VHCC 2025 Commencement Program

2025 Commencement Exercises

Friday, May 9, 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Joseph P. Johnson, Jr. Grand Hall Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center Abingdon, Virginia

VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS PRIDE Written by Schéry and David Collins

Mountains high, valleys wide, rivers running through; Highlands pride, we shall strive to learn and live what’s true. On this hill wolves ran free, strong of heart and mind; Like the wolves it’s our decree — a new world we will find. Our bounteous land, traditions rich, Virginia Highlands strives To open doors, fulfill dreams, providing better lives. On this night, in this place, we stand to sing this song. A new class joins a growing throng — over ten thousand strong. We’re justly proud of what we’ve earned and learned on our way. Through sacrifice and working hard we’ve earned the right to say — “Our bounteous land, traditions rich, Virginia Highlands strives To open doors, fulfill dreams, providing better lives.”

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COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

2:30 PM School of Arts & Sciences

5:00 PM School of Business & Industry

7:30 PM School of Biological & Health Sciences

PROCESSIONAL* ............................................................................................................................... Ms. Schéry Collins Pomp and Circumstance by Sir Edward Elgar

FACULTY MARSHAL

2:30 PM Ceremony...............................................................................................................................Ms. Sandy Davis Associate Professor, Chemistry

5:00 PM Ceremony................................................................................................................................. Mr. Erick Farris Instructor, Electrical Technology

7:30 PM Ceremony................................................................................................................................... Ms. Kim Felty Associate Professor, Medical Assisting

STUDENT MARSHAL

2:30 PM Ceremony............................................................................................................................. Graham Reynolds

5:00 PM Ceremony...................................................................................................Vincent Gregory, Zachary Brewster

7:30 PM Ceremony............................................................................................................................Courtney Bowman

WELCOME & OPENING REMARKS..........................................................................................................Dr. Adam Hutchison President

GREETINGS FROM THE VHCC BOARD........................................................................................................... Dr. Doug Arnold Vice Chair, Virginia Highlands Community College Board

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INTRODUCTION OF COMMENCEMENT SPEAKERS.................................................................................. Dr. Adam Hutchison

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER (see pages 19–20 for biographies)

2:30 PM Ceremony..................................................................................................................................... Skyla Keene

5:00 PM Ceremony.................................................................................................................................Cathryn Henley

7:30 PM Ceremony.................................................................................................................................... Brandon Ball

MUSICAL SELECTION, Virginia Highlands Pride by David & Schéry Collins....................................................Ms. Molly Doss, accompanied by Mr. David Collins The audience is asked to participate. See page 1.

PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES

All Ceremonies, Announcer.................................................................................................................Mr. Ken Fairbanks Director, Learning Resources Division

2:30 PM Ceremony......................................................................................................................... Ms. Barbara Manuel Dean, School of Arts and Sciences

5:00 PM Ceremony....................................................................................................................................Ms. Lee Hunt Dean, School of Business and Industry

7:30 PM Ceremony.......................................................................................................................... Ms. Brigitte Casteel Dean, School of Biological and Health Sciences

CONFERRING OF DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES...................................................................................... Dr. Derek Whisman Vice President of Instruction and Student Services, and Dr. Adam Hutchison

CONCLUDING REMARKS........................................................................................................................Dr. Adam Hutchison

RECESSIONAL*...................................................................................................................................... Ms. Schéry Collins War March of the Priests by F. Mendelssohn

*The audience is asked to remain standing during the Processional and Recessional.

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COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA STATE BOARD FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGES Terri Thompson, Chair Michael Eric Wooten, Vice Chair

Edward C. Dalrymple, Jr. David Elmore

Peggy Layne Bruce Meyer

Dr. Sasha Gong Jeffrey V. Haley Mark J. Hourigan Wiley "Bif" Johnson Maurice Jones

Anthony "Tony" Miller Alethea "AJ" Robinson Jeremy Satterfield Michel Zajur

Virginia Community College System Dr. David Doré, Chancellor

VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD Donald Bowman, Chair – City of Bristol Dr. Doug Arnold, Vice Chair – Washington County

Don Ashley, City of Bristol Gwen Beattie, Smyth County Charlie Fugate, Washington County Pam Hill, Smyth County

Beth D. Rhinehart, City of Bristol Dan Smith, Washington County Tonya Triplett, Washington County

President Dr. Adam Hutchison

VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION BOARD Virgil Wimmer, Chair David Collins, Vice Chair

Sara Baldwin Regina Belcher, Treasurer Donald Bowman Kimberly Clark Claire Davis Lori Deel Christine Fields Jack Frost Sarah Gillespie

Mark Goodman Kendra Hayden George F. Helms, IV Brandon Hensley

Dr. John Lentz Tal McBride Michael McCool Dr. John Roberts, Jr. Mike Spiegler Chad Taylor Chris Walters

Jake Holmes Nancy Hope

Richard Humphreys Dr. Adam Hutchison Jason Lachinet

Vice President of Institutional Advancement Laura Pennington

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ACADEMIC COSTUMES The wearing of academic regalia dates from the 12th century and has been in use in the United States since Colonial days. An American Intercollegiate Code adopted in 1984 established certain standard styles in faculty regalia; and the gowns, caps, and hoods conform in every detail to this Code. Academic hoods, like the gowns, are designed to indicate academic rank. They are the same material as the gown but differ in size and shape for the various degrees. The inside trim of the hood is of velvet or velveteen, varying in width for the different degrees. The colors inside the hood indicate the school from which the degree was granted, while the color of the trim indicates the subject in which the degree was earned.

