August 22, 2025

St. Petersburg School Community Recognizes Local Hero

News Summary

Petty Officer First Class Carla Pisecco, a St. Petersburg native, receives praise for her leadership with the U.S. Marine Corps. Additionally, Suncoast Credit Union has donated $250,000 to support the Fuse Scholarship Program, providing vital resources for students transitioning from St. Petersburg College to the University of South Florida. This initiative aims to promote educational equity and support first-generation students in their pursuit of higher education.

St. Petersburg – Petty Officer First Class Carla Pisecco, a dedicated service member and St. Petersburg native, has been recognized for her exceptional leadership with the U.S. Marine Corps. Pisecco, who is currently serving with Expeditionary Strike Group 2 during the Baltic Operations 2025, has received a Marine Corps Meritorious Mast for her exemplary performance, highlighting her commitment and contributions to military operations.

Graduating from Pinellas Park High School in 2007, Pisecco continued her education by obtaining both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in homeland security from Saint Leo University. Her academic background, combined with her military training, has positioned her as a role model for aspiring leaders, particularly those interested in careers in public service and national security.

In related news, the St. Petersburg community is benefiting from a significant educational initiative aimed at increasing access to higher education. Recently, Suncoast Credit Union made a generous donation of $250,000 to support the Fuse Scholarship Program at St. Petersburg College (SPC) and the University of South Florida (USF). This initiative, which will receive matching funds from the Helios Education Foundation, brings the total to $500,000, providing vital assistance to nearly 50 SPC students seeking to pursue four-year degrees through the Fuse program.

The Fuse program is designed to create a seamless transition for students moving from SPC to USF, offering guaranteed admission into select programs. This collaborative effort targets first-generation and underserved students, aiming to promote educational equity across Florida. The funding is essential for ensuring that these students have the resources needed to succeed in their academic and professional endeavors.

Tonjua Williams, president of St. Petersburg College, has acknowledged the pivotal role of education and community partnerships in transforming the lives of students. Such collaborations not only provide financial assistance but also enable a supportive environment where students can thrive and realize their full potential.

The recognition of Carla Pisecco and the funding support from local organizations exemplify the strong sense of community in St. Petersburg. Through her leadership in the military and the investment in education, St. Petersburg continues to foster growth and opportunity for its residents. As Petty Officer Pisecco advances her career in the Marine Corps, she serves as an inspiration for those considering service to their country and the importance of education in shaping future leaders.

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Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER

ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas 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 Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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