Lawson State Community College awarded more than 300 degrees and certificates to more than 230 students at its May 8 commencement, marking one of the larger graduating classes in recent history.
"Graduates, today is your day. You chose to find a way, not an excuse," LSCC President Cynthia T. Anthony told the students, which included five high school dual enrollment graduates who received their associate degrees. They won't earn their high school diplomas for another two weeks.
"Remember, though, that it takes a village and today your village is here," she said, encouraging them to applaud the audience that packed the Arthur Shores Gymnasium and Fine Arts Building. Hundreds more cheered for the students on YouTube and Facebook livestreams.
"My advice to you as you begin the next chapter is this," Dr. Anthony said. "Define your values, your strengths and your goals and aspirations. Believe in yourself, because when you do, others will believe in you, too."
Graduates who ranged from 17 to 71 represented dozens of majors and short- and long-term certificate programs. Among them were more than 30 nursing and diagnostic sonography students who all had offers or jobs waiting for them after graduation, and many more heading to the workforce with their new credentials or to four-year universities as college transfers.
Among them were high achievers computer science major Belen Cardenas and biology major Jamya Jackson -- an aspiring medical doctor -- who will enroll at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the fall.
"To the class of 2026, stay bold, stay driven and let's go show the world exactly what we’re made of," Belen told her peers. The Bessemer native, who was born without the use of her arms and initially learned to write with her feet, will continue her studies in technology.
Graduates Tamieka Ragland, 50, and daughter Natassia, 35, will be putting Belen's advice to good use. The mother is a serial entrepreneur and the owner of five local businesses, including Boss Ladi Towing. While standing in line for graduation, she was busy making arrangements for one of her drivers to enroll at Lawson State.
For photos of commencement and other graduation activities, follow the college on Flickr.