The color for academic hoods:

Agriculture, including Horticulture

Maize

Journalism

Crimson

Arts, Letters, Humanities White Commerce, Accountancy, Business Drab Economics Copper Education Light Blue Engineering Orange Fine Arts, including Architecture Brown

Law Purple Library Science Lemon Medicine

Kelly Green

Music

Pink

Nursing Science

Apricot

Science Gold

STOLES Members of the Alpha Gamma Rho Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa national community/junior college honor society are wearing blue and gold stoles that designate their membership in the society. Membership in Phi Theta Kappa is conferred on those students who have established academic excellence as judged by the College faculty. Members of the Virginia Highlands Community College Student Government Association are wearing white stoles that designate they have held office in the Association. These are student-elected representatives of Virginia Highlands Community College and serve as a link between student body, administration, faculty, and staff. During their terms, they work to improve student quality of life by identifying and addressing issues, advocating for the interests of the student body at the administrative level, and creating, supporting, and running campus-wide events and student service projects.

Honors are computed from the cumulative grade point average as of December 2024.

CORDS Cords are worn by graduates in recognition of their special accomplishments in the following areas: Gold: Academic Honors Red, White, & Blue: Active Duty/Veterans of the U.S. Military Light Blue: Great Expectations Medallions: Highlands Scholars Blue, Green, & White: Career Studies Certificate with Distinction

*

Cum Laude

3.2 to 3.49 GPA 3.5 to 3.79 GPA 3.8 to 4.00 GPA

**

Magna Cum Laude Summa Cum Laude

***

Career Studies Certificate with Distinction



 U.S. Military Veterans Φ Phi Theta Kappa  Great Expectations v Dual Enrollment l Highlands Scholars t SGA Officers

LIVE STREAMING AND PHOTOGRAPHS Each ceremony will be live streamed on Facebook. For live streaming during the event, please visit us on Facebook and search Virginia Highlands Community College. Video will be uploaded to VHCC’s YouTube channel at a later date under the Video tab. https://www.youtube.com/@VHCCAbingdon Photographs of each graduate receiving his/her diploma are also available for purchase online at https://photos.swvaphotography.com/vhcc2025/

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C A ND I D AT E S F OR G R A D U AT I ON A L P H A B E T I C A L LY B Y D E G R E E Social Sciences Shasta Lynn Winters*

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREES Liberal Arts Major in Art Trinity Hope Puckett Φ

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS & SCIENCES DEGREES Business Administration

Liberal Arts Major in Music

Tyler Edward Blaylock Joseph Tyler Branham** Callie Noelle Cregger Steven Cole Fuller Titus James Martin** Φ Tieshawna Wilhelmina McDaniel æ Billie Jo Patterson Φ Nancy Mae Ritter Reed Vincent Smith also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Larry Vallejo-Rugerio James Lee Wright Business Administration Specialization in Business Information Technology Luke Anthony Widener*** Φ Education Santana Yasmin Cruz*** vl Φ also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Education Specialization in Art EmaLee Moore*** Φ

Esther Lee Smith*** Φ also receiving Associate of Science, General Studies Degree

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE DEGREES Computer Science Jonathan Eric Savitz*** Φ Education Kinsley Alyssa Bird** Anna Elizabeth Hucks* also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Belaynesh Grace Jessee** Jaelyn Elaine Trivitt Engineering Luke Joseph Anderson é Cameron Maddox Blevins** John Maxwell Owens** also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies General Studies Cyric Kain Adrian*** Sara Rose Cuddy Sadie Mikell Milhorne*** vl Φ also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Science Keller Finn Anderson*** also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Graham Connor Reynolds*** Science Major in Biology William Keagan Hutton**

Hailey Virginia Rowe** Φ James Jay Sherman III Ashley Nichole Sullivan*** Education Specialization in Teacher Preparation Mackenzie Claire Blazier* Φ

Dana Leigh Bowers Ashley Brooke Ellis** Austin Beth Gardner Patricia J Powers* Φ Brandon Scott Salyers*

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Michela Brooke Snodgrass also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Education Specialization in Theatre Arts Andrew Tyler Blevins** General Studies Yara Adada*** vl Φ also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Andrew Jay Addison**

Richard Allen Gonzalez*** Casselynn Mae Grace also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Sedona Rose Gravley Elijah Makai Green*** also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Seth Allen Halsey*

Joshua Mitchell Hess MaKayla Page Hogston Edward Riley Monroe Honeycutt** Addison Jade James* Haley A Jenkins

