy’s.”
Local teen will compete in National American Miss Florida Junior Teen pageant
Serena Coulton has been chosen as a Florida State Finalist for the Junior Teen National American Miss Pageant, according to an email from her mother, Cristina Ballenger.
She will be competing in Orlando on July 15 in the Community Service Project, Public Speaking during Personal Introduction, Poise and Presentation in Formal Wear, and Personality During an Interview categories.
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This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: List of good news in Ocala, Florida includes student achievements
