Laurel Ridge to Celebrate 54th Commencement Ceremonies May 15 and 16

Graduation week has arrived at Laurel Ridge Community College, and the Class of 2025 is ready to celebrate. The college’s 54th commencement will be marked by two ceremonies held on back-to-back days at the Middletown Campus.

The first ceremony, set for 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, will honor students in the School of Health Professions. That includes graduates in Nursing, Surgical Technology, Medical Laboratory Technology, Paramedic, and Patient Care Technician programs. After the official ceremony, several special traditions will follow. These include a coin ceremony for EMS graduates and pinning ceremonies for students in the Nursing, Medical Laboratory Technology, Patient Care Technician, and Surgical Technology programs.

The second commencement for all other degree and certificate programs will take place at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 16.

Nearly 1,100 students make up Laurel Ridge’s graduating class of 2025. This number includes students who finished their programs in summer or fall 2024, as well as spring 2025 graduates.

Students come from across the region. Here’s a breakdown by location:

• Frederick County: 313 graduates
• Winchester: 132 graduates
• Fauquier County: 130 graduates
• Warren County: 126 graduates
• Shenandoah County: 123 graduates
• Page County: 76 graduates
• Clarke County: 34 graduates
• Rappahannock County: 10 graduates
• Other areas: 146 graduates

Each ceremony will also include the presentation of the Outstanding Graduate Award for both the Middletown and Fauquier campuses.

Thursday’s keynote speaker will be Deborah Zelleke-Yearwood, a 43-year-old Surgical Technology graduate and mother of three. Originally from Sweden, Zelleke-Yearwood’s story is one of hard work and perseverance.

On Friday, Wendy Antal, a general education graduate and mother of three, will deliver the commencement address. Her remarks are expected to focus on dedication, balancing life and studies, and the value of education at any stage of life.

Both events will be held outdoors, rain or shine. In the case of severe weather, the college may adjust the date or time. To stay informed about any changes, attendees are encouraged to sign up for Laurel Ridge Alert by texting laurelalert to 226787.

More details about the ceremonies, including parking and seating information, can be found at laurelridge.edu/commencement.