NAMIC Mutual Insurance Foundation gives Sydney Stenson $5,000

Ridgeview student wins scholarship toward degree at South Carolina

ORANGE PARK – The NAMIC Mutual Insurance Foundation recently selected Sydney Stenson of Orange Park as the recipient of the $5,000 Harford Mutual Insurance Company Scholarship to help offset educational expenses as she continues to pursue a degree in risk management/insurance and finance at the University of South Carolina.
“It is unmistakable that Sydney’s hard work, determination, and dedication will serve her well in her future insurance career endeavors,” said Neil Alldredge, NMIF executive director and the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies’ senior vice president of corporate affairs. “Sydney exemplifies the characteristics and qualities that will lead to very successful career.”
The NMIF scholarship program was created by the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies for deserving college juniors and seniors who are working toward a degree in insurance/risk management or an ancillary degree in subjects such as general business, finance, computer technology, or predictive analytics/modeling.
“The industry is facing a wave of retirements among insurance professionals across the country, yet less than five percent of college students are considering insurance as a viable career choice. Even fewer know about or understand the mutual difference,” said Steve Linkous, president/CEO of Harford Mutual. “To close the talent gap, NMIF took up the mantle to raise the profile of the mutual insurance industry among the college faculty and student populations. We believe that once they learn about mutuals they will appreciate the work we do and will promote or consider mutual companies as a career option.”

Financial institutions partner with St. Leo for free webinar

OAKLEAF – Going to college as an adult comes with all kinds of concerns, but one of the largest is: How will I pay for classes and earn my degree? Saint Leo University’s Jacksonville Education Center is partnering with some local financial institutions to help answer that question and more.
Figuring Out Financial Aid, a free virtual seminar, will be held 5-6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 1, and will feature VyStar Credit Union, JAXUSA Partnership and David Kleinik, Primerica financial advisor, to talk about popular financing options and answer questions.
All adult learners and those thinking about obtaining a college degree are welcome to attend and learn more about the types of aid packages that are available. Everyone is welcome. Register by going to bit.ly/financialevent. This event requires you to log in using your free Zoom account. To create a Zoom account, please visit Zoom.us. For more information, contact patrisha.stalnaker@saintleo.edu.
Saint Leo University’s Jacksonville Education Center is in the Oakleaf Town Center, 9775 Crosshill Blvd. The center is enrolling now for the Fall 2 Semester. For information, email jacksonville@saintleo.edu or call (904) 771-7825.

SJR State to hold ‘FAFSA Frenzy’ financial aid night on Oct. 13

ORANGE PARK – St. St. Johns River State College is encouraging potential students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is the first and most important step in applying for financial aid. SJR State will hold “FASFA Frenzy” on the Orange Park campus on Tuesday, Oct. 13 from 6-8 p.m. The event will provide free assistance to families applying for college financial aid.
Potential students intending to enroll in college during the 2021-22 academic year are encouraged to complete the form as soon as possible, as some funds are awarded on an as-needed basis while others are awarded first-come, first-served.
SJR State will follow CDC guidelines during the event. Each station will be cleaned between visits.
Masks will be required for all attendees and social distancing will be observed.
All visitors must take a health assessment upon arrival.
During the event, current and potential students can participate in:
• FREE step-by-step instructions for completing and submitting the FAFSA, along with the Florida Financial Aid Application. Computers will be provided.
• Financial aid presentations
To complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, students/parents will need to bring the following:
• Social Security Number
• Driver's License Number
• Alien Registration Number (if not a U.S. citizen)
• Most recent federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned. (Note: You may be able to transfer your federal tax return information into your FAFSA using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.)
• Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
• Records of untaxed income (if applicable)
Filling out the FAFSA doesn't obligate students to a particular career track or college.

Orange Park’s Stewart graduates from Valdosta State

VALDOSTA, Ga. – Valdosta State University is proud to announce MaKaylan Stewart of Orange Park as one of its members of its graduating class of Summer 2020.
Established in 1906, Valdosta State University is a premier comprehensive university that offers both the extensive academic, cultural, and social opportunities of a major university and the small classes and close, personal attention of smaller institutions. VSU boasts more than 100 degree, certificate, and endorsement programs on campus and online for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as a full menu of extracurricular activities, from national championship athletic and academic teams to honors organizations, sororities and fraternities, intramural sports, educational and service clubs, a symphony orchestra, art and theatre, research opportunities and more.

FI’s Heineman, Horan on Georgia Southern’s President’s List

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Georgia Southern University recently recognized approximately 2,800 students for excellence in academics on the Spring 2020 President's List, including Tyler Heineman and Meagan Horan of Fleming Island.
To be eligible for the President's List, a student must have at least a 4.0 grade point average and carry a minimum of 12 hours for the semester.

Local pair graduate from University of Alabama

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. The University of Alabama awarded some 1,345 degrees during its summer commencement July 31 - Aug. 2, including Fleming Island’s Allie McCarthy with a Bachelor of Science degree in athletic training and Orange Park’s Shyada Taylor with a Bachelor of Science in nursing.
With a beautiful campus, dozens of challenging academic programs, expert faculty and numerous opportunities for service and growth, The University of Alabama is a place where legends are made.

Orange Park’s Williamson on Alabama’s Dean’s Dean

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – William E. Williamson Jr. of Orange Park was selected to The University of Alabama Deans List for summer 2020.
A total of 506 students enrolled during the 2020 summer term at UA were named to the Dean's List with an academic record of 3.5 or above or the President's List with an academic record of 4.0.
The UA Dean's and President's lists recognize full-time undergraduate students. The lists do not apply to graduate students or to undergraduate students who take less than a full course load.

Middleburg’s Hargraves joins Kappa Delta at Troy

TROY, Ala. – Hannah Hargraves of Middleburg has joined Kappa Delta sorority at Troy University during the fall 2020 semester at the Troy Campus.
This year's Sorority Recruitment, held by the TROY Panhellenic Council, welcomed nearly 300 women to Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Gamma Delta, Alpha Omicron Pi, Chi Omega, Kappa Delta and Phi Mu sororities.

Middleburg’s Wynn on Valdosta State’s Dean's List

VALDOSTA, Ga. – Valdosta State University congratulates Cassidy Wynn of Middleburg for earning a spot on the Summer 2020 Dean's List.
Dean's List honors are reserved for the highest achieving students at VSU. Wynn is one of more than 300 distinguished and accomplished students recognized for exemplifying excellence in the attainment of their educational goals.
To qualify for Dean's List at VSU, students must achieve a semester grade point average of 3.50 or higher on nine or more semester hours with an institutional grade point average of 3.00 or higher. Please note that developmental studies, transient, and graduate students are not eligible for Dean's List status.