Zoe Rollins Ahn*** Isaac Jett Andrews Noah E Asbury Samantha Ashley

Syanne Terease Jones Emma Brooke Kestner* also receiving Certificate, Health Sciences Megan Kidd***

Sarah Grace Barlow*** Lenzie Marie Blackmon also receiving Certificate, Health Sciences Miguel Blanco

Anastasiia Kiriukhina** Grayson Taylor Leonard Shannon F Markham Antonio Diego McCracken Jillian Paige Morrison Davarion Lamont Mozell Dawson Wayne Muncy*** Φ Sasha Elizabeth Parks Ariana Cheyenne Parsons Mackenzie Grace Perkins*** Φ Josiah Peters* Φ Seciley Rayne Quina*** vl Φ also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies LeeAnn Hope Rhea** Lee Raye Richardson Joseph Donnelly Ritchie* Chandra Faith Sanchez-Olivares*** Φ Eli Jackson Singleton** Carissa Grace Smith*** vl Φ also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Meghan Rose Smith** also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies

Emma Reed Blevins*** Φ Sarah Allyse Blevins*** Brendon Joe Bordwine*** Hannah McKenzie Call Aurora Rose Carmody*** Φ also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Madison Nicole Colley* Φ also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Pre-Pharmacy Science Norah Ann Croghan** Φ Clayton Nathaniel Dale** Alexandria Rose Davis*** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Visual Art Kylie Jane Deel Melissa Joy Delaney* æ Ace Dylan Duff Benjamin Lee Elrod Alexis Kay-Lee Jane Frazier Candace L Frye Alex Glavascu** Φ also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies

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ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREES Accounting Shannon Dee Findley*** also receiving Associate of Applied Science Degree, Management

Michael Stephenson* Φ Nathanial Izaac Stovall* also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Diesel Technology Isabella Faith Stuart*** vl Φ also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Eliza Grace Thompson*** Summer Brooke Turley* Kieran North Winner*** Φ also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies McKenzie Jane Wise* vl Science Cameron Blake Barr* Katherine Lynn Clemons Jaquelin Alexis Cruz*** vl Φ also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Pre-Pharmacy Science Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Joshua Sebastian Johnson** Φ Nhu Do Ly** also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Sunshine Grace Martin*** Christina Jo Navarro*** Φ Diedra Leigh Ann Nunley Clara Grace Owens** Φ also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Skye Lynn Panasuk** also receiving Certificate, Health Sciences Yesenia Rosio Sanchez-Olivares* Φ also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies

Angela Michele Gibson Sarah Nicole Mumpower Autumn Cheyanne Tolliver

Administrative Support Technology Specialization in Legal Assisting/Paralegal

Kayla Renee Addesso** Amy McFarlane Mann also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Medical Coding Specialist Administrative Support Technology Specialization in Medical Office Specialist Dallas Nicole Martin Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Chad Matthew Asbury*** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration Daniela N Barr é also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Refrigeration Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration James Timothy Boardwine III also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Refrigeration Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration Eli James Carter** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Refrigeration Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration Travis J Gregory also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Refrigeration Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration Austin Kevin Ketchum also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Refrigeration Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration Todd A McVey** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Refrigeration Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration Austin Tanner Mooney also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Refrigeration Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration

Thomas Cole Subbarao*** Audrey Caitlyn Sykes*** Φ Victoria Callie Vankovich*** Φ Science Specialization in Natural Resources

Cathryn Rose Henley** Φ John William Henley*** Φ James Wade Martin**

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Joshua C Null** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration Joshua Wayne Price* Eric Cole Rolen* also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Refrigeration Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration Raul Eduardo Ruiz Martinez*** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Refrigeration Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration Computer Numerical Control Machine Operations Michael Austin Boardwine also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Precision Machining Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Precision Machining James Weston Brown*** Jacob Anthony Daston* James Thomas Eades*** Φ Christopher Lee Alec Hampton** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Precision Machining Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Precision Machining Hunter Logan Kell also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Precision Machining Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Precision Machining Denim Eric Kirk*** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Precision Machining Connor Scot McMullen also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Precision Machining Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Precision Machining Gregory A Miller é also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Precision Machining Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Precision Machining James Cody Wayne Owen*** Φ also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Precision Machining Nickolas Scott Prater** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Precision Machining Criminal Justice Brittany Nicole Bott-Harris Brennan James Gilbert** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Foundations of Criminal Justice Career Studies Certificate, Corrections

