Soon, the halls of Flagler College will welcome the Class of 2030, a group of students eager to embrace new experiences, build lifelong friendships, and begin writing the next chapter of their lives. While each student's path to Flagler is different, they all share one thing in common: the excitement of becoming part of the Saints community.
We recently caught up with a few members of the incoming class to learn more about who they are, what drew them to Flagler, and what they're most looking forward to as they begin their college journey.
Meet some of the newest faces who are ready to make history at Flagler College:
Mitchell Zappone | 10th Zappone to Attend Flagler and Entrepreneur in the Making
Incoming Business Major with a Concentration in Finance | Hometown: Margate City, NJ
For Mitchell Zappone, attending Flagler College is more than a college decision. It's continuing a family tradition, nearly a decade in the making.
The Margate City, New Jersey, native plans to major in Business with a concentration in Finance and will become the 10th member of his family to attend Flagler.
"My family has a long-standing tradition of attending Flagler College," Zappone said. "I was 6 months old when they brought me to my first alumni weekend."
Growing up with family in St. Augustine, Zappone said Flagler has always felt like home. While the College's nationally recognized business program made the academic decision an easy one, it was learning that Flagler's surf team members are treated as student-athletes that confirmed he had found the right fit.
Looking ahead, Zappone hopes to compete with the surf team, build lifelong friendships, and one day become a successful entrepreneur.
"I want to be my own boss," he said. "I know Flagler's programs will give me the tools and help me become a successful entrepreneur."
Outside of the classroom, Zappone hopes to help lead Flagler to an NSSA championship. He also has a twin sister and describes himself in three words: surfer, kind, and inquisitive.
Jilly Young | Hardworking Student-Athlete with Championship Goals
Undecided major | Hometown: Waxhaw, NC
Jilly Young may not have known she would end up in Florida, but once the Waxhaw, North Carolina, native arrived in St. Augustine, it did not take long for her to see Flagler as home.
Young, who plans to compete on Flagler's volleyball team, initially discovered the College through the recruiting process. While the location, beach and weather caught her attention, it was the people who ultimately made the biggest impression.
A dinner with several members of the volleyball team gave Young an early glimpse of the community she could become part of and left her excited about the possibility of becoming a Saint.
"When I met the coaches and girls on the volleyball team, they really made me feel like I was at home and where I was supposed to be," Young said.
Now, Young is looking forward to making the most of her four years as both a student and an athlete. She is especially excited for volleyball gamedays, meeting new people and discovering what she wants to pursue after college.
On the court, Young hopes to help her team make its mark on Flagler history.
"I hope to make history with my volleyball team," Young said. "I know we can make our school proud with bringing home a national championship."
Off the court, she hopes to leave a positive and meaningful impact on the Flagler community while making the most of every moment. With four years ahead of her, Young is ready to embrace the experience with the three qualities she says best describe her: friendly, hardworkingand passionate.
Jenna Rose Pereira-Fernandes | Honors Student with a Passion for Service
Incoming Psychology Major | Hometown: Toms River, NJ
Flagler College may have been the first school Jenna Rose Pereira-Fernandes toured, but it did not take long for her to realize it would be the last.
The Psychology major traces her connection to Flagler back to childhood visits to St. Augustine and her cousin's graduation from the College in 2016.
"My older cousin graduated from Flagler in 2016, and growing up, my family and I visited St. Augustine often," Pereira-Fernandes said. "Those experiences gave me a connection to both the city and the college from a young age."
After touring campus, she knew she had found the right fit.
"After visiting, I felt so confident in my decision that I didn't seriously consider any other schools," she said. "I applied Early Decision, was accepted, and knew Flagler was exactly where I wanted to be."
Pereira-Fernandes looks forward to joining the Honors Program and hopes to pursue a career as either a speech-language pathologist or child life specialist, inspired by her experiences working with children.
"Those experiences showed me how much I enjoy helping and supporting others," she said.
She also hopes to continue growing as a leader, one day coach cheerleading, and leave a positive impact by helping others feel welcome.
