VHCC 2023 Commencement Program

Commencement Speakers

Cole Bednar Associate of Arts and Sciences in Science – Specialization in Engineering

Cole Bednar of Abingdon has deep roots in family, faith, and education. Mature and accomplished beyond his years, Bednar will have just celebrated his 18th birthday when he graduates from VHCC. Bednar was born in Arlington, Texas, and moved to this area when he was 6 years old. Bednar began attending VHCC full-time at the age of 16 and says that VHCC has been “a great transition from a homeschooling environment to the next phase of education” for both he and his sister, Kora Bednar (who is also graduating from VHCC this year). That next phase includes an exciting internship at General Dynamics this summer, and heading to Virginia Tech this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. While at VHCC, Bednar served as the President of the Fellowship of Christian Students, worked as a tutor in the MARC, helped run an Ultimate Frisbee group in Abingdon, and showcased a golf ball launcher (that he designed himself) at the 2022 VHCC Educational Foundation Golf Tournament. When Bednar isn’t studying, his favorite activities are reading, playing board games, and participating in sports of all kinds. In offering words of advice to the graduating class of 2023, Bednar says to “try to use the knowledge and experience that you have gained at VHCC to improve not just your life, but the lives around you.” Abigail Poole, a native of Chilhowie, is a planner and an achiever – with the heart of a servant. While attending high school, Poole took the steps needed to earn her cosmetology credential from Smyth Career & Technical Education Center so that she would have a jump-start on her future upon graduation. With the love and support of her large and close-knit family, Poole enrolled at VHCC and found another family waiting for her. “All of the staff and professors are so welcoming and helpful…there hasn’t been a day that I dread coming to VHCC, and I just like hanging around even when I don’t have class.” While at VHCC, Poole has worked in her late grandmother’s salon and as a work study in the Professional and Technical Studies Division. She has also served as the Student Government Association president – a role that she has gotten a tremendous amount of joy from through supporting and encouraging fellow students. When not on campus, Poole enjoys fishing and walking her dog, listening to music, and fueling her “inner foodie” by trying all sorts of cuisine. Poole has plans to continue her education, but first wants to gain some additional professional experience in business, human resources, accounting, and finance. Poole’s advice and encouragement to fellow graduates is “to not get down if you are rejected in an opportunity…take it as a sign that you have even bigger and better opportunities on your horizon.” Abigail Poole Associate of Applied Science in Management

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