By Lori Trimmier

For St. Petersburg College student and basketball player Celina Forine, the journey from homelessness to student athlete was made possible largely by the support she received along the way.

Forine, one of seven children raised by a single mother, shared her story at the SPC Foundation’s 26th annual Donors & Scholars Luncheon, held Wednesday, March 11, at the Hilton Carillon in St. Petersburg. The event provides an opportunity for SPC donors to meet some of the students who have benefited from their generosity through scholarships and program funding.

“Because of scholarships, I’ve been able to pursue my goals with stability and confidence instead of fear,” said Forine. She shared that for a brief time growing up, she and her family were homeless. Through the generosity of others, her family finally got into stable housing, but finances were always a struggle. She didn’t think college was an option for her, but through playing basketball, she learned about the women’s basketball team and the scholarships available at the College.

“The generosity of donors like you has had a life-changing impact," Forine said. "Scholarships provided by your financial support have allowed me to focus on my education and basketball without financial stress or worrying how I would help my family back home.”

This year alone, the SPC Foundation awarded more than 4,000 scholarships, providing over $2.8 million in support to fuel innovation across the College. The College’s Pathway to Better campaign aims to continue supporting students like Forine by raising $100 million by SPC’s 100th anniversary in 2027. The campaign expands scholarships, invests in career-focused programs, and strengthens communities.