"Becoming part of the Flagler community means joining something bigger than myself," Pereira-Fernandes said. "I'm excited to meet new people, create lasting memories, and contribute to a community that already feels so welcoming and inspiring."
Outside of the classroom, she enjoys making coffee, reading, spending time with friends and family, visiting the beach, and exploring new places.
Brennan Hock | Aspiring Filmmaker and Storyteller
Incoming Cinematic Arts Major with a Minor in Hospitality & Tourism Management | Hometown: Kissimmee, FL
Brennan Hock doesn't just want to study filmmaking. He wants to tell stories against the backdrop of centuries of history.
The Kissimmee, Florida, native plans to major in Cinematic Arts and minor in Hospitality and Tourism Management, drawn to the opportunity to pursue both passions in the heart of Historic St. Augustine.
"As a Cinematic Arts Major and Hospitality and Tourism Management Minor, I was very interested in the opportunity to make films or join the tourism business right in the heart of Historic St. Augustine," Hock said.
A visit to see Flagler Theatre's production of 12 Angry Jurors, a play he had originally hoped to direct himself in high school, solidified his decision to become a Saint.
"I got the sense that this college would be a great space for me to grow creatively," Hock said.
Looking ahead, Hock hopes to become involved as a Student Ambassador, Historical Tour Guide, and member of the film club while directing period pieces set in colonial-era St. Augustine.
"I believe St. Augustine is the next big movie capital of America for directors interested in historical epics set during the Spanish exploration of the New World," Hock said.
Outside of the classroom, Hock has visited every Disney park in the world and says he can quote the entire Monsters University film from start to finish without subtitles.
Grayson Renee Rice | Ocean Advocate and Future Conservationist
Incoming Biology Major with a Minor in Coastal Environmental Science | Hometown: Summerville, SC
The ocean has always been more than a destination for Grayson Renee Rice. It's been her inspiration.
The Summerville, South Carolina, native plans to major in Biology and minor in Coastal Environmental Science, pursuing a lifelong passion for the ocean.
"Flagler spoke to my heart," Rice said. "I knew I wouldn't be just a number to my professors."
Drawn to Flagler's small class sizes, coastal location, and hands-on learning opportunities, Rice said the College quickly felt like home.
Looking ahead, she hopes to join Flagler's Surf Team, study abroad, and pursue a career as a marine ecologist, marine mammalogist, or researcher while helping protect coral reefs and endangered species.
"I would love to bring the beauty, mystery, and peace of the ocean to those who may struggle with mental illness in hopes it will help and inspire them as it did for me," Rice said.
Rice also hopes her time at Flagler will strengthen her education, independence, and faith while allowing her to leave a lasting impact on both the College and the environment.
Outside of the classroom, Rice enjoys antiquing and describes herself as creative, resilient, and adventurous.
Temia Sunshyne Haynes | Aspiring Scientist with a Passion for Biology and Cheer
Incoming Biology Major | Hometown: Winter Haven, FL
Temia Sunshyne Haynes discovered Flagler College through a classroom assignment, but it quickly became much more than the answer to a school project.
The Winter Haven native plans to major in Biology and was drawn to Flagler's history, close-knit community, and supportive learning environment.
"When I learned about how much the Deans care, the size, and the connections to be made that allow you to grow, I knew Flagler was for me," Haynes said.
Wanting a college that offered both independence and proximity to home, Haynes chose Flagler over several other Florida institutions.
"Becoming part of the Flagler community means a fresh start for myself and an opportunity to start my adult life and take the first steps to my dream job," she said.
Looking ahead, Haynes is excited to gain hands-on experience in biology labs, get involved with Student Government Association and cheerleading, and continue serving her community.
Outside of the classroom, Haynes enjoys spending time with her dog and friends, taking photographs, and has a particular fascination with sharks.
Sydney Eichhorn | Committed to Helping Every Student Belong
Incoming Elementary/Exceptional Student Education Major | Hometown: Neptune City, NJ
Sydney Eichhorn wasn't just looking for a college. She was looking for a place where she belonged.
The future Elementary and Exceptional Student Education major was drawn to Flagler College's small, close-knit community and welcoming atmosphere.
