Fall Commencement 2025 - Digital Program

Fall 2025

Commencement

December 12, 2025 11:00 A.M. Raider Arena Niceville, FL

Fall 2025 Commencement 11:00 a.m.

Northwest Florida State College

Board of Trustees Rhea Goff, Chair

Dr. Jon Ward, Vice Chair Cory Fosdyck Megan Harrison Lori Kelley

Maj. Gen. Don Litke, Ret. USAF Tanner Peacock Lyndsi Stevens Mel Ponder, President

Vision

To transform lives through exemplary, relevant programs and educational experiences, meeting the workforce demands of our ever-changing economy.

Mission

As Northwest Florida’s premier educational institution, we prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s success.

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Northwest Florida State College

Background

The College was founded in April 1963 as Okaloosa-Walton Junior College, the 18th of the state’s eventual 28 junior and community colleges. The College first opened its doors to students in August 1964 at a temporary campus in Valparaiso. The first student body consisted of 767 students. The first commencement of 85 charter students took place on May 1, 1966, in Perrine Park, Valparaiso. Today, the College serves nearly 6,500 students each year in credit and non-credit programs. In addition to the College’s Niceville campus, Northwest Florida State College operates a joint campus with the University of West Florida in Fort Walton Beach and delivers instruction and service at the Chautauqua Center in DeFuniak Springs, the Robert L.F. Sikes Education Center and the Aviation Center of Excellence in Crestview, and centers at Hurlburt Field, and in South Walton.

Throughout 60 years of service, Northwest Florida State College has earned a reputation for educational excellence and community involvement. The College offers bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas.

The College’s 264-acre campus in Niceville includes instructional facilities, administrative offices, the Raider Arena sports complex and wellness center, the Mattie Kelly Fine & Performing Arts Center and Amphitheatre, the Mary Lou O’Connor Child Development & Education Center, a Criminal Justice Training Center, the Susan Myers Learning Resources Center, an observatory, the Veterans & Military Success Center, and the Collegiate High School.

On commencement day, Northwest Florida State College celebrates the achievements of its students who are the true measure of the College’s success. Congratulations!

Accreditation

Northwest Florida State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees.

Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Northwest Florida State College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

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History of Academic Regalia The origins of academic regalia date back as early as the 12th century. Scholars defined as either a teacher or student were required to wear the dress of a cleric. Long gowns and hoods were necessary to keep warm due to unheated buildings. The traditional gown and hood have transformed into the academic regalia worn during commencement today.

There are several characteristics for the gown. The sleeves are pointed for the bachelor’s degree. The gown for the master’s degree has oblong sleeves and doctor’s degrees has bell shaped sleeves. The gowns for the bachelor’s or master’s degrees are untrimmed. The doctor’s degree gown has three bars of velvet used across the sleeve and down the front. The facings and crossbars may be velvet of the color distinctive of the disciplines for the degree earned.

Hoods are generally black and made out of the same material as the gown. The length of the hood varies for each level. A bachelor’s degree must be three feet, master’s degree three and one-half feet, and doctor’s degree, four feet. The hood for the doctor’s degree should only have panels at the sides. The hoods are lined with the official color or colors of the college conferring the degree. The edging of the hood should be velvet or velveteen, two to five inches wide for the bachelor’s, master’s and doctor’s degrees. The color is indicative of the subject to which the degree pertains.

The cap worn for commencement is called a mortarboard. The color is black as well as the tassel.

The tassel can vary depending on the subject area and level of education. The doctor’s cap may have a gold tassel.

Academic regalia have been worn by many scholars throughout the centuries. The tradition continues at Northwest Florida State College.

Recognition Levels For a degree program (Baccalaureate and Associate), a student’s total academic record is reviewed to determine eligibility for recognition of outstanding academic achievement. The levels of recognition for students enrolled in degree programs include the following: Summa Cum Laude

Institutional Cumulative GPA of 4.00

Gold Cord

Magna Cum Laude

Institutional Cumulative GPA of 3.80 - 3.99

Silver Cord

Cum Laude

Institutional Cumulative GPA of 3.50 - 3.79

Red Cord

For a certificate or diploma program (Career and Technical, Vocational, College Credit or Applied Technology Diploma), all coursework pursued for the certificate or diploma will be reviewed to determine eligibility for recognition of outstanding academic achievement. The level of recognition for the students enrolled in certificate or diploma programs includes the following: Highest Honors

Institutional Cumulative GPA of 4.00

Gold Cord

High Honors

Institutional Cumulative GPA of 3.80 - 3.99

Silver Cord

Honors

Institutional Cumulative GPA of 3.50 - 3.79

Red Cord

Summer graduates – Final GPA used for program and ceremony.

Fall prospective graduates – Summer GPA is used because fall grades are not posted until after the ceremony.

Graduates wearing Red, White, and Blue Cords represent Military Active Duty, Retired, and Veterans.

Graduates wearing Gold Stoles and Tassels represent Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society members.

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Guest Speaker

State Representative Shane Abbott Representative Abbott grew up in DeFuniak Springs and is a proud FFA Alumni. He graduated from Pensacola Junior College and the University of Florida, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy.

After completing his education, Representative Abbott returned home to DeFuniak Springs, where he worked at a local independent pharmacy for seven years before he and a business partner opened their own pharmacy, The Prescription Place, in 2006 and second location in 2015. Representative Abbott and his family also own and operate the Firestone Tire Service Center in DeFuniak Springs.

In addition to being a successful business owner and committed family man, Representative Abbott is actively involved in his community. He served on the Northwest Florida State College Board of Trustees and was vice-chair. He is a member of the Institutional Advisory Committee for Emerald Coast Technical College and the Florida Pharmacy Association. Representative Abbott is a board member of the Emerald Coast Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a member of Gideons. Representative Abbott and his family attend Destiny Worship Center in Freeport.

Representative Abbott married his wife Holley of 30 years in 1995, and they have four children; Dre, Tanner, Tinsley, and Nate. Above all, Representative Abbott views his role as husband and father as the most important.

When Representative Abbott isn’t busy running his business, he’s an avid outdoorsman.

First elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2022. Representative Abbott Represents District 5, which includes Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson, Walton, and Washington Counties.

Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee - Vice Chair Health & Human Services Committee Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee Human Services Subcommittee Select Committee on Property Taxes Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Subcommittee State Administration Budget Subcommittee

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Program - Ceremony

*Processional........................“Pomp and Circumstance,” composed by Edward Elgar *Singing of the National Anthem................................... Voices of Northwest Florida *Invocation....................................................... Lillian Roller, Student Representative Welcome......................................................................................................Rhea Goff Chair, Board of Trustees Introduction of Board of Trustees, Recognition of Dignitaries, Introduction of Guest Speaker................................................................. Mel Ponder NWFSC President Commencement Address....................................State Representative Shane Abbott Instructions to the Candidates...................................................... Dr. Jenna Sheffield Vice President for Academic Affairs Recitation of the NAEYC Statement of Commitment and the Code of Ethics of the Education Profession in Florida......................................... Brittany Wyatt Director of Teacher Education Recitation of the Nursing Pledge................................. Dr. J. Dianne Lee-Fiedler Assistant Director of Nursing

Presentation of Candidates........................................................... Dr. Jenna Sheffield Vice President for Academic Affairs Conferring of Degrees............................................................................... Mel Ponder NWFSC President *Recessional............................................................................................... Music Mix Student Marshals Dr. Aimee Watts Dr. Sabrina Capps Lisa Walton Rhonda Springfield Julie McSwain Jason Masters

Faculty Marshals Dr. Jessica Temple Chauntell Jannazo

*Audience stands

Please remain at your seat until the stage party, faculty, and graduating class have exited the Arena. Thank you.

