On Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the 2 p.m. EFSC Commencement Ceremony, Alayna Castro-King walked across the stage— not only to celebrate her own academic achievements, but also to honor the memory of her sister, Alcenta, who passed away two weeks before graduation.
“She was one of my best friends,” said Alayna. “To be able to know that although she’s not here with us, we were able to still celebrate her at commencement was truly a blessing in itself.”
Alcenta had completed both her A.A. degree and A.S. in Digital Television and Media Production, while Alayna graduated with a BAS in Organizational Management.
“While completing our education at EFSC, we were in the same classes together, writing notes back and forth,” said Alayna. “She was wise beyond her years—the one I would go to for advice. It feels like I’ve lost a limb.”
Alayna describes her sister as genuine, creative, and determined—persisting through her studies, even when challenged by setbacks. Specifically, she remembers Alcenta taking the civic literacy exam three times, before ultimately passing—a moment of personal victory.
“She didn’t want to give herself enough credit,” said Alayna. “But we were like: This is a huge accomplishment!”
After graduating from EFSC, Alcenta—artistic and hands-on by nature—had dreams of pursuing the creative arts of jewelry-making, painting, and ceramics by attending workshops in Fort Lauderdale to further hone her skills. Inspired by the eclectic storefronts in downtown Melbourne, she envisioned one day opening a small storefront of her own, where she could sell her wire-craft and mixed media pieces.
“She was truly and honestly such a unique human being,” said Alayna. “There was so much that she wanted to do.”
Shortly after her sister’s passing, Alayna reached out to Eastern Florida State College with a hopeful request: To have her sister’s name called at the ceremony and walk across the stage to receive her diploma.
“EFSC responded immediately, helping coordinate every detail,” said Alayna. “I have a big family. They gave us 15 tickets so that we could all be physically there to honor my sister. I just can’t thank them enough for how special they made the occasion.”
At the 2 p.m. ceremony, when both names were called, Alayna stepped forward to receive their two diplomas while wearing a purple ribbon in honor of her sister. What happened next brought tears to her eyes.
“The reaction surprised me. People stood up for us,” said Alayna, who held up her sister’s diploma during a 30-second standing ovation from an auditorium filled with EFSC graduates, faculty, staff, family members, and friends. “I really couldn’t hold it together that day. I’m trying to smile, but I’m crying.”
The moment also commemorated Alayna’s own academic journey, which began in 2017. Looking toward the future, she envisions herself as an event planner, organizing “big conferences and conventions.” The lifelong memories shared with her sister will continue to inspire her professional journey.
“Anything that I do, I’m going to think of her,” said Alayna. “We want to keep talking about her, highlighting who she was.”
Honoring Alcenta’s memory, the family plans to complete an annual Alcenta Nature Walk—remembering her while enjoying one of her favorite pastimes. At the same time, Alayna plans to carry on Alcenta’s legacy as an example for future students to follow.
“Any opportunity to talk about my sister, I’m going to take it,” she said. “She would tell others to keep going, even when it seems difficult. Don’t give up halfway—the finish line is not that far. You’ve got this.”
