Special to the Monitor
Karen Lake said the retirement party Santa Fe College held for her was bittersweet, marked by a mix of joy, sadness, and laughter.
The college has undergone recent changes, prompting her decision to retire. She was a Specialist and Academic Advisor at the Keystone Location.
The Alfred B. Sr. and Agnes W. Watson Center, also known as Lake Santa Fe College, was founded by Al Watson Sr. and his wife, Agnes W. Watson.
One of Lakes’ favorite aspects of working for the college is “Giving students access to higher education, and that we have this small center here, and largely people don’t have to go to Gainesville until they get into coursework, which means you can just drive a short time and come and get your higher education. I think it’s fantastic.”
What she will miss most about her job working at the center, she said, “Something I’ll miss very much is the students. You know, being able to interact with students. It is a fantastic community in terms of families preparing students for education, and I like being part of that team. It is fantastic to watch that they gain confidence and skills and interact with other people they don’t normally interact with.”
One reason she decided to retire was that the school was eliminating her position and creating a new role to oversee all of Bradford County, including Starke and the Keystone Center. This prompted her to conclude that it was time to allow someone else to take on that new position.
As for her future endeavors, she jokingly said, “I’m putting a mobile hot dog cart on a pontoon boat and selling hot dogs on the lake.”
The outgoing advisor has an extensive background in community service and journalism, having worked for the Lake Region Monitor for three years, where she honed her skills in reporting and connecting with the local community.
During her tenure, she developed strong relationships with various organizations and community leaders.
In addition to her role in journalism, she actively participated in the Rotary Club, contributing to numerous charitable initiatives and community projects.
Currently, Lake serves as the president of Lake Region Kiwanis, where she leads efforts to support youth programs and community development projects, further demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact in the region.
Lake played an instrumental role in the community, always being there for those in need. Her contributions and support were meaningful to everyone around her. She will be greatly missed by many.