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Fall 2025 Commencement

Career Certificate Welding Technology - Advanced Jameson Eli Ballard Madalyn Leigh Cochran Gaige Carlson Cook Damian Dawkins Jr. Cody Michael Edwards

Hayden Haigwood Braedyn Zane Henderson * Max Kinville Kenneth M. Mayfield Paul Robert Monarch

Evan Tanner Mulero Danielle Jasmine Roura Caleb Michael Samuolis Parker Wenger

College Credit Certificate Audio Technology (Recording Arts)

Computer Programming Specialist

Teacher Education - Infant/ Toddler Specialization

Lamarria Ale’cia Shipman

Skylar Tristan Murray

Kylie Wallendorff *

Building Construction Specialist Culinary Arts Gavin Thomas Martin ***

Khatia Chani Yarbrough

*Honors **High Honors ***Highest Honors ◊ Cum Laude ◊◊ Magna Cum Laude ◊◊◊ Summa Cum Laude

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Associate in Science Accounting Technology Rudy Damian Perez

Business Administration April Diane Mohr ◊◊◊ Juliana Parra Acevedo

Computer Information Technology Jeffrey Ian Callaham II Monica Nicole Thomas

Computer Programming and Analysis Skylar Tristan Murray Endi Osmani ◊◊

Culinary Management Khatia Chani Yarbrough

Cybersecurity Prabin Banjara Andrew Stephen Davis ◊◊◊ Ethan Antone Kakani Silva Monica Nicole Thomas

Engineering Technology Electronics Specialization Kenneth Parker Davis ◊

Engineering Technology Maintenance Technician Specialization Gray Riley Moe

Medical Laboratory Technology Paris Victoria Culver Savannah Lee Graham ◊◊ Lindsey Rose Lesher ◊ Heather Grace McMinn ◊◊◊ Rita Medina-Valdez ◊ Madison Raley ◊◊ Brittany Nicole Reeder Kayla Stone Julie Brianne Sullivan Michael Toms ◊ L’Ariel Wilson

Design and Digital Marketing Rafael Vincent Factor

Nursing Elise Birmingham ◊ Ryan Paul Culligan Giorgia DeCarlini ◊ Channel Elecho ◊ Sarah Viola Hansen Ashley Johnson Vivian Nichole Kahren Costa Blair Ashley Key Kaci Lynn Mahoney Amber Rose Martinez Mia Martinez-McMahon Emily E. Meis Stephen Isaac Meissner Taylor Pearson Jessica Deann Randall Joylynne Jenal Robison Yulia Mikhailovna Samotaeva ◊◊ Courtney Kay Smith Myia Speight ◊ Amber Leinani Villareal ◊ Kathryn Lee Wilhelm Jadyn Christine Wheelbarger ◊ Krystal Bianca Woodson Aubrey Naomi Wright

Sports, Fitness, and Recreation Management

Early Childhood Education Haley Yevonne Anderson ◊◊ Melissa Atlee Atwell ◊ Yeira Liz Morales Jenna M. Rybolt Mia Christina Thomas

Jason Myers ◊ Anthony Quail

*Honors **High Honors ***Highest Honors ◊ Cum Laude ◊◊ Magna Cum Laude ◊◊◊ Summa Cum Laude

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Associate in Arts Abiegayle Marie Anderson Logan Miles Arms Dakota Shanae Arnold Ashley Marie Bailey ◊◊◊ Daniel Scott Barnes ◊◊◊ Jason Lee Barnes Jr. Augusto Cayson Wayne Barreto ◊◊◊ Elise Birmingham ◊ Bradyn Lance Bishop Jeremiah Blackwell ◊◊ Christopher Michael Burgess ◊◊ Brittany Burlison Isabel Renee Camacho William Christopher Carpenter Ephiny Daneille Chewning ◊ Courtney Paige Crabtree Ashley Crane Caylen Curle ◊ DeAja Tene Ellis Tonya Evanchyk Zykuria Aliz’ah Fountain Trinity Jade Fulkerson ◊ Brandon Michael Fuller ◊ Gracelynn Dawn Marie Furbee Quin Gable Taylor Gates ◊ Nicholas Claude Dantes Gemina ◊◊◊ Abigail Caitlyn Gilbert Andrea Gillich ◊ Sierra Gillis Kris Gregory ◊◊ Ezra J. Guerra ◊◊ Danny Robert Guerrero ◊◊◊ Abby Guevara ◊ Sarah Viola Hansen Abigail Frances Haynes ◊◊ Evelyn Hernandez-Vergara Dahlia Irizarry Andrew Bennett Jackson ◊ Steven Jewell Inara Kee ◊

Alexandra Kent ◊ Emily Alise Kent ◊ Elijah Scott Kilpatrick ◊◊ Robert Kociuba ◊◊◊ Sooyoung Lee ◊ Madison Joy Lewis ◊ Justine James Raquel Libero ◊◊ Victoria Little ◊◊ Mykayla Reanne Lundy ◊ Tiffany Rabelo Maciel Shawn Madadha ◊ Courtney Danielle Maddox Marie Madrid ◊ Kaci Lynn Mahoney Amber Rose Martinez Jessica Lynn Martinez ◊ Gina Mayhew Lisa McFarland ◊ Donovan Medina Emily E. Meis Stephen Isaac Meissner Elizabeth Mercurio Tiffani Merfalen Anthony Milano ◊◊◊ Savannah Mitchell Amanda Loren Layco-Mitchell ◊ Xander Riley Moe Isabella Grace Montz Hailey Morgan ◊◊◊ Neshaun Anthony Morris ◊ Ashlee Celeste Mott ◊ Kelsey Murray Brandy Nicole Nash ◊◊ Zuzanna Ochal Kiara Ninette Palas Bonilla ◊◊ Reanna Panarisi ◊◊ Sabrina Ann Patterson Alyssa Pepe ◊◊ Joshua Pepe Rain Pepe Paula Paige Perry Katerina Kristine Price Nguyen Buu Quach ◊◊

Layla Deann Rauh ◊◊ Connor Davis Riffe ◊◊◊ Andrew William Royal Adrielle Von Sanguyo ◊ Reilly Sellers Lamarria Ale’cia Shipman Narisa Sirisompong Jesse Sirmans ◊ Taylor Raine Slater ◊ Lorenzo Small Cheyenne Smith Christopher Smith Aceia Spade Myia Speight ◊ Ava Steele ◊ Tyler Jon Stewart ◊◊◊ Madison Brianne Taylor James Valdiviez ◊◊◊ Merlin P. Vargas ◊◊ Wildrin Vega Menjivar Amber Leinani Villareal ◊ Kylie Wallendorff ◊ Kevin Watson Mattea Elizabeth Rose Webb ◊ Jadyn Christine Wheelbarger ◊ Kathryn Lee Wilhelm Cheyenne Wind Jasmine Aaliyah Wrentz Aubrey Naomi Wright Jalen Sean Wright

*Honors **High Honors ***Highest Honors ◊ Cum Laude ◊◊ Magna Cum Laude ◊◊◊ Summa Cum Laude

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Bachelor of Science in Education Early Childhood Education Kayla Greene ◊◊ Kyrstyn Joann Head Kozue Heis ◊ Zakariah A. Lee Amanda Montgomery ◊ Ashline Dianne Motola ◊ Patrina Phelon Moye ◊◊◊

Elementary Education Mycha Yvonne Raines Mycah Kamryn Ray Madison Diane Smith ◊ Elizabeth Stafford

Caitlin Fidler ◊ Kelsie Renee Goodwin Alexis Ann Hamilton ◊ Meagan E. Lay ◊◊

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Stephanie Alvarenga ◊ Meghan Pamela Baine ◊ Jillian Bautista ◊◊ Marina Ally Coleman Amanda Leigh Dowd ◊ Kerrstin Embry Meredith Fensler ◊◊◊

