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FSCC honors 2012 graduates
Fort Scott Community College held three separate commencement ceremonies to honor more than 150 students who were eligible to graduate and walk the stage at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on Friday.
"The journey is every bit as important as the destination," FSCC President Clayton Tatro said. "How we get there is every bit as important."
Tatro added, "We can't control the hand we've been dealt, but we can control how we play the game.
"Hopefully, you will continue to take the opportunity to have a breadth of knowledge," he told graduates throughout the day.
Three different speakers addressed students during the separate ceremonies for the community college's 91st annual commencement.
Myrtle Anne Colum, the 2012 Outstanding Alumna and speaker at the morning ceremony, said she could relate to what the students were experiencing.
"I know what it feels like to make it to this day," Colum said. "Be proud of your success. You are now prepared to go on."
Cheered on by the friends and family who packed the 600-seat fine arts center, more than 70 students listened as their names were called to walk the stage to receive their degrees representing the various fields of study.
FSCC graduate Kelsey Thomas, Columbus, Kan., said it was "a lot of hard work" but she's ready for what's next.
"I'm excited," Thomas said. "I plan to go on to Missouri Southern State University."
Certificates and associate of applied science degrees were awarded at the morning ceremony, associate of arts and general studies degrees and associate of applied science in nursing degrees were handed out at noon. At 4 p.m., about 57 students were eligible to receive an associate of science degree.
FSCC outstanding sophomore Joshua J. Budd was the only student keynote speaker.
Budd told his peers they have ample potential to accomplish their goals, thanks to FSCC.
He mentioned famous alumni, including Saturday Night Live actor and comedian Jason Sudeikis and former Greyhound players and New York Giants Super Bowl champions Jason Pierre-Paul and Jacquian Williams.
Budd said he wanted to bring his daughter back to the college after she graduates high school in 13 years, but he wants to be able to boast about some of his classmates instead.
"I expect to see great things from you," Budd said. "It doesn't have to be as shiny as a Super Bowl trophy, but if you guys just keep doing what you've been doing, you're going to make a huge difference in a lot of lives."
Throughout the programs, the speakers talked about their personal and professional experiences and the opportunities that lay ahead.
Reflecting on his time spent while at FSCC and the knowledge he's acquired since, 2012 Outstanding Young Alumnus and 1991 graduate Micheal W. Hill said "character is not formed by chance alone, but by every deed and habit one performs when he is alone.
"A few years ago, you came to FSCC to learn and become a better person," Hill said. "Today you have achieved that. Enjoy the celebration today, but get ready to work hard tomorrow."
Upon graduation, Hill said students have "begun to work on a legacy" that they can leave behind.
"What will your legacy be?" Hill asked.