myCanvas 
Featured photo: Spring 2026 graduates of Blue Ridge Community College move their tassels on May 9, 2026, in the Blue Ridge Conference Hall. (Photo by: Benjamin Rickert.)
High resolution photo galleries are now available on Google Drive!
Event Recordings on YouTube:
Marketing & Communications Dept.
HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. – Blue Ridge Community College celebrated its class of 2026 graduates with two commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 9. The Saturday events celebrated 388 total spring graduates earning 437 credentials, and these numbers will increase as additional programs conclude throughout the season. These credentials equip students with the skills needed for today’s workforce and lay a strong foundation for continued education at partner universities.
Blue Ridge President Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood congratulated the graduates in her welcoming remarks, calling them “the strength and future of our community.”
“We are proud of your perseverance, your dedication, and all you have accomplished to reach this moment,” Leatherwood said.
Leatherwood introduced the keynote speaker for both ceremonies, Shannon Allison. A Blue Ridge graduate with roots in Brevard and Transylvania County, Allison shifted from a career in business and nonprofit leadership to healthcare, beginning by earning an associate degree in nursing from Blue Ridge in 2024. She is currently pursuing her Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner degree at Duke University, where she will graduate with honors this year.
Allison’s message reflected the twists, turns, and challenges of her own career and health journeys. Drawing from those experiences, she encouraged graduates to embrace both the highs and lows of life, noting that each step helps shape who they become and the lessons they carry forward.
“Think of the grass in a meadow. Rooted, yet able to bend in the storm and rise again,” said Allison to the graduates. “Your path does not have to be linear to be meaningful. And when you’re not sure what to do next, just take the next right step.”
She also reminded graduates that support and connection remain an important part of their journey beyond commencement.
“You are part of this community–this Blue Ridge family,” she added.
During the second ceremony, a special presentation honored Blue Ridge’s 2026 Academic Excellence Award winner, Victoria Dmytryszyn, who graduated with an Associate in Science college transfer degree as an honors graduate, earning a GPA above 3.9.
As an Early College student, Dmytryszyn balanced the demands of both high school and college coursework with remarkable discipline and focus. Leatherwood remarked that her success reflects not only excellence in the classroom, but also resilience in the face of significant challenges.
In a recent College essay, Dmytryszyn’s wrote, “When Hurricane Helene destroyed my home, I was not sure how I would manage everything at once. But the faculty and staff stepped in. They checked on me, encouraged me, and celebrated every small win—and they continue to do so. That kind of support allowed me to stay focused on my academic goals and remain grateful for every opportunity.”
The College also honored information technology instructor Tonya Stephens, who earned the North Carolina Community College System’s 2026 Excellence in Teaching Award.
The uplifting ceremonies concluded after Dr. Leatherwood asked graduates to move their tassels from right to left, a tradition symbolizing a student’s graduation accomplishment.
A link to the graduation ceremony video and the College’s photo gallery will be posted on the Blue Ridge website the week of May 11, 2026. For more information, visit www.blueridge.edu/graduation.
Blue Ridge Community College is currently enrolling for the Summer 2026 and Fall 2026 semesters, which begin on May 18 and August 17, respectively. Students can begin their applications at www.blueridge.edu/admissions.
Blue Ridge Community College’s Spring 2026 graduates* included:
Ashe County
Maylee Max Blevins, Esthetics Technology
Broward County
Grace Simms, Surgical Technology
Buncombe County
Crystal G. Adams, Business Administration-Leadership Studies
Charles Arthur Backus, College Transfer and Accounting & Finance
Morgan G. Ballew, Associate Degree Nursing
Sara Ann Ballew, Interpreter Education
Matthew S. Bartlett, Fire Protection Technology
Steven Andrew Blackman, Human Services Technology-Addiction & Recovery Studies
Kimberly Nicole Buff, Respiratory Therapy
Mikaella J. Busby, Manicuring & Nail Technology
Blanca Yolanda Cazares, Early Childhood Education-Administration and Early Childhood Education-Preschool
Jonathan W. Champion, Teacher Preparation
Bryson Robert Clouse, Welding Technology
Teresa Renea Cole, Elementary Education Residency Licensure
Ashley Ann Cussans, Associate Degree Nursing
Kinsley Olivia Ellege, Accounting & Finance-Bookkeeping I
Emma K. Farr, Esthetics Technology
Kathryn Grace Figliozzi, College Transfer
Tiffany Gosnell Fisher, Business Administration-Public Administration and Business Administration-Basic
Rachel Rankin Gaston, Business Administration
Annabelle R. Goodrum, College Transfer
Kayli Breanna Johnson, Associate Degree Nursing
Joseph Nicholas Mayas, College Transfer
John Paul McHone, Film & Video Production Technology
Ruth Daniela Montoya, Elementary Education Residency Licensure
Phillip Richard Padilla, Fire Protection Technology
Kristina Milan Perry, College Transfer
Jennifer Leigh Phillips, Associate in General Education
John Charles Prettyman, III, Associate Degree Nursing
Ahinoam Quinones, Elementary Education Residency Licensure
Ava K. Renegar, College Transfer
Navada A. Russell, Interpreter Education
Julia Kathleen Sempowski, Horticulture Technology
Anna Leigh Sikkink, Associate Degree Nursing
Stephanie Staropoli-McDowell, Horticulture Technology
Johanna Ann Williams, Associate Degree Nursing
Granville County
Ellen Christine Alverez, Office Management
Gwinnett County
Elisa Louise Lorenzo, College Transfer
Haywood County
Cooper W. Kruk, Interpreter Education – Fundamentals of ASL
Bethany D. Messer, Esthetics Technology
Kayla Ann Warlick, Accounting & Finance
Eva Grace Wyatt, Esthetics Technology
Henderson County
Kareem Abdellatif, Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology-Non-Structural
Erin M. Adams, Business Administration
Jacob Christopher Agerton, Collison Repair & Refinishing Technology
Enrique Alanis, College Transfer
Gerardo Alanis, College Transfer
Carla Alejo Machorro, College Transfer
Destini Mikya Alexander, Esthetics Technology
Selah Allison, College Transfer
Roger C. Arndt, Automotive Light Duty Diesel Technology-Fuel System
Marisa Arrona-Torres, College Transfer
Nelly Vanessa Arzate Garcia, Information Technology-Computer Programming & Development
Aaron Michael Askin, College Transfer and Business Administration-Basic
Crystal Lynn Atkins, College Transfer
Alexandria Auletti, Criminal Justice Technology
Leslie Avila Ramirez, Associate Degree Nursing
Nicol G. Ayala-Mijares, Early Childhood Education-Infant & Toddler Apprenticeship
Phillip Babcock, Associate Degree Nursing
Haley Brooke Ballard, Interpreter Education
Leah Payton Barnes, College Transfer
Tiffany Jameson Bates, Interpreter Education
Katherine D. Beaty, Associate Degree Nursing
Olivia Jade Beddingfield, College Transfer
Sayde Colette Blake, Accounting & Finance
Ricky Boles, Information Technology-Computer Programming & Development and Information Technology-Support and Services
Kristan Geneé Brown, Associate Degree Nursing
Donovan James Buddo, College Transfer
Keily Hope Bumgardner, Elementary Education Residency Licensure
Trinity Nicole Cantrell, Manicuring & Nail Technology
Sela Kay Capps, Associate Degree Nursing
Elizabeth Grace Caroway, Teacher Preparation
Luz Mayrin Casimiro-Sandoval, College Transfer
Chloe Marie Childers, Accounting & Finance
Madylin Elizabeth Clouse, College Transfer
Camden Ian Collie, College Transfer
Ava Grace Comeaux, Esthetics Technology
Shelby N. Copper, Manicuring & Nail Technology
Abbigail D. Corbin, College Transfer
Angelica Danielle Costanzo, Accounting & Finance-Bookkeeping I
Megan Danielle Coyle, Information Technology-Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology-Network Management and Information Technology-Networking & CyberSecurity
Lucas Matthew Craven, College Transfer
Joel Cruz, College Transfer
Noelia Cruz, Accounting & Finance
Alexander Isay Cruz-Rendon, College Transfer
Emily Ann Davidson, Information Technology-Networking & CyberSecurity