Megan Danielle Hayes* Φ Skyla K Keene*** also recieving Career Studies Certificate, Foundations of Criminal Justice Career Studies Certificate, Law Enforcement Career Studies Certificate, Corrections Robert Colt Millinger** Φ Electrical Technology Caspar Eichin*** also receiving Certificate, Electricity Career Studies Certificate, Industrial Electricity Career Studies Certificate, Practical Electrical Technician Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Practical Electrical Technician Daniel Kim Lee* also receiving Associate of Applied Science Degree, Electrical Technology - Specialization in Mechatronics Career Studies Certificate, Practical Electrical Technician Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Practical Electrical Technician John Edward Milhorne** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Practical Electrical Technician Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Practical Electrical Technician Matthew Warren Roberts*** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Industrial Electricity Career Studies Certificate, Practical Electrical Technician Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Practical Electrical Technician Tyler David Routh*** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Practical Electrical Technician Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Practical Electrical Technician Dillion Taylor Sexton also receiving Certificate, Electricity Career Studies Certificate, Industrial Electricity Career Studies Certificate, Practical Electrical Technician Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Practical Electrical Technician Tony R Stacy*** also receiving Associate of Applied Science Degree, Electrical Technology - Specialization in Mechatronics Certificate, Electricity Career Studies Certificate, Industrial Electricity Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Practical Electrical Technician Career Studies Certificate, Applied Mechatronics Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Mechatronics Andrew Barrett Thomas also receiving Associate of Applied Science Degree, Electrical Technology - Specialization in Mechatronics Career Studies Certificate, Practical Electrical Technician Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Practical Electrical Technician

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Electrical Technology Specialization in Mechatronics Brandon Huggins*** Caleb Isaac Skeens*** also receiving

Information Systems Technology Specialization in Networking Christopher Joseph Bush** é Φ also receiving

Career Studies Certificate, Networking Fundamentals I Career Studies Certificate, Networking Fundamentals II Nathan Brian Miller*** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Networking Fundamentals I Career Studies Certificate, Networking Fundamentals II Jacob Michael Peloquin*** Φ also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Networking Fundamentals I Career Studies Certificate, Networking Fundamentals II Career Studies Certificate, Cyber Security Madelyn Louise Pickle** Φ also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Networking Fundamentals I Career Studies Certificate, Networking Fundamentals II William Franklin Powers* also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Networking Fundamentals I Career Studies Certificate, Networking Fundamentals II Management

Career Studies Certificate, Applied Mechatronics Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Mechatronics Walter Aldair Torres Dominguez*** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Applied Mechatronics Emergency Medical Services Technology – Paramedic Christian Kade Barrett*** Tiffeny M Grizzle

Alexa Renee Hagy* Jesse Taylor Stam** Joshua Steven Teichner*** Horticulture Technology Holly Trusler***

Dylan Matthew VanDyke*** Horticulture Technology Specialization in Business & Entrepreneurship Adera Nicole Fink Human Services

Alexandra Nava Centeno* Tristan Grant Habiniak* Nursing Joshua Alexander Albert Virgie Kathleen Allison

Shawna Joy Crookshank Morgan Nicole McGlothlin Jacqueline Gay Elizabeth Murray

Tina Diane Badham Alisha Danielle Bales Brandon Jonathan Ball* é Φ Taylor Grace Blevins* Taylor Ashlynn-Marie Booth*** Φ Bailey Kinkaid Bordwine Briley Mckay Bordwine* Kara Hamm Brown Megan Danielle Buchanan* Φ Desiree Aragon Butts* Mara Duncan Call Shadow Brooke Cantrell é Alayna Grace Cole* Ashleigh Brooke Collins

Breanna Marie Necessary Jennah Michelle Shuler*** Angel Dawn Staley Information Systems Technology Shawn Lucas Carter* also receiving Career Studies Certificate, User Support Specialist Tia Ryanne Crowgey Kenneth Lee Eck* also receiving Certificate, Web Programming and Design Career Studies Certificate, Computer Programming Career Studies Certificate, Database Security and Design Career Studies Certificate, Web Design & Development Jordan Sheppard*** Harley Wayne Turley**

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Brandi Renee Davis* Φ Isabelle Jane de la Rama* Kaitlyn Reianne Dearen Summer Dickenson* Emily DiMattia Joseph C Dotson Carly Danielle Estep also receiving Certificate, Health Sciences Tonya Nicole Farmer Luke Branson Fields Alexis Makayla Finch Jaimen Jessie Frye* Alejandra Gaviria* Kimberly Elizabeth Hale Crystal Skie Harris** Φ t Joshua Lee Hayes Jena Suzanne Hill also receiving Certificate, Health Sciences Taylor Kennedy Hubbard* Audriana Noel Jackson Rebecca Louise Jackson* Logan Nathaniel Jenkins é Alexandria Lee Johnson* Jesse Amanda Johnson* Kimberly Renne Kading Ebony Nicole Kemp Taylor Elizabeth Lach Haley Reed Lester Allie Elizabeth Lowe Jennifer L Mancia Charly Martin é Crystal L McKemy* Adreanna Nicole Meek** Φ Angela Marie Miller Phuong Anh Moss Corinne Marie Nixon*** Shawna Renee' Hill* Kara Fenner Hopkins

