Flagler College recognizes alumni at luncheon

Historic City News learned that ten Flagler alums were recognized Friday for their outstanding contributions to the areas of service and professional achievement during the Flagler College Alumni Weekend’s annual awards luncheon.

Jonathan Growick received the “Young Alumni Achievement Award” for his work as an attorney with the state of Florida’s Children’s Legal Services (CLS).

Growick, the 29-year-old 2008 graduate, has quickly advanced from supervising attorney for the CLS Manatee County office to managing attorney, where he oversees two supervising attorneys, eight attorneys and nine staff members. He handles complex trials, serves as an advocate for foster youth and has championed improvements to the court systems.

Lisa Almeida, Class of 1988, the “Professional Achievement Award” for her efforts in changing careers, pursuing a lifelong passion and rescuing a struggling boat business.

Almeida also embodies an ambitious spirit. After a 25-year career with BellSouth and only five years from retirement, she realized she needed greater fulfillment in her life and quit her job to become an entrepreneur.

In 2009, she helped turn around the floundering Freedom Boat Club in Jacksonville and in 2011, purchased the Jacksonville and St. Augustine franchises with a partner. In 2014, both were named “Freedom Boat Club Brand Champions” as model franchisees for the club that has 87 locations coast-to-coast with a combined fleet of over 800 boats.

Eight alums also received the “Flagler Service Award”.

• Chris Bisbee, ’83
• Linda (Bevilacqua) Farber, ’84
• Rick Hodgkins, ’85
• Greg Lund,’85
• Beth (Shaw) Masters, ’87
• Ted McLemore, ’83
• Frank O’Rourke, ’83
• Ron Schomburger, ’85

In addition to Growick and Almeida’s awards, the Flagler Service Awards were presented in recognition of the graduate’s commitment to the Hugh Shaw Memorial Surf Contest over the past 30-years.

The surf contest was held Saturday, May 16, at the St. Augustine Beach Pier and Pavilion.