Alyssa Catherine Fitzpatrick ◊ Lynn Nicole Gage-Myers Kiari Alejandra Harling Chelsie Hayden ◊◊ Alexis LaFountain YaTing Lin ◊◊ Paparada Lubawinski ◊◊

Madison McCormick ◊ Sheryl K. Rohan Sabrina Marie Stout Janelle Tribue ◊ Ashleigh Harman Tyson Shelby Voigt

Bachelor of Applied Science Management & Supervision

Project Management

Alfa Joanna Alday Agana ◊ KaSandra Lee Bowden ◊◊◊ Cristopher Armando Alvarenga ◊◊ Andrew Thomas Bowman Miranda Smith Edgar Nakiesha Latriece Davis Joshua Filion Darla Brooke Ellison Jasmin Mendez Frank Bianca L. Fountain ◊ Taylor Michelle Greene Alexa Gillespie ◊ Donnie Markus Hicks, III Mackenzie Ann Glenn Kayla Holley Declan J. Masek Ashley Keysor Matthew Paul Morrison ◊ Dana Medlin ◊ Caitlin E. Nelson Vada J. Moore ◊ Kylie Janine Russell Ashley Ober ◊◊◊ Paula Rae Sankey Darlene Marie Pourcillie Brett Simmon Devonte’ Simmons ◊ Caitlin TaraBori ◊ Emma Kay Spalding ◊ Filipe de Oliveira Wollinger ◊◊ Zamia Suendermann Wiltse *Honors **High Honors ***Highest Honors ◊ Cum Laude ◊◊ Magna Cum Laude ◊◊◊ Summa Cum Laude

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Pledges

National Association for the Education of Young Children Statement of Commitment Led by Brittany Wyatt, Director of Teacher Education “As an individual who works with young children, I commit myself to furthering the values of early childhood education as they are reflected in the ideals and principles of the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct. To the best of my ability, I will… ◊ Respect colleagues in early childhood care and education and support them in maintaining the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct. ◊ Serve as an advocate for children, their families, and their teachers in community and society. ◊ Stay informed of and maintain high standards of professional conduct. ◊ Engage in an ongoing process of self-reflection, realizing that personal characteristics, biases, and beliefs have an impact on children and families. ◊ Be open to new ideas and be willing to learn from the suggestions of others. ◊ Continue to learn, grow, and contribute as a professional. ◊ Honor the ideals and principles of the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.”

Code of Ethics of the Education Profession in Florida Led by Brittany Wyatt, Director of Teacher Education “I will value the worth and dignity of every person, the pursuit of truth, devotion to excellence, acquisition of knowledge, and the nurturing of democratic citizenship. Essential to the achievement of these standards are the freedom to learn and to teach and the guarantee of equal opportunity for all.

My primary professional concern will always be for the student and for the development of the student’s potential. I will therefore strive for professional growth and will seek to exercise the best professional judgment and integrity.

I will maintain an awareness of the importance of maintaining the respect and confidence of one’s colleagues, of students, of parents, and other members of the community. I will strive to achieve and sustain the highest degree of ethical conduct.”

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Nursing Pledge

Pledges

(Based on the original Florence Nightingale pledge)

Led by Dr. J. Dianne Lee-Fiedler, Assistant Director of Nursing “In the full knowledge of the obligations I am undertaking, I promise to care for the sick with all of the skill and understanding I possess, without regard to race, creed, color, politics, or social status.

I will respect at all times the dignity and religious beliefs of the patients under my care, holding in confidence all personal information entrusted to me and refraining from any action that might endanger life or health.

I will endeavor to keep my professional knowledge and skill at the highest level and to give loyal support and cooperation to all members of the health team.

I will do my utmost to honor the international code of ethics applied to nursing and to uphold the integrity of the nurse.”

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