Pasco-Hernando State College Volume XL, Issue II - Fall 2017 | Page 30

ALUMNI profile John Legg CLASS OF 1994 HONORED AS PHSC’S 2017 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI J ohn Legg is a valuable asset to increase control. He promoted improving the educational system locally access to quality K-12 alternative and statewide. A Hernando County native, Legg attended Pasco- Hernando State College where he education programs through corporate scholarships and other funding mechanisms including providing was a member of Phi Theta Kappa greater state support for Honors Society. After earning his charter schools. AA degree in 1994, Legg continued his education at the University of South Florida (USF), earning his bachelor’s degree in 1996. Beginning his career as the legislative aide to Florida State Representative Heather Fiorentino, Legg was inspired to continue in her footsteps. Legg was initially elected in 2004 and succeeded Representative Fiorentino in the Florida House of Representatives, In 2000, Legg was a founding member of the Pasco County charter school, Dayspring Academy. Legg is currently the chief financial officer at Dayspring Academy alongside his wife and chief executive officer, Suzanne. Recognized as one of Florida’s highest performing schools, Dayspring Academy serves more than 700 students from Pre-K through 11 th grade. Dayspring subsequently reelected the following four terms. During his time Academy’s mission emphasizes the ability to prepare learners as a State Representative, Legg earned his Master of Public for high school, college, and the work force. The institution Administration degree from USF in 2010. In 2012, recognizing delivers a world class education through the arts in a collaborative Florida House term limits, Legg opted to campaign for the Florida environment fueled by a passion for learning. Senate where he served until 2016. Legg, as a PHSC alum, has continuously demonstrated the During his tenure in the Florida Legislature, Legg worked tirelessly College’s core values - Excellence, Community, Integrity, Success, to improve the quality of education at all levels in Florida and was Safety and Stewardship. He exhibits community service through a relentless champion for the Florida College System. Among his leadership roles at a number of non-profit organizations in the major accomplishments included requiring colleges to establish community. At PHSC’s winter commencement ceremony in 2015, a Collegiate High School, serving high school students and Legg addressed graduates promoting focus toward overcoming ensuring students were challenged with a rigorous curriculum. challenges to achieve success and remaining true to personal This expanded access to dual enrollment for students across values, something he can speak on from personal experience. Florida. Legg also championed efforts to address the cost of Most recently, Legg was honored by Pasco-Hernando State college through textbook affordability and college/university tuition College with the 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award. 30 PHSC Perspective