KEY WEST, FL, May 12, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) marked a landmark moment in its history Friday, May 8, when it held its 72nd Commencement. For the first time in the College’s history, two ceremonies were needed to honor more than 150 graduates in CFK’s spring class of 2026. The celebrations, held at the Tennessee Williams Theatre on CFK’s Key West Campus, coincided with two notable anniversaries: CFK’s 60th year and the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Student Voices
Jessica Rojas, who earned her Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management, delivered the student address at the morning ceremony. Araceli Dominguez, who received her Associate in Science in Nursing, spoke at the afternoon ceremony.

Yesenia Bathelmy, who earned her Associate in Science in Nursing, performed the national anthem at both ceremonies.

2026 Distinguished Alumnus
Dr. Christina Belotti, who earned her Associate in Arts from CFK in 2004, was named the 2026 Distinguished Alumnus and addressed graduates at both ceremonies. An educator for nearly 20 years, Dr. Belotti has served the Keys’ community teaching at Sugarloaf School and Marathon Middle High School. Outside the classroom, she supports the MHS Student Government Association, Take Stock in Children, and Champions for Change, and serves on the board of the Educational Coalition for Monroe County.

Keynote Address
Tim Stockwell, “Papa 2025” of the Hemingway Look-Alike Society, delivered the keynote address at both ceremonies. Mr. Stockwell is active in the Keys’ community and serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors for Sloppy Joe’s Foundation. He and his fellow Papas and Mamas work tirelessly to support CFK. For nearly 27 years, they have supported the educational dreams of over 300 CFK students with over $250,000 in scholarships. The Hemingway Look-Alike Society now has the largest endowment at CFK, at $750,000.

Honoring Our Nurses
CFK Nursing instructor Laura Cox pinned nursing graduates and Interim Dean of Nursing, Arts, Science, and Hospitality Michelle Fortney led graduates in the Florence Nightingale Nursing Oath, a time-honored tradition marking their entry into the profession. Upon passing the NCLEX-RN national licensure exam, each will become a registered nurse. CFK’s NCLEX-RN pass rate consistently ranks well above state and national averages.

2026 Instructor of the Year – It’s a Tie!
Nursing instructors Laura Cox and Michelle Ho were both awarded CFK’s Instructor of the Year. At the end of each semester, the students vote for an outstanding professor to be recognized at graduation.

A Class Full of Stories
The Class of 2026 reflected the notable range of students CFK serves. Among the graduates were six students from the Project ACCESS program for students with intellectual disabilities, and one alumnus of the program who returned to complete a Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management. Thirteen Dual Enrollment students from Monroe County high schools received associate degrees and/or certificates. The class also included siblings who earned their Associate in Science in Nursing simultaneously, and two international students who completed their degrees.

Honoring CFK’s Pioneers
In recognition of CFK’s 60th anniversary, two alumni among the College’s earliest graduates received honorary degrees:

• Joey Garcia, who earned his Associate in Arts in 1967, was awarded an honorary Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management.
• Judi Knowles Vaeth, one of the very first students to receive an Associate of Arts in 1966, was honored with an honorary Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

The full commencement ceremony can be viewed on the College’s Facebook page at facebook.com/TheCollegeoftheFloridaKeys.
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CFK’s summer semester begins May 18. Information about academic programs, steps to become a student, and ways to pay for college can be viewed on the College’s website at CFK.edu/FutureStudents.

​Students and parents invited to virtual info session on May 20

KEY WEST, FL, May 7, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) invites Monroe County high school students and their parents to learn how Dual Enrollment can provide a head start on college. CFK will host a virtual information session on Wednesday, May 20 at 5:30 p.m. to present the advantages of taking Dual Enrollment classes, requirements to participate, and the application process.

Through Dual Enrollment at any CFK location, high school students can simultaneously earn college and high school credits at no cost to the student, potentially saving their families thousands of dollars.

