VHCC Spring 2022 Commencement

Commencement Speakers

Autumn (Maddie) Moore Associate of Arts and Sciences in Education – Specialization in Teacher Preparation

A deep love of the outdoors and living things has served as the foundation for Maddie Moore’s passion for agriculture. A native of Meadowview and a 2020 graduate of Holston High School, Moore began her formal involvement in the agricultural community in middle school, and culminated with recently serving as the State Vice President for Virginia Future Farmers of America (FFA). As State Vice President, Moore says that she “traveled all over the state to teach middle and high school students about leadership, career and technical opportunities, agriculture, and FFA.” When Moore isn’t studying, she enjoys volunteering, serving at her church, drawing and painting, and working several part-time jobs including one in child care. Moore plans to transfer to Virginia Tech to pursue an advanced degree in agriculture sciences so she can become an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor. Serving in this role, Moore says, will allow her to “help connect individuals with the importance of food and where it comes from and how central agriculture is to life.” Moore’s advice and encouragement to fellow graduates is “your education is one of the most important things in your life…so you choose the route you want to go, the time you need for the journey, and the people you travel it alongside.” Christian Gonzalez Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Technology and Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Technology – Specialization in Energy Technology Education has always been a priority for Christian Gonzalez of Saltville. While attending Northwood High School, he secured enough college credits to earn both a high school diploma and his first college degree from Virginia Highlands upon graduation from Northwood in 2019. Gonzalez was raised in a culturally rich household – a blend of American and Mexican influences – and credits this environment as being a great blessing in his life. In reference to his belief in service to others, Gonzalez says, “I attend church regularly and try to help my church family to the best of my abilities.” When not on campus, Gonzalez may be found enjoying some of his favorite hobbies including playing baseball and slow-pitch softball, biking, fishing, side-by-side riding, and trying new foods. An entrepreneur at heart, Gonzalez enjoys mowing and landscaping through his growing lawn care operation, and plans to sit for his journeyman license this summer to expand his business offerings. In offering words of advice to the graduating class of 2022, Gonzalez says to “never give up, always ask questions, don't be afraid of failing, and always take advantage of opportunities because you may never get them again.”

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