News Summary
During the recent graduation ceremony at Lively Technical College, Leon County School Board Member Darryl Jones encouraged graduates to embrace entrepreneurship and community engagement. He highlighted the significance of small businesses in the economy and recommended utilizing local resources for business development. Jones urged graduates to view their certifications as a ‘license to lead’ and to create job opportunities within their communities. The event also celebrated the college’s new mascot, the ‘Lively Tech Titans,’ and discussed a potential merger with Tallahassee State College aimed at enhancing student support.
Tallahassee – Graduates from Lively Technical College were encouraged to embrace entrepreneurship and community engagement during a commencement address delivered on May 28, 2025, by Darryl Jones, a Leon County School Board Member. The address underscored the hard work and commitment exhibited by the graduates throughout their studies, emphasizing the value of viewing their certifications as a “license to lead” rather than merely diplomas.
Jones advocated for a shift in mindset among graduates, urging them to transition from being employees to becoming employers. He highlighted the significant role that small businesses play in the economy, referring to them as the backbone of economic growth. By leveraging their unique talents, skills, and ambition, graduates have the potential to carve out a space for themselves in the entrepreneurial landscape.
The address included practical advice for graduates interested in pursuing business opportunities. Jones recommended utilizing local resources for business development, specifically mentioning the FAMU Small Business Development Center, Domi Station, and the Jim Moran Institute as invaluable assets for those looking to start their own ventures. Furthermore, he encouraged graduates to consider continuing education by enrolling in programs like an associate’s degree in business at Tallahassee State College, which could aid in effectively managing future businesses.
To illustrate the potential for success, Jones used the metaphor of climbing through a window of opportunity, suggesting that graduates not only aim for personal success but also work towards aiding others by mentoring and hiring future apprentices. This emphasis on collaboration fostered a spirit of community among the graduates, encouraging them to create job opportunities for their classmates and give back to their local area.
The motivational address was framed within the context of the recent achievements of Lively Technical College and the graduates themselves. Of particular note was the college’s celebration of its new mascot, the “Lively Tech Titans,” designed to enhance morale and promote pride within the student body and faculty. This change signifies a forward-looking ethos that aligns with the college’s commitment to student success and community engagement.
In addition to the celebratory atmosphere, clarification was provided regarding ongoing discussions about a potential merger between Lively Technical College and Tallahassee State College. Such a merger is aimed at enhancing support for students and aligning with workforce needs, as both institutions work collaboratively to provide quality education and training.
In terms of educational offerings, Lively Technical College continues to provide affordable trade skill programs across a variety of disciplines, including nursing, automotive maintenance, aviation, cosmetology, and plumbing. Recent initiatives, like the Worlds of Work 2.0 event, have been instrumental in connecting graduating seniors with local job opportunities, resulting in over 100 graduates receiving job offers from employers in the region. This event aimed specifically to reach students who might not pursue traditional post-secondary education routes and thus facilitate their transition into the workforce.
As Lively Technical College commemorates its graduating class and its new mascot, the call to action from Darryl Jones serves as a motivational catalyst for young professionals. By embracing entrepreneurship and fostering community collaboration, graduates are poised to navigate their futures with creativity and purpose, ultimately contributing to the economic vitality of Tallahassee and beyond.
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Tallahassee’s Colleges Consider Merger for Future Growth
Tallahassee Colleges Explore Merger for Workforce Development
Tallahassee Colleges Consider Merger to Boost Workforce Development
Tallahassee’s Shelly Bell Receives Workforce Development Award
Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Lively Technical College Grads Urged to Empower Themselves and Others
- Tallahassee.com: Lively Students Celebrate Debut of New School Mascot
- The Famuan: House Bill Provides Light to Apprenticeships
- Tallahassee.com: Lively and TSC Discuss Plans for Growing Local Workforce
- WTXL: Lively Technical College Hosts Inaugural Dual Enrollment Signing Day
- Wikipedia: Entrepreneurship
- Google Search: Business Development Resources
- Google Scholar: Small Business Growth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Development
- Google News: Local Workforce Development
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
