Laurel Ridge Celebrates 54th Annual Commencement, Honoring Class of 2025

Laurel Ridge Community College celebrated its 54th annual commencement exercises on May 15 and 16, awarding degrees and credentials to 1,090 students who completed their academic programs in the spring, summer, or fall of 2024.

The college held two ceremonies: one on Thursday for students in health professions programs and another on Friday for all other graduates.

Among the graduating class were 296 high school students who earned either an associate degree or a uniform certificate in general studies through the college’s dual enrollment program. This achievement equates to one full year of college credit completed while still in high school.

The health professions graduates included 65 students in the Registered Nursing program, 31 students earning Science degrees in Health Professions, and 55 students awarded career studies certificates in Pre-Allied Health.

For the rest of the Class of 2025, General Studies was the most common associate degree or certificate concentration. Other popular programs included Business Administration with 59 graduates, Cybersecurity with 38, and Education with 36. Additional fields of study ranged from Engineering to Health Information Management to Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.

President Kim Blosser congratulated the class during the ceremonies.

“Those of us here today and those who have been part of your journey at Laurel Ridge are blessed to love what we do because you represent the great work we do,” she said. “Our wish for you today is that you will take the knowledge and skills you’ve learned to go and do what you love. We are so happy to have you as part of our Laurel Ridge alumni family, and we can’t wait to see what great work you do in your future.”

Deborah Zelleke-Yearwood, a graduate of the Surgical Technology program, served as the student speaker for the health professions ceremony. She shared her personal journey and the inspiration she drew from her experience in the NICU with her newborn son.

“My experience at Laurel Ridge has been nothing short of phenomenal, but it has not been without hardship,” said Zelleke-Yearwood, who spoke of losing her father last summer. “The pain and grief were so overwhelming that I seriously considered giving up school, but I chose hope through hardship. Hardships are an inevitable part of life that cannot be escaped, and I ask you, my fellow graduates, what were your hardships during your time here?

“You found hope through hardship and persevered through pressure. We have toiled, worked hard, studied hard, laughed hard, cried hard, and today, May 15, 2025, we are here, triumphant in the daunting task that was set before us.… Today is not the end of our race. It is just the beginning. We now step into our calling, caring for others with compassion and skill.”

General Studies graduate Wendy Antal addressed the Friday ceremony. Antal, a wife, mother, and military veteran, reflected on her academic experience and personal growth.

“I started to face challenges and made mistakes that forced me to stop and reflect,” said Antal. “I admitted my faults, swallowed my pride, and retraced my steps. I saw where I messed up and missed out on important lessons. This simple habit became a game changer.

“My time here has taught me that life is not solely about being ahead or behind. There’s freedom and joy that comes from curiosity. Yesterday is in our memories. Tomorrow is imagined. This moment right now is what’s real. Fellow Laurel Ridge graduates, we all share unique stories that have shaped us into who we are today. I encourage you to cherish these experiences, recognizing the value that they bring into our lives.”

Outstanding Graduates were also named during Friday’s event. For the Middletown Campus, the honor went to Kindra Boyd, who earned her associate degree in Early Childhood Development. Boyd’s academic journey included overcoming personal hardship, including a crisis pregnancy that led her to the New Eve Maternity Home in Winchester.

“As a first-generation college student, single parent, and child who experienced foster care, Kindra has faced long odds of success,” said April Strosnider, an academic advisor and coach with Great Expectations. “Despite the depths of these challenges, Kindra has developed and maintained a strong spirit and desire to build a better life for herself and her son. I believe that Kindra will be helping the world for many years to come.”

Two students were recognized as Outstanding Graduates for the Fauquier Campus: Isabella Hardy and Mikayla Roberts.

Hardy earned an associate degree in General Studies with a concentration in Human Services and has transferred to James Madison University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work. Laurel Ridge social worker Tiffany Matthews nominated her.

“Her contributions to the Single Stop Program made a tangible impact – encouraging 47 students to follow through on accessing critical benefits and playing a key role in securing over $220,727 in confirmed aid,” Matthews said. “This wasn’t just about numbers for her; it was about making sure students had the support they needed to continue their education without unnecessary barriers. Whether assisting students in understanding eligibility for SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, or financial aid programs, she approached every interaction with patience, empathy, and a deep sense of responsibility.”

Roberts, who earned a science degree and is transferring to Christopher Newport University to study chemistry, was nominated by English professor Lisa Dunick, who also advised her through Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the college’s honor society.

“She jumped right in and, through her engagement and dedication to her work, has managed to revitalize PTK at the Fauquier Campus,” Professor Dunick said. “We have seen a marked increase in acceptance of membership and, more importantly, in participation. Her organization and the way that she interacts with her fellow students make them want to join in and participate.”

Laurel Ridge offers over 75 associate degree and certificate programs and over 30 fast-track career training programs. For more information, visit laurelridge.edu/explore.

(taken from press release)