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Stew Lilker’s

Columbia County Observer

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County/N Central FL News

Florida College System Scholar Student of the Month, FGC's Jamie Weaver, a Single Mom

COLUMBIA COUNTY, N. CENTRAL FL – Just announced, the June 2016 Chancellor's Clark Maxwell Scholar Student of the Month is FGC's Jamie Weaver, a Health Information Technology major and single mom.

Florida Gateway College (formerly Lake City Community College) is located on the eastern outskirts of Columbia County and opens the door to higher education and career advancement for the surrounding rural counties of Baker, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, and Union. Florida Gateway College (FGC) is a part of the 28 member Florida College System which enrolls 813,000 students.

Chancellor's Award

The Chancellor’s Clark Maxwell Scholar Student of the Month Award recognizes one student each month who demonstrates leadership skills, academic success, and/or commitment to community service through their involvement in the Florida College System.

Jamie Weaver told the Observer, "I moved around a lot when I was growing up. I went to primary school in South Carolina and then we did Colorado for a while, where I did my first two years of high school. Then we moved to Suwannee County so my parents could take care of my grandfather. I did two years at Branford High School."

Nomination

A student is nominated for the Florida College System Scholar Student of the Month by a staff member at the school which he/she attends.

FGC's Amy Dekle nominated Ms. Weaver. Ms. Deckle explained, "This student has an excellent GPA, dedicated mother, caregiver to her aging parents, student leader, and volunteer."


Ms. Weaver and daughter Lexi on graduation day.

Ms. Deckle continued, "Jamie is the Legislative Liaison for Student Government. This year Jamie volunteered over 250 hours with the Girl Scouts, Lad’s Soup Kitchen, and the Salvation Army. In addition to her volunteer hours Jamie spearheaded the effort that collected over 150 blankets and jackets for the homeless. Jamie represents her fellow students on the following committees: Campus Appeals Board, Facilities Committee, Financial Aid Committee, and the Textbook Committee. Jamie is an excellent student to sit on these committees, because she is never fearful to voice her fellow student’s opinion. Jamie’s most important role is that of being a single mom to her daughter Lexi and being the main caregiver to her aging parents. Jamie takes on all of these above responsibilities and still maintains a 3.67 GPA."

Ms. Weaver told the Observer that she graduated from FGC in May and her application was submitted while she was still a student.

The Observer asked, "Are you going to go on for a four year degree?" 

Ms. Weaver said that she is already enrolled in St. Leo and is beginning in August for her undergraduate degree in Health Care Management. 

She added, "Then I could transfer and get a masters degree."

The Value of an Education: Advice From the Winner

The Observer asked, "If you were to give someone advice about continuing their education, what would it be? You found a value in education. What is your advice to someone who wanted to stop going to school after high school?"

Ms. Weaver answered, "They should stick with it, because the opportunities that come from having an education are entirely different from not getting your education. You are setting yourself up for a very hard life if you quit on your education." 

Via email Ms. Weaver added, "For years I wanted to continue my education, even though life had other ideas. One day I decided I was going to do it and I jumped right in."  

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