by Holly Walker
For each graduate in the Class of 2014, commencement marks the culmination of a personal journey.
For Leslie Prigge, commencement will be an emotional day – one filled with a sense of accomplishment and pride. Leslie earned her GED about a year before her daughter, Emma, graduated from high school. In 2012, inspired by one another, they enrolled in classes for Tyler’s Visual Arts program. The Prigges say the College was a perfect fit. It gave them the ability to pursue their love of art, and Leslie, the wife of a soldier stationed at Fort Lee, was able to complete a degree before her husband was assigned to a new post. Now the two are preparing to cheer each other on as they cross the stage to receive their diplomas. See the Prigge's video.
Renato Arenas dreamed of going to college, but he left high school believing he could not afford it. However, after a year in the workforce, he desire to continue his education intensified, and he discovered Tyler’s tuition rates put college in his reach. Now, he’s about to graduate with a Business Administration associate degree and is busy evaluating which four-year college or university he’ll attend to complete his bachelor’s degree. Watch Areanas' story.
And, for seven Amelia County High School students, commencement will be the day they’re honored for graduating from college before completing high school. The seven, Anthony Bickley; William Clements, III; Andrew Collins; Wilson “Will” Morgan; Billy Phillips, III; Seth Roberts; and Ricky White, make up the first cohort of high school students to graduate from Tyler’s Basic Precision Machining Technology career studies certificate program. Through the program, all seven earned nationally recognized industry certifications. Two landed internships at Rolls-Royce, and one secured a job after graduation. Hear from the Amelia County High School students.
To read more about these graduates, visit www.jtcc.edu/commencementmediakit.