Laurel Ridge 52nd commencement exercises being held Thursday, May 11, and Friday, May 12

The Laurel Ridge Community College Class of 2023 will graduate over two days this week. The college will hold a commencement ceremony for students graduating from a health professions program at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 11. All other graduates will receive their diplomas during a 2 p.m. ceremony on Friday, May 12.

This year marks the college’s 52^nd commencement exercises. Both ceremonies will be held outside behind Cornerstone Hall on the Middletown Campus.

It is anticipated that 895 students make up the class of 2023. Here is a breakdown by locality:

• Clarke County – 32
• Fauquier County – 126
• Frederick County – 229
• Page County – 37
• Rappahannock County – 14
• Shenandoah County – 121
• Warren County – 91
• Winchester – 123
• all others – 122

Among the hard-working graduates who will walk across the stage on Friday is Sheila Webster. When she receives her associate degree in early childhood development, it will mark the culmination of a 24-year journey.

She began her studies in 1999, but the obligations of being a single mother of four were too much. Webster later tackled a serious health challenge faced by her daughter, a car crash, and being faced with raising her three very young grandchildren. With the support of her husband, family, and the staff at Laurel Ridge, Webster overcame all of these hurdles to graduate.

“All the professors have been so amazing; they taught me a lot,” she said. “I feel a connection with Laurel Ridge that will never go away. This school has been like my family. The joy that I feel brings me to tears. I did it for my kids.”

For more information about commencement, visit laurelridge.edu/commencement.