The familiar strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” fill the gymnasium, signaling the procession of graduates, dressed in their brilliant blue caps and gowns, ready to receive the long-awaited fruits of their labor.

Snead State Community College honored 182 of the 258 total graduates participating in the Spring Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, May 8, in the Plunkett-Wallace Gymnasium. The bleachers were filled with friends and family of the graduates and the College, joining together for the momentous celebration. Another 51 graduates participated in a separate Commencement Ceremony on Tuesday, May 6, for student-athletes.

Snead State President Dr. Joe Whitmore addressed the graduates on Thursday in a “wake up, stand up, and step up” type of speech.

“Today is a celebration of your perseverance, your intelligence, your faith, your failures, and your ultimate triumph. You’ve been tested, stretched, refined, and – like gold in the fire – you shine today, not because everything was easy, but because you didn’t give up when it was hard,” said Dr. Whitmore.

“The world doesn’t need more passive consumers, clever influencers, or couch-dwellers. It needs men and women who know who they are and live like it matters. Don’t just chase success. Chase significance. Success is achieving your goals. Significance is when your goals also lift others.

“Be courageous. Speak the truth when it’s not popular. Show kindness when it’s not convenient. Forgive when it’s not deserved and understand that when you do the hard thing and fail, that’s OK…How you respond when you fall says more about your character than how high you fly, and that’s the kind of courage that changes the world,” Dr. Whitmore continued.

“So go. Not in fear, but in faith. Go with the knowledge God goes with you and will direct your path. Go with the confidence that you were created on purpose, for a purpose, and with a purpose.”

Celebration was the theme for the Commencement Ceremony. In addition to students receiving their diplomas, graduates were also recognized for their achievements.

Sarah McCullars of Albertville received the Civitan Best All-Around Student Award. The Civitan Award is presented annually to the Best All-Around Student of the graduating class. To be eligible for this award, the student must have attended Snead State Community College for at least three semesters and attained a minimum cumulative academic average of 3.0 on a four-point scale. In addition, the student should have participated in extracurricular and community activities. The student is elected by a vote of the faculty from a list of eligible graduates who are participating in the graduation ceremonies.

Evan Patterson of Albertville was awarded the James B. Allen Award. The award is presented annually to the Outstanding Student of the graduating class, but this year both students were chosen. This award is a gift of the late James B. Allen, United States Senator from Alabama. To be eligible for this award, the student must have exhibited outstanding qualities of leadership and service, attained a minimum cumulative academic average of 3.5, and attended Snead State Community College for at least three semesters. Recipients are elected by a vote of the faculty from a list of eligible graduates participating in the Spring ceremony.

McCullars and Audrey Beasley of Guntersville were recognized as this year’s members of the All-Alabama Academic Team. The All-Alabama Scholarship program is a complement to the All-USA National Academic Team Program, which is sponsored by USA Today, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and the American Association of Community Colleges.

The President’s Award is presented annually to the full-time sophomore student in both the Academic Division, Technical Division, and, for the first time this year, the Dual Enrollment Program with the highest-grade point average on the greatest number of credit hours completed at Snead State. For the technical division, the 2025 President’s Award was presented to Kahla D. Wright of Arab. For the academic division, the 2025 President’s Award was given to Allison Williams of Union Grove. The 2025 President’s Award for Dual Enrollment was presented to Estrella Evelyn Dia Rosales of Albertville.

Snead State has five Dual Enrollment students earning their Associate degrees as well as their high school diplomas. Diaz Rosales from Albertville High School is included in the Dual Enrollment graduates, earning her Associate degree in Communication Studies. Angelina Jasmin Juthi of Oneonta High School received her Associate degree in General Education. Katelin Renea Rakestraw of Sardis High School also received her Associate degree in General Education. Kylie Yates with Everest Academy earned her Associate degree in Psychology. Taylor Makenzi Simpson with Boaz High School received her high school diploma in December 2024 and completed her Associate degree in General Education this spring.

Student recognitions continued when Snead State Executive Project Director of Workforce Enhancement Dr. Greg Randall recognized students in the Registered Apprenticeship Program to graduate – Derek Lowe, Dylan Markle, and Ermelinda Ortiz, all of Albertville. The students earn while they learn by completing their training with industry partners such as Marshall Medical Centers and Newman Technology.

Alina Ramirez-Perez of Boaz gave the invocation, and Audrey Beasley gave a benediction before the graduates exited the gym in a recessional, ending this year’s Commencement Ceremony. The Jazz Band and the College Street Singers also performed during the ceremony.