Laurel Civic’s Alumni

Our alumni share their personal journey with Laurel Civic

LaShawanda Anderson

Teacher of the Year
LaShawnda Anderson graduated from Venice High School in 2010 and went on to attend and graduate from the University of Florida with a Bachelors in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences and a Minor in educational studies in 2014.

After graduating, she moved to Jacksonville, FL where she taught as an elementary math teacher for six years. In 2019 she was named Teacher of the Year. Currently, LaShawnda is working on the KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools regional team as the Manager and Instructional Coach of the teacher fellowship program.

George “GA” Gipson

Laurel Civic help to lay a foundation in my life. Helping me to understand the philosophy behind service. Teaching me to be humble in my endeavors and anxious to be a helpful hand to anyone who needs it. Truly helping me to completely define my own personal way of seeing life and others. That’s under the Golden Rule!!

I currently work for Sarasota Sherriff Department, have a master’s degree in administration and served four years in the United States Marine Corp.

Anna Reeves

I started at the Laurel Civic association in first grade. I went to every program available to me into high school. After graduating high school in 2016. I went to Fort Myers for college. I now have my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and I am a Registered Nurse. I just started training new nurses and plan on continuing my education in the future.

Nash Figlow

I began with Laurel Civic Association in kindergarten. They prepared me for school and life by teaching me the importance of homework, time management, respect for others, and showed me a variety of careers through their Teen Empowerment Program. I still use every skill that Laurel Civic taught me. I’m a senior at Lemon Bay High School. I attended Charlotte Technical Center for both digital design and food prep. I’m currently a broiler chef at Landy's on the Water restaurant in Englewood. I also have a scholarship for college.

**Lam Nguyen**

I was entered into Laurel Civic Programs initially for the homework assistance in around 5th grade, and I went on to attend Teen Empowerment every summer I was eligible. Despite my initial thoughts, it turned out to be very much fun and educational with the staff and fellow students.

I learned a lot about job skill training and the type of jobs I could do in the future, which lead to my enlisting in the Navy. I’m currently in the Navy as an E-3 or Seaman, and my rate is a Fire Controlman.

**Huck Figlow**

I am a Medical Assistant at Athletic Orthopedic and Reconstructive Center in Fort Myers. I’m also currently applying for medical school. My time at Laurel Civic has instilled in me a fierce desire to obtain my goals and dreams. Laurel Civic taught me hard work and persistence and how my achievements could be reached. I currently have a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Florida Gulf Coast University and I am President of the Physique and Fitness Club at FGCU.

**Ariana Muniz**

Laurel Civic Center has been, hands down, one of the most memorable experiences of my childhood. Knowing at the end of the school day I would be arriving to so many welcoming faces and a warm meal helped relieve any academic or personal struggles I faced.

Thanks to Mr. John and staff, I was shown no matter the circumstances or where I came from, I can achieve greatness and I know I have the love and support of my community. Attending the Laurel Civic provided me with a sense of security, introduced me to amazing people and overall shaped me to be the best version of myself.

At 21, I have graduated from high school and I am currently work as a full-time office administrator for GenerX Generators. I am a mother of one happy, healthy 2 year old boy and plan to go back to school this upcoming year to become an elementary school teacher.

**David Reeves**

Laurel Civic helped me understand not to quit and to persevere during hard times. One specific time was when Keiser University came to Teen Empowerment, with their chef instructor to teach us recipes. As you can see in the picture, I am in a chef uniform. I have to give some credit to Laurel Civic because they are somewhat responsible for the reason I picked Keiser University for my Associate Science Degree in Culinary Arts.

Now I am at Mattisons City Grille, about to go full time in January right after my 25th birthday. I have a career because of what I did and Laurel Civics' inspiration. COVID caused a little hiatus from me being in the food industry, but I bounced back.

**Emily Hildago**

Laurel Civic is like my second home, enriching my development in ways I couldn’t at school and home. While my parents were busy working, I learned important values at Laurel Civic like helping others as they helped me in the Homework Assistance Program.

While in high school I worked my way up to become President of the Growing Strong STEM’s team to lead the group in helping the young 1st – 8th grade students that attended the Homework Assistance program introducing them to LEGO engineering projects. Now, I’m at one of the best colleges in the nation, Williams College studying Computer Science in hopes of developing programs that are accessible and beneficial for everyone.

**Sawyer Figlow**

I graduated at the top of my class and earned enough scholarships for a free ride to college. However, I decided to join the Marines and stationed at a base in Hawaii. I am a Corporal and an Aircraft Intermediate Level Structures Mechanic. I was lucky to have mentors and role models like Mr. John and wonderful and patient volunteers at Laurel Civic. They provided the discipline I needed to succeed. I learned also how to be a leader through Laurel Civic because of all the opportunities I was given while in their care.

**Tavis Bell**

Laurel Civic programs have helped me to 1, get a sense of direction in my life, 2, showed me that I am capable of doing anything I put my mind to. And, 3, taught me a sense of belonging to something bigger... I’m currently a member of the United States Marine Corp and when I get out plan on going into law enforcement.

**Colin Coyne**

When I was in elementary school, I struggled with reading and other subjects. The Laurel Civic Association helped me overcome these struggles and encouraged me to go above and beyond. If it wasn’t for their help, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today. I’m currently working for Sarasota County Schools as Systems administrator and, attending classes at Florida State College for a degree in Computers Systems Networking and Telecommunications

**Alicia McKnight**

Laurel Civic Association was a part of my daily life as an adolescent. I can remember going to the recreation center each day after school, receiving help from volunteers that came from surrounding areas. The volunteers not only help me and other students with homework but taught lessons that followed me throughout life. Volunteers and workers such as Sandra Terry, Mr. John, Mr. & Mrs. Vanburen, Mrs. Vera, Ms. Pam Smith and The EsWorthy family to name a few, will forever be etched in my heart.

