Lake-Sumter State College is excited to announce its commencement speaker for the Leesburg ceremony, Kelly-Ann Baptiste. Baptiste is a former professional track and field athlete who hails from the Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago. She spent over a decade competing at the highest level, representing her country and inspiring young athletes around the world.
Baptiste’s accomplishments as an athlete are numerous and impressive. She competed in five Olympic Games, beginning in 2004 in Athens and culminating with the 2020 Tokyo Games. She also won two NCAA championships in the 60m indoor and 100m outdoor while competing for the LSU Tigers, and earning a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.
One of Baptiste’s greatest accomplishments came at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, where she won a bronze medal in the 100 meters. Her success on the track has inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence.
After living in the United States for many years, Baptiste now calls Clermont, Florida home. She retired from professional athletics in 2021 and has since pursued a career in the Arts. Despite her retirement from track and field, Baptiste remains a beloved figure in the sport, both for her accomplishments on the track and for her dedication to inspiring the next generation of athletes.
Baptiste’s journey is a testament to the fact that hard work, dedication, and perseverance can lead to great success. Her achievements on the track are truly inspiring, and we are honored to have her as our commencement speaker. We have no doubt that Baptiste will bring that same level of inspiration to the LSSC Class of 2023.
We look forward to hearing from Baptiste and wish her all the best in her future endeavors. Congratulations, Kelly-Ann, on your many achievements, and thank you for inspiring us all.
Watch the 67th Commencement virtually by visiting www.lssc.edu/livestream beginning at 5:00 pm on Friday, May 5