"It immediately gave me a welcoming, homey feeling that stood out from other colleges," Eichhorn said.
Watching students laugh, talk, and include one another during her campus visit confirmed she had found the right fit.
"Everyone genuinely seemed to belong," she said. "That was the moment I knew Flagler was where I wanted to be."
Eichhorn was also impressed by Flagler's personalized approach to learning, where classes are designed to connect with students' interests and career goals.
Beyond academics, Eichhorn hopes to make others feel as welcomed and included as she did during her first visit while encouraging future Saints to find their place at Flagler.
"Whether it's through the classroom, theater, or everyday interactions, I want to contribute to a community where everyone feels like they belong and is encouraged to succeed," Eichhorn said.
Eichhorn describes herself as passionate, friendly, and conscientious.
Chloe Fennimore | Adventure Seeker with a Mind for Forensics
For Chloe Fennimore, college was always going to be an adventure.
The Schwenksville, Pennsylvania, native knew she wanted to attend an out-of-state school, and Flagler College quickly stood out for its history, architecture, and supportive campus environment.
"Once I toured Flagler and saw the amazing history behind the school and beautiful architecture, I realized nothing else could compare," Fennimore said.
The Biology major and Law minor hopes to pursue a career in forensic science while taking advantage of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.
She is especially excited to meet new people, try new activities, and get involved with organizations such as the Surf Team.
During her time at Flagler, Fennimore hopes to inspire others to keep learning and growing while making a positive impact on campus.
Outside of the classroom, Fennimore describes herself as compassionate, thoughtful, and adventurous. She also has a story few people can match: she once accidentally met Olivia Rodrigo while on a trip in Wisconsin.
Aiden McGee | Lewis-Wiley Scholar Continuing a Flagler Legacy
Incoming Sport Management Major | Hometown: St. Augustine, FL
Lewis-Wiley Scholar Aiden McGee isn't just staying close to home. He's continuing a family legacy at the college that's been part of his life since childhood.
The St. Augustine native plans to major in Sport Management and grew up surrounded by Flagler College, with several family members having attended before him. Once he learned the College offered his intended major, he knew it was the right fit.
After comparing Flagler with other colleges, including the University of North Florida and Florida State University, McGee said it was the personal connections that ultimately made the difference.
"The thing that topped it off for me was the dean of admissions, Rachel Branch, made a joke in her speech that she probably knew everyone's middle name because she had read so many applications," McGee said. "I asked her mine, and she got it right. She was able to tell me all about my life and what I had put in my application. That moment convinced me I had to go to Flagler because I wasn't just a name on a page or a student number."
Looking ahead, McGee is excited to study Sport Management, take advantage of opportunities like the FlagSHIP program, and meet people from all walks of life. He also hopes to continue serving the St. Augustine community that helped shape him.
"I want to leave Flagler College better than I found it, even if it's something as small as starting a new club," McGee said.
Outside of the classroom, McGee enjoys playing golf and describes himself as adaptable, chill, and fun.
Ahnestee Jackson | Passionate About Psychology and Building Relationships
Incoming Psychology Major | Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
For Ahnestee Jackson, college represents more than the start of a new academic journey. It's a chance to step outside her comfort zone, embrace new experiences, and grow into the person she hopes to become.
The Jacksonville native plans to major in Psychology and has long been familiar with Flagler College through visits to St. Augustine with family and on school field trips. Touring campus, learning about the history of the former Hotel Ponce de Leon, and talking with current Psychology students confirmed she had found the right fit.
"What made Flagler stand out more to me than the others is that I have heard so many positive things, they have an amazing Psychology program, and I felt like Flagler was the best choice for me," Jackson said.
As she begins her first year, Jackson is eager to immerse herself in campus life by joining clubs and organizations, building school spirit, and meeting people from different backgrounds. She hopes those experiences will help her become more confident while creating friendships and memories that last well beyond graduation.
By the time she leaves Flagler, Jackson hopes to be remembered not only for what she accomplished in the classroom, but for the positivity she shared with those around her. Whether through a kind word, a new friendship, or simply encouraging others, she wants her time at Flagler to leave the campus community just a little brighter than she found it.
