Virginia Highlands Community College 2026 Commencement Program

2026 Commencement Exercises

Friday, May 8, 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 Health Professions

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. Johnnie Keene Associate Professor, Precision Machining

7:30 PM Ceremony...........................................................................................................................Ms. Sherrie Phillips Professor, Nursing

STUDENT MARSHAL

2:30 PM Ceremony.....................................................................................................................................Erin Hogston

5:00 PM Ceremony..........................................................................................................................................Zach Poe

7:30 PM Ceremony......................................................................................................................................Risten Russ

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........................................................................................................................Makenzie McConnell

5:00 PM Ceremony....................................................................................................................................Seth Thomas

7:30 PM Ceremony.................................................................................................................................Billy Ray Heath

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.............................................................................................................................Mr. Donnie Melvin Assistant Dean, School of Business and Industry

7:30 PM Ceremony..........................................................................................................................Ms. Brigitte Casteel Dean, School of Health Professions

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

Dr. Michael Eric Wooten, Chair Mark J. Hourigan, Vice Chair

David Elmore Dr. Sasha Gong Jeffrey V. Haley Wiley "Bif" Johnson Bruce Meyer Anthony "Tony" Miller Alethea "AJ" Robinson

Jeremy Satterfield Christine Woodall Thompson Terri Thompson Brett Vassey Joan Wodiska 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 David Collins, Acting Chair

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

Mark Goodman Kendra Hayden

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

George F. Helms, IV Brandon Hensley* Nancy Hope Richard Humphreys Dr. Adam Hutchison* Jason Lachniet*

Chris Walters Virgil Wimmer

*ex-offico

Vice President of Institutional Advancement Laura Pennington

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ACADEMIC REGALIA 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. Students wearing the royal blue stoles with green trim are graduates of the Excel Program. To honor their accomplishments, the stoles have “First Generation” on one side and “Excel” on the other. These graduates are honored for their exceptional dedication and efforts to complete the TRIO Excel program. 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 2025.

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/vhcc2026/

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CANDIDATES FOR GRADUATION ALPHABETICALLY BY DEGREE

Kanae Capri Wade Emily Julie-Mae Widener** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Early Childhood Development, Special Needs Engineering Ross E Baker

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREES Liberal Arts

Jayden Lee Adkins* Jessie Amelia Rhea t

Liberal Arts Major in Art Trinity Hope Puckett* F ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE DEGREES Business Administration

Wesley Sanders Barker** F James Thomas Broome III***

Edwin Glen Dyess III** Drake Everett Maiden* Nathaniel Joseph Schneller** General Studies Mason D Bonilla*** vl also receiving Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) Isaac Asher Booth*** Ryne Conley Brandon** Jasmine Brewer** Zackery Craig Buchanan* Lindsey Elizabeth Donnelly*** Luke Michael Dorman** vl also receiving Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) Emmaline Maizie Dowell*** vl F also receiving Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) Madeline Marie Fields*** vl also receiving Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) Katelyn P Fleenor*** Colton Andrew Gentry*** vl also receiving Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) Thomas Luke Gibson*** vl also receiving Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) Audrey Antoinette Gilley*** also receiving Certificate, Health Sciences Cheyenne Elizabeth Greer** vl also receiving Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) Garrett Dewitt Casler* Kaylie Jade Crabtree*** Zachary Grant Davis***

Kiera D Breeding* é Maria J McBride** also receiving Associate of Applied Science, Accounting Tyra Jade Murray** Computer Science Ethan Evan Puckett* Christopher Hunter Taylor** Education Sophie Renea Adams*** Shane Michael Barker*** F Brayden Michael Branscomb***

Melissa Kristine Brown** F Lillian Elizabeth Davidson* Makayla Grace Dickerson** F Ethan Blaine Doss*

Anna Elizabeth Hucks* Amber Dawn Huffman Sydney Erin Justice* Autumn Riley Owens** also receiving Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) Angel Nicole Pennington***

Sarah Elizabeth Pickel** Rachel Marie Pollard** Brittney Shaylin Roberts Kaylee Nichole Roberts*** F

Olivia Carty Scott** Jordan Kelsie Smith*

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Emily Beth Heaton** Ella Marie Hodges* also receiving Certificate, Health Sciences Iziah Drake Johnson* also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Pre-Pharmacy Science Braden Jones*** vl also receiving Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) Camille Jones** Carlei Grace Keeney** vl also receiving Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) Carter Reece Kerr* Hayden Robert Kestner*** vl F also receiving Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) Harrison Oakley McBride*** Raina Janan Meade*** Sadie Mikell Milhorne*** F Gavin Wayne Minton Kherington Blakemore Minton *** vl also receiving Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) Marley Jane Musser** F Abigail Grace Neace* Diedra Leigh Ann Nunley Audrey Grace Orr*** vl also receiving Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) Ayaan Dhaval Patel*** vl also receiving Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) Amanda Grace Perkins vl also receiving Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) Jaylee Trishelle Phipps *** F Walker Peyton Price** Joshua Lee Reynolds Prestyn Reynolds* vl also receiving Certificate, Health Sciences Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) Annastasia Rokicka* Dominique Logan Romero* F Elizabeth Lee Ruble***

Nathaniel L. Thomas* also receiving

Certificate, Health Sciences Austin Blake Thompson Micah Joseph Thornton** Noah Avery Tweed*** Preston Crew Vilacha*** vl also receiving Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) Kaleigh Aaren Worley* also receiving Certificate, Health Sciences Miranda Rose Wyatt*** Health Sciences Theron Tyler Newman** Science Parker Andrew Carroll* Alexsandra Gladis* Makenzie Alyssa McConnell* t Patchcharapha Rodjanapradit*** Science Major in Biology Gavin T Browning*** vl also receiving Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) Lauren Jade Carr* Caedmon Micah Johnsey** F Leanna Brooke McCracken** also receiving Associate of Science, Education Career Studies Certificate, Pre-Pharmacy Science Ethan Shawn Parks*** vl also receiving Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) Zoey Schein vl also receiving Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) Science Major in Natural Resources Santana Yasmin Cruz*** vl F Samya Lauren Ramzy Gamel* Austin Matthew Hogsten

Connor Bradley Barton Zackary Reagan Poe**

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Social Sciences

Education Specialization in Teacher Preparation Austin Beth Gardner Michela Brooke Snodgrass General Studies Tristan Aaron Anderson Noah E Asbury Samantha Ashley Lenzie Marie Blackmon* also receiving Certificate, Health Sciences Miguel Blanco Aurora Rose Carmody*** F also receiving Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) Kaden Jefferson Comer*** Heer Ghanshyamsinh Dodia*** vl F t also receiving Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) Elizabeth Nicole Gray** Myla Paige Heath Erin Lea Hogston*** Michael Linh Hua*** Ashley Marie Johnson* F also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Pre-Pharmacy Science

Rylee Grace Barker* Landon Cole Boyd also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Applied Music Sara Plaster Musick*** F Shasta Lynn Winters* Social Sciences Major in Psychology Ashlee Pauline Anderson* F also receiving Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) Cora M Heath Bailey Elizabeth Romero also receiving Associate of Science, General Studies Haley Abigail VanDyke**

Social Sciences Major in Social Work

China Faye Dodson** Christina Marie Trogdon*** F Laura Paige Wampler*** also receiving Associate of Applied Science, Human Services Social Sciences Major in Sociology LeeAnn Hope Rhea** Autumn Deanna Rhea Rose ASSOCIATE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES DEGREES Business Administration Aaron Nathaniel Farmer** Holly C Jones*

Syanne Terease Jones Logan Michael Leach** Cat Nokstella Hayden Riley Reynolds*** Lachlan McKenzie Reynolds*** David Cole Shepherd also receiving

Certificate, Health Sciences Courtney Amber Nettles* Levi Dylan Teaters** Alexa Rayne Thompson also receiving Certificate, Accounting and Information Systems Technology Science Thomas Cole Subbarao*** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Practical Electrical Technician Alexis B Vencill

Myla Breguil Jones* Perrin L. O'Neill** F Carlee Cheyenne Taylor Business Administration Specialization in Business Information Technology Brandon Thomas Newman* Emma Rhys Wingo* Education Specialization in Art Julian Summer Campbell* t

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Science Major in Natural Resources Kassi Dawn Davidson ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREES Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Daniela N Barr* é Benjamin Belcher** also receiving Certificate, Electricity Career Studies Certificate, Refrigeration Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration Eli James Carter** Samuel Benjamin Dibble* also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Refrigeration Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration Caden Wayne Galliher also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Refrigeration Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration Edward Clinton Harris III also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Refrigeration Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration Thomas Robert Passamonte* Michael Jeremy Ramsey** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Refrigeration Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration Computer Numerical Control Machine Operations Michael Austin Boardwine also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Precision Machining Nathaniel C Leland Connor Scot McMullen* Joshua Ray Tipton*** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Precision Machining Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Precision Machining Criminal Justice Peter Josiah Breem* also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Law Enforcement Sierra Renee Deskins** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Law Enforcement

Brody Douglas Dietsche*** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Corrections Career Studies Certificate, Law Enforcement Blaiklee Michelle Stout* also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Foundations of Criminal Justice Career Studies Certificate, Corrections Electrical Technology Joshua Logan Matthew Branson*** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Practical Electrical Technician Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Practical Electrical Technician Nathan Alexander Cannon*** also receiving Associate of Applied Science, Electrical Technology - Specialization in Mechatronics Career Studies Certificate, Practical Electrical Technician Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Practical Electrical Technician Career Studies Certificate, Applied Mechatronics Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Mechatronics Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Practical Electrical Technician Jesse Samuel Combs** also receiving Certificate, Electricity Career Studies Certificate, Practical Electrical Technician Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Practical Electrical Technician Jack Ethan Hall** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Practical Electrical Technician Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Practical Electrical Technician Hunter Brock Hicks* also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Practical Electrical Technician Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Practical Electrical Technician John Edward Milhorne** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Practical Electrical Technician Colton Bailey Ratcliffe also receiving Certificate, Electricity 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, Advanced Practical Electrical Technician Career Studies Certificate, Applied Mechatronics Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Mechatronics Conner Wayne Castle*** also receiving Associate of Applied Science, Electrical Technology - Specialization in Mechatronics

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Tyler David Routh*** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Practical Electrical Technician Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Practical Electrical Technician Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Mechatronics Phillip Andrew Sage*** also receiving Associate of Applied Science, Electrical Technology - Specialization in Mechatronics Associate of Applied Science, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Career Studies Certificate, Refrigeration Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration Tony R Stacy*** also receiving Associate of Applied Science, 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 Christian Edward Stevens also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Practical Electrical Technician Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Practical Electrical Technician Electrical Technology Specialization in Mechatronics Erick Braxton Farris** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Applied Mechatronics Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Mechatronics Jonathon Shane Pierce*** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Applied Mechatronics Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Mechatronics Caleb Isaac Skeens*** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Mechatronics Seth Avery Thomas*** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Applied Mechatronics Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Mechatronics Horticulture Technology Skyler Joseph Burkett* Kayla R. Golden Human Services Tabitha Dyann Compton*** F Madison Grace Dixon** Alana Kamiya Laurie** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Early Childhood Development, Infant and Toddler Care

Eva Sheree Mullins Lois Willis*** F Information Systems Technology Specialization in Networking Shawn Lucas Carter* also receiving

Career Studies Certificate, Networking Fundamentals I Career Studies Certificate, Networking Fundamentals II Career Studies Certificate, Web Design & Development Jacob Michael Peloquin*** F Samuel Scott Russell æ also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Networking Fundamentals I Career Studies Certificate, Networking Fundamentals II Career Studies Certificate, Cyber Security Dylan Trey Thompson* also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Networking Fundamentals I Career Studies Certificate, Networking Fundamentals II Management Kaleigh Morgan Jessee Jaheen Jones Jessica Dawn Surber Nursing Angela Gail Allison Elainna Jane Armstrong Annie Mae Barker Elliana Grace Brockmyre** Olivia Yvonne Frankie Brooks* Emerald Faith Burrell

Margaret Ella Clendenen Brittany Bradshaw Cornett Tracy Lynn Cowden Jennifer Denise Durham-Wood Bianca Ebert Samantha Lee Edmonds Olivia Faith Elam Macie Elizabeth Harris Frazier* F Helena Magdalene Freeman Krislyn Tyana Frye also receiving Certificate, Health Sciences Chelsea Alise Fugate Ethan Gillespie*

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Billy Ray Hunter Heath Megan Renea Johnson Abbie Elizabeth Justice Patrick Kala Marie Leonard Morgan Alexis Lester Marshall Eugene Lewis Jr.* Ashley Nicole Long Caitlyn Nicole McFarlane* Stephanie Nicole McInturff Erin Elizabeth McKay Tammy Renee Moore Suzanne Kiser Osborne Maria Roberts Palmer Lucas Kase Pennings*** Cheyenne Autumn Ray Ashley Shyanne Reynolds Jacquelynn Faith Russell* Casey Aaron Scott Elizabeth Marie Sennet F Brandi L Shuler Madison Starr Simms* Casey Lee Smith Megan Paige Snodgrass Brittnee Marie Stanley* Helena Grace Strouth Bethany Leeann Sullivan** Lauren Nichole Sutherland* Austin A. Thompson Terri Lynn Townes Hannah Elizabeth Trivette Suzanne Willemse** Rhiannon Adelle Williams*

Haley Leigh-Ann Meade** Katie Christine Miller* Emily Alexandria Nisewonder* F Alexis Raelyn Powers** Technical Studies Brandon Keith Hofer*** also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Troy Anthony Taylor also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Welding Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding CERTIFICATES Accounting and Information Systems Technology Mildred L Ross Electricity Mathanael Kenny Compton also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Practical Electrical Technician Larry Cruz-Rugerio Health Sciences Jadan Luca Gragg Cheryl Elizabeth Mullins also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Substance Abuse Counselor - Assistant Kathryn Grace Osborne

Allison Alicia Patrick Makenzie Renee Poe Brooke Smith Jessica Brook Smith* also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Medical Coding Specialist Practical Nursing Kimberly Michelle Armstrong Maryamo Aweyso Willow Marie Billings Taurean Amauri Christphoer Bizzell Courtney Nicole Bowman* Jeri Danielle Carter Hailey Addriona Charles Amiya Nevaeh Cox Christina Alexandria Rae Mullins Cunningham

Sidney Tate Williams* Summer Renee Wright Amanda Megan Wu

Radiography

Alexis Grace Austin*** Lydia Emara Blair-James* Bailey Harris*** Riley Nicole Martin** F

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Carly Makinna Doane** Brittany Candace Gilbert Makayla Frances Grady also receiving Certificate, Health Sciences Timber L Guymond Autumn Marie Hand MaKenna Brooke Honaker Selam G Hunde Mahalia Reese Jeffers

Dalton Ray Crider** vl Luke Thomas Cuddy Brianna Lynn Davenport*** vl Eden Rose Desrosiers** vl Cole Andrew Dipietro* vl Kendyl Marie Gross*** vl Bailey Hazel Hamer** vl Mia Faith Honaker vl Reagan Elizabeth Hull*** vl Abigail Grace Kiser*** Sophia Anna Kiser** vl Hannah Morgan Lee*** vl Kaylee Renee Linkous** vl Danica Marie McCardell*** vl Daniel Graham Medearis** v Eli Brayden Miller*** vl Emma Munsey*** vl Ranzey Todd Nichols*** vl Jenna Marie Owens*** vl Jessi Brooke Owens* vl Sarah Madeline Mae Page** vl Allie Rachelle Parks*** vl Katherine M. Pelly*** vl Michael Christopher Pelly*** v Alona Rayne Price*** F Brodie Reece Ratliff* vl Sarah Elizabeth Scott** vl Owen Lee Senter** vl Aiden Maddox Smith** vl Fallyn Grace Presley Smith*** vl

Tracy Lee Jones Heaven Lewis* Tara Rose Lucca Heidi Rae Magallanes

Kerigan McKinley Meade Victoria Rose Morrison Emilee Kate OQuinn III Emily Megan Pruitt* Brittnay Cheyenne Rediker Nayeiry Ruiz Risten Ann Russ Ana Karina Salas-Lopez** Jade Nicole Smith Sabrina Smith Elizabeth Cody Marina Tomes Kelsey Breann Williams Supervision and Management Aaron Michael Sailor** Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) Elijah Samuel Aistrop*** vl Andrew Baker*** vl Lauren Kimberly Baker*** vl

Brady Kayden Trent*** vl Tallinn Littany Tritt** vl

Kasey Kandace Ball*** vl Alison Lee Burcham** vl

Zainab Umer*** v Vincent Wang* vl

Abbigail Faith Byington*** vl Chloe Marie Campbell** vl Aryn Riley Chapman *** vl Alexandria Elizabeth Charette vl Michael Collins* vl Natalie Payton Combs*** vl

Elizabeth Jaylyn Whitman* vl Collin Michael Widener** vl Web Programming and Design Molly Ann Hoeppner*** F

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CAREER STUDIES CERTIFICATES Advanced Precision Machining Bradee Scott French  Marty Brian Jude  Advanced Welding Emma-Grace Madison Brown  Matthew Glenn Cleary  Delormay Deitrick Clement IV  Sean A Gill 

Austin Reece Ratliff  Ethan Gage Stewart  Colton Edward Thompson  Keldon J. Warner  Early Childhood Development Infant and Toddler Care Brayden Layne Kestner Hannah Grace Milhorne  Nicole Nelson Terra LeAnn Odom Emily Susanne Roberts Early Childhood Development Special Needs Keni Blackburn Early Childhood Education Hayley Montemayor Lindsey DeAnna Cromer  Marshena Rochelle Fersner Industrial Supervision Joshua Garland Osborne  Medical Assisting Letha Diane Alexander  Amanda Michele Bowman Lauren Kyla Cline  Courtney Leanne DeBord Kylie Morgen Dye Rachel Madison Hale Alexis Marie Hartnagel  Crystal Lynne Hess  Shannon Michelle Jordan  Maggie Rose McCowan  Emma Alexandra McDavid Kaylee Elizabeth Moore Heather Hall Ratcliffe  Madison Rose Rouse  Medical Coding Specialist

Crystal Denise Noel  Bronson Tyler Price  Bryson Gene Shepherd Colin Isiah Sprinkle  American Sign Language Paula Michelle Cook  Ruth F Qualls  Corrections Sally Jo Roark Culinary Arts Amaya Honey Epps  v Jaydin Joel Tirado  v Cyber Security Whitney B Head Austin Wayne Johnson  Nathan Brian Miller  Diesel Technology Aaron Thomas Barton  William Andrew Barton  Robert Logan Blevins Anthony Noah Breeding Daniel Adam Cook  Nolan C. Counts  Mathew James Davis  Blakely Dylan Fleenor é James Allen Jacobs é

Melissa Dawn Adams  Janelle Dawn Armitage  David Michael Barker 

Adam Mouldi Lahbib Deven Isaiah Musser  Elijah Dale Parks 

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Taylor Danielle Blackburn Colson Lee Broyles  Tanya Renee Cassell  Chasity Lynn Katlin Cathey  Kelly Elizabeth Caudill Madison Childress Teresa A Crewey  Tara M Cross  F Charity Lillian Hope Connell Skylar Younce Dowell  Kristina Michelle Flannagan Alison Michelle Fleenor  Andrea Haley Fleenor  Nikita Davis Fleenor  Colleen Glass  Ashley Nicole Guy Chelsey Hopson Tiffany Cheyanne Jones  Madison Sidney Anne Lane  Kayla Marie Lawson  Suzanna Renee Little  Miranda Jean McKeehen 

Nicholas Wythe Kiser  Zachary Catalan Lerner  v Ronny Gage Lyles  v Theodore Bodie Miller v Garrett Steven Moore  v Owen Lee Prater  v

Precision Machining Cannon Gabriel Blake v

Andrew Lee Call v Allen Lee Collins v Michael Liam Deojay  also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Precision Machining Jessie Lee Finley é also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Precision Machining John Scott Garner  v Matthew Edward Lower  F also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Precision Machining Career Studies Certificate, Applied Mechatronics Gavin William Moore v Ayden Bruce Richards v Andrew Hobert Smith  also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Precision Machining Timothy Ray Stacy Jr. é also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Precision Machining Daryl Vance  also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Precision Machining Camden Ross Wilcox v Refrigeration Connor Read Salyers  also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Commercial Refrigeration Small Business Management Xybein Wind Ganzman Substance Abuse Counselor - Assistant Hannah Grace Brown  Bayley Laken Cleary Jacklyn Titania Eldridge Shauna N Stanley

Melissa Ann Nelson Lauren Kelly Rhoton  Averie Grace Statzer  Lexie Blake Street  Courtney Michelle Tipton  Hannah Marie White  Phlebotomy Emily Christine Able Kaleigh Grace Wiseman Practical Electrical Technician

William Bradley Brown  v Caden Russell Burchett  v Justin Wayne Cox  v Tristan James Davidson v Jaden Presley Griffey  v

Landon Ryan Hall  v Aiden Conner Hill  v Jayce Owen Hill v

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Victim Advocacy Assistant Victoria Danielle Kay Gorley Lisa G Skeens  Rebekah Ann Strawbridge  Welding Nathaniel Thomas Aug also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Braiden I Austin  also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Sydney Auban Brown also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Jacqueline Michelle Carson also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Ethan River Carter  also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Terry Daniel Edmondson III also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Holleigh Lynn Gobble also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Mason Lee Harrington  also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Dillen Caine Hodgson also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Izek Hubbard also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Samuel Logan Hubbard also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding

Dylan Wade Keen also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Trenten Ryan Lane  also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Parker Brennan Lewis II  also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Bailey Faith Maxwell  also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Henry Talmage McBride IV also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Krista Renee Penley  also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Embree Fain Hope Quillin  also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Woodrow Bradley Rasnake é also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Kaden Blake Robinson  also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Gracynn Sills also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Kenneth Cole Smiley also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Dustin Trent Snead æ also receiving Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Welding Andrew Dewayne Sullivan  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 2025. 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.

ATSSA Flagger Certification Training

Martin Funk Johnathan Greer Daniel Griffey Griffin Hall Joshua Hamm John Henley James Hobbs David McCroskey Brandon Melton Benjamin Mowl Katia Pastures Denny Poston Colt Ratliff Jacob Robinson Jordan Salter Danny Stanley Hunter Thomas Cameron Trivette Scottie Vestal Matthew Vipperman Phillip Waddell Owen Waller Certified Billing and Coding Specialist James Berryhill Sondra Berryhill Kimberly Hubbard Alexis McKinney Clayton Murph Barbara Musson Emily Williams

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Hailey Nickels Mary Payne Heather Raymond Natasha Turner Certified Medical Administrative Assistant Kiyanna Court Angela Gray Angela McDonald Alyssa Tilson Emergency Medical Technician - Basic Evan Chatham Amara Cook Acantha Holbrook

Justin Brown William Brown David Cannon Claude Popp Matthew Thomas

Carpentry - Level 1 Jonathon Milton Steven Seymour

CDL-A Truck Driver Training John Austin Maynard Barker John Barrett Nicholas Barrnett Aaron Barton Sheelove Bazelais Justin Britt Joshua Buchanan

Charles Cassell Dennis Collins Joshua Cregger Jacob Davenport Cody Dean Tianna Dean Robert Dixon Austin Elliott Richard Emmert Carl Eskridge

Aliza Mobley Toby Nichols

Andrew Porter Martin Widener Cooper Harris

Austin Faris Dalton Frye

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Virginia Hudgins Jessica Jennings Amber Mullins Ronald Rawlinson Caitlin Reynolds Toni Rose Heather Scott Emily Schular Katherine Shumate Lisa Spencer Isaac Wampler Jessica Widener Ashley Wolfe Phlebotomy Kristy Bailey Sondra Berryhill Shea Brown Alexis Chandler Misty Dotson Kayla Gobble Chyna Gray Haylee Harris Dacie McGhee Jessica Osborne Brittany Peppers Heaven Price Joseph Phillippi Zachary Saidi Nakita Shelton Sophia Statzer Heather Stevenson Savannah Widener

Heavy Equipment Operator Colton Allison Jessee Culbertson Weslee Robinson Phillip Waddell

Remote Pilot Airman Training Brandon Bitic Zachary Gauvin John Henley Zachary Krackow Josiah McCraw James Paine Aaron Rosenbalm Joe Scroggin Nathan Stanley

NCCER Core Craft Skills Colton Allison Joshua Bailey

Chad Stringer Audrey Sykes

Danny Blackburn Jessee Culbertson Jesi Cullop Jeremiah Freeman Alex Lucas Andrew McClure Dawson Meade Jonathon Milton

Welding Nolan Counts James Glovier Caleb Lester Jason Rasnake Michael Rasnake Jesse Spahr

Adam Phillips Ethan Rector

Weslee Robinson Steven Seymour William Totten Phillip Waddell

Nurse Aide Madison Blevins Cailey Burnley Madyson Callahan Kara Debusk Sierra Deskins Ella Doane Sierra Gilley Kimberly Graybeal Kimberly Hall Keeleigh Hudgins

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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 career-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 Development 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. The College’s dual enrollment program provides an opportunity for students to earn college credit while still in high school – helping them to get a jump-start on a college degree. State-of-the-art technology at VHCC has made it possible to deliver robust distance educational options, support modern classrooms and labs, and offer high-tech/high-touch services like library services, tutoring, testing, and collaboration spaces. The College has worked hard to establish additional support programs to assist students who may face difficult circumstances while enrolled, like the Helping Hands Assistance Program, the Phil Station Food Pantry, Single Stop, Great Expectations, support for Veterans, and the TRIO Programs. Through the generosity of local businesses, community organizations, and private donors, the VHCC Educational Foundation manages a wide range of scholarships designed to make college more accessible and affordable. In partnership with several funders, VHCC and the VHCC Educational Foundation are proud to offer last-dollar “promise” scholarships to recent high school graduates attending VHCC who meet certain residency and other criteria.

Today, we proudly honor the VHCC Class of 2026 by celebrating this major milestone with graduating students, their family members, and friends.

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Commencement Speakers

Makenzie McConnell Associate of Science in Science

Makenzie McConnell is a graduate of Virginia High School and has lived in several areas before settling in Bristol, VA. Makenzie's father attended VHCC, so she felt confident that VHCC would ensure a smooth transition from high school to college. While taking classes, she worked in the Campus Connection Center, served as the Student Government Association's President, and participated in several Christmas parades with VHCC. Apart from her time on campus, she works a part-time job at Blackbird Bakery, where she decorates desserts. Makenzie enjoys drawing/sketching, baking, cooking, and listening to music. Makenzie says VHCC has helped her come out of her shell: “It brought me out of my little insecure bubble, and I feel like—as I went here—I kind of matured and made a lot of great friends too.” Makenzie has a few favorite memories, like attending the Student Leadership Conference in Roanoke, where the SGA bonded and became close friends. Makenzie would like to thank her wonderful younger sisters, her amazing father,

her aunts, and her grandmother for their support. Makenzie also has a few words of advice for her fellow graduates: “Our time at VHCC has laid a strong foundation for a diverse path ahead. Embrace the next chapter with curiosity and determination, and never stop learning. Remember where you came from and how you grew from it. Never worry about the small stuff. P.S.—everything is the small stuff.” Makenzie plans to continue her education in Forensic Anthropological Science at Radford University's Honor College.

Seth Thomas Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Technology - Specialization in Mechatronics Career Studies Certificate, Applied Mechatronics Career Studies Certificate, Advanced Mechatronics

Seth Thomas is a 2024 graduate from Chilhowie High School and is from Marion, Virginia. Seth began his electrical career while still in high school, earning an Electrical Maintenance Technician certificate from the Smyth Career & Technology Center. Though unsure at first, he quickly discovered a love for the electrical trade and the way everything worked together. During his free time, Seth enjoys hiking around the region, playing with his Doberman-Rottweiler mix, Roxy, and working on one of his favorite vehicles, a 2006 Infiniti G35. One of Seth’s favorite memories during his time at VHCC was working with our Building and Grounds team, a role he began the summer after his first year. He attributes his success, in part, to the support and investment his instructors make in their students, “They're helpful for sure. They have office hours after

you get out of class, if you need to come speak with them. You know, they're really willing to sacrifice some time out of their day to help you.” Another of his favorite memories from his time in the electrical program was working on his capstone project with a classmate. They created a pneumatic cylinder that displayed 3D-printed VHCC letters in a programmed sequence using LED lights. Seth’s biggest piece of advice to his fellow graduates is, “Work for a job that you really like. Don't settle. You came to college for a reason, and that's to get the job you want.” After graduating this spring, Seth plans to continue his education at VHCC in our HVAC program and gain more hands-on experience to prepare him for his career.

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Commencement Speakers (continued)

Billy Ray Heath Associate of Applied Science, Nursing

Billy Ray Heath lives on a farm in Chilhowie, VA, with his dog, a pit mix named K’Cee; his cat, Moose; and his brother. He was a dual-enrollment student at Holston High School and joined the Army Reserve. While stationed in Texas and in Germany, he was able to chip away at his prerequisites for nursing school, and once home, he officially started his nursing classes full-time at VHCC. Billy Ray credits his father, who is a VHCC alumnus, as a major inspiration for deciding to become a nurse. Recalling one of his earliest memories of being on campus, “I started classes in high school, coming here for orientation when I was 16 or something. I have a picture here with some of my buddies that I worked with at Burger King, that I'm still best friends with today.” He continues, “...it's just always kind of been where I was going to start, as a footstone.” Outside of school, Billy Ray loves to play video games, spend time with friends, read novels, and draw. One of his favorite memories at VHCC was taking Anatomy with Professor Whitney

Peters. He remembers how, when he entered the cadaver lab, Professor Peters would play one of his favorite Spotify playlists. In those moments, he was able to shut out the external world, collect his thoughts, and reset from the pressures of daily life. One thing that Billy Ray says he appreciated about the staff and faculty at VHCC is, “There's always support, right there, you know? There's always something to show you that it's going to be okay.” The advice he would give to his fellow graduates is, “This was the hard part. We now have experience in our field and have the foundation in place to build a beautiful future.” Billy Ray currently works at Bristol Regional Medical Center (BRMC) as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and after graduation will continue his career at BRMC working in Neuro/Med surg before transferring to the ICU or ER. Billy Ray eventually plans to earn his BSN and become a CRNA.

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