College of Central Florida invites the community to an evening of poetry and music with the Cornelius Eady Trio on Tuesday, April 7, at 7 p.m. This free event in the Debra Vazquez Memorial Poetry Series will be at the Webber Center on the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road.

Eady, the recent winner of the Academy of American Poets’ prestigious Wallace Stevens Award, will read his original poems backed by two musicians playing jazz and blues. The National Book Award finalist and Pulitzer Prize nominee is the author of eight published volumes including “The Gathering of My Name” and “Brutal Imagination” and is the co-founder of Cave Canem, a nonprofit organization that supports emerging African American poets. He is known for works exploring music, family, and the challenges unique to the African American experience, with many poem titles paying homage to traditional blues, jazz and rock ‘n’ roll songs. Eady is a professor of English at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.

For more information about this event, visit CF.edu/Events.

The College of Central Florida invites the community to a ribbon cutting for the remodeled Building 19 at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road. On Thursday, April 2, at 10:30 a.m., the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership will join college officials to cut the ribbon for the newly renovated building, which will be the home of CF’s award-winning Emergency Medical Services program.

The $7 million project will provide expanded cardiac and medical simulation space for future EMTs and paramedics to gain hands-on experience in realistic settings that include an apartment, ambulance and emergency room.

Attendees will be invited to tour the classrooms and simulation labs where emergency responders will train with high-fidelity patient simulators and virtual and alternate reality technology.

RSVP requested for ribbon cutting event: CF.edu/RibbonCutting or pr@cf.edu.

For more information about CF’s Emergency Medical Services program, visit CF.edu/EMS.

Registration is now open for the Appleton’s highly anticipated Summer Art Camp — Ocala’s biggest art camp program, offering a full schedule of one- and two-week, half-day camps for ages 5-17.

Beginning the week of June 1, campers can choose from 29 themed camps designed to build real artistic skills while exploring a wide variety of media, like drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media. From celebrating the USA’s 250th birthday to fairytale-inspired adventures, clay creations, and glow-in-the-dark fun, each camp combines imagination with hands-on techniques in a supportive studio environment. It’s never too early to start planning for an art-filled summer!

New this year, early care is available from 8-9 a.m., beginning the week of July 6. Due to popular demand, additional camps have also been added for ages 5-7.

Need-based scholarships for campers are available. Scholarship application can be found at AppletonMuseum.org and submitted beginning Monday, Apr. 13.

“The Appleton provides a world-class museum environment for summer art camps,” said Jason Steuber, Appleton director. “With more than a century of combined teaching experience, our instructors offer exceptional guidance, and camps fill quickly each year. Students work with high-quality art materials as they build real skills and create their own masterpieces. It’s the perfect balance of summer learning and fun.”

Summer Art Camp is appropriate for all skill levels; no experience is necessary. Register now at AppletonMuseum.org. Discounts are available for current Appleton members at the Family/Dual Level or above. For questions about Summer Art Camp, contact AppletonEducation@cf.edu.

---

2026 Summer Art Camp Schedule

June 1-5

• Once Upon a Time (Ages 5-7), 9 a.m.-noon
  It’s a fairytale week — think queens and kings, castles, dragons, mythical forests and magical quests. $150 for Appleton members; $180 for nonmembers. Instructor: Vanessa Zumba Gonzalez.
• Paints and Prints – (Ages 8-12), 1-4 p.m. Dive into the world of painting and printmaking! Experiment with paints while learning color mixing, brush control, texture and layering. On the printmaking side, explore fun processes such as stamping, relief prints, form or cardboard printing and simple mono-prints. $150 for Appleton members; $180 for nonmembers. Instructor: Maritzabel Jauregui-Rodriguez

June 8-12

• Art Detective – A (Ages 5-7), 9 a.m.-noon
  Become an art detective at camp this week. Learn to spot clues in artwork to uncover the secrets of how artists pull off artistic magic tricks on canvas. $150 Appleton members; $180 nonmembers. Instructor: Kio Weber-Lee
• Art Detective – B (Ages 5-7), 9 a.m.-noon
  Become an art detective at camp this week. Learn to spot clues in artwork to uncover the secrets of how artists pull off artistic magic tricks on canvas. $150 Appleton members; $180 nonmembers. Instructor: Tasha Strigle
• People, Places and Things (Ages 13-17), 1-4 p.m.
  Learn to observe the world around you and transform what you see into art. Explore drawing, painting and design as you create artwork inspired by people, places and everyday objects. $150 Appleton members; $180 nonmembers. Instructor: Lisa Russo

