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Students play key roles in commencement ceremonies
The Advocate
Students will be significantly involved next week as Mt. Hood Community College holds its annual commencement ceremony June 11 for the graduating class of 2011.
Onjalai Flake, vice president of scholarships of Rho Theta, has been asked to sing America The Beautiful at the opening of the commencement ceremony and Associated Student Government President Larry Collins-Morgan will deliver the traditional commencement address.
Commencement for MHCC graduates begins at 10 a.m. June 11 in the college stadium. The GED/Adult High School Diploma ceremony will be Friday, June 10, at 7 p.m., also in the stadium.
Flake said that after a College Center staff member heard her perform at a Mt. Hood talent show, she was asked to sing at last year’s commencement ceremony.
Flake has been a student at Mt. Hood since 2008 and has been studying hospitality and tourism. She will receive her associate of science degree after the completion of this term.
Flake said she has maintained a GPA above 3.65 since her start at MHCC. Next year she plans to transfer to George Fox University, in Newberg to major in communications with a career pursuit in radio broadcast. She said she hopes one day to have her own radio show and to be a motivational speaker.
Collins-Morgan, the student body president, be give a speech during the ceremony, as ASG presidents have done for decades. He said the main focus of his message to graduating students is to thank them for allowing him to achieve his dream and to wish everyone good luck on their adventures.
He also said he will want to mention that the American dream is all about making the community better and going to college to pursue a better life, and doing that shows strength and courage to do better than “our parents and grandparents were able to do.”
Commencement will be held rain or shine. Graduates should assemble for the procession in the gymnasium no later than 9 a.m.
A commencement rehearsal will be held in the college stadium at 2 p.m. Friday, June 10. It should last no longer than 30 minutes. Rehearsal instructions were expected to be mailed in the first part of June.
Graduates of the GED and Adult High School Diploma programs will be recognized June 10. Graduates should report to the gymnasium by 6:15 p.m. The student speaker will be William Lambert, who earned his GED and will continue his studies at MHCC.
MHCC President, John Sygielski wrote on the Mt. Hood website to these graduates, “As a first-generation college graduate, I can assure you that education will make a positive difference in your life and the lives of your loved ones. Please accept my congratulations and best wishes for your future successes. We at Mt. Hood look forward to your participation in this year’s graduation ceremony.”
According to the MHCC website, seating for both the commencement and the GED ceremonies will be general admission, and accommodations will be made for mobility impaired and elderly guests. Each specially seated guest may have only one additional guest join them in the separate seating area provided.
Caps and gowns are available for purchase at $31 each. Students with a GPA of 3.65 or higher as of 2011 winter term may purchase an honors tassel and cord with their cap and gown.
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