By Karen Manning

Special to the Pilot

One of the largest crowds to ever gather on the Boyd Library Green on the campus of Sandhills Community College was present for graduation on Saturday, May 15. The graduates were a diverse group. Some students came to Sandhills straight out of high school to earn a technical degree, diploma or certificate. Others planned to begin at Sandhills and transfer to a four-year university and continue their education. Parents and grandparents came back to college after choosing to change careers or were laid off from a job.

The SCC Jazz Band entertained the growing crowd as families and friends chose their seats. The processional began at 10 a.m.

After the national anthem, led by the SCC Choir, a rousing performance of "Lean on Me" was enjoyed. Dr. John Dempsey welcomed the crowd. He congratulated the graduates and noted retiring faculty members. After welcoming several dignitaries, Student Government President Ravon Sheppard was introduced.

Sheppard addressed the graduates with a motivating and encouraging message followed by George Little, chair of the Board of Trustees. Little welcomed the crowd, introduced members of the board and spoke to the graduates. Dr. Susanne Adams presented the Mary Lumen Meyer Award to Charity Haskins, and Professor Wendy Kauffman presented the Faculty Award to Alison Boone. Dr. Dempsey presented the valedictorian of the class, Pai-I Tsung, with the President's Award.

Degrees, certificates and diplomas were then awarded to the graduates.

Karen Manning is the director of public relations and marketing for Sandhills Community College.