Virginia Highlands Community College 2024 Commencement Program

2024 Commencement Exercises

Friday, May 10, 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 College Transfer

5:00 PM Professional & Technical Studies

7:30 PM Health Programs

PROCESSIONAL* ................................................................................................................................ Ms. Krystal Smith Pomp and Circumstance by Sir Edward Elgar

FACULTY MARSHAL

2:30 PM Ceremony................................................................................................................................... Ms. Dona Lee Associate Professor, Communication, Speech and Theater

5:00 PM Ceremony..................................................................................................................................Mr. Eddie Fultz Assistant Professor, Welding

7:30 PM Ceremony............................................................................................................................. Ms. Kat Stephens Associate Professor, Nursing

STUDENT MARSHAL

2:30 PM Ceremony................................................................................................................................Cassidy DeAses

5:00 PM Ceremony...................................................................................................................................Taylor Skeens

7:30 PM Ceremony............................................................................................................... Natasha Chantel Seagrave

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

GREETINGS FROM THE VHCC BOARD........................................................................................................ Ms. Gwen Beattie 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.................................................................................................................................Kaitlyn Woodby

5:00 PM Ceremony.....................................................................................................................................Ella Jackson

7:30 PM Ceremony.................................................................................................................................. Danielle Artrip

MUSICAL SELECTION, Fill the World With Love (from Goodbye Mr. Chips). Written by Leslie Bricusse and arranged by Frank Bently.....................................Ms. Krystal Smith and the VHCC Choir

MUSICAL SELECTION, Virginia Highlands Pride by David & Schéry Collins................................................Ms. Krystal Smith, and Ms. Mary Munsey, Assistant Professor of Music 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, Arts and Sciences Division

5:00 PM Ceremony....................................................................................................................................Ms. Lee Hunt Dean, Professional and Technical Studies Division

7:30 PM Ceremony.......................................................................................................................... Ms. Brigitte Casteel Dean, Health Programs Division

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. Krystal Smith Marche Romaine by Charles Francois Gounod

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

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COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA STATE BOARD FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGES Peggy Layne, Chair Terri Thompson, Vice Chair

Brenda Calderon, Ph.D. Edward C. Dalrymple, Jr.

Maurice Jones Ashby Kilgore Bruce Meyer Alethea "AJ" Robinson Michael Eric Wooten Michel Zajur

Dr. Sasha Gong Jeffrey V. Haley

Mark J. Hourigan Darius A. Johnson Wiley "Bif" Johnson

Virginia Community College System Dr. David Doré, Chancellor

VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD Gwen Beattie, Chair – Smyth County Donald Bowman, Vice Chair – City of Bristol

Dr. Doug Arnold, Washington County Don Ashley, City of Bristol Charlie Fugate, Washington County Pamela Hill, Smyth County

Dr. Brian Ratliff, Washington County Beth D. Rhinehart, City of Bristol Dan Smith, 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 Ben Casteel Kimberly Clark Claire Davis Lori Deel Christine Fields Jack Frost

Sarah Gillespie Mark Goodman Kendra Hayden George F. Helms, IV

Tal McBride Michael McCool Tony Miller Dr. John Roberts, Jr. Mike Spiegler Chad Taylor

Jake Holmes Nancy Hope

Richard Humphreys Dr. Adam Hutchison Dr. John Lentz

Chris Walters Shasta Wilson

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. Students wearing white 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 2023.

CORDS Cords are worn by graduates in recognition of their special accomplishments in the following areas:

*

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

***

Gold: Academic Honors Red, White, & Blue: Active Duty/Veterans of the U.S. Military

Career Studies Certificate with Distinction



 U.S. Military Veterans Φ Phi Theta Kappa  Great Expectations v

Light Blue: Great Expectations Medallions: Governor’s Scholars Green: Career Studies Certificate with Distinction

Dual Enrollment/Governor's Scholars

SGA Officers

t

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/channel/UC6UBvTMmuKJxiGQfkX2y6SA Photographs of each graduate receiving his/her diploma are also available for purchase online at https://photos.swvaphotography.com/vhcc2024/.