Erica Ginny Davis, Cosmetology
Cynthia Lynn DeViva, Associate Degree Nursing
Ian Dhein, College Transfer
Margaret Anne Dillon, Esthetics Technology
Nick David Dirks, College Transfer
Victoria Helen Dmytryszyn, College Transfer
Terry J. Douglas, Early Childhood Education-Infant & Toddler
Jonathan James Doyle, Associate Degree Nursing
Lily Dukes, College Transfer
Aija Durham, College Transfer
Katelynn M. Easter, Cosmetology
Scott Logan Emory, College Transfer
Thomas Abraham Emory, College Transfer
Orlando Carl Erkel, College Transfer
Emma Claire Evans, College Transfer
Kassandra Grace Everson, College Transfer
Angie Joliet Facundo Sandoval, College Transfer and Criminal Justice Technology-Foundations of CJC
Pamela Lynne Fish, Medical Office Administration and Office Management
Heather Ann Fisher, Surgical Technology
Julissa Flor Gonzalez, College Transfer
Gloria M. Flores, Cosmetology-Instructor
Mia Sophia Fort, Esthetics Technology
Kiana A. Foster, Esthetics Technology
Addison Taylor Fox, Associate Degree Nursing
Levi S. Fox, Accounting & Finance-Bookkeeping I
Carissa Lillianna Fuentes, Associate Degree Nursing
Victoria Robin Gage, College Transfer
Mason B.Galloway, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Yessica Garcia Araujo, Human Services Technology
Gilbert Garcia Torres, College Transfer
William L. Gardo, Horticulture Technology
Sarah Joy Gilbert, Teacher Preparation
Sianna B. Gilbert, Teacher Preparation
Grayson D. Gilliam, Automotive Systems Technology-MAST Level II
Annabelle H. Gilliland, College Transfer
Jordan U. Giroir, Welding Technology-Multiple Plate Welding
Angel Guerra, Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology
Mia Hilliard Haire, Business Administration
Veronica Marie Hanks, Emergency Medical Science
Aiden S. Harness, Automotive Systems Technology-MAST Level I
Briana Lisa Hartzog, Esthetics Technology
Davis Lawrence Harvey, College Transfer
Rodney C. Hays, Automotive Systems Technology-MAST Level II
Emily Rebecca Hazzard, Information Technology-Network Management and Information Technology-Support and Services
Emily Lucia Hernandez, Esthetics Technology
Amber Paige Hill, Associate Degree Nursing
Tyler Lee Hill, College Transfer
Sarah Beth Hillyer, Cosmetology
Ava Hitt, Horticulture Technology
Willow Virginia Hofgesang, College Transfer
Casondra Maybin Hopper, Associate Degree Nursing
Jonathon Horton, College Transfer
Addyson R. Houston, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Ava Elizabeth Howard, Associate Degree Nursing
Lucia Alcira Hudgins, College Transfer
Kinsley Arkansas Paige Hunt, Cosmetology
Sunshine Diane Hunter, College Transfer
Liam A. Husk, Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology
Connor Tobias Johnson, College Transfer
Xavier Huy Johnson, College Transfer and Film & Video Production Technology
Milo Xander Jones, Information Technology-Networking & CyberSecurity
Ashley Shannon Kawuma, College Transfer
Kalyn Gail Kelly, Respiratory Therapy
William Robert Kennedy, College Transfer
Joseph M. Kern, Automotive Systems Technology-MAST Level II
Dylan J. King, Automotive Systems Technology
Tyrus Knox, Respiratory Therapy
David M. Krenek, Civil Engineering Technology
Andersen Paisley Lamb, Visual Arts
Heidie Anne Laughter, College Transfer
Rylee M. LeDuc, College Transfer
Gabriella Faustini Leeson, College Transfer
Keean R. LeMaster, Automotive Systems Technology-MAST Level I
Elainne Leon, Information Technology-Network Management
Kimberly Dawn Leonard, Teacher Preparation
Carlye Leslie, College Transfer
Josie Christeen Lively, Associate Degree Nursing
Dyana Mairim Lopez College Transfer and Criminal Justice Technology-Foundations of CJC
Omar Riquelmer Lopez-Vazquez, College Transfer
Angelica Luna, Esthetics Technology
Kimseng Kenny Malis, College Transfer
William Arthur Marks, General Occupational Technology
Cora Leigh Marshall, College Transfer
Jair Dakota Martin, Business Administration
Ana Patricia Martinez-Aguilar, Associate Degree Nursing
Rosa G. Mata Betancourt, Cosmetology
Emma C. McBeath, College Transfer
Branden T. McCall, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Natalie McCollin, Associate Degree Nursing
Curtis W. McCraw, Automotive Systems Technology-MAST Level I
Alicia McDermott, Elementary Education Residency Licensure
Alexander L. McDonald, Computer-Integrated Machining
Randie Ayn McDonald, College Transfer
Ryah Jade McDonald, College Transfer
Caleb Peter McKenzie, College Transfer
Savannah Rose Meeker, College Transfer
Yadhira A. Mendoza, Manicuring & Nail Technology