June 15-19

• Groovy and Glowing – A (Ages 5-7), 9 a.m.-noon
  Experiment with fluorescent paints and markers as you create bold, eye-catching designs. Focus on color, pattern, and creativity, then watch your artwork come to life as it glows under black light. $150 Appleton members; $180 nonmembers. Instructor: Kio Weber-Lee
• Groovy and Glowing – B (Ages 5-7), 9 a.m.-noon
  Experiment with fluorescent paints and markers as you create bold, eye-catching designs. Focus on color, pattern, and creativity, then watch your artwork come to life as it glows under black light. $150 Appleton members; $180 nonmembers. Instructor: Melle Broaderick
• Painting Possibilities (Ages 8-12), 1-4 p.m.
  Spend a week discovering new painting techniques while creating with acrylics, watercolor and mixed media. $150 Appleton members; $180 nonmembers. Instructor: Elisa Adelman-Rodriguez

June 22-26

• Space Cadet – A (Ages 5-7), 9 a.m.-noon
  Calling all intergalactic explorers — prepare for lift off! You’re headed to a galaxy of your own creation in a miniature space vehicle you design. Your artwork will be out of this world! $150 Appleton members; $180 nonmembers. Instructor: Maritzabel Jauregui-Rodriguez
• Space Cadet – B (Ages 5-7), 9 a.m.-noon
  Calling all intergalactic explorers — prepare for lift off! You’re headed to a galaxy of your own creation in a miniature space vehicle you design. Your artwork will be out of this world! $150 Appleton members; $180 nonmembers. Instructor: Kio Weber-Lee
• Mini Art (Ages 8-12), 1-4 p.m.
  Big creativity comes in tiny sizes! Explore the world of miniature art by creating small-scale paintings, sculptures, and tiny mixed-media projects. Using detail-focused techniques and imaginative materials, young artists learn that even the smallest artwork can tell a big story. Perfect for artists who love precision, imagination, and hands-on fun. $150 Appleton members; $180 nonmembers. Instructor: Tasha Strigle

June 29-July 3

• Color Carnival (Ages 5-7), 9 a.m.-noon
  What’s your favorite color? Celebrate color and creativity this week as you explore fun, hands-on art projects using a variety of materials and plenty of vibrant color! $150 Appleton members; $180 nonmembers. Instructor: Vanessa Zumba-Gonzalez
• Star-Spangled Art (Ages 8-12), 9 a.m.-noon
  Join us for a fun, creativity-packed art camp that celebrates imagination through a red, white and blue lens. Campers will explore a variety of art forms — drawing, painting, sculpture and mixed media — while being inspired by American symbols, history, landmarks and heroes. $150 Appleton members; $180 nonmembers. Instructor: Jeanne Baines
• America the Beautiful (Ages 8-12), 1-4 p.m.
  Celebrate the landscapes, symbols and stories of the United States. Through drawing, painting, collage, and mixed media, campers will explore what makes America unique. Projects may be inspired by famous American artists, wildlife, and the natural beauty found across the country. $150 Appleton members; $180 nonmembers. Instructor: Jeanne Baines

July 6-10

• Meet the Artist (Ages 8-12), 9 a.m.-noon
  Through art and stories, pint-sized Picassos will be introduced to a new artist each day and experience a variety of materials while making art. $150 Appleton members; $180 nonmembers. Instructor: Ashley Condie
• Funky Sculpture (Ages 8-12), 1-4 p.m.
  Do you like to make 3D art? Work with an assortment of fun and unconventional materials this week to make sculptures. $150 Appleton members; $180 nonmembers. Instructor: E. Marie Fielding

July 6-17 (Two-Week Camp)

• Dig Into Clay (Ages 8-12), 9 a.m.-noon
  In this two-week camp, learn the basics of hand building with clay and the art of glazing. Pinch pot, coil pot and slab construction will be used to make fun pieces to take home. $300 Appleton members; $360 nonmembers. Instructor: Jamie Roche

