Nursing Students Win Prestigious Award

During the Florida Nursing Students Association (FNSA) Convention in Kissimmee, Fla., Nov. 3 – 6., the SFSC Student Nurses Association (SNA) was presented the Diamond Chapter Award for a second year in a row. The FNSA is a student-run organization that represents over 5,000 nursing students across Florida.

To win the Diamond Chapter Award, college chapters must meet specific criteria. The college must: be a member of the FNSA or National Students Nurses Association (NSNA), submit an annual report and a portfolio of all activities and achievements that it acquired over the past year, participate in FNSA events and initiatives throughout the year, promote nursing as a profession, and mentor new students. For example, SFSC’s second-year Nursing students will mentor its first-year Nursing students. Also, members of the chapters must engage in community health service projects and legislation.

“As the SNA advisor, I understand to win the prestigious Diamond Chapter Award, an extensive application is submitted and scored, then compared with multiple other college applicants,” said Candy Jones, SFSC Nursing instructor and SNA advisor. “Our local chapter worked diligently to excel in community service, continuing education, and advocate for health care improvement, along with rebuilding our local membership so that we can be a chapter that others can look up to.”

At the 2024-25 Convention, M’Alee Sauvey was named vice president of FNSA and Colten Denby now holds the position of Region 4 director for the 2024-25 session. During last year’s Convention, three SFSC Nursing students were installed as members of the 2023-24 FNSA executive board. Mikala Armioia served as president of FNSA, Clara Sooknanan began her second year as second vice president of FNSA, and M’Alee Sauvey was the FNSA treasurer.

“For our small community, bringing home this award again should be recognized,” Jones said. “This award allows the SFSC SNA to be acknowledged for its community outreach, mentorship, professional development, and leadership opportunities, along with faculty and advisor support that we embody in our Nursing program. We believe in teamwork, honesty, integrity, advocacy, and leading by example. It is truly the greatest feeling watching these Nursing students learn and grow not only professionally but personally. They strive to do what is right and just for our community and health care. They are true examples of what leadership is. They display teamwork, integrity, advocacy, compassion, and commitment, and always strive to lead by example for all students. I am so proud and they deserve to be acknowledged for their hard work and dedication.”