Twenty-five students from a variety of cities in East Texas participated in the Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) summer commencement program Aug. 13 at the Polk County Commerce Center.
Included in these graduates is the Polk County Center’s first Registered Nurse cohort to graduate. “This is pretty exciting … kind of a big deal for Texas State University System Polk County Center,” TSUS PCC Director Kathryn Pedigo said.
RN Transition Program Clinical Instructor Heidi A. Kelly agreed wholeheartedly.
“Yes! There were eight LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) to RN (Registered Nurse) transition students who began their celebration of completing this rigorous course with a pinning ceremony and then joined the rest of the graduates for a graduation ceremony as they completed their associates degree in nursing – the first cohort of RN transition students at Polk County Center,” Kelly said.
“We’re also excited to have three LVN students graduate as well, another first for LSCO at the Polk County Center campus. These students completed all of their work here in Livingston, supported by the amazing health care teams within this community,” Kelly said.
Additionally, two of the graduates earned associates of arts and teaching degrees, as well as certificates of completion in general studies.
Students participating in the commencement program were from Livingston, Colmesneil, Kountze, Woodville, Spring, Willis, Conroe, Arlington, San Antonio, Amarillo and Spurger.
“This happened because you chose to invest in yourself. I call that courage,” LSCO President Dr. Wendy Elmore said, as she shared a quote from Horace Mann who is known as the father of public education – ‘Education is the great equalizer.’
“This is hope put into action. Where you start does not determine where you finish,” Elmore said. “Never underestimate the power of your example. Someone may follow their dream because they saw you achieve yours.
“This center represents the pursuit of life-changing opportunities,” Elmore said as she thanked the Polk County Higher Education & Technology Foundation for its “steadfast work and generosity.
Elmore offered three tips for the graduates. “Don’t let success make you comfortable. Lead with kindness. Live with purpose. What will I do with the gifts I’ve been given?
"At LSCO, we say, ‘Your future, our focus.’ Your dreams matter. Your success matters,” Elmore said.
Kristen Stovall, LSCO Assistant Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services, recognized the honor students.
Ashley Monique Wyatt and Nidia Mercedes Castro Muniz, both of Livingston, earned Cum Laude honors for achieving a 3.5-3.64 grade point average.
Shelby Railynn Ketchens, of Livingston, earned Magna Cum Laude honors for achieving a 3.65-3.79 grade point average.
Kelsey Rene Stokes, of Kountze, earned Summa Cum Laude honors for achieving a 3.8-4.0 grade point average.
“Today is your day. You have every reason to be proud. Be thankful for yourself. Gratitude reminds us of what we do here,” LSCO Associate Vice President of Statewide Partnerships Kristin Tow-Walker said.