Jonatan Mendoza Aguilar, Business Administration-Business & Banking Apprenticeship
Adelina Mereniuc, Business Administration
Carly Milanese, Business Administration
Amber Michelle Miller, Early Childhood Education
Peyton T. Moffitt, Business Administration-Digital Marketing & Graphic Design
Johanna Montano Gamez, Business Administration-Marketing & Retailing
Sydney E. Moore, College Transfer
Giovanni Alberto Munoz, Welding Technology-Multiple Plate Welding
Jeremiah Israel Musser, Information Technology-Artificial Intelligence
Kathy Thuy Vy Nguyen, Business Administration-Digital Marketing & Graphic Design
Thomism Nguyen, College Transfer
Elizabeth Toler Oldham, Horticulture Technology and Horticulture Technology-Ornamental Plant Production
Henry David Osiecki, College Transfer
Cassia Leigh Owen, Horticulture Technology-Small Fruits & Specialty Crops
Vanessa Padilla-Hernandez, Associate Degree Nursing
Liza Pan, Associate Degree Nursing
Mary Morgan Parachini, Associate Degree Nursing
Sandra Ibeth Patino-Tamayo, Esthetics Technology
Josclyn Shea Paul, Esthetics Technology
Cindy Pena Cabrera, Esthetics Technology
Kimberly Perez-Monroy, Esthetics Technology
BayleeAnn Elizabeth Pollett, Early Childhood Education
Gisella Marie Ponsaing, College Transfer
Hannah Janelle Powell, Early Childhood Education
Eleanor Proctor, College Transfer
Jaquelin Puebla Sandoval, College Transfer
Yancelmy Alexa Quintana Piedra, Accounting & Finance
Jordan Raasch, College Transfer
Kathrine S. Radick, Film & Video Production Technology
Isabella Sophia Ramirez, College Transfer
Michel Anaí Ramos-Mejía, Manicuring & Nail Technology
Casey Kadiri Reddy, College Transfer
Maria Adelita Reyes-Resendez, Esthetics Technology
Matthew Jacob Rhymer, College Transfer
William Hadden Robinson, College Transfer
Tristan Michael Rutterford, College Transfer
Sareth Valentina Salcedo Sarmiento, Business Administration
Brooklyn Marie Salser, Associate Degree Nursing
Autumn R. Schmieder, Manicuring & Nail Technology
Echo Schwab, College Transfer
Ian C. Scollin, Information Technology-Network Management
Dara Shea Seetaram, Social and Human Services
Bianca Michaela Seifts, College Transfer
Jessica R. Shanklin, College Transfer
Nita Nichole Shelton, Business Administration-Basic
Taylor Madison Sherlin, Cosmetology
Ashley Shortman, Business Administration-Digital Marketing & Graphic Design
Laney Nichole Simpson, Manicuring & Nail Technology
Jaina Lee Smith, Business Administration-Basic
Julianne Jane Smith, College Transfer and Accounting & Finance-Bookkeeping I
Jennifer Soto Landaverde, Business Administration-Digital Marketing & Graphic Design
Taffy Tivona Souphab, Esthetics Technology
Bailee Michelle Stepp, Associate Degree Nursing
Gavin Hunter Strickland, Office Management
Emily Stumpf, Business Administration-Marketing & Retailing
Darby Sutton, College Transfer
Karem M. Swan, Esthetics Technology
Kirsten Ann Talley, Accounting & Finance
Jason McCarson Taylor, Automotive Systems Technology-MAST Level I
Madison Rose Taylor, College Transfer
Katherine Anna Teran, Associate Degree Nursing
Francesca Michelle Testaverde, Cosmetology
Annie Katharine Thompson, College Transfer
Dalton T. Thompson, Cosmetology
Melinda Coley Thompson, Associate Degree Nursing
Adrian Trejo-Morales, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Julia Grace Trollinger, College Transfer
Anna Elise Turbyfill, College Transfer
Jocelyn Vazquez, Esthetics Technology
Katharine Jannet Ventura, College Transfer
Katherine J. Vigil-Flores, Associate Degree Nursing
Wendy Paola Villa-Alejos, College Transfer
Clay Thomas Vinson, Respiratory Therapy
Christine Louise Voss, Teacher Preparation
Elizabeth Walls, Interpreter Education-Fundamentals of ASL
Seet May Wan, Esthetics Technology
Heather Ann Ward, Teacher Preparation
Austin Payne Waycaster, Information Technology-Networking & CyberSecurity and College Transfer
Carter Rachel West, Manicuring & Nail Technology
Margaret Kathryn Whitham, Manicuring & Nail Technology
Jax M. Whitmire, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Elijah L. Whitson, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Kayla Lynn Williams, Associate Degree Nursing
Amos Elijah Yoder, Welding Technology
Savanna Grace Youngblood, Cosmetology
Mauricio Iván Zaragoza-Eusebio, College Transfer
Jackson County
Jonathan A. Brooks, Fire Protection Technology
Katelyn Grace McCarson, College Transfer
Johnston County
Amber Metcalf Hardy, College Transfer
Macon County
John P. Henry, Business Administration – Basic
Marion County
