The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE, Va. (VR), Mountain Gateway Community College celebrated its 58th Commencement Ceremony Friday evening, marking a milestone for 85 students who overcame significant challenges to achieve their academic goals in a ceremony that celebrated resilience, diversity, and the power of education.
College President John Rainone set the tone for the evening, welcoming a packed gymnasium filled with proud families, close loved ones, dedicated faculty, and community leaders. The ceremony honored graduates who earned 109 academic benchmarks, certificates, and degrees, with an impressive 360 workforce credentials awarded.
The evening revealed a remarkable look inward at modern higher education, with 35% of graduates having begun their academic journey through the high school dual enrollment program, and 70% attending tuition-free through scholarships or other means of funding. Ninety percent of graduates already have employment plans or have been accepted to transfer to four-year colleges and universities.
In a deeply personal and inspirational address, Rainone challenged graduates to view their education as a continuous journey. “Your education does not end here,” he told the assembled students. “It is a lifelong pursuit that will continue to shape and empower you.”
One of the ceremony’s highlights was the Gary Lee Miller Outstanding Graduate Award, presented to Kyleigh Mills. The award honors First Lieutenant Gary Lee Miller, a local hero killed in action during the Vietnam War. Mills was recognized for her exceptional leadership, academic excellence, and community involvement, embodying the spirit of service and dedication.
Student speaker Casey Southall offered a powerful narrative of not so traditional success. A former missionary who spent two years in Venezuela and worked as an unexploded ordnance technician, Southall’s journey epitomized the diverse paths to higher education. “Just because you don’t or didn’t get the best grades in school does not mean that you are not capable of breaking barriers,” he told his fellow graduates.
The Distinguished Alumni Award went to Deana Williams, a veteran educator with 26 years of teaching experience. Williams shared her own journey from Mountain Gateway Community College to a successful career in elementary education, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and community service.
A standout moment came with the recognition of one very young student, Ms. Baylee Slagle, who at the age of 17 has achieved the remarkable feat of completing her associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing at MGCC and is also receiving her bachelor’s degree from Old Dominion University. All this while serving her community as a volunteer EMT in the city of Lexington.
This extraordinary achievement underscored the college’s commitment to supporting exceptional students.
MGCC Board Chair Marylin Alexander praised the students’ resilience, highlighting the college’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality education. “You have the grit and the determination to achieve this great accomplishment,” she told the graduates, acknowledging the challenges many of the graduates had to overcome.
The evening revealed several unique stories that illustrated the diverse paths to graduation. One notable example was an uncle and niece graduating together, while another graduate earned an impressive three associate degrees.
The ceremony paid special tribute to veterans, with a moment of recognition for those who have served in the armed forces. This acknowledgment reflected the college’s commitment to supporting military personnel and veterans in their educational pursuits.
Dr. Seuss provided the evening’s most memorable quote, with President Rainone invoking the author’s words; “You have brains in your head and feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”
A message that hit home with many of the graduates, emphasizing personal growth and potential. Behind the statistics and speeches lay stories of remarkable perseverance. The graduate’s experiences were shared of balancing multiple jobs, family responsibilities, and academic pursuits.
Some had overcome significant personal challenges, from financial hardships to family obligations. The college’s commitment to workforce development was evident in the diverse range of credentials awarded. From nursing and business administration to technical certifications and transfer degrees, the graduates represented a cross section of local economic needs and individual aspirations.
As graduates moved their tassels from right to left, a time-honored symbol of academic achievement, the gymnasium was filled with an immense sense of hope and possibility. Family members wiped away tears, faculty beamed with pride, and the graduates themselves represented a wealth of potential.
Mountain Gateway Community College continues to play a crucial role in local education and economic development. The ceremony was more than a simple graduation it was a celebration of achievement and community support.
The evening concluded with a powerful reminder that education is not just about acquiring knowledge but about transforming lives. Each graduate represented a story of personal growth, resilience, and potential. As the class of 2025 prepares to step into their next chapter, they carry with them the support of their college, their families, and their community.
They aren’t just graduates, they are ambassadors of hope, potential, and the power of education.
Names of the graduates have been omitted due to the privacy of Mountain Gateway College.