Interested students and parents can sign up for the event and learn more about the Dual Enrollment program by visiting the CFK’s website at [www.CFK.edu/DE]www.CFK.edu/DE.
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For more information, contact Marissa Owens, Manager of Recruitment, at [email protected] or 305-809-3207.

KEY WEST, FL, May 5, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys’ (CFK) Institute for Public Safety (IPS) held a graduation ceremony for Basic Law Enforcement Academy #94 on May 1 at Coral Shores High School Auditorium. Nineteen cadets successfully completed the 770-hour training program at CFK’s Upper Keys Center. Graduates are eligible to become a Florida Law Enforcement Officer upon passing the state certification exam. Three graduates have already passed the exam and four have secured employment including:

• Oscar Felipe - Miami Springs Police Department
• Anthony Maldonado - Miami Dade Schools Police Department
• Edward Morado - Miami Dade Schools Police Department
• Kenneth Lloyd - Miami Dade Schools Police Department

Cathy Torres, CFK Director of IPS, recognized top performing graduates with accolades. Emmanuel Diaz received the leadership, academic, and “Top Gun” shooting skills awards. The physical fitness award was shared by Eduardo Odio and Alexis Santos, while the “PIG” award, which recognizes pride, integrity, and guts, went to Adamari Salto.


CFK’s law enforcement officer program satisfies the training requirements of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. Two upcoming law enforcement training academies are: 
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• Basic Law Enforcement Academy #97, at the Upper Keys Center, running May 2026 through April 2027
• Basic Law Enforcement Academy #98, at the Key West Campus, running May through November 2026

For more information about CFK’s IPS, visit the College’s website at https://www.cfk.edu/academics/academic-departments/institute-for-public-safety/. 

KEY WEST, FL, April 29, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) will honor the lives and legacy of fallen heroes, veterans, and active-duty military service members and their families with a ceremony on Thursday, May 21 at 1 p.m. on the Key West Campus. The community is invited to attend the free event, “A 250-Year Salute to American Heroes,” held in observance of National Military Appreciation Month and Memorial Day.

The ceremony will open with an invocation by U.S. Army veteran, former chaplain, and CFK Marine Engineering instructor Ed Coy. CFK President Dr. Jonathan Gueverra will present his Memorial Day Salute, an annual tradition that recognizes a late veteran and member of the CFK Family. High school students from the CFK Academy will perform the national anthem. College leaders will also raise an American flag that was flown over the Capitol in Washington D.C. in honor of CFK’s 60th Anniversary. 
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“As we reflect on 250 years of our nation, we are proud to come together as a College community to pay tribute to the countless heroes to whom we owe our freedom,” said Gueverra. “As parents of a naval service member, we know firsthand of the sacrifices and commitment our military, veterans, and their families endure to protect our country, and we are deeply appreciative of their continued contributions to strengthen and enrich our community.”

KEY WEST, FL, April 27, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys’ (CFK) Institute for Public Safety (IPS) held a graduation ceremony for Correctional Officer Training Academy #65 on April 22 at the Key West Campus. Nine cadets successfully completed the 445-hour training program and passed the state officer certification exam, certifying them as Florida Correctional Officers.

Through a partnership with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, all graduates have already secured employment. During the ceremony, Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay swore in the cadets, inducting them into their new professions.

Cathy Torres, CFK Director of the Institute for Public Safety, recognized top performing graduates with accolades. The leadership award was given to Amado J. Bertran while the academic award went to Santos Hernandez Bac. Both the “Top Gun” shooting skills and the physical fitness awards were given to Brock McCoy. The “PIG” award, which recognizes pride, integrity, and guts, went to Jessica Fernandez.
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CFK’s correctional officer program satisfies the training requirements of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. Two upcoming law enforcement training academies are:

• Basic Law Enforcement Academy #97, at the Upper Keys Center, running May 2026 through April 2027
• Basic Law Enforcement Academy #98, at the Key West Campus, running May through November 2026

For more information about CFK’s Institute for Public Safety, visit the College’s website at https://www.cfk.edu/academics/academic-departments/institute-for-public-safety/. 

