Eastern Arizona College celebrated its 134th graduation ceremony in the Miami High School Auditorium, awarding 45 degrees and 62 certificates of competence.

Sarah Murray, an EAC alumnus who is currently majoring in vocal performance at Arizona State University, sang the national anthem, and Kendra Corso, an EAC alumnus, offered a prayer. Dr. Phil McBride, EAC Senior Dean of the Gila County Campus and Dr. Janice Lawhorn, Interim Chancellor of the Gila County Interim Community College District, welcomed the gathering.

Eleonora Bernstein represented the class of 2023. Bernstein was a senior at Grove High School, where she graduated from EAC with an Associate of Arts degree. She took advantage of the dual enrollment program to earn her associate degree in the same semester she graduated from high school. Bernstein joined leadership organizations and the Cobre Valley Institute of Technology (CVIT).she completed sirnotification Medical assistant and phlebotomy proficiency. She plans to transfer to Arizona State University and major in business administration.

Ms Bernstein thanked her parents for their motivation and inspiration. She expressed her gratitude to the many teachers who taught her life lessons and helped her find new perspectives. “Some of the most impactful changes that happen in our lives don’t happen in big moments, but rather in small moments that seem insignificant,” she said. “Small changes over time change the way we think and act and shape who we are today. , dreams can be achieved.”

Cobre Valley Institute of Technology (CVIT) Superintendent Mike O’Neill delivered the commencement address. O’Neill has lived at The Globe Theater all his life and as a coach, CTE teacher, CTE director, student dean and executive of his programs he has served public education students for 28 years. . He holds a Bachelor of Science degree, a Master of Science in Vocational Education, and a Master of Educational Leadership degree from Northern Arizona University.

Professor O’Neill encouraged the graduates, “Keep exploring no matter how long it takes, be a lifelong learner, and surround yourself with positive, passionate people.” Regardless of your career path, smiling and being kind to people will have a positive impact on the lives of those you serve. “

The Changing Lives Award is a new addition to this year’s graduation ceremony. This award is for an EAC student to recognize an outstanding EAC employee who has made a difference in his life.Jennifer Carlson Dedicated to Building Nursing SupportTanto and the Certified Pharmaceutical Technician Program were recognized as this year’s winners by Dr. McBride. “She cares about all of her CVIT students and tries to help them in any way she can,” said one of the recommenders. Other referees noted how she responded and encouraged them during difficult times.

After conferring the diploma and degree, Dr. McBride advised the graduates to continue striving to achieve their dreams. He concluded: “Don’t be afraid to dream big. If you dream big, you’ll reach stars you can’t reach.” He pointed out that he had a degree.