July 13-17

• Glow Up (Ages 5-7), 9 a.m.-noon
  Unleash your creativity as you craft art that pops and glows under black light. Watch your artwork light up the dark! $150 Appleton members; $180 nonmembers. Instructor: Ashley Condie
• Outdoor Painting (Ages 13-17), 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Off-site at CF Vintage Farm
  Leave the classroom behind and explore CF’s Center for Agricultural Innovation at Vintage Farm as your painting studio. We’ll take portable easels and paints outside to practice your painting skills “en plein air,” or, in the open air. Please note, the class also may work indoors, depending upon the weather. $170 Appleton members; $200 nonmembers. Instructor: Jordan Shapot
• Imagine Asia (Ages 8-12), 1-4 p.m.
  Get inspired by the world’s largest continent and create art influenced by a variety of Asian cultures. Paint a fan with ink, print decorative tile designs, and more. $150 Appleton members; $180 nonmembers. Instructor: E. Marie Fielding

July 20-24

• Critter Fun (Ages 5-7), 9 a.m.-noon
  Cute, cuddly, and even creepy animals are the focus this week. Using a variety of materials to make art you’ll go home with your own zoo collection. $150 Appleton members; $180 nonmembers. Instructor: Melle Broaderick
• Magic Makers (Ages 8-12), 9 a.m.-noon
  Journey into the world of mythical and magical creatures. Make imaginative works of art based on stories and tales, creating your own artistic versions of the Kraken, mermaids, and phoenixes. $150 Appleton members; $180 nonmembers. Instructor: Hillary Ovalle
• Artsy Science (Ages 8-12), 1-4 p.m.
  Creative and curious about your world? Engage in hands-on activities that combine creative art with scientific concepts like color, motion and pattern. Learn about Escher’s tessellations, Calder’s mobiles and the science of color. $150 Appleton members; $180 nonmembers. Instructor: Deborah Horvath

July 27-31

• Shells and Sandcastles (Ages 5-7), 9 a.m.-noon
  This week, create art influenced by the secrets of the sea. Imagine yourself snorkeling through the beautiful water — what treasures would you discover? Make a sandcastle, fish prints and create art with shells. $150 Appleton members; $180 nonmembers. Instructor: Melle Broaderick
• Animal-topia (Ages 8-12), 9 a.m.-noon
  Run wild in this colorful adventure where creativity meets the animal kingdom! Each day focuses on a different habitat of Animal-topia (jungle, ocean, savanna, arctic, or fantasy land). $150 Appleton members; $180 nonmembers. Instructor: Michelle Wetz
• Fantastic Voyages (Ages 8-12), 1-4 p.m.
  Blast off into outer space and dive deep beneath the waves in this imagination-packed art camp! Young artists become explorers as they create dazzling artwork inspired by distant galaxies and mysterious ocean worlds. No passport required, just creativity. $150 Appleton members; $180 nonmembers. Instructor: Michel Yeuell

August 3-7

• Cats and Dogs (Ages 5-7), 9 a.m.-noon
  Calling all animal lovers! Celebrate your favorite furry friends through playful, hands-on art projects. Campers will explore drawing, painting and mixed media while creating adorable cats, goofy dogs, paw prints, pet portraits and imaginative animal scenes. $150 Appleton members; $180 nonmembers. Instructor: Veronica Eason
• Pharaohs and Pyramids (Ages 8-12), 9 a.m.-noon
  Imagine sailing down the Nile River and discovering Egyptian art from the time of the pharaohs! What might you find inside the pyramids — mummies, masks, or even a sarcophagus? Create your own ancient-inspired treasures as you explore history and art this week. $150 Appleton members; $180 nonmembers. Instructor: Michel Yeuell
• Pixels and Blocks (Ages 8-12), 1-4 p.m.
  Grab inspiration from your favorite block-based video game in a world of pixels, blocks, creativity and imagination! Build your own universe while exploring new art techniques with like-minded enthusiasts. $150 Appleton members; $180 nonmembers. Instructor: Deborah Horvath

The Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month. A campus of the College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on SR 40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). Parking is free. For more information, call 352-291-4455 or visit AppletonMuseum.org.

