PC Honors the Resilient Class of 2025 at 97th Commencement
A wave of excitement and pride swept through Jamison Stadium on Friday night as Porterville College celebrated its 97th Commencement Ceremony, honoring the remarkable achievements of the Class of 2025. Over 400 graduates marked the culmination of their hard work and dedication, ready to embark on new chapters in their lives.
The evening air buzzed with anticipation long before the 7 p.m. start, as families and friends eagerly secured their spots, ready to cheer on their loved ones. The ceremony commenced with a powerful procession of staff and the graduating class, their faces alight with a mixture of joy and accomplishment.
Interim Vice President of Student Services, Erin Wingfield, delivered a warm welcome, setting the stage for an evening of reflection and celebration. The Porterville Military Academy color guard presented the colors, followed by a stirring rendition of the National Anthem by the Porterville College Chorale.
Dr. Steven Bloomberg, Kern Community College District Chancellor, addressed the graduates, sharing his own journey as a first-generation college student – a path familiar to many in the graduating class. "I want you to think about your journey through education, the path that brought you here tonight," Dr. Bloomberg remarked. "Graduates, this night is all about you. We are gathered here to celebrate this milestone with you and as you sit here ready to turn the page and write your next chapter, I encourage you to reflect on the power you hold to shape not only your life but the world around you."
A distinguished platform party, including Interim President Primavera Monarrez, VP of Instruction Dr. Thad Russell, KernCCD Board President John Corkins, KernCCD Board Trustee Dan Diaz, PC Academic Senate President Dr. Rebecca Baird, Classified Leadership representative Kristi Covington, and ASPC Student Speaker Selena Monzon, were present to honor the graduates.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Distinguished Alumni award to Dr. Dakota Jackson-Guzman, a newly licensed small animal veterinarian practicing at Sierra Veterinary Center. A Porterville native, Dr. Jackson-Guzman’s passion for animal welfare began with local volunteering and research, leading her to a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from UC Davis. In her inspiring speech, she acknowledged the multifaceted challenges faced by students, often juggling academics with jobs, family, and life's hurdles. "I was once in your spot, sitting where you are now," she shared, underscoring her understanding of their journey.
The ceremony also recognized over 30 students with the Porterville College Academic Senate Distinguished Student Awards. These individuals – Shawn Abeloe, Elisa Alvarado, Elizabeth Alvarado, Briana Arciga, Joseph Blue, Fernando Carranza, Alejandra Cervantes, Adrian Corona, Clayton Dignam, Samantha Flores, Vincent Flores, Jaymes Fusick, Tristin Galvan, Tanya Gorgonio, Loretta Lynn Harris, Jordan Higareda, Serenity Higareda, Lindsey Lanning, Abigail Mejia-Alvarez, Matthew Moreno, Sammy Mounivong, Cinthia Navarrete, Xavier Nunez, Arlyn Pagtama, Jesus Perez, Jessica Ramos Torres, Kambria Rohrbach, Audrey Scheer, Christopher Tank, Nicholas Torres, Stephanie Gayton Villanueva, Jasmine Villegas, Faith Wynn, and Abigail Zedda – were lauded for their exceptional academic achievements.
Student Speaker Selena Monzon captured the collective spirit of the evening, acknowledging the excitement for both graduates and their supportive families. She highlighted the perseverance each student demonstrated in overcoming challenges during their time at Porterville College.
The pinnacle of the ceremony arrived as each of the graduates walked across the stage to receive their hard-earned diplomas, their names met with cheers and applause from the proud audience. The symbolic turning of the tassels, led by Mr. John Corkins, officially marked their transition from students to alumni.
As the graduates exited the field, the celebration continued with joyous reunions, photographs, confetti, and heartfelt embraces, a fitting end to a memorable night celebrating the bright future of Porterville College’s Class of 2025.