Elizabeth Rose Daly, Associate Degree Nursing
McDowell County
Elijah Scott Lacy, College Transfer
Monroe County
Alex Faith Havens, Business Administration-Digital Marketing & Graphic Design
Pasquotank County Maria Vogler Ange, Business Administration-Digital Marketing & Graphic Design
Polk County
Anna E. Gage, Interpreter Education-Fundamentals of ASL
Ginger E. Longworth, Business Administration-Digital Marketing & Graphic Design
Marisol Ramirez-Munoz, Associate Degree Nursing
Luke Jackson Sparks, College Transfer
Riley Forest Taylor, College Transfer
Rutherford County
Natalie R. Frady, Business Administration
Stanly County
Cody W. Snyder, Business Administration
Transylvania County
Jackson W. Aiken, Civil Engineering Technology-Land Surveying Fundamentals
Tiffany Ann Aldridge, Associate Degree Nursing
Weston G. Arant, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Tyler M. Beebe, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Joseph B. Behre, Information Technology-Networking & CyberSecurity
Mason A. Bell, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Corbin T. Bradley, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Andrea Brewster, Medical Office Administration and Office Management
Kaedon N. Castillo, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Cristian Castillo-Marin, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Jessica Holly Chapman, Esthetics Technology
Timothy G. Connor, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Brooklynn Faith Corbin, Esthetics Technology
Rylie K. Corbin, Entrepreneurship
Jennifer Rogers Cornett, Associate Degree Nursing
Christina K. Doherty, Elementary Education Residency Licensure
Melinda Mae Emrick, Manicuring & Nail Technology
Derick R. Friend ,Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Kaeden B. Galloway, Esthetics Technology
Samantha M. Griffin, Early Childhood Education-Infant & Toddler
Bethany Faith Hanna, Early Childhood Education
Ian Hardison, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Max W. Henderson, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Sage Leona Hinkleman, Elementary Education Residency Licensure
John T. Hoxit, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Dallas Q. Hudgins, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Courtney M. Lance, Associate Degree Nursing
Maddy L. Lance, Interpreter Education-Fundamentals of ASL
Garen T. Littleton, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Ronnie O. Lyday, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Gavin Lee Marlow, College Transfer
Heather Alisha McCall, Esthetics Technology
Jonathan W. McCall, Civil Engineering Technology-Land Surveying Fundamentals
Haley Elise Meade, Associate Degree Nursing
Alex Christopher Moody, College Transfer
Joshua L. Newman, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Ramona Gail Normand, Human Services Technology-Addiction & Recovery Studies
Evan J. Olsen, College Transfer
Wyatt C. Owen, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Ashley Nicole Peacock, Associate Degree Nursing
Joshua C. Pressley, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Sherry Kitchen Pressley, Accounting & Finance
Bradley C. Queen, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Jennifer R. Revis, Associate Degree Nursing
Gracelyn E. Robinson, Early Childhood Education-Infant & Toddler
Chayanne Rodriguez, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Estrella Miranda Benavides Sheehan, Film & Video Production Technology
Harper Rayne Sikorski, Esthetics Technology
Braylon L. Simmons, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Lauren Renee Street, Esthetics Technology
Laeela Waryono, College Transfer
Allison Whitmire Weller, Associate Degree Nursing
Bambi Louise White, Entrepreneurship
Rachel Wiener, College Transfer
Madalynn R. Wilbanks, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Union County
Michael Tyler Evola, Interpreter Education – Fundamentals of ASL
Wake County
Isabelle Jean Carpenter, Interpreter Education
Tamara LaShawn Gathers, Interpreter Education
Meghan Charisse Jones, College Transfer
Yancey County
Stephanie A. Johnson, Elementary Education Residency Licensure
Blythe Atkinson Peterson, Elementary Education Residency Licensure
Ohio
Erica Louise Feiler, Accounting & Finance
South Carolina
Heidi Vilette Hewitt, General Occupational Technology-Wingate Pre-Pharmacy
West Virginia
Austin Himes, Information Technology – Artificial Intelligence and Networking & Cyber Security
*Only graduates who have agreed to be named are included in this list.