December 12, 2025 11:00 A.M.
Northwest
Fall 2025 Commencement
11:00 a.m.
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.
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 fi rst 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 additi on 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 instructi onal faciliti es, administrati ve 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 & Educati on Center, a Criminal Justi ce 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 Associati on of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Degree-granting insti tutions also may offer credentials such as certi ficates 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).
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
Magna Cum Laude
Laude
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
High Honors
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.
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
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
*Audience stands
Faculty Marshals
Dr. Jessica Temple Chauntell Jannazo
Please remain at your seat until the stage party, faculty, and graduating class have exited the Arena. Thank you.
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)
Lamarria Ale’cia Shipman
Building Construction Specialist
Gavin Thomas Martin ***
Computer Programming Specialist
Skylar Tristan Murray
Culinary Arts
Khatia Chani Yarbrough
Teacher Education - Infant/ Toddler Specialization
Kylie Wallendorff *
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
Design and Digital Marketing
Rafael Vincent Factor
Early Childhood Education
Haley Yevonne Anderson ◊◊
Melissa Atlee Atwell ◊
Yeira Liz Morales
Jenna M. Rybolt
Mia Christina Thomas
Engineering TechnologyElectronics Specialization
Kenneth Parker Davis ◊
Engineering TechnologyMaintenance 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
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
Jason Myers ◊
Anthony Quail
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
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 ◊◊◊
Mycha Yvonne Raines
Mycah Kamryn Ray
Madison Diane Smith ◊
Elizabeth Stafford
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 ◊◊
Bachelor of Applied Science
Management & Supervision
Alfa Joanna Alday Agana ◊
Cristopher Armando Alvarenga ◊◊
Miranda Smith Edgar
Joshua Filion
Jasmin Mendez Frank
Taylor Michelle Greene
Donnie Markus Hicks, III
Kayla Holley
Ashley Keysor
Dana Medlin ◊
Vada J. Moore ◊
Ashley Ober ◊◊◊
Darlene Marie Pourcillie
Devonte’ Simmons ◊
Emma Kay Spalding ◊
Zamia Suendermann Wiltse
Project Management
KaSandra Lee Bowden ◊◊◊
Andrew Thomas Bowman
Nakiesha Latriece Davis
Darla Brooke Ellison
Bianca L. Fountain ◊
Alexa Gillespie ◊
Mackenzie Ann Glenn
Declan J. Masek
Matthew Paul Morrison ◊
Caitlin E. Nelson
Kylie Janine Russell
Paula Rae Sankey
Brett Simmon
Caitlin TaraBori ◊
Filipe de Oliveira Wollinger ◊◊
Elementary Education
Caitlin Fidler ◊
Kelsie Renee Goodwin
Alexis Ann Hamilton ◊
Meagan E. Lay ◊◊
Madison McCormick ◊
Sheryl K. Rohan
Sabrina Marie Stout
Janelle Tribue ◊
Ashleigh Harman Tyson
Shelby Voigt
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.”
Pledges
Nursing Pledge
(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.”
