Hope Through Hardship: Laurel Ridge Community College Commencement

This Laurel Ridge Community College episode featured Brandy Hawkins Boies, the college's Director of Public Relations, and Deborah Zelleka-Yearwood, an inspiring student and commencement speaker.

Brandy shared updates about the upcoming commencement ceremonies, which will be spread across two days to accommodate the large number of health profession graduates. With 795 graduates, the college is celebrating their achievements with grand festivities, including a significant tent setup on campus. 

Graduates are invited, along with friends, family, faculty and staff, to gather in person to collectively recognize the accomplishments and confer the degrees of the class of 2025. The Health Professions Commencement and Pinning Ceremonies will take place on Thursday, May 15, with Commencement at 2pm and Pinning at 4pm on the Middletown campus. Commencement for all other programs will take place on Friday, May 16 at 2pm on the Middletown campus.

In a heartwarming segment, Deborah recounted her journey to earning an associate's degree in surgical technology. She started her academic pursuit in her forties, motivated by the neonatal care her son, Joshua, received. Juggling family life and studies during the COVID pandemic, Deborah's story epitomizes perseverance. She expressed immense gratitude for her supportive family and highlighted the opportunities provided by Laurel Ridge, including scholarships and grants that made her education affordable - ZERO out-of-pocket expense!

Janet and Deborah discussed the transformative power of education and the deep bonds formed with classmates. Deborah lauded her favorite professor, Ashley Seabolt, for her support. She shared insights about the practical and theoretical components of her coursework, enhancing her passion for surgical technology.

The conversation also covered the broader impact of community college education, with Brandy emphasizing the financial benefits and career readiness offered by Laurel Ridge. The episode closed with an uplifting note, as Deborah dedicated her degree to her late father and encouraged everyone, regardless of age, to pursue their educational dreams.

Brandy also invited the community to attend two upcoming events being hosted at the Middletown Campus of Laurel Ridge Community College. A Student Art Show will be held on Friday, May 9, from 3pm - 5pm in the Sekel Art Atrium next to the Wolk Library. On Saturday, May 10, at 4:30pm, the college will host a film screening and Q&A with the filmmaker, Andre Ferguson. 33 Black Frog: An American Story showcases the life and career of Chief Petty Officer Eddie L. Ferguson (Ret.), United States Navy, who was among the first African American members of the Underwater Demolition Team, the precursor to the Navy SEALs. His son, filmmaker Andre Ferguson, brings his inspiring story to life—from his childhood growing up in the South during the Jim Crow-era, where he didn’t learn to swim until age 22, to his rise as an elite Navy Frogman. There will be a special guest appearance by Chief Petty Officer Eddie L. Ferguson.