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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

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS & SCIENCES DEGREE Business Administration Bliss Jaelle Brockmyre*** Φ Emily V Chapman* Wyatt Matthew Clarke Clayman* Aidan Tyler Elliott*** Brandon James Eskridge Steven Cole Fuller Haley Elizabeth Herndon also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Kaylee Marie Jackson Tieshawna Wilhelmina McDaniel æ

Education Specialization in Theatre Arts Andrew Tyler Blevins** General Studies Natalie Brooke Adams*** v also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies

Victoria Ann Adams*** Angel Nicole Adrian** Nicholas Alan Agri also receiving

Certificate, Health Sciences Logan Tanner Alley*** v also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Isaac Jett Andrews Christian Andrew Asbury Abigail Lea Bagwell** F t Bailey Andrew Bagwell** F Madison Leigh Ball v also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Hannah Eileen Barnes** F Alixandra Bennett*** v also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Alexandria Leigh Bland** F Michaela Rose Bland Taylor Ashlynn-Marie Booth*** Ethan Castonguay*** Jacob Anthony Chase** Kara Brooke Collins*** F Marcus Samuel Collins*** Kelsey Denise Cornett also receiving Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree, Science Norah Ann Croghan** F also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Colby Seth Crutchfield** Holly Norene Dale** F Brandon Nicholas Daugherty

Cade Daniel Morrison** Michael Allen Dylan Roe* Baylee Savana Tolbert

Logan Shuler Tolbert*** Φ Nathaniel Gideon Youhas* Business Administration Specialization in Business Information Technology Hunter Blake Frye Education Stacia Hockman Madelyn Nicole Moore Education Specialization in Art

Katelyn Marie Peters Rebecca Diane Pippin Hailey Virginia Rowe*** F also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Visual Art Education Specialization in Teacher Preparation

Ashley Brooke Ellis** Makenna Jade Fields Karris Brooke Stiltner Jonna N McMurray** Tristan Avery Vance*

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Megan Kidd*** v also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Lena Baongoc Kim** Whitney Nicole Laisure*** v also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies

Connor Austin Davidson*** v also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Karrye Marie Dean Kylie Jane Deel Haley Elizabeth Delp Kathryn Olivia Dick*** v also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Megan Elizabeth Dunn also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Esraa M. Elshouky*** F Kenneth Andrew Fields  also receiving Certificate, Small Business Management Alex Glavascu** F also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies

Brenden Michael Lawson** Abigail Paige Leonard*** also receiving Certificate, Health Sciences Grayson Taylor Leonard Anna Fiona Lortz*** F Karleigh Brooke Maiden Haley Chyenne Manuel*** F Chloe Gail Martin Kaitlyn Anne McNeely**

Kaitlin Marie McAllister*** F Elizabeth Grace McClure*** also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Madison Bennett McConnell** Lindsay Grace McMahan* Christian T Miller*** F Quintin Quaye Mills-Hudson Julie Anne Mitchell* Jillian Rose Mizelle*** v also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies

Berlin Camille Graham* Katelyn Renea Gregory t Sidney Dawson Guthrie** F Daniel Cole Hartsock* Caleb Benjamin Heaton*** Madison Shea Herndon Marshall David Gent Herndon***

Kylee Anne Hilliard Kassidy Jayne Hilt** MaKayla Page Hogston

Autumn Nicole Moncrief Jacob Richard Morrison* Jillian Paige Morrison also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Visual Art Melissa Grace Moyer*** Jaden Lee Moyers** Brianna Mullins* also receiving

Abbey Elisabeth Holmes** Emma Kathryn Hurley*** v also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Taylor Shay Jessee Blaine Antonios Joannou*** Alexander S Johnson** also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Ariana Nicole Johnson** v also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Jason Carl Johnson** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, American Sign Language Destiny Jade Kemp** F

Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Career Studies Certificate, Medical Coding Specialist Emma Lee Ann Musick*** v also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Howard Julius Parrish* Ariana Cheyenne Parsons

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Caitlin Danielle Pierce Ashley Elizabeth Postell Micah Potter***

Clara Grace Owens** F also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies

Nathan Kyle Shinault*** Lauren Elizabeth Smith Audrey Caitlyn Sykes*** F Jacob Scott Wright* Science Specialization in Engineering Caleb J. Rector* Science Specialization in Natural Resources

Lauren Elizabeth Wilson Radford Tobias James George Reid*** v F also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Emma Kate Sheets* F Devan Brian Shortridge** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Applied Music Grayson Thomas Small*** Ethan Pierce Smith Madisyn Leigh Spencer Angel Dawn Staley Kaylee Brooke Stidham*** F also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Shay Christopher Sullivan** also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Samuel Henry Sutherland* Kaitlyn Hope Woodby** F t Tiffany Marie Johnson Yates* also receiving Career Studies Certificate, American Sign Language Science Jordin Grace Chapman*** Laurel Elizabeth Dorman** F Reagan Grace Faust*** v also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies Madison Paige Garrett Luís Judá Quirarte Hutton** F Noah Scott Sykes* Cyril Andrew Tester Christy Dawn Tolbert Hunter lee Wachob

Emily Suzanne Burke** F Lillian Ruth Jarrett*** F also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Horticulture Production Jana Caroline Lee** F also receiving Certificate, Uniform Certificate of General Studies James Wade Martin*

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE Accounting Brittany Lushea Carlock** Hayley Marie Wright* Administrative Support Technology Executive Administrative Assistant Dawn Worley Crosswhite** F

Administrative Support Technology Specialization in Legal Assisting/Paralegal Jennifer Carol Ball*** F Administrative Support Technology Specialization in Medical Office Specialist Vickie Lee Bennett***  Φ Christy Heath Dallas Nicole Martin* Christy Kate McAnally** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Medical Coding Specialist Bethannie RoseAnna Wagoner** Φ

Kloe Izabella Leonard Austin Eric Lewis** F Brandon Taylor Mullins Christina Jo Navarro*** F

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Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Jordan Lee Blevins* F also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration Nathan Blake Ferley** also receiving Associate of Applied Science Degree, Electrical Technology Certificate, Electricity Career Studies Certificate, Practical Electrical Technician Career Studies Certificate, Refrigeration Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration Christian Antonio Gonzalez** F also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Refrigeration Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration Labrisca Dawn Hamm*** F also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Refrigeration Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration Alexander Hulbert* also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Refrigeration Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration Andrew Nicklaus Jessee** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Refrigeration Gyles Liburd also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Refrigeration Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration Shane Allen McCall*** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Refrigeration Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration Codie Bryant Newberry***  also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Refrigeration Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration Clifton Douglas Rouse** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Refrigeration Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration Colton Schuler** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Refrigeration Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration Logan Brian Teaters also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Refrigeration Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration

Joel Daniel Vines also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Refrigeration Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration David Lee Wolfe Jr.*** Computer Numerical Control Machine Operations Nathan Andrew Barlow also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Precision Machining Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Precision Machining Cooper Brannon Mykel Bibbins** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Precision Machining Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Precision Machining James Weston Brown*** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Precision Machining Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Precision Machining Jacob Anthony Daston also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Precision Machining Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Precision Machining Chase Seivers Dixon*** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Precision Machining Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Precision Machining James Thomas Eades*** F also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Precision Machining Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Precision Machining Nathaniel C Leland also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Precision Machining Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Precision Machining Nicholas Alexander Matda*** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Precision Machining Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Precision Machining John Marc Worley*** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Precision Machining Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Precision Machining Criminal Justice Samantha Grace Blevins Brittany Nicole Bott-Harris also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Foundations of Criminal Justice Career Studies Certificate, Law Enforcement Kayla G. Davis

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William Sage Finley also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Foundations of Criminal Justice Jason Pierce Hardy** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Foundations of Criminal Justice Career Studies Certificate, Corrections Kyle William Jones also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Law Enforcement Dakota Asher Voyles*** F also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Foundations of Criminal Justice Career Studies Certificate, Law Enforcement Career Studies Certificate, Corrections Brandon Thomas Walls Electrical Technology William Michael Akers*** F also receiving Certificate, Electricity Career Studies Certificate, Industrial Electricity Career Studies Certificate, Practical Electrical Technician Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Practical Electrical Technician Noah Eaton Barr* also receiving Certificate, Electricity Certificate, Solar Energy Technology Career Studies Certificate, Industrial Electricity Career Studies Certificate, Practical Electrical Technician Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Practical Electrical Technician Michael Ethan Church also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Industrial Electricity Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Practical Electrical Technician Chase Hunter Harrington** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Industrial Electricity Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Practical Electrical Technician Wrangler Gage Hogston also receiving Associate of Applied Science Degree, Electrical Technology - Specialization in Mechatronics Charles David Johnson* also receiving Certificate, Electricity Career Studies Certificate, Industrial Electricity Career Studies Certificate, Practical Electrical Technician Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Practical Electrical Technician

Hunter Cole Owens* also receiving Certificate, Electricity Career Studies Certificate, Refrigeration Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Practical Electrical Technician Raul Eduardo Ruiz*** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Industrial Electricity Career Studies Certificate, Practical Electrical Technician Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Practical Electrical Technician Tanner Curtis Smith also receiving Certificate, Electricity Career Studies Certificate, Industrial Electricity Career Studies Certificate, Practical Electrical Technician Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Practical Electrical Technician Grayson Eli Surber*** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Practical Electrical Technician Career Studies Certificate, Industrial Electricity Corbin Jake Turilli*** also receiving Certificate, Electricity Career Studies Certificate, Industrial Electricity Career Studies Certificate, Practical Electrical Technician Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Practical Electrical Technician Electrical Technology Specialization in Mechatronics Kenneth Eric Taylor** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Applied Mechatronics Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Mechatronics Benjamin Ethan Trivette Emergency Medical Services Technology – Paramedic Bailey Michelle Dean also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Dylan L Gary

Cosette Sophia Moormans*** Katie Elizabeth Pilkington***

Dillan C Powers*** Tiffany Kayla Pruitt

Tiffanie Leighanne Warren Preston James Wright***

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Horticulture Technology Specialization in Business & Entrepreneurship Ashley Michelle Collins*** Erin Maritza Gonzalez** Joshua Sebastian Johnson** Φ Alana Kamiya Laurie Human Services Barbara C Curtis**

Management Madison Skye Childress Taylor LeAnn Skeens Nursing Mark Anthony Addison Jr. Ashley Nichole Addison Jessica Akerboom*  Hannah Elizabeth Alford

Cassidy LeRay DeAses t Brittany Candace Gilbert Morgan Nicole McGlothlin Ceanna Tess Moormans*** Φ Lesly Hagen Roope***

Danielle Jane Artrip Taylor Brianne Barr** Zoey Rishi Billings** Christy Lynn Blackburn Booher*** Hannah Elizabeth Blackburn* Taylor Selene Campbell* Φ Kayla Leigh Cantrell Samantha Erika Carmack* Derek Charles Christie Ellen Cole Brianna Hope Combs** Meghan Nicole Corns Hannah Elizabeth Countiss** Φ

Chassie Lea Timbs Fleisha J Woelkers* also receiving Certificate, Human Services Advocate Human Services Specialization in Early Childhood Education Victoria Lynn Berry*** Information Systems Technology Alexis Jade Meadows*  also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Web Design & Development Jordan Sheppard*** Information Systems Technology Specialization in Networking James W Byrd*** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Networking Fundamentals I Career Studies Certificate, Networking Fundamentals II Anastasia Snow Inscore*** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Networking Fundamentals I Career Studies Certificate, Networking Fundamentals II Brian Randall Sword also receiving Certificate, Networking A+ Career Studies Certificate, CISCO Networking and A+ Career Studies Certificate, Networking Fundamentals I Career Studies Certificate, Networking Fundamentals II Career Studies Certificate, Computer Programming Career Studies Certificate, Cyber Security Career Studies Certificate, User Support Specialist

Hannah Elyce Craver MaKaLa Amber Cruey Abigail Faith Davidson* Brandi Renee Davis* Kyrstin Leigh Day James D Desmond Jr. Alena Mikhaylovna Dubavaya*** Φ Marissa Dye* Patricia Elizabeth England* Carly Danielle Estep Morgan Brittany Fields* also receiving Associate of Applied Science Degree, Emergency Medical Services

Technology – Paramedic Alexis Makayla Finch Mary-Elizabeth Sunshine Garrett Isabella Grace Goins also receiving Certificate, Health Sciences

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McKenzie Donna Grady Carrie D Harless* Ariel Camille Harris Abigail Sparks Hash Lauren Brooke Hawks Hannah Gray Henson Erin Ruth Holmes Janet Renee Jarvis Sariaha Alyssabell Keen Aaron Tyler Kell* Autumn Leia Kilgore Jennifer Marie Lessels Katherine A Litton*** Hunter August Kalee Lockler Shelby LeeAnna Louk* Richelle Lowman** Φ Victoria Rachel-Dawn Lykins Kayleigh Skye Maiden* Jennifer L Mancia Christina Lynn Maness Cecilia Alise McDowell also receiving Certificate, Health Sciences Tess Marie McGrew** Lisa A McVey Carrie L Mullins Sarah Elizabeth Musser* Chelsea Anne Neitch Rosa Owens** Φ Heidi Page Taylor Dawn Passamonte Ashleigh Ezzell Randolph*** Gwen Marie Rasnake  Jessica Lee Reep** Sara Emiline Roberts Candi P Rouse** Nikita Danielle Sandefur Alicyn Gail Self** Miranda N Skeens* Gracelyn Isabella Smith

Jessica Renee Smith Katlyn Jewel Smith**

Makayleigh Paige Smith* Briana Nicole Snider*** Rebecca Cheyanne Snipes Madeline Grace Statzer** Heather Dawn Stroup** Φ Kelly Alexis Sykes* Matthew Brian Taylor Kiersten Taylor Vossen Courtney Lee Walters*** Y'landa Rae Widener Kelsey LeAnn Wolfe** Φ also receiving Certificate, Health Sciences Madison Josie Woods* Olivia Bledsoe Woods*

Radiography

Brooke Arnold*** Φ Rachel Paige Blosser** Emily Jane Bowen

Brianna Marie Davidson** Brandy Paige Honeycutt** Φ Hannah Gray Noelle Kirk*** Φ Ally Corinne Manuel** Andy Grant Moore*** Hailey Breann Musick Keriauna Chantel Perkins*

Emily Anne Stiltner** Emily Faith Vaughn*** Taylor Denise Ward** Φ Technical Studies Logan Christopher Fleenor** also receiving Associate of Applied Science Degree, Electrical Technology Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Practical Electrical Technician Career Studies Certificate, Welding Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Brandon Michael Holliday*** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Welding Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding

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Ivie Americus Greer also receiving

Isiah Thomas Matthews Maria Jane McBride*** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Medical Coding Specialist Brandon Patrick Miller Isaac Perkins also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Nathanial Izaac Stovall* also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Precision Machining Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Precision Machining Andrew Dewayne Sullivan** CERTIFICATE Accounting and Information Systems Technology Ella Kate Jackson* t Clerical Studies Martha Ann Holmes Health Sciences Mary Bridgit Inyangu Abudu Brianna Nicole Bailey Danielle Alexandria Bell** Bonnie M Blevins Courtney Nicole Bowman* Trinity C. Carrico*

Certificate, Health Sciences McKayla DaShea Hobbs Natalie Monique Hurtado* Jenna Lilianna Pobrislo* Demi Marie Rose** Cami Brianne Shimakonis Alexus Jayde Smith*** Jade Nicole Smith Brittnee Marie Stanley Stephanie Dawn Taylor Kylee Watson*

Kelsey Breann Williams Yahwensi Diriba Wolde* Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) Rebecca Isabelle Adams** Φ

Kayman Alexa Atwell* v Lakyn America Austin** v Emily B. Bartley* Alyssa Kinsley Bird** v Andrew Pierce Blackley** v Courtney Annabelle Blevins v Lily Grace Blevins Hannah Grace Bowles*** v Shaylen Rae Cannon*** v Ellie Marie Cobb*** v Kaylie Shae Cornelius Hannah Elizabeth Dillard** v William Jacob Dorton v Jaiden Elizabeth Flanary** v Φ Nelson Kyle Greenway*** v Keona Emali Haga** v Adam Michael Harosky* v Caragan Heath v Jacqueline Faith Hill*** v Matisyn Hutton*** v Campbell Grace Kestner** v Madison Michelle Lawson** Paris Tatianna Martin*** v

Billy Ray Hunter Heath  Heidi Rae Magallanes* Shavonte Cynthia Moore

Revonda M Rife** Kenna Lee Russell* David Brian Shortridge Human Services Advocate Jared Glenn Helbert*** Practical Nursing Nadia Ashiq Judy Brock** Hailey Addriona Charles April Renee Gomez

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Applied Music

Sunshine Grace Martin*** v Raina Janan Meade*** v Khoa Anh Ngo*** v Autumn Riley Owens** v Jesse Dwayne Owens** v Madyson Powers*** v Amanda Kate Rankin*** v Addison Talley Reedy*** v McKenzie Breanne Reynolds*** v

Emily Grace Kramer ¡ Rodney Bryce Pruitt ¡ Esther Lee Smith ¡ Φ Child Development Audrey Curran Moss ¡ Culinary Arts Shiann Yuvonne Blevins ¡ v Emily Shea Brandon ¡ v Alyssa Lillian Burchfield v Kaylee Paige Dea ¡ v Jessica Rayne Dixon v Ryan Maddox Heath v Madison Dawn Orfield ¡ v Lazoryia Preston ¡ v Kadence Deborah Pringle ¡ v Isabelle Ann Sullivan ¡ v Elizabeth Pearl Wright ¡ v Cyber Security Madelyn Louise Pickle ¡ Φ

Addison Denise Rose*** v Ella Tweed Seymore** v

Megan Taylor Simerly v Bryan Scott Snead*** v F Lewis Cosby Snead*** v F Olivia May Stevens*** v Micah Joseph Thornton** v Jaelyn Elaine Trivitt* v Zakery Slade Tuell Victoria Callie Vankovich*** v Isabella Faith Walker v Mary Katherine Gomes de Oliveira Wilson** v CAREER STUDIES CERTIFICATE Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Alissa Brooke Glover ¡ Rebekah Kingery Salyer 

Warren Carter Taylor Mason Avery Wright ¡

Diesel Mechanic Carson Blake Austin Christian Allen Bryson Aidan Matthew Crockett Caleb Anthony Denton ¡

Ryan Jacob Shaw  Jesse Taylor Stam  Joshua Steven Teichner  Advanced Welding Caleb Matthew Leonard ¡ Evan Noah Miller Kevin K Nguyen Joseph Eli Robinette American Sign Language Lydia E Barrett ¡

Ricky Lee Goodman ¡ Marcus Verlin Hyatt ¡ Matthew McCoy Harley Elizabeth Cheyenne McNew Dalton Kalem Neece Joseph Connor Nichols Nathan Wayne Rowe Jessica Chelsey Rugar ¡

Colin Isiah Sprinkle ¡ Heather Nicole Wilson

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Horticulture Production April Marie McConnell Medical Assisting Michelle Batson Hannah Grace Collins Christina Alexandria Rae Mullins Cunningham Hannah Lee Harris Hannah Hobbs

Practical Electrical Technician Antonio Drake Addesso ¡ v Gauge Allan ¡ v

Cayden Michael Castle ¡ v Conner Wayne Castle ¡ v Alexander Eric Catron ¡ v Ryan Michael Lewis ¡ v Tyler David Routh ¡ Seth Avery Thomas ¡ v Benjamin Scott Webb Jr. v Precision Machining John Rafe Boggs ¡ Rylee Blake Charles** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Precision Machining Brandon Huggins*** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Precision Machining Denim Eric Kirk ¡ also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Precision Machining James Cody Wayne Owen*** Φ also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Precision Machining Lee Daniel Pettingill ¡ also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Precision Machining Nickolas Scott Prater ¡ also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Precision Machining Ryan Nicholas Rangel Refrigeration Chad Matthew Asbury ¡ Joshua C Null ¡ Connor Ratcliff also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration Salem Avery Stevens Small Business Management Chassidy Paige Hughes Substance Abuse Counselor - Assistant Tamiray Carpenter de Briel ¡

Ashley Marie James Laura Lewis- Stacy Celena Kaye Lowe Hannah Renae Olinger Jessica L Olinger Hailie Dawn Reece ¡ Patricia LeeAnne Robinson-Naranjo Natasha Chantel Seagrave ¡ Kyrah Jade Shupe Tessie Pauline Stacy ¡ Nevaeh Ann-Marie Vannoy Medical Coding Specialist Austin Blake Carroll ¡ Emma E Coe ¡

Haley Nicole Storm Cole Allison Nichole Dean ¡ Gracie Rose Gorsline ¡ Brenda R Johnson Julia Nicole King Jessica Adrienne Kinser ¡

Candy Leigh Love Connie E Meier ¡

Megan Renee Owens ¡ Brittany Renee Rhymer ¡ Gabrielle Paige Snead ¡ Candy M Sollien ¡ Kaitlyn Stiltner

Angela D Sturgill Jamie Lee Ward ¡ April B Yeary ¡

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Visual Art Alexandra Mae Malina ¡ Web Design & Development Aqsa Mehmood ¡ Welding Chandler Ian Asbury also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Michael Lee Belfield ¡ also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Matthew Christian Blansett also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Kewan Jabrezz Brown also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Alexander Zane Cobb also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding

Tristan Garrett Guffey ¡ also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Bryan Noah Harr  also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Matthew Riley Hopson ¡ also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Daniel Gentry Litz also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Brenton Cade Powers ¡ also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Caelen Alexander Price ¡ 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 2023. 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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WOR K F OR C E C R E D E N T I A L S The students whose names appear below have completed a workforce credential program.

CDL-A Truck Driver Training Todd Adams Hunigan Benjamin Anderson

Certified Billing and Coding Specialist Amanda Bowman Ashley Brewer Iris Estep

Phlebotomy Joshua Albert Bonnie Blevins Emilie Bolling Rachel Brown Trinity Carrico Amy Cook Leaslie Delp Alyssa Dye Blaklie Gemmell Hannah Hawkins Madison Holston Lydia Humphrey Abigail Lampkin Tammy Lee Tore Mink Emily Musick Ashley Palmer Candace Phillips Faith Rhea Shelby Saxton Amanda Stiltner Alexis Tyler Samantha Yarber

Jonathan Austin Nicolas Boddiford Steven Carmack Michael Davenport Mark Dockery Tyler Eller Christopher Frye Richard Gilbert Christopher Gobble Lucas Greer Andrew Guerriero Jackson Hancock Cody Harris Connor Howell Robert Hutton Michael Inscore Dusty Love Jonathan Matney George McNeill David Meadows Demetrius Miller Zachary Pickel Dakota Rasnake Brysen Richardson Aaron Rosenbalm Carlos Solis Santiago Richard Sawyer Cory Stacy Jessie Teaters Timothy Watson Hunter Webb Charles Wysor Tony Reedy Robert Rhea

Deidra Coalson Rebecca Hicks Regina Mathena Emma McCready Kayla Mullins

Certified Fiber Optics Technician Julio Birchfield

Justin Crosswhite Jacob Dinsmore Celestino Guzman Joseph Moody Adam Stevenson Nurse Aide Kimberlie Akers Elizabeth Boger Misty Boggs Makalia Cardwell Cassandra Eller Dillon Gross Hannah Harris Cameo Henley Ashley James Kelsi Johnson Monica Johnson Kayla Montemayor Mary Payne Makenzie Price Sharon Ragland Harmony Webb

Remote Pilot Airman Training Bradley Johnson Andrew Johnson Tobias Reid Chad Thompson

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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. 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 (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 2024 by celebrating this major milestone with graduating students, their family members, and friends.