KEY WEST, FL, April 24, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) invites the community to attend its annual Capstone Showcase where graduating students will present final projects addressing real-world challenges across a wide range of fields. The event will be held Wednesday, April 29, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the CFK Library / Learning Resource Center on the Key West Campus. Admission is free and open to the public.

Students will walk visitors through their research, insights, and solutions to give a firsthand look at the practical skills and critical thinking they’ve developed at CFK. These students developed their projects in capstone courses as part of the Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management and the Bachelor of Science in Marine Resource Management.

The projects reflect CFK’s advanced academic offerings and diverse career pathways. The showcase includes 19 projects ranging from hospitality, business, marine science, and Florida’s fish and wildlife resources to educational fundraising, real estate, experiential learning, and government.


“What’s special about the capstone students, beyond their high level of work product, is that every student has an inspirational backstory, every one of them,” commented Dr. Kelly Penwell, CFK Assistant Professor, Business, Education, and Hospitality.

“Once you know their stories, the capstone journey transcends teaching. You become their mentor and help bring out their best,” added Dr. Matthew R. Semcheski, CFK Faculty, Marine Resource Management.

Community members, employers, current and prospective students, and CFK alumni are all encouraged to attend. For employers in Monroe County, the showcase offers a unique opportunity to connect with job-ready graduates and observe the caliber of talent emerging from CFK’s programs.

For more information, contact: Dr. Kelly Penwell: [email protected].

KEY WEST, FL, April 21, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) has over 100 fall semester scholarship opportunities available for future and current students. Scholarship award amounts range from $500 to $4,000 with some covering full tuition and other educational expenses. The criteria are wide-ranging across scholarships to accommodate and assist a variety of students.

CFK encourages all students to review scholarships available for the fall semester and apply for those for which they qualify. There is no limit to the number of scholarships for which a student may apply. Scholarship descriptions and criteria as well as applications can be accessed on the scholarship section of the College’s website at www.cfk.academicworks.com.

Individuals must be admitted to the College to be eligible to apply for scholarships. The deadline for submitting applications for most fall scholarships is June 7.

For more scholarship information and guidance, contact Shania Duarte-Vera, Coordinator of Scholarships and Donor Relations, at [email protected] or 305-809-3153.
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Additional resources and information to help students understand the cost of attendance and ways to pay for college, such as federal aid and tuition payment plans, can be found on CFK’s website at www.cfk.edu/paying-for-college.

KEY WEST, FL, April 9, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) invites the community to an evening of student-crafted cuisine and art. Culinary & Clay: A Mud Pi Celebration takes place on Thursday, April 23 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Tennessee Williams Theatre on CFK’s Key West Campus. This year’s celebration includes a tasting of five international dishes, plus a sneak preview of the 2026 CFK Spring Art Show with music and a cash bar. The tasting menu is posted to the event page: https://www.cfk.edu/events/

The event pairs savory dishes prepared by CFK culinary students with one-of-a-kind ceramic plates handcrafted by students in CFK’s Mud-Pi ceramics club. Each guest selects their own ceramic plate for the tasting and takes it home as a keepsake.

A sneak preview of the CFK Spring Art Show featuring students’ work in underwater photography and ceramics will be on display at the event. Art pieces will be available for purchase starting April 27 at the Spring Art Show exhibit in CFK’s Learning Resource Center.

There are only 100 seats; tickets are $49 in advance and $65 at the door. Tickets may be purchased in advance until Monday, April 20 by contacting CFK’s Business Office at 305-809-3186 or by visiting the office located in the main lobby of Building A on the Key West Campus.

Additional ceramic pieces and food items will be on sale during the event. Proceeds from the event and sales will benefit the Mud-Pi ceramics club and the culinary program.
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For more information about the event, contact (305) 809-3515.

