Special to IFN
Mitchell Community College on Saturday celebrated the achievements of more than 330 graduates who earned associate degrees in applied sciences, arts, arts in teacher preparation, engineering, fine arts in music, fine arts in visual arts, general education, general education – nursing, and science, as well as certificate and diplomas.
“In many ways, the future of our community is sitting in this room today. And what gives me confidence in that future is knowing what it took for you to get here,” said Tim Brewer, president of Mitchell Community College. “We are living in a world that changes quickly. Careers evolve. Technology advances. Industries transform. But certain qualities never go out of style: integrity, resilience, compassion, and the willingness to keep learning.”
Brewer shared advice with the Class of 2026 emphasizing that success is not without struggle.
“It is about refusing to stop, easy does not change you,” he said. “As you leave Mitchell, I hope you carry three things with you: Continue learning. Remember the people who helped you along the way. And use your talents to make life better for others.
“Graduates, when life becomes uncertain – and at times it will – remember this moment,” Brewer added. “Remember what you have already overcome. Remember that you are capable of more than you once believed.”
“The world does not need perfect people. It needs compassionate people. Determined people. Courageous people. It needs people like you. Class of 2026, on behalf of the faculty, staff, administration and Board of Trustees of Mitchell Community College, congratulations!”
A performance of “Corner of the Sky” by Stephen Schwartz was performed by Mitchell music faculty, Leslie Overcash and Emily Schuttenberg.
Student Awards
President Brewer then presented two awards: the President’s Award and Academic Excellence Award.
The President’s Award was presented to Janet Heatherdale. This award is presented to a graduating student who has one of the highest grade point averages on all work completed at Mitchell Community College. Heatherdale graduated with a degree in Human Services Technology. After graduation, she plans to pursue job related to her major while attending UNC Wilmington to complete her bachelor’s degree in social work.
During her time at Mitchell, she served on the advisory board, where she contributed to discussions and decision-making and supported student success. She also volunteers with the Special Olympics cheerleading program and supports individuals with developmental disabilities and helps to make all participants feel like they are a part of a team.
Heatherdale shared that her time at Mitchell has helped her become more confident in stepping outside of her comfort zone. She also mentioned that she has gained knowledge and learned to put herself out there through leadership and volunteering.
This year’s Academic Excellence Award was presented to Kelsey Kiser. Each year, the North Carolina Community College System honors outstanding students from 58 colleges in the system. At Mitchell, the student is chosen based on faculty nominations and a high-grade point average.
Kiser shared that she always knew she wanted to get a good education while incurring as little debt as possible. Her passion for nursing was lit in her heart in 2015 when her father was involved in a work accident. That day impacted her forever.
Kiser was introduced to the Agriculture and Science Early College, where she became associated with Mitchell Community College in 2019. She was able to earn her first degree, which included all of her prerequisite classes for nursing and gave her the opportunity to focus on academics without financial burden. She chose Mitchell so she could be close to home and still get a high-quality education. Kiser holds Mitchell and the Nursing Program in high regards for the standards and quality of education she received. She plans to work in an Intensive Care Unit to give back to her community, and to help others in their time of need.
Commencement Speaker
Award-winning journalist and educator Leyla Santiago delivered the commencement address.
She recounted an influential mantra that her mother used to share with her as a child. Her mother would say: “Go show the world –” and Leyla would respond: “How great I am.”
She said the reminder from her mother helped her to build confidence and guided her through most of her life.
Santiago posed the phrase to graduates and those in the audience in which she posed the same question, “Go show the world—” and had the audience repeat back: “How great I am.”
This confidence helped her pursue new opportunities in life, starting from grade school, helping her transition to a move to South Carolina where she was only one of two Latinas in her school, and helping her navigate college after she didn’t get into her dream school. She started at Santa Fe Community College and eventually transfered to the University of Florida, from where she graduated.
She shared that she learned to be proud of her ethnicity, to represent and embrace her differences, and to bridge gaps.
Education, she said, is critical to surviving on the real world.
“Learn and grow so much that one day, you look back on today – not just as a milestone – but as the day in your career in which you knew the least. Embrace curiosity and seek understanding, challenging yourself to consider nuances. And recognize opportunities. Opportunities rarely come with a flag that reads “This is a good one.”
Santiago encouraged the graduates to help others. As a journalist, she often interviewed people on the worst day of their life.
“I’m a human first, and a journalist second. I believe behind every story is a real person. Do more than open the door for someone else. When you are finally in a position to do so, reach back. Pull someone through. But don’t stop there – hold on. Don’t be so quick to let go. Keep your hand open for them. Because none of us get here alone.”
Conferring of Degrees
As their names were called by the deans of their programs, students walked across the stage to receive their degrees, certificates and diplomas.
These candidates, were conferred by President Brewer:
“By virtue of the authority vested in me by the State of North Carolina and upon recommendation of the faculty and with approval of the Board of Trustees, I confer upon you the degree, certificate or diploma,” he said. “You may now move your tassel to the left side. Please join me in congratulating this outstanding group of graduates. Congratulations Class of 2026!”
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