Special to IFN
Mitchell Community College recognized the achievements of its High School Equivalency (HSE) graduates during a commencement ceremony held Thursday on the Circle at the Statesville Campus.
The ceremony honored 101 graduates who earned their high school equivalency credentials, marking an important step toward future educational and career opportunities.
Tim Brewer, president of Mitchell Community College, welcomed graduates, families, and guests and praised the students for their perseverance.
“Congratulations to each of our graduates for setting and accomplishing this goal,” he said. “Enjoy this moment, celebrate your success, and encourage someone else to follow your path. You have overcome challenges and embraced opportunity. We are proud of you and celebrate your accomplishments.”
The ceremony included a musical performance of “I Am Light” by India.Arie, performed by Mitchell students Sha’kayla Lewis and Malachi Daniels.
Graduate speakers Gabriella Freeland and Kylee Settlemyer shared personal reflections and encouraged their peers to continue pursuing their goals.
“Thank you to everyone who made this possible — our families, friends and especially our teachers, who supported us and lifted us up when it felt overwhelming,” said Freeland.
“This isn’t just a ceremony — it’s a statement: We did it,” said Settlemyer. “For me, it’s something I once believed I would never be able to say.”
Settlemyer also spoke about overcoming self-doubt and returning to the program after multiple attempts. She is now a certified phlebotomy technician and a pre-nursing student.
“You can do it,” she said. “You are capable, and you can achieve anything you set your mind to.”
Patrick Cline, director of College and Career Readiness, congratulated the graduates and recognized the community partnerships that support student success.
“Graduates, today is your day,” Cline said. “Each of you set a goal and achieved it. Many of you overcame significant obstacles, and all of you deserve this celebration.”
Cline thanked partners, including Goodwill Industries and the Statesville Housing Authority, for expanding access to educational opportunities, as well as the Laws family for establishing a scholarship to help remove financial barriers for students.
Brewer concluded the ceremony by announcing that each 2026 HSE graduate will receive a sponsorship covering in-state tuition for one curriculum course (up to four credit hours) or one occupational extension course at Mitchell.
“We hope you will return to continue your education,” Brewer said. “This is just the beginning of your journey.”
2026 High School Equivalency Graduates
Rosa Alfaro, Jessica Arcidiacono, Kylie Bachert, Reagan Barnes, Arlet Baron-Gaspar, Rachel Barrett, Dustin Beatty, Kyra Blackwell, Thomas Blue, Shaun-Riley Brennan, Justice Bruner, Michael Burdette, Francesco Burns, Darius Caldwell, Darian Carrasco, Jason Colindres, Ronald Cordero Quiros, Madelein Cranmer, Hailey Davis, Hanna Davis, Jay Dillard, Michael Dixon, Beau Dunford, Tyquize Dye, Katrina Edwards, Ashley Ennis, Eduardo Esteban, Bradly Estes, Aiden Eudywooten, Ethan Foulke, Gabriella Freeland, Susan Gohlke, Gabriel Grillo, Lily Haggerty, Richard Harman, Riley Henry, Christopher Hernandez, Kayleigh Hernandez, Damaris Igna, Kashari Ikard, Blake Jessee, Brandon Johnson, Jack Johnston, Abigail Jones, Amanda Jones, Caitlyn Keating, Phylinn Kilburn, Ashlyn Kinney, Dalton Lane, Nola “Adam” Ledet, Sebastian Lee, Laura Lopez, Joseph Lowrance, Dalila Lucas, Haylee Lufkin, Delilah McInnis, Brittany McNabb, Ethan McWilliams, Jacob Milem, Jakub Minarcin, Alexandria “Alex” Napolitano, Christopher Neptune, Rachel Newnam, Tameka Nicholson, Caydon Norford, Sandra Olivares, Maury Orobio, Talan Parker, Camden Parker, Miguel Pedroza, Jailyn Pierron, Brooke Ponder, Christian Ramirez, Martha Ramirez, Samantha Ramsey, Trent Robbins, Michael Robinson, Maria Rubi, Yisandra Sanchez, Kylee Settlemyer, Alex Shedrick, Gisela Sierra, Brooklyn Sigmon, Chensee Smith, Franklin Solomon, Nicholas Stevens, Sirwiley Stokes, Tristen Styers, Miles Thompson, Rachel Tull, Emily Velez, Karleigh Walker, Hydeia Wellman, Raeanna Wellman, Edith “Edie” Wensil, Ethan Wensjoe, Kalin White, Blake Widener, Azlyn Williams, Fiona “Finn” Wilson, and Kelli Wines.
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