KEY WEST, FL, April 2, 2026— Retired U.S. naval aviator Commander John Picco brings his unique experiences and insights to The College of the Florida Keys’ (CFK) VIP Series on Thursday, April 16 at 7 PM. The community is invited to "Top Gun to Combat: Real Training, Real Missions, Real Lessons" where the Commander will share true stories about how relentless preparation and the "train like you fight" ethos deliver split‑second execution in combat.

Drawing on 28 years in naval aviation, the Commander will share vivid firsthand experiences to demonstrate the essential role of calculated risk‑taking, pushing to the edge and just past it, and owning results with no excuses. His presentation will highlight how high‑intensity training, trust in your wingman, and trust in yourself create a mindset where mission success is all that matters.

Picco is a Villanova University graduate and TOPGUN-trained pilot with over 3,000 hours in the F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet, 900 arrested carrier landings across six carriers, and 80 combat missions. A few of his more memorable assignments include flying with the VFA-195 Dambusters in Japan, shaping global maritime strategy at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium and serving the U.S. Ambassador as the Naval Attaché in Bogotá, Colombia. His final post was in Key West as the Director of Current and International Operations at JIATF-South.

Since retiring from the navy in 2020, he has served as a Financial Advisor with the Southernmost Edward Jones office in Key West. John is active in local charities and military affairs, continuing a life defined by service. He is married to Melissa, and they have two children attending Key West High School.

Now in its twelfth season, the CFK VIP Series showcases the views, ideas, and perspectives (VIP) of speakers with local, regional, and national prominence. The 2026 series is sponsored by David and Annette Curry, Essential Net Solutions, and First Horizon Bank.

Event Details:
Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
Time: Doors open at 6:00 PM; presentation begins at 7:00 PM
Location: CFK’s Key West Campus at the Tennessee Williams Theatre
Format: 50-minute presentation followed by 10 minutes for questions and answers
Tickets: $5 at the door; free for CFK and Monroe County school students
For more information, call 305-296-9081 or visit www.cfk.edu/VIP.

KEY WEST, FL, March 31, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) is offering three summer terms designed to support students with flexibility and momentum to achieve their degrees or certificates. New and returning students looking to accelerate their progress can apply and register for CFK’s Summer 2026 terms by May 1.

Students can choose from three summer terms:

• Accelerated Six-Week Term: May 18 to June 29
  For students who want to move fast and focus deeply, the six-week term offers on-campus, online, and hybrid course formats. In less than two months, students can complete full credit hours and stay on track or get ahead.

• 100% Online 12-Week Term: May 18 to August 10
  Spanning most of the summer, this fully virtual term is built for students who need flexibility without sacrificing progress. Students can balance work, family, summer activities, and coursework on their own schedule while earning credits toward their goals.

• Summer Kickstart Program - Eight-Week Head Start for New Students: June 3 to August 10
  Designed specifically for students new to college, the eight-week Summer Kickstart Program offers three foundational courses: English Composition I, Preparing for Student Success, and Introduction to the Teaching Profession. Available in a hybrid-flexible format, students can participate in person at the Key West Campus or join virtually, an ideal launchpad for arriving at the first full semester confident, prepared, and with credits already in hand.

Students can apply and register online or visit CFK’s “One Stop Summer Shop” in person. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Key West Campus on Wednesday, April 29, and at the Upper Keys Center in Key Largo on Thursday, April 30. Attendees can meet with CFK staff, explore degree and certificate programs, and get personalized guidance on financial aid, payment plans, and scholarships. Plus, the application process can be handled on the spot. New students who attend will have their $30 application fee waived and receive a $100 Kickstarter Scholarship.
To learn more or begin the application process, visit www.cfk.edu/futurestudents/.

New students seeking personalized guidance are welcome to contact Marissa Owens, Manager of Recruitment, at [email protected] or 305-809-3207.