The start of a new journey

Dressed in their red cap and gowns, graduating students smiled and waved to the crowd in the stands Friday night as they walked around the track to “Pomp and Circumstance” at the 80th Porterville College Commencement Exercises at Jamison Stadium.

“As educators, one of the our biggest and most visible rewards is the graduation ceremony at the end of every academic year,” said Rosa Carlson, president of Porterville College. “These students have set goals, sacrificed time, balanced time between family, work, and school commitments. But yet, they managed to accomplish a major educational goal, the first college degree.”

Keynote speaker, Chancellor Sandra Serrano, of Kern Community College District, also offered words to the graduates.

“Graduate, we are here today to celebrate your achievement,” Serrano said. “Tonight it’s all about you.”

Serrano reminded the students that the commencement was not an ending, but rather the beginning of new goals and accomplishments.

“You are the architect of your future,” Serrano said. “And Porterville College has provided you with the skills you need to form your future. Graduates, your determination and hard work has brought you to this special day.”

As the ceremony continued, special recognition was offered to 44 President Scholars before announcing the three Departmental Students of Distinction, Marilisa Manuel, Fine and Applied Arts, Neil Pedersen, Language Arts, and Jessica Peterson, Social Science, and the “2008 Porterville College Scholar of the Year” — Kevin Tuttle.

And before the presentation of the Class of 2008 and the conferring of degrees by Carlson and John Corkins, PC board of trustees member, Samuel Lopez, president of the Associated Student Body of PC, offered one last bit of advice to the graduates.

“Our education doesn’t end when we’re handed a piece of paper with our name on it. Our education doesn’t end when the final grades are posted,” Lopez said. “We will never stop learning. Even if you go on to earn two masters degrees and a PhD, never stop exploring the world around you. Our education simply doesn’t end. Education is not a destination; it is a journey.”

Contact Esther Avila at 784-5000, Ext. 1047 or eavila@portervillerecorder.com