Rachel Lauren Parks Sabrina Joy Parson Kaylee Marie Poston Ciera Faithe Poteet**

Chesney Milhorne Price* é Elizabeth Atwood Quigley also receiving Certificate, Health Sciences Gwen Marie Rasnake é Samantha Katherine Richards* Emilie Varney Robinette Brandi L Shuler Bayleigh Alexandria Sisk Gracelyn Isabella Smith Jayda Cassidy Smith* Jessica Nicole Smith Brittany Leigh Spencer* Misty Lee Spencer** Φ Lauren Nichole Sutherland* Krista Annette Thomas* Φ Caleb Ian Carter Tiller* also receiving Certificate, Health Sciences Hannah Elyce Craver Kathryn E Tressler Simon Thomas Wade* Hui Ling Wang** Φ Jenna Brooke Ward McKinzie Shae Williams** Olivia Jayne Zier* Office Management Martha Ann Holmes Jennie C. McAllister*** Φ

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Radiography Lacie T Bertke Jessica Michelle Blackburn* Trinity Celeste Carrico** Φ Courtney Ellen Charles*

Courtney Nicole Bowman* Judy Brock Hailey Addriona Charles Christina Alexandria Rae Mullins Cunningham Ivie Americus Greer also receiving

Emma Kate Duncan*** Zoe Danielle Eldreth** Emily Danielle Moody** Hailey Breann Musick

Certificate, Health Sciences McKayla DaShea Hobbs Selam G Hunde** Natalie Monique Hurtado** Mahalia Reese Jeffers* Tracy Lee Jones Heaven Lewis Heidi Rae Magallanes* also receiving Certificate, Health Sciences Jenna Lilianna Pobrislo Emily Megan Pruitt Demi Marie Rose** Nayeiry Ruiz* Cami Brianne Shimakonis

Greysan Parris*** Tracy Gail Shutters Madison Kaitlyn Stacy** Madison Nicole Woodruff*** Chloe Jesalyn Young Summer Dawn Young** Technical Studies Zachary Allen Brewster** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Diesel Technology Colin Isiah Sprinkle* also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Welding Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding CERTIFICATES Accounting and Information Systems Technology Miranda Brooke Thompson Health Sciences

Alexus Jayde Smith** Brittnee Marie Stanley Stephanie Dawn Taylor Elizabeth Cody Marina Tomes Kylee Watson* Yahwensi Diriba Wolde** Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) Bayleigh Abigail Abel vl

Madison Paige Garrett Rebecca Denise Grubb

Sophie Renea Adams*** vl Elaina Christine Bakker*** vl Marcus Lee Blevins Charli Kate Carpenter*** vl Aiden Scott Chapman Sr.* vl Rily Jane Cobler** vl Anna Kate Cooper*** vl Kaylie Jade Crabtree*** vl Luke Thomas Cuddy* vl

Brooke Littleford* William S Perkins* Jaycie Elizabeth Perry*** vl Angela D Sturgill Kaleigh Suzanne Thayer Sadie Elizabeth Yates* Practical Nursing Kimberly Michelle Armstrong Nadia Ashiq** Maryamo Aweyso* t

Lindsey Elizabeth Donnelly*** vl Gabrielle Rebecca Edwardson*** vl Callie Rhea Felty*** vl Φ

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CAREER STUDIES CERTIFICATES Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Ryan Jacob Shaw ¡ Advanced Welding Bryan Noah Harr ¡æ Brenton Cade Powers ¡ Culinary Arts

Presley Kate Frye** vl Aubree Noelle Fullen*** vl Φ Kelsey Abigail Garmon** vl Reily H Gillenwater*** vl Kaylee Gross*** vl Wilson A Hartley*** vl Maggie Lyn Haynes** vl Emily Beth Heaton*** vl Lilly Grace Hicks*** vl Sailor Rain Jenkins*** vl Emily Grace Jessee* vl Tori M Kariuki*** vl Shaydun Phay Keith*** vl Abigail Grace Kiser*** vl Josiah James Krumtum vl Justin S Mai*** vl Avery Madison Mannel** vl Matthew Ian McClain* vl Kielyn M Minton*** vl Sophie Brooke Moore*** vl Bernadette Niamh Murphy*** vl Φ Theron Tyler Newman*** vl Macy Odum*** vl Ameira Landis Pettitt*** vl Alona Price*** vl Walker Peyton Price*** vl Lucille Reid*** vl Ella Faith Rowland** vl Elizabeth Lee Ruble*** vl Loralie Grace Sargent*** vl Daniel Christian Shaffer*** vl Kara Faith Shortridge*** vl Abigail Sobal* vl Nate Laurence Thomas vl Lily Laree Tuell vl Emily Julie-Mae Widener** vl

Ethan Ryan Boothe ¡ v Cameron Buchanan ¡ v Katilyn Mae Harden ¡ v Peyton Matthew Little ¡ v Zachary Parker Norris v Barbara Paige Olinger ¡ v Gavin Kade Sheets ¡ v Diesel Technology Nathaniel Thomas Aug ¡ Justin R Barb

Zackery Isaiah Blevins Georgia Rose Booher ¡ Matthew G Caldwell ¡ Lilly Jade Colley ¡æ Ethan Z Dillard Brody Traven Hawks