While I was a student, LCA provided a ton of programs and created opportunities for all ages. Because of the access to so many outlets, anyone that was a part or participated was very fortunate. LCA has impacted the lives of so many and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of such a wonderful program.

I am currently residing in Tallahassee, Fla as a small business owner name Lee Mcknight Creates providing hair care, makeup and photography services. I'm also a mother of 2 Messíah & MarLeigh.Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

**Maria Hildago**

The Laurel Civic Association provided me with a safe, well-resourced environment that made it possible to excel in school. The programming that I benefited from” Homework Assistance, Teen Empowerment, and community events,” provided the foundation for academic and personal success that eventually led to a full ride scholarship from Williams College, a nationally ranked school. But frankly, the LCA did much, much more than propel my academic success. The staff and volunteers at Laurel instilled in me a sense of civic duty and responsibility towards my community that are, to this day, a central part of my core beliefs.

Well over a decade has passed since the Laurel Civic Association welcomed me with open arms. Since then, I’ve graduated from Williams College and now work for a global investment management firm.

**Marissa Graham**

While going to Laurel Civic I have learned job search skills, financial literacy how to manage my checking account and, life skills that have and will help me to survive my lifetime. Laurel Civic helped me to get into my Habitant Home. I currently have my five children attending Laurel Civic programs of which they have help me to get three oldest enrolled in the Take stock in Children program, making available a future for a college education for them.

I currently own my own barbecue business “M&M BBQ and Soul,” in which Laurel Civic has helped me out with when needed. Overall, I feel Laurel Civic has helped me and my children to become more independent in the world today, what a great program they have.

**Dylan Scott**

The Laurel Civic Association and Teen Empowerment provides fundamental life skills, financial literacy, career exploration, and health and wellness education. These fundamental programs have propelled me to graduate from Florida Gulf Coast University with a bachelor in exercise science at the top of my class and given me the tools to successfully open my own business, “Dlyligent Lawn Care.”

Specifically, the financial literacy program taught me money management, which has guided me in opening my own business without any sort of financial assistance.

**Samara Ciovica**

I was fortunate enough to attend Laurel Civic’s Summer Camp from 2009 - 2012. The skills I learnt at a young age, such as public speaking and managing finances, set me up in life develop into a confident and financially stable young adult. The time I spent at Laurel Civic being helped by great mentors who also became my role models, shaped me into the ambitious and outgoing person I am today.
I now live in Western Australia and work as a Tour Guide on a Swim with Wild Dolphins tour off the coast. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to show people how magical our oceans are and show them the importance of conservation to protect our beautiful wildlife.

**Robert Fordham**

The civic center was a safe haven for me, a place where I can get away from the problems at home. The center helped me be more social as well. The staff and volunteers were always there when I needed them and not just for school work but for me to open up to and talk about discerning things that would come about. I am currently a project engineer for a commercial cabinet company who thrives in cabinetry all over the southeast region of the country.

**Shatavia Goldsmith**

Laurel Civic Association programs have helped blossom me in many aspects of my life. The amount of service they poured into me and my family like the After School program inspired me to also do the same. They also were where I had my first job experience from Earning By Learning days to Teen Empowerment running the reading program all the way up to me becoming a Camp Counselor Supervisor for Laurel Park. I went on to further my education, getting my Degree in Hospitality Management from Valencia College. Currently, I’m working for a Timeshare Company as a Supervisor of Owner Services. Not only am I helping people, but I get to help them travel! 💛
Thank you LCA for being a steppingstone in my life.

**Selina Parker**

My name is Selina Parker. I went to Teen Empowerment at Laurel Civic. Being there at Laurel helped me understand a lot of useful things I never got taught in school. For example, taxes, building credit, and maintaining a good stable job. Right now I’m a part time babysitter working with young kids as I work on getting my CNA certification. I also do part time as a driver at Amazon. I want to become a realtor in a couple years. And I start school for that next year, 2022.

**Erykah Belle**

I started the Teen Empowerment program and was always excited to show up to learn something new that wasn’t being taught at school. Years later after having a child of my own, he became a part of the program & still loves it! Laurel Civic Association helped mold me into the creative, free-spirited person I am today. I now live in Texas, as an entrepreneur of many small businesses.

**Tarnisha Washington**

For the 8 years that The Laurel Civic Association was apart of my life, it provided me consistency, community, life lessons, and a place to learn and invaluable memories. The summer programs such as the Teen Empowerment Program and Earning by Learning Summer Reading afforded me many summers of learning, fun , and my first paychecks 😉! I’m forever grateful to have a place to be an individual, spend time with friends, and gain practical life skills that I’ve been able to carry forward in my adult life.

Current Role: User experience engineering associate manager at Accenture.

**Tyus McElwee**

Where to even begin with how the Laurel Civic Association helped me throughout my years of grade school? I went there every day after school where there were always volunteers to help with homework--not to mention big class projects. It wasn't just during the school year though, even during summer there were programs for me from the time I was in elementary to high school. Teen Empowerment was especially insightful with the many speakers who came to educate us, and there are many lessons from it that I still use to this day.

Currently I am serving my 7th year in the Air Force as a Fuel/Cryo Tech having just moved back to the states after being overseas for the past 5 years. I'm currently stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona.