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PBSC Returns to Traditional Commencement Ceremonies Palm Beach State College will hold two commencement ceremonies at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center May 12 to celebrate its more than 2,000 expected spring graduates. The first ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. for graduates of the Associate in Science, Bachelor of Applied Science and Bachelor of Science degree programs and the certificate programs. A second ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. for Associate in Arts degree graduates. State Sens. Tina Polsky, who represents District 29, and Gayle Harrell, who represents District 25, will be the keynote speakers at the morning and afternoon ceremonies, respectively. This marks the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic that Palm Beach State has held traditional commencement ceremonies. The last time was fall 2019. The College celebrated its spring 2020 graduates with a dedicated website, and then it began holding Grad Walk in fall 2020 to give graduates an opportunity to celebrate in person. “Commencement is a significant and meaningful moment for our students and their families and friends. We are happy that
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they will get the full graduation experience with the traditional pomp and circumstance celebration,’’ said PBSC President Ava L. Parker, J.D. “We’re excited to be returning to a traditional ceremony,’’ added Dr. Stephen Joyner, associate vice president of enrollment management and retention, whose office plans the ceremonies. “We look forward to seeing all of our graduates in their regalia and walking across the stage with their classmates, as well as their families and friends in the audience.” Polsky, whose district encompasses parts of Palm Beach and Broward counties, and includes the cities of Boca Raton, Wellington, Highland Beach, Belle Glade, South Bay, Parkland, Coconut Creek, and Coral Springs, was elected to the Florida Senate in 2020. Prior to then, she served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2018 to 2020, representing District 81. Harrell, whose district includes Martin and St. Lucie counties and part of Palm Beach County, was elected to the Florida Senate in November 2018 after serving two terms in the Florida House of Representatives from 2000-2008 and 2010-2018.
Boca Raton Public Library Launches Summer Reading Initiative, “Oceans of Possibilities,” The Boca Raton Public Library is launching its annual Summer Reading program with the theme, “Oceans of Possibilities,” on May 31. Generously supported by Friends of the Boca Raton Public Library, this year’s marinethemed program will inspire all ages to splash into reading. The festivities begin with a free Kick-Off Party on Saturday, June 4, from 9:00am12:00pm at the Spanish River Library, 1501 NW Spanish River Blvd. The whole family is invited to play games, enjoy food, listen to a live DJ, attend an Under the Sea Bubble Party, and much more. Summer Reading enrollment begins May 31 for all ages through the READsquared mobile app or online: • Children from babies through Grade 5 will receive a reading log when they sign up and can pick up weekly prizes at the Downtown Library or Spanish River Library as a reward for reading. • ’Tweens and teens in Grades 6–12 can log the minutes they read online for the chance to win a Nintendo Switch Lite at the end of summer (two winners). • Adults are eligible for an end-of-summer
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drawing for book lovers’ gift sets when they log the books they read online (three winners). • Everyone who signs up for Summer Reading on READsquared receives an “Oceans of Possibilities” tote bag (while supplies last)! “Our Summer Reading program offers fun prize incentives to encourage people of all ages to read throughout the summer,” notes Amanda Liebl, Events & Community Engagement Coordinator. “Our goal is for children and teens to keep reading during the break as a proven way to stop the ‘summer slide’ when academic gains made during the school year are lost during the summer. Our library team is here to provide reading recommendations for students at all reading levels, from preschool through high school.” There are several ways to enroll in this free program starting on May 31. Install the READsquared mobile app through Google Play or the Apple Store and look for “Boca Raton Public Library.” Participants can also sign up online at bocalibrary.readsquared.com or visit the Spanish River or Downtown Library location. Our friendly team members are always happy to assist. A library card is not required to participate.
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