Ronald T Horner Liam Eli Jerkins Zeke Ivan Jerkins Mason James Leonard Demetrius Michael Miller ¡ Jeremy Lee ReMine ¡ Michael Anthony Salerno ¡ Early Childhood Development - Infant and Toddler Care Lynnzie Lynnae Yarber ¡ Early Childhood Development - Special Needs Ella Kate Jackson ¡ t Early Childhood Education Hayley Montemayor

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Medical Assisting

Practical Electrical Technician Hunter Andrew Glick v James Cayden Kyle McCloud v David Ray Terry v Garrett Noah Williams Jr. ¡ v Precision Machining

Angel Nicole Adrian ¡ Michaela Rose Bland Sylvia Nicole Cagney ¡ Heleigh Morgan Dennison ¡ Sara Nicole Fleenor Blaklie Elizabeth Gemmell ¡ Holley Lynn Paige Goodman ¡ Megan Michelle Grady Grace Milletta Helms Kaitlyn Brooke Houser Price Elizabeth Ann Litton ¡ Christy Kate McAnally ¡ Heather Michelle Neal ¡ Kaylee Renee O'Quinn ¡ Kylie Breanna Owens ¡ Katelin Anne Singleton Bertha Ann Sykes Medical Coding Specialist Brittany Sue Anderson Kenyan Leann Brown Jennifer Miayim Hickman Elizabeth Ann Hodges Samantha Danielle Horner ¡ Eryn Louise Hyneman Samuel Robert Johnson ¡

Kayla Alashae Adamson v Danny Colton Blackburn v Joshua Cole Buchanan v Dylan Stewart Cardwell v John Martin Debord v Shayne Ervin v Bradee Scott French v Marty Brian Jude ¡

Nickolas Wade Norris v Skyler Caleeb Price ¡ v Substance Abuse Counselor - Assistant Joseph Steven Jones Welding Matthew Christian Blansett also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Emma-Grace Madison Brown ¡ also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Caleb Ryan Casey ¡ also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Matthew Glenn Cleary ¡ also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Delormay Deitrick Clement IV ¡ also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Mercedes Ann Concepcion ¡ also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Aidan Matthew Crockett ¡ also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Sean A Gill ¡ also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding

Jordan Snider Keyes ¡ Thomas Slade Lester ¡ Angela M McDonald ¡ Kerringtan Brooke Parris

Valerie M. Ramirez Brandi Richardson ¡ Abygail V Robinson Christia Lee Ann Sandidge ¡ Megan Leanne Viars ¡ Nurse Aide Lindsay Victoria Deel ¡ v

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Vincent Gregory ¡é also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Brandon Keith Hofer ¡ also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Ethan Christian Ingle ¡ also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Triston Matthew Keene also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Chandler Lowe ¡ also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Alex Jonah Miller also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Crystal Denise Noel ¡ also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding

Leah Marie Orio ¡ also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Ricky Scott Owens ¡ also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Bronson Tyler Price ¡ also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Bryson Gene Shepherd also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Ethan I Skeens also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Andrew Hobert Smith ¡ also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Gavin Jeffery Stover ¡ also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding

The commencement program is not an official graduation registry. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy in the program, printing deadlines may result in the omission of names of persons who have met graduation requirements and likewise the inclusion of names of persons not completing graduation requirements as expected. Therefore, the commencement program should not be used to determine a student’s academic or degree status. VHCC’s official registry for the conferral of degrees is the student’s permanent academic record, which is maintained by the Office of Admissions and Records. Honors recognitions printed in the commencement program are based upon the cumulative grade point average as of December 2024. Final official honors will be computed after all grades are processed at the end of the last term of attendance and will appear on the student’s diploma and transcript.

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WORKFORCE CREDENTIALS

The students whose names appear below have completed a workforce credential program.

CDL-A Truck Driver Training Michael Abel Tracie Adkins Chad Ball

Certified Billing and Coding Specialist Jamee Armstrong Taylor Booher Makaila Cardwell Jennifer Carter Michelle Cress Karrye Dean Chelsey Hopson Melissa Matney Angela McDonald Karen McDowell Shannon Ooten Kim Price Rhonda Tiller Samantha Vargas Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Amy Hall Tina Killion Shanna Lyon Kendra McElraft Vicki Moody Cheyenne Terry

Cody Jessee Christopher Johnson Daylin Johnson Ethan Johnson Jeffrey Johnson Baxter Keen Wyatt Kennedy David Maggard Brittany Massie Shane McCracken Alex McVey Devon Meredith Nathaniel Minton Braiden Mock Nathaniel Montgomery Jameson Moret Devin Rasnick Samuel Rhea Matthew Richardson Scott Robinson Matthew Scott Shawn Selecman Johnny Slane Michael Spencer Albert Stanton Benjamin Steffey Tommie Steward Justin Stiltner Eric Sweat Caleb Tackett William Wade Brandon Woodward Jacob Woodward Klayton Yarber Dylan Mullins Levoy Niblett Barbara Peacock Cody Perdue Travis Pickel

