Photo by Doug Loyer Washington State Community College’s graduating class of 2017 on the stage in Graham Auditorium.

“This is a very exciting day! It’s a day of celebration for these students, their families and for the college,” said WSCC President Bradley Ebersole. “This culminates the success of the students and their hard work. Now they’ll be armed with their degree to go forward in the world to get the jobs they want and to contribute to this community in the very best way possible.”

Ebersole will be retiring at the end of June after six years at WSCC. He felt it was a fitting way to culminate his 41-year education career by handing diplomas to the students at the ceremony.

WSCC Board of Trustees member Daniel Pennock said he was really excited to see the students get their diplomas during the ceremony. He enjoys seeing the students and their families celebrating the happy occasion.

“I’m very excited about today,” said Mark Nutter, Vice President for Academic Affairs at WSCC. “First, it’s a celebration of the student’s achievements. Secondly, it’s WSCC’s 45th anniversary and we are going to have our 10,000th graduate today. We believe that’s evidence of how much difference this college has made in our community by providing education.”

Photo by Doug Loyer Washington State Community College President Bradley Ebersole congratulates the graduating class of 2017.

The 10,000th graduate turned out to be Suzanne Paugh who had just received her diploma for an associate degree in accounting. The ceremony was briefly stopped and it was announced that she was the 10,000th WSCC graduate. It was a fun added memory to her graduation that she’ll never forget, she said.

“I was really surprised. They did a good job of hiding it,” said Paugh. “I feel overwhelmed, but it’s kind of neat!”

The commencement speaker was Washington County Common Pleas Court Judge Mark Kerenyi who spoke about perseverance, overcoming adversity and how education is a life-long endeavor.

“I think this is absolutely wonderful. It’s an honor to be able to come here today and share this wonderful experience with the students,” said Kerenyi. “I generally see people that aren’t happy, not smiling and don’t want to be there. Here, it’s all smiles and everyone is happy, so it’s wonderful to share in that. Today, I get to wear my robe in a happy place.”

Carrie Ankrom, president and CEO of the Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce and a 1996 WSCC graduate, was presented with the “Outstanding Professional Achievement Award” during the Arts & Sciences ceremony.

Photo by Doug Loyer Washington State Community College’s 10,000th graduate turned out to be Suzanne Paugh shown being congratulated by President Bradley Ebersole and Mark Nutter, Vice President for Academic Affairs at WSCC.

“It was a humbling experience being asked to speak today. It’s a huge honor,” said Ankrom. “To be a part of this atmosphere has been a true blessing for me.”

During the Business Technologies ceremony, Hanna Khoury, class of 2011, was awarded with the “Outstanding Professional Achievement Award.” Khoury has recently been appointed the City of Cincinnati’s new Network Administrator.

“I was taken aback when they nominated me and asked me to speak and give me this award,” said Khoury. “Thanks to all the teachers here that have gone out of their way to insure my success. I owe them a debt of gratitude.”

Misty Casto, Executive Director of Buckeye Hills Regional Council, was the recipient of the “Outstanding Community Service Award.”

This year’s student commencement speakers included Don Jox, Abby Wigal, Robert Barringer and Erik Miehrig. Each spoke about their personal journeys and how their WSCC experience helped them grow and build for the future.

Photo by Doug Loyer Commencement speaker Washington County Common Pleas Court Judge Mark Kerenyi addresses the audience.

After many years of being successful at training and showing horses, Jox felt a need to learn about new technology and innovation to stay competitive in his field. He gave a speech on motivation, determination and inspiration. With a desire to improve and better himself, Jox found WSCC a good fit for him and overcame challenges and obstacles to complete his goal of developing new skills that would give him a competitive edge in his industry.

“Graduating is a nice relief, but at the same time you feel like you’re losing your family,” said Jox. “I’ve been doing this for a couple of years and I enjoyed every day of it.”

Jox’s advice for anyone thinking of going back to school is “Come back for your reasons. Improve, gain knowledge, advance and move forward!”

Wigal said it felt really good to graduate and was excited to move on to the next step in her life. She felt it was a great milestone and accomplishment to have attended WSCC and graduate.

Barringer went back to school 11 years after high school and wondered why he hadn’t done it earlier. Barringer emphasized that it’s never too late to change your life with the power of determination, just set your mind to it.

Miehrig, who received Associate of Applied Science degrees in automotive service technology and diesel truck technology, spoke glowingly of his instructors at WSCC and said without their proper training and guidance, he would not be where he is today.

Allison Levering, 18, from Warren High School, received a Liberal Arts degree Saturday from WSCC, a week before her high school graduation.

“I’m going to transfer to OU in the fall and pursue education,” she said.

Another Warren High School student, Brody Gilliand, 18, also received a Liberal Arts degree.

“I feel blessed that I got to do this,” said Brody, who plans to go to OU and study business.

“I couldn’t be more proud of Brody,” said his father Rob.

Brody’s mother Danielle said she is also was proud of him and glad he decided to go to WSCC and get a head start on college.