Two College of Central Florida honor students have been awarded scholarships from Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Yongxing Lin was named a 2026 New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar and will receive a $2,750 scholarship. Lisette Koehner was chosen as a 2026 Oberndorf Lifeline to Completion Scholar and will receive a $1,500 scholarship.

Lin was selected as the only student from Florida among more than 2,300 national nominees, and he received the highest score in the state in the Phi Theta Kappa fall scholarship competition. He will be recognized at the Phi Theta Kappa Catalyst 2026 annual convention in Baltimore, Maryland on March 27. His award was based on academic accomplishments, leadership, activities, and extension of intellectual talents beyond the classroom. The New Century Transfer Pathway program is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Foundation and the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, with additional support provided by Phi Theta Kappa.

Koehner’s scholarship is designed to help hardworking, high-achieving students complete an associate degree. Named after benefactors Rosemary and Lou Oberndorf, the Oberndorf Lifeline to Completion scholarship helps Phi Theta Kappa members overcome unanticipated financial barriers preventing completion of their first college certificate or associate degree. Lou Oberndorf is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation board of trustees.

Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and is made up of more than 4 million members in 11 countries. To learn more about the College of Central Florida chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, visit CF.edu/Honors.

College of Central Florida invites current middle and high school students to learn how to earn college credits through the CF Dual Enrollment program. Students and parents can get details about this opportunity to earn college credits and even complete a college degree while in high school and will hear from a panel of current students. Attendees are invited to come early for a campus tour and pizza.

The Dual Enrollment Discovery Night on Tuesday, March 10, 5-7 p.m. at the CF Ocala Campus Ewers Century Center, 3001 S.W. College Road, will feature: welcome and pizza, 5-5:30 p.m.; opening presentation and parent Q&A, 5:30-6 p.m.; program presentations, 6-6:20 p.m.; and student panel discussion, 6:20-6:50 p.m. Registration is requested at CF.edu/DESessions.

About the College of Central Florida:
The College of Central Florida is committed to providing a full range of educational programs, offering high-quality, affordable education across three counties and online. CF offers more than 170 academic pathways in a variety of fields to prepare students for meaningful careers and successful futures.

The College of Central Florida invites the community to the fiercely hilarious live musical production of “Mean Girls,” on stage April 9-12 at the Dassance Fine Arts Center, 3001 S.W. College Road.

CF is one of the first colleges to stage the Tony Award-nominated musical adapted from Tina Fey’s hit 2004 film that takes a deep dive into the popularity pecking order of suburban high school.

“It’s exciting for our students to take on a show this advanced,” said RJ Magee, CF associate professor of theatre and the musical’s director. “There’s tons of singing and dancing, set and scene changes. We’re really proud of this very professional effort, and it’s truly an interdisciplinary project, with participants and faculty from the entire visual and performing arts department and students from all different academic pathways.”

The cast of 24 students on stage will be supported by many other students in technical and backstage roles. Dr. Jason Longtin, professor of music and department chair for visual and performing arts, is the show’s music director; dance instructor Justine McDaniel is the choreographer; Abigail Stallings, assistant professor of digital media, is the costume designer; and Allen Venezio, associate professor of music, directs the orchestra.

Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 9-11, and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 12. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for non-CF students and can be purchased at cf.universitytickets.com or by calling 352-873-5810. Tickets are free for CF students, faculty and staff with valid I.D. For more information about CF Visual and Performing Arts events, visit CF.edu/Arts.

The College of Central Florida is in the midst of its largest workforce education expansion, and is proud to contribute to Florida’s achievement as the No. 1 state in the nation for workforce education. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Feb. 17 that the milestone has fulfilled Executive Order 19-31 five years ahead of the 2030 goal. The governor’s more than $12 billion commitment to workforce education supports many of the industry-driven, high-demand career pathways that CF offers for local students.

“We are proud to say that College of Central Florida graduates get jobs, not debt,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, CF president. “Thanks to support from Governor DeSantis, Commissioner of Education Kamoutsas, and our state legislators, the unprecedented growth of our workforce education programs is a win-win-win for students, employers and residents of the Marion-Citrus-Levy tricounty area. As the partnership college, we benefit from strong local support, and CF has received more than $31 million from local industry to supplement legislative funding over the past five years.”