Richard Arnold Charles Baker April Berry-McConnell Rodney Bevins Bobby Blevins Dylan Blevins Jonah Blevins John Boggs Cecil Bradley Christopher Brodie Dusty Buck Roy Burke Austin Caldwell Bryan Caldwell George Carpenter Jade Clark Anthony Clary Matthew Cox Thomas Dula Thomas Eberhardt Thomas Farrow Samuel Fleenor Robert Forrester

Justen Frye Robert Frye Chad Fuller

Heavy Equipment Operator Terry Baker

Tony Furstnau Austin Graber Charles Greer Tiana Hall Cory Hamm Jacob Hannigan David Harrison Dalton Heath Shane Hubbard Rebecca Hurwitz

Kevin Chaffin Jordan Martin Austin Price

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Nurse Aide Madison Ashby Maggie Ayers Catherine Bolling Tabitha Broady Alasia Brown Miracle Brown Rebecca Brown Rachael Burchette Karrington Cannon

Meg Wells-Putz William Wheeler Eykera Williams Hannah Williams

Letitia Miller Taylor Moore Sarah Mullins

Sydney Mullins Jennifer Munoz Lawrence Obrien Rhoda Phillips Makenzie Price Laura Roark Jessica Shortridge Katelin Singleton Elizabeth Smart Sarah Spence Cantrena Stacy Patricia Stanley Kaley Street Isabelle Sullivan Sommer Sykes Eykera Williams Laci Williams

Phlebotomy Madison Bayse Hannah Belcher Amanda Bowman Courtney Bowman Mia Brooks Kacey Brown Rebecca Brown Naomi Burke

Ashley Carter Kaitlyn Church Melissa Clemons Lindsay Deel Stephigraphe Esperance Katie Estep Kiarra Francis Alycia Green Madison Harrod Melissa Hayes Acantha Holbrook Lena Hutton

Tasia Bush Sarah Clark Cynthia Cline Skylar Cline Velva Coburn Haley Cuneo

Stephanie Davis Gennesis Dean Karrye Dean Denise Dos Santos Madison Garrett Miranda Gilley Amy Gobble Bonnie Greer Jordyn Hale Erica Havens Jennifer Havens Crystal Hess Selena Hileman Sydney Hopkins Amber Huffman Haley Jackson Roseda Janvier Brittany Johnson Kaleb Krumtum Skylar Lee Brittany Mangano Cheyena Martin Brandy Marvin

Remote Pilot Airman Training Benjamin Cole Brennan Gilbert Jeremy Hill

Christian Hylton Alisha Jackson Kaley Jackson Bryan McCoy Allysa McGrady Salee Mason Adreanna Medorio Alicia Murph Maxwell Murph Rosetta Nasr Dillon Oxendine

Molly Hoeppner Andrew Milhorne Andy Olson Clayton Puckett Isaac Rector Adam Rhudy Tanner Smith George Tymon

Sarah Perkins Denea Reedy Brenda Reyna Bridgette Roberts Jayme Seabolt Tramaine Semley-Jones

Erik Vanpelt Roy Wright

Ronnie Shaffer Ruby Smallman

Harley Taylor Alyssa Tilson Hope Turner

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History of Virginia Highlands Community College

Virginia Highlands Community College was established on November 30, 1967, by action of the State Board for Community Colleges, and assigned a service region of Washington County, the western portion of Smyth County, and the City of Bristol, Virginia. Today it is one of 23 community colleges within the Virginia Community College System.

The College moved to its permanent 100-acre campus during the summer of 1970 and, in response to the community's needs, expanded its offerings to include both occupational-technical programs and baccalaureate-transfer programs.

During more than five decades of operation, Virginia Highlands Community College has become a dynamic leader in Southwest Virginia with a primary goal of providing a comprehensive and quality education for residents throughout its service region. The College served about 3,000 full- and part-time students this year. The rolling hills of the campus have been developed to include nine modern buildings, athletic and recreational facilities, and substantial parking. Programs and services also have changed to meet the needs of the local community. For example, the Division of Workforce Training and Continuing Education was created in 1996 to better prepare the local workforce. The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center – a separate organization located on the VHCC campus – opened in 1998 to bring baccalaureate and graduate programs to the area, and the Arts Array program was expanded into a community-wide cultural program. In 2004 we welcomed our campus neighbor, the Stone Mill Business and Technology Park, and during 2006 we completed construction of a greenhouse to support the Horticulture program. In 2011, the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center and Marketplace (formerly known as "Heartwood"), opened as a gateway to the area's cultural and creative economy, featuring a dining, event, and studio hub showcasing regional artisans and musicians. The Paramont Applied Technology and Workforce Center officially opened in March 2025. This 20,000 square foot instructional building was constructed to house the College's Welding Technology, Diesel Technology, and Workforce & Continuing Education Programs. It features classrooms, modern lab spaces, collaboration areas for students, and a business and industry hub for short-term and customized training. In addition, the dual enrollment program offered by the College is allowing students to earn college credit while still in high school, and the experiential learning initiative, LearningPLUS+, is teaching VHCC students the value of contextual learning, soft skills, and service to others, and the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is providing tuition assistance for a variety of students and their families. State-of-the-art technology has made it possible to deliver distance education courses and has provided the entire College community with modern, up-to-date computer facilities. Through Federal TRIO programs – Student Support Services (Project EXCEL) and Upward Bound – high school and college students are receiving the academic help and encouragement they need to complete high school and succeed in college.

