Skagit Valley College holds graduation ceremonies
Skagit Valley College held three graduation ceremonies this week, one at its Whidbey Island campus on Wednesday and two at its Mount Vernon campus on Thursday.
It was the college's 99th graduating class, as this year the college is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
"Commencement is one of the most meaningful traditions at Skagit Valley College because it celebrates the determination, resilience, and achievements of our students," Skagit Valley College President Tom Keegan said in a news release. "As we honor the Centennial Class of 2026, we also celebrate the generations of students who have come before them and the bright future these graduates will help create for our communities."
The college awarded 1,130 degrees, certificates and diplomas, including 772 academic degrees and 358 professional-technical degrees and certificates.
This year's graduates included 78 Running Start students, and 74 students earned high school diplomas. Forty graduates earned bachelor's degrees.
The college celebrated the first graduating class in the bachelor's degree program for Applied Science in Advanced Manufacturing and Design.
This program prepares students for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing and engineering.
This year, 573 students were the first in their families to graduate from college. Fourteen international students graduated - from Brazil, Gambia, Japan, Kenya, the Netherlands, Spain, Turkmenistan, the United Kingdom and Zambia.
Graduates ranged in age from 15 to 72.
VIDEO: Skagit Valley College 2026 graduation
The audience cheers for the Skagit Valley College class of 2026 in Thursday's commencement ceremony at Mount Vernon Campus.
Forty-two students received President's Medals, one of the college's highest student honors. To quality, graduates must have maintained a minimum 3.9 GPA and attended Skagit Valley College for at least three quarters.
Ashley Zamora, president of the Associated Students of Skagit Valley College on the Mount Vernon campus, was the student speaker for the Mount Vernon commencement ceremonies.
Zamora is a first-generation college student and a Burlington-Edison High School graduate.
Zamora was recently recognized with the Associated Students of Skagit Valley College Governance Award and the Lewis Award.
The Lewis Award goes to the overall outstanding graduating student at the Mount Vernon campus.
Zamora plans to study abroad, then pursue a bachelor's degree in political science and a career in public service.
Maria ‘MJ' Gallegos, president of the Associated Students of Skagit Valley College on the Whidbey Island campus, was the student speaker for the Whidbey Island graduation.
During the past two years, Gallegos has led student government and served as president of the Tea and Tough Topics Club.
According to the news release, Gallegos has facilitated meaningful dialogue across various perspectives, advocated to equitable solutions, and helped create a more engaged and inclusive campus community.
Gallegos plans to transfer to a four-year university to earn a bachelor's degree in public policy to pursue a career as an immigration attorney.
Gallegos received the Yates Award for leadership, community service and academic achievement.
At the Mount Vernon ceremony, prelude music was performed by the Bellingham Pipe Band and Skagit Community Band.
The Whidbey Island ceremony featured the Bellingham Pipe Band. Both ceremonies featured the Skagit Valley College Showcase Singers.
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