PRESS RELEASE
JUNE 26, 2023
Florida School of the Arts honors graduates
Natalie Drake
Beth Butler Lambert
Florida School of the Arts recently bid farewell to graduates now on their way to pursue careers on stage, in art galleries or behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. Many will continue their education at universities before pursuing their niche in the arts. The College honored students who received their associate degrees in the visual and performing arts at the St. Johns River State College Palatka campus.
Outstanding graduates were also recognized during the ceremony. The Outstanding Graduate for Performing Arts Award was presented to Sydney Sheffield, who will embark on a career in theater in New York.
Juliana Callison, who plans to work in the field of animation while completing her A.A. degree, was the recipient of the Outstanding Graduate for Visual Arts Award.
Musical theater student Natalie Drake, recipient of the Outstanding Graduate for Academic Achievement Award, will transfer to the University of North Florida to pursue a degree in public relations.
Beth Butler Lambert, former Executive Director of the Limelight Theatre in St. Augustine, delivered the commencement speech.
The 2023 degree candidates were Crystal Addison, Todd Allen, Juliana Callison, Theresa Castelli, Kolben Clayton, Madelyn Considine, Tara Cooper, Natalie Drake, Amanda Gazy, Lake Chelsey, Gracyn Levine, Erika Medrano, Pablo Montenegro, Hannah Seyler, Sydney Sheffield, and McKayla Whiteside.
Photos from the ceremony can be found at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/sjrstate/albums/72177720309332817
Florida School of the Arts is part of the academic and administrative structure of SJR State and awards the two-year associate degree in the following areas of study: visual art, stage management, dance performance, theater technology, acting and musical theater. The School serves the entire state of Florida. Admission is based on an audition or portfolio review, an interview with the faculty and admission to SJR State.
Students produce and perform in approximately four visual arts exhibitions and 10 performances each year. For more information about Florida School of the Arts call 386-312-4300 or visit online at SJRstate/floarts.
Florida School of the Arts graduates
MEDIA CONTACTS
Michelle Sjogren
Assistant Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Strategic Communications
(904) 276-6814
Susan Kessler
Director of Public Relations and Marketing
(386) 312-4021