Today, we proudly honor the VHCC Class of 2025 by celebrating this major milestone with graduating students, their family members, and friends.

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Commencement Speakers

Skyla Keene Associate of Applied Science, Criminal Justice Career Studies Certificate, Foundations of Criminal Justice Career Studies Certificate, Law Enforcement Career Studies Certificate, Corrections Skyla Keene is a 2023 graduate of Abingdon High School and has two younger sisters whom she loves dearly – and a mischievous fish named Lenny. When not busy with school, she enjoys sewing, bouldering, reading, hiking and running. She has worked at Chick-Fil-A for three years and is a front-of-house shift leader. While she has learned a great deal in her time there, her career aspiration is to be hired after graduation by a local law enforcement agency, with the end goal to be on the road and engage in K-9 work. Skyla chose VHCC for several reasons, among them being “it’s local, I wasn’t going to have to pay for my education, and I had heard wonderful things about the Criminal Justice program here.” More than gaining confidence, knowledge and tangible skills for use in her chosen career field, VHCC also has given her “many different learning

opportunities and many connections with people in the field that I would not have had access to.” She went on to add, “But, most importantly, I have had the opportunity to be supported by people who believed in me and helped me to believe it too.” She leaves VHCC with many favorite memories, but those that stood out the most were the opportunities to participate as a role player in scenario-based training with the police academy in Bristol. Skyla says that it was both fun and also served as a valuable training tool. Skyla’s parting advice to fellow graduates is, “Don’t be your own worst enemy. Sometimes, the only thing that’s standing in the way of yourself, is you.”

Cathryn "Cate" Henley Associate of Arts and Sciences, Science Specialization in Natural Resources

Cate Henley lives in Washington County with her family and beloved animals; a pet cow, sheep, goats, barn cats, dogs and chickens. She is very active in her church with the children's ministry and the sound and lighting team. Cate comes to VHCC thanks to her family instilling in her and her twin brother a deep sense of fiscal responsibility. “We aren't fond of student debt, so VHCC was the logical next step for us.” She credits VHCC for giving her so much more than just an education. “The small class sizes have allowed me to get to know my professors. They know me by name, and not just a student ID. I know myself better, because the faculty and staff of VHCC took time to get to know me better.” Cate has many memories from her time at VHCC, but her favorites come from the many things learned on the hikes taken in the ‘Plant Life of VA’ class. Among those; “I learned pencil will become "invisible ink" in damp forest so a day of hiking notes will be useless, to make sure you and Mrs. Woosley both have your glasses on before you get excited about

finding a nearly extinct turtle because it might be a very turtle shaped leaf, and if you see Mr. Casteel eating a random plant on the side of the trail, that's normal and probably fine... probably.” Her love of wildlife, research, and all things biology inspires her plans to attend Virginia Tech this fall to pursue a degree in wildlife conservation. Looking to the future, Cate adds “I'm not just a graduate of VHCC that has checked off all the necessary course work. I'm a graduate of VHCC that has become a more confident student, ready for what comes next.” Her encouragement for others is “to take every possible opportunity to participate and be involved...a lot of the time, it's not about being qualified or even good at something that matters…it's the fact you are willing and ready to do your best, & that's all anyone can ask for.”

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Commencement Speakers (continued)

Brandon Ball Associate of Applied Science, Nursing

Brandon Ball has spent most of his life living and working in Washington County, Virginia and enjoys time outdoors fishing and playing baseball with his two boys who are 13 and 10. He has worked as an officer at the Abingdon Jail for nine years and is currently working at Bristol Regional Medical Center as a Nurse Intern. Brandon has known since high school that at some point he wanted to be a nursing professional. He knew a few people who attended VHCC, and was convinced it was a logical and convenient next step to help him accomplish his goal of attending college and earning a degree. He credits VHCC for “preparing me for a nursing position upon graduation and providing me with the knowledge and skills to be successful.” Brandon admitted that “nursing school is tough.” In his case, however, his prior work experience helped him to remain calm through it all. Additionally, expert instructors and the simulation lab instilled confidence to better prepare him for real-life situations. His encouragement to fellow graduates is for them to know “I am proud of all of you for pushing

through even when we were overwhelmed and felt like we wouldn’t get through.” Brandon has already accepted an RN position at Bristol Regional Medical Center in the IMU-Step down unit, and hopes to further his education this fall at King University to obtain his BSN. One favorite memory of VHCC that Brandon will take with him is being able to go on the legislative trip to Richmond to meet the Southwest Virginia legislative delegation, and to get to see how the process of governance works.

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VHCC is an equal opportunity/open access institution. Si necesita ayuda en español, marque el número 276-739-2559.