Hopkinsville Community College celebrated the successes of the graduating students at commencement Friday evening, and the prestigious Spirit Cup Award went to a Clarksville native.
Those students—who ranged from single parents, first time college graduates, military service men and women and more—earned around 1,446 credentials, 426 two-year degrees, 38 diplomas and 982 certificates. Several students were recognized for their achievements, including Joshua Rozmarynowski of Hopkinsville and Rachel Crawford of Hopkinsville for being named to the 2018-19 KCTCS All-Academic Team.
HCC President Dr. Alissa Young says this group of graduates in unique in many ways, but all shared a drive to succeed.
Fort Campbell Garrison Commander Colonel Joseph Kuchan told the graduates that their commitment to their education shows who they are as people, and gave them some advice for what comes next.
He urged them to be kind and help others, and to greet the coming joys and challenges of life with good humor and toughness.
The Spirit Cup Award this year went to Kristi Arnold of Clarksville, for hard work, commitment and passion to help others, including other students and faculty. Arnold graduated with both an associate in arts and associate in science degrees.
Earlier in the day, HCC recognized the nursing program graduates during the Nursing Pinning Ceremony, where 27 graduating nurses received their pins, along with special recognition going to Natalie Kela for the Spirit of Nightingale Award and Nimela Minich for the Outstanding Student Nurse Award.