Cynde Puckett
In Motion Staff Writer
Daytona State College rolled out the red carpet at the Mori Hosseini Center on Sept. 13 for a gathering of some of the most notable people in Flagler and Volusia counties.
Over 400 guests dodged raindrops to attend DSC’s 2016 Annual Foundation Gala that raises money for student scholarships. The sold-out event celebrated one of the College’s own, alumnus Brian Kelley, a multi-award winning artist with the country music duo Florida Georgia Line.
Kelley, the son of Ormond Beach Mayor Ed Kelley and his wife, Mary Margaret Kelley, played baseball at DSC until he graduated in 2007 with his associate of arts degree. He then moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University, where he met Tyler Hubbard and decided to pursue music instead of baseball. The two formed Florida Georgia Line in 2010.
The duo has won many awards, including: six American Music Awards; four Country Music Association Awards; three Academy of Country Music Awards; two Billboard Music Awards; and four Country Music Television Awards.
After viewing a video that featured memories from his family and friends, Kelley was emotional. Taking the stage, he said, “This isn’t my just my night. These aren’t just my awards. I didn’t get here alone y’all. No doubt about it, these are our awards.”
Kelley thanked DSC baseball coaches Tim Touma and Chris Reilly for investing time, energy and love into him. He said they not only taught him about baseball, but also about life. Touma presented Kelley with a number-26 baseball jersey and the 2016 Falcon Award.
Sumptuous food and drinks, prepared by DSC culinary students and served tapas style, were offered at food stations, including hors d’oeuvres, latin; Louisiana cajun-creole, New England, Floribbean and tailgating and barbecue items. Desserts and craft beers named after Florida Georgia Line songs were served as well.
A silent auction, with selections such as concert tickets, an autographed Pro-1 guitar, a diamond ring from Tom Cook Jeweler and autographed baseballs, added to the fun.
Student guest speakers shared how Foundation scholarships have made a difference in their lives, among them Olivia Stuart, President of the Student Government Association, Abby Coleman, who is in the bachelor’s program for Supervision and Management, and Gage Hutchinson, who is studying to be a physician’s assistant.
“The Foundation scholarship has allowed me to focus on my educational and career goals without worrying about how I would pay for my tuition and books every semester,” said Coleman.
Howard Holley, Foundation Chair, expressed how significant the night was and how much it means to students who need financial assistance. “We’ve raised over $115,000 for the Brian Kelley Endowment. Expenses are less than 8 percent of what we raised. So over $100,000 will go directly to scholarships for students. Last year alone the Foundation gave out over $850,000 in scholarships to over 1,100 students of all demographics.”
“We salute our many graduates who have earned to date some 95,000 degrees and certificates. Our mission is to serve many students with a variety of goals,” said DSC President Dr. Thomas LoBasso.
Foundation Executive Director, Kay Burniston, was also recognized for the difference she’s made in the lives of students. “It takes a village and I can’t thank all of you enough. Every day I get to work with these great students who get an extra chance at life. It’s been an incredible experience and I’m going to miss everyone,” said Burniston, who is retiring next month.
The DSC Foundation is a not-for-profit that began in 1974. Its purpose is to help students who need financial assistance.