Abacoa & Alton Neighbors - April 2026

6 A B A C O A & A LT O N N E I G H B O R S | A P R I L 2 0 2 6 S ometime in the 13th century, the word Champion finds its way into the French vernacular, its etymology derived from Latin: Campio (meaning “fighter”), originating from Campus (meaning “field of battle” or “contest”). It is fitting then that each Palm Beach State College campus has become synonymous with champions and championing the good fight for students and the community through the power of higher education. ATHLETICS As you may have recently read, Palm Beach State’s Women’s Beach Volleyball team has earned triple crown-type honors during the past three years. And there’s more. In February, the Palm Beach State Women's Basketball team claimed the state’s FCSAA (Florida College System Activities Association) Division II championship for the fourth consecutive year, defeating Florida State College. With a team GPA of 3.52, the Lady Panthers have earned a berth in the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) DII Gulf South District Championship Game, led by Maureen Smith, FCSAA DII’s Coach of the Year. As for the men’s team, they’re the #1-ranked team in the country at the time of this writing. On March 7, they won the NJCAA Gulf South District Championship, securing a spot in the NJCAA DII Men's Basketball tournament. Leading the team to its first conference championship since 1978, Tae Norwood has also been named Coach of the Year for FCSAA Division II Men's Basketball. With a couple of coaches of the year, Palm Beach State has been racking up championship teams, leaders, and groundbreaking initiatives outside its wide world of sports. HEALTHCARE On March 17, Palm Beach State’s Dental Hygiene students showcased their skills and the impact of the new Dental Health and Innovation Building at the Loxahatchee Groves campus. The College’s Give Kids A Smile event, a program launched by the American Dental Association, provides free dental services, including cleanings, exams, and X-rays, to children in our Palm Beach County community. Earlier this year, Palm Beach State celebrated the opening of its Medical Simulation Suite on the Lake Worth Campus. Equipped with state-of-the- art medical technology, the Suite serves as a hub for nursing students to excel at responding to medical emergencies, preparing them through real-world scenarios to serve the community’s healthcare needs. AChampion for Good - By Dean Glorioso - - Photos by Carol McDonald and Palm Beach State College - PBSC Men's Basketball Team PBSC's Give Kids a Smile EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR