Hopkinsville Community College held two fall commencements Friday afternoon, celebrating the hard work and dedication of the students who walked across the stage.
Students applied for roughly 731 credentials, including 213 two-year degrees, 39 diplomas and 479 certificates and during the noon commencement, the associate of applied science, diplomas and certificates were awarded.
Student Government Association President Abigail Love congratulated her classmates, saying they showed real drive and she hopes that continues with them as they take the next step in their journeys.
Associate Professor of Chemistry Melissa Dougherty conducted one final classroom exercise, asking the graduates to raise their hands if they ever struggled and still prevailed, if they were proud of what they have accomplished, if they’re worried about what happens next—and most everyone raised their hands.
She says it proves they’ve pushed hard for their dreams, and the faculty and staff of HCC could not be prouder of they what they have accomplished.
At the 3 p.m. commencement ceremony HCC Board Chair Leigh Durden described the college as a stepping stone to more success and wished them success in their next endeavor.
Following Durden’s sentiments Love and Dougherty took to the podium again sharing their words of encouragement before the students were announced as graduates of HCC.
Story by Hannah Hageman and Dionte Berry