The opening of CF’s completely renovated Allied Health Sciences building in 2023 was just the start of a facilities expansion for the workforce training programs that drive our local economy. The brand-new AdventHealth Center for Nursing opened in early 2025. This April, CF will reopen the renovated Building 19, the new home for its award-winning Emergency Medical Services programs. Later this year, the college will premier its Advanced Manufacturing Center, funded by a $4.9 million Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant from the Florida Legislature. Also this year, CF will break ground for a brand-new Center for Criminal Justice. The college’s Center for Agricultural Innovation at Vintage Farm has received half the needed funding from the state legislature to move forward with construction of a new $9.8 million Center for Agricultural Sciences.

Enrollment in CF’s workforce education programs has increased by 25% in the past seven years, and the addition of new programs gives students more opportunities than ever to train for the careers that are in high demand with local employers. CF launched new programs in Hospitality and Tourism, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Network Security in fall 2025 to prepare graduates for success with our area’s top employers. The Artificial Intelligence Awareness certificate program now in its first semester provides students with the technical and analytical skills needed to excel in the rapidly evolving field of AI. And, this fall, CF will begin Florida’s first Associate in Science degree in Precision Agriculture, designed to prepare the high-tech agribusiness workforce of the future and strengthened by statewide support by UF-IFAS.

In his announcement, Gov. DeSantis noted the strength of our state’s educational structure.

“Florida has built an education system that delivers outcomes, opens doors to high-wage careers, and strengthens our state’s long-term prosperity. Workforce education is a crucial part of this effort,” said Gov. DeSantis. “We made historic investments in the career and technical education pathways that help young people prepare for in-demand jobs and attract investment our state. Florida is now the No. 1 state in the country for workforce education – years ahead of the 2030 target I set in my Executive Order.”

Florida Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas regularly champions workforce education.

“Florida’s rise to the No. 1 state in the nation for workforce education is no accident. It reflects Governor DeSantis’ vision and strategic investment in expanding workforce pathways for students,” said Commissioner Kamoutsas. “Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida has built a workforce education system that delivers outcomes, opens doors to high-wage careers, and strengthens the state’s long-term economic success.”

A $2.3 million gift from the Marion County Hospital District to the College of Central Florida Foundation completes the funding needed for CF’s new AdventHealth Center for Nursing, which opened in January 2025. The check was presented by Curt Bromund, CEO of the Marion County Hospital District, to the college’s District Board of Trustees at the Jan. 28 meeting.

“The College of Central Florida is very thankful for the hospital district’s continued support of our efforts to fill the ranks of health care workers in our region,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, CF president. “These funds, along with support from AdventHealth Ocala, the Florida Legislature, the Marion County Board of Commissioners and others made our state-of-the-art nursing education center a reality for our community’s next generation of nursing professionals.”

This is the most recent of multiple gifts the hospital district has made to aid CF in expanding health care education as the college responds to the region’s growing need for nurses and allied health professionals. Enrollment in CF’s Health Sciences programs is up more than 12% for the Spring 2026 semester, and over the past few years, graduates of CF’s Registered Nurse Associate in Science program have achieved a 98% job placement rate.

For more information about CF’s award-winning Debbie Ressler Nursing Program or the AdventHealth Center for Nursing, visit CF.edu/Nursing.

College of Central Florida campuses will be closed for Washington’s birthday on Monday, Feb. 16, as part of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ statewide commemoration of America’s 250th birthday.

On-campus and online courses and activities on Feb. 16 will be cancelled, and the CF Post Office on the Ocala Campus also will be closed. Some off-site clinical activities may continue with regular schedule.

“CF is proud to be a part of celebrating our nation’s 250th anniversary and honoring America’s first president,” said Dr. Jim Henningsen, CF president. “This holiday provides our students, faculty and staff with an opportunity to enjoy the Washington Birthday events held throughout the state.”

The college is planning several other events and activities throughout this year in honor of the American Semiquincentennial, including a special exhibit at the Appleton Museum of Art, a Constitution Day event and guest speakers.

The college will reopen Tuesday, Feb. 17.

For more information, call the Ocala Campus at 352-873-5800, Wilton Simpson Citrus Campus at 352-746-6721, or Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus at 352-658-4077.