The TPCC graduates earned high school diplomas through WCC’s Adult High School and High School Equivalency programs, allowing them to finish school and prepare for higher education or the workforce.
Quavon Pittman was excited to graduate from the High School Equivalency program, something he has been working toward since 2022. “This is a moment I’ve been waiting for for a while,” he shared before graduation.
Pittman is now enrolled in the Highway Construction Trades Academy at WCC, a short-term training course that leads to job opportunities with the North Carolina Department of Transportation. “The support I have had here has been great. Words really can’t describe how I feel,” he said about his accomplishments. “I just tell myself to keep going.”
The class of 2026 crossed the stage in WCC’s Moffatt Auditorium to receive their diplomas and turned their tassels, signifying the transition from students to graduates.
“Graduates, this is a day you will remember with pride for the rest of your lives,” WCC President Patty Pfeiffer said at the ceremony. “Your accomplishments have led you to this moment, and today’s celebration marks the end of one journey and the exciting beginning of another.”
Stephen Richard gave the commencement address on behalf of the graduating class. Now as a High School Equivalency graduate, Richard is pursuing an associate degree at WCC and will transfer to North Carolina State University to study mechanical engineering.
Richard shared how he overcame challenges to reach his goals and complete his education.
“My journey began in another country, and coming here meant adapting to a new environment and a new way of learning,” Richard said. “I remember how nervous I was about my English and about not fitting in. But once I stepped into the classroom, all this doubt began to fade. I realized that even though our stories were different, we were all working toward the same goal.”
Richard told his fellow graduates that earning their diplomas should remind them that they can do difficult things and succeed. “Let it remind you that you are stronger than your challenges, braver than your fears, and more capable than you ever imagined,” he said. “Wherever life takes you next, move forward with courage.”
The 73 TPCC graduates are:
Adult High School
Jasmine Carol Lee Allen
Brianna Kaye Alvarez
Caleb Joshua Aprivelo
Jamarion Akhilous Artis
Khalil Devone Artis
Jefferson Prince Baptiste
Rodel Canlas Barrera
Shameka Sarah Beckett
Uneaka Shakeema Best
Samantha Marion Carr
Tyrell Jeremy Carter
Te-Juon Nyrell Caruth
Jensen Earl Davis
Moesha Aaliyha Faison
LaCrisyln Patrice Lillie Floyd
Mahogany Aiyana Folk
Jeremiah Tervon Gills
Nayeli Karina Gomez Maldonado
Angelica Gonzalez
Everette Scott Graham
Juliaunna Barbriya Graham
Katherine Guzman Cruz
Paula LaShonda Harrington
Sergio Sanchez Hernandez
Tamia Lashay Herring
Skylar Monroe Ingram
Haylee Elizabeth Kennedy
Giselle Natali Landeros Ruiz
Rylee Johanna Lane
Evelyn Marie Mack
Wyatt Ethan Marter
Jason Dylan McDonough
Tiyanna Ja’Nai Peacock
Thomas Augustus Petway
Dutricia Jean Richardson
Ana Santos Santiago
Rikiyah Jayda Allise Sutton
Destiny Renae Waterman
Natalie Brooke Whitley
High School Equivalency
Juliana Spring Baker
Adriana Michel Bravo Herrera
Joseline Estefania Cardoza
Zachary Eubanks
Brianna Nicole Finchum
Lindsey Fondren
Lisandra Gonzalez
Dylan Grant
Theodore Danger Green
Emma Herring
Courtney Racshunn Hildreth
April Howell
Karla Hyden
Antwan Johnson
Caroline Morgan Johnson
Kaylin Whitney Jones
John Joseph Langan
Elizabeth Lovick
Omar Marcial Santos
Caleb Mckinney Moses
Gabriel Osorio Ugarte
Talaysia Parks
Brittany Nichole Pierce
Quavon Deonta Pittman
Skyler Quick
Stephen Loutchell Richard
Kaiden Sears
William Silvers
Heather Stephens
Amanda Lynn Suggs
Anajah Darche Thompson
Edward Roman Tingley
Osarumwense Idada Usunorbun
Andrew Lee Walker
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