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Commencement Speakers

Kaitlyn Woodby Associates of Arts and Sciences in General Studies

There have been many “firsts” for Kaitlyn Woodby of Bristol during her time at VHCC. Most notably, upon graduation Woodby will be the first in her family to earn a college degree. She got a jump-start on her Associate of Arts and Sciences degree by taking college-level courses through Virginia Highlands while she was still in high school. When Woodby isn’t studying or working as an at-risk mentor for Highlands Community Services, her favorite activities are photography, reading and hiking. In addition to enjoying serving as the Secretary for the VHCC Student Government Association and being a member of PTK, Woodby says that her “favorite memory at VHCC was being chosen to represent the Arts and Sciences Division in Richmond at the Virginia General Assembly. This experience was very important to me and allowed me to connect with senators, delegates, and representatives to speak with them about the betterment of VHCC.” After graduation from VHCC, Woodby plans to attend Radford University to major in psychology and criminal justice to prepare her for a career as a forensic psychologist. As words of reflection for the Class of 2024, Woodby says, “I would not be the person I am today without VHCC… it has allowed me to find my place, given me amazing opportunities, and made me into a better person. This looks different for everyone, but I encourage you to always have a goal or a dream and work to turn it into reality. You should always be working to be the best you that you can be.” Ella Jackson Certificate in Accounting and Information Systems Technology Ella Jackson of Abingdon has a deep love of family, farming, and furry critters. Raised on a ranch where her family trains Quarter Horses and raises Angus Beef cattle, Jackson has been around animals her entire life. Jackson lights up when she talks about her two sheep, Bonnie and Clyde, a bottle-fed calf named Smokey, and a one-eyed horse named Sun Dance. When she’s not in class or helping on the farm, Jackson enjoys being outdoors riding horses, kayaking, and hiking. Like many VHCC students, Jackson graduated from high school undecided about her career path, but knowing she wanted to stay close to family and the animals she loves. She chose to attend Virginia Highlands and says that “at first, the thought of attending college was absolutely terrifying but after experiencing the welcoming and supportive environment, I knew I could do it!” One of her favorite memories at VHCC was getting to be the Wolf Mascot in the Abingdon Holiday Parade in 2023. As for what’s next, Jackson has already secured her dream job as a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor where she will partner with horses in riding sessions for children and adults that have mental, physical or emotional challenges and delays. In offering words of advice to the Class of 2024, Jackson says, “Do what you love and love what you do.”

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Commencement Speakers (continued)

Danielle Artrip Associates of Applied Science in Nursing

Danielle Artrip of Bluff City is married to her high school sweetheart and is the proud “mother of five beautiful children: Forrest, Karterbeth, Wyatt, Abram Luke, and Sully Kate.” With the love and support of her large and close-knit family, Artrip enrolled at VHCC and was grateful to find another family waiting for her. Her Virginia Highlands family helped her earn her first college degree in Emergency Medical Services in 2017 which enabled her to become a nationally-registered paramedic. Artrip says that VHCC has been her go-to-college because it “offered affordable local education options, and helped her achieve her goal of becoming a nurse while continuing to balance her home life as a wife and mother.” After graduation, Artrip has plans to work as a critical care nurse while attending King University to pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing. As she begins these next steps in her journey, Artrip will look back on her favorite things about VHCC: “the positive rapport built with faculty, being in the simulation lab with Bethany and Kayla, and watching Amy’s portrayal of a patient during the Interdisciplinary Simulation Day.” Artrip’s advice and encouragement to her fellow graduates is “never settle for less than your worth, and know that any dream or goal you have can be obtained through hard work and dedication.”

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