RCSA Alumni Newsletter

Alumni Name: Courtney Dorrian

Graduation Year: 2014

Current Position: Senior Marketing Strategy Specialist

Courtney Dorrian, a proud 2014 graduate of River City Science Academy, has built an engaging career in marketing strategy. After graduating from RCSA, she attended the University of Florida, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration and developed a passion for creative problem-solving and consumer analytics. Courtney began her professional journey at The Home Depot in the marketing department, where she gained hands-on experience bringing marketing campaigns to life. Eager to deepen her expertise, Courtney went on to earn her master’s degree in mass communication and digital strategy at the University of Florida, combining her business foundation with a strong storytelling approach. Today, Courtney works at Ferguson Enterprises, where she blends strategy and creativity to support growth and strengthen customer relationships. Based in Denver, she brings strategic thinking and thoughtful execution to her role every day. Outside of work, Courtney enjoys crocheting, dancing, traveling, reading, and baking.

We’re excited to introduce a new tradition in our alumni community—celebrating our graduates' weddings! Whether they recently got married or tied the knot years ago, we love honoring these joyful milestones and sharing the love with the entire RCSA family.

In this edition of the newsletter, we’re thrilled to celebrate the marriages of Ajla, Celi, Keith, Kevin, Monica, Makayla, Daniel, and two couples who found love back in high school—Kaitlynn & Collin and Brittany & De’Andre. We couldn’t be happier for these amazing alumni and wish them all a lifetime of happiness, laughter, and adventure.

If you or another RCSA alum would like to be featured in a future edition, please send your wedding photo to alumni@rivercityscience.org — we’d love to hear from you!

Konstantina "Dina" Kirkos (RCSA Class of 2014) Back in 2007, my parents received a flyer in the mail for a new charter school accepting students for sixth and seventh grade. We toured the school, which was then just a big warehouse we called “the cafegymeteria,” and before I knew it, I was a sixth grader sporting red, white, and blue polos at RCSA. Little did I know that I would eventually become an RCSA alum, along with my two younger sisters.

I am so grateful for the lifelong friendships, memories, and experiences RCSA gave me. From lock-ins back in the day to Science Olympiad competitions, the STEM & Health Expo, and RocketFuel News, RCSA offered opportunities (and incredible teachers) that helped prepare me for what was next.

Since graduating, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from the University of Florida (Go Gators!), moved to Austin, Texas, and have spent the past seven years working at a few top global PR agencies, supporting tech clients like AMD, LinkedIn, and Qualcomm.

It’s been incredible to watch the school continue to grow, and I’ll always cherish my time there. To current RCSAers: enjoy this chapter. Try new things, appreciate your teachers (seriously), and know that what you’re learning now can truly carry you forward.

This summer, we brought our alumni community closer through a series of college meet-ups designed to connect our newest graduates with alumni already attending the same schools. These informal gatherings took place at local coffee shops and created the perfect environment for honest conversations, helpful advice, and meaningful connections.

We hosted separate events for alumni heading to FSU, UF, UCF, and UNF, where experienced students shared their insights on everything from navigating dorm life and managing course loads to favorite campus spots and food recommendations. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive—our Class of 2025 alumni left feeling more confident, better prepared, and excited for what’s ahead.

We look forward to continuing these efforts and building an even stronger alumni network in the future!

We’re proud to share that Justin Duke and Emily Reyes, recent graduates of RCSA Middle-High, have been awarded the 2025 Dr. Carlo Rodriguez Scholarship by the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools!

Only 12 students across Florida received this prestigious $1,500 award in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements.

Please join us in congratulating these two exceptional RCSA alumni as they take the next step toward their bright futures!

We’re proud to announce that Cole Carin, Markus Keller-Karatsonyi, and Joyce Tahhan have been named Semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program!

Out of 1.3 million entrants nationwide, they are among the top 1% of U.S. high school seniors recognized for their outstanding PSAT/NMSQT scores.

We’re excited to support them on their journey toward finalist status and scholarship awards next spring.

Way to go, Rockets!

We’re excited to share that RCSA has officially launched its Rocket Mascot Shop—a new online store featuring spirit wear and accessories for students, staff, alumni, and families!

With fresh designs, screen print and embroidery options, and direct-to-door delivery, the Mascot Shop makes it easier than ever to show off your RCSA pride.

Explore the shop now:
https://themascotshop.jostens.com/3122575

Grab your gear and represent RCSA wherever you go!

We’re excited to share that River City Science Academy has been awarded a generous $5,000 grant from Simply Healthcare Plans to support our SIMPLY’s Bright Future College Mentoring Program (CMP)!

This meaningful contribution will help us continue providing students with the guidance and support they need to reach their college and career goals.

We’re grateful for Simply Healthcare’s partnership and look forward to growing this mission with the support of more community sponsors.

We’re proud to announce that all six RCSA campuses have once again earned A ratings from the Florida Department of Education! This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work of our students, the dedication of our teachers, and the continued support of our families.

Thank you to everyone who makes RCSA a place of excellence. Go Rockets!

We’re proud to share that RCSA Middle-High, along with several other River City Science Academy campuses, has once again been recognized by U.S. News and Niche for academic excellence and overall school quality.

These recognitions highlight the dedication of our students, staff, and families—and reaffirm our commitment to creating a supportive, high-achieving educational environment across all RCSA schools.

Thank you to our incredible community for helping us reach new heights year after year. Go Rockets!

See the full rankings:

US News: https://www.usnews.com/.../river-city-science-academy-4993

Niche: https://www.niche.com/.../river-city-science.../rankings/

RCSA is thankful to Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation for their generous grant of $10,000, which will go toward supporting our sustainability and garden education initiatives. Together, let’s plant the seeds of a healthier future for our kids and community.

Dr. Jessica Chandras from UNF's anthropology department visited Great Decision (in partnership with the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville) to introduce herself and a bit of her background in Anthropology. Dr. Chandras will be RCSA's professor sponsor for Great Decisions. Great Decisions is a club that is hosted by Mr. Plummer and is a national program that is America's largest discussion program on world affairs. Students involved in Great Decisions will have opportunities to meet experts, policy makers, government officials, and become better global citizens.

Are you seeking new career opportunities or know someone looking to make a meaningful impact? River City Science Academy, with its diverse campuses and educational programs, offers a variety of employment possibilities. We continuously have openings for dedicated individuals in various roles, including teachers, after-school care personnel, substitute teachers, teacher assistants, and paraprofessionals. To apply, send your resume to employment@rivercityscience.org. We welcome you to consider becoming a valuable member of the RCSA team.