MOOREFIELD, W.Va. – Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College honored Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 graduates at the college’s commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10, at Moorefield High School. A total of 38 graduates participated in the ceremony.
RandiJo Wolford opened the ceremony with the invocation, focusing on the perseverance required to reach graduation and the importance of moving forward with curiosity and gratitude.
“We acknowledge the challenges faced, efforts made, and the dedication to continue,” said Wolford. “Most importantly, we acknowledge the goals we achieved along the way. May we continue to push the limits, ask new questions, and give our full effort in everything we do.”
Moorefield High School student Caroline Auville performed the National Anthem. Following the performance, Eastern President Dr. Thomas Striplin and Board of Governors Chair Sheldon Arbaugh addressed the graduates.
Student speaker Sandra Armentrout delivered a self-reflective and energizing address about identity, resilience, and community.
“I’m a Christian, strong, fearful, determined, proud, independent, complex, an extrovert, an adrenaline junkie, confident, and a prayer warrior,” Armentrout shared. She then engaged fellow graduates by asking them to shout out words that defined them. Responses included “kind,” “deserving,” and “resilient.” She invited the audience to join in as well, receiving words like “amazing,” “smart,” and “strong.”
“I encourage you to continue this conversation later, to tell your graduates how you feel and to show them because we are amazing, kind, and strong,” she said. “This journey will continue and it’s wonderful. So let’s take it out into the world and conquer it.”
Delegate Bryan Ward delivered the keynote address, sharing his personal journey and highlighting the value of community service, perseverance, and courage.
“Each obstacle presents an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to become stronger. You graduates have already overcome obstacles to reach this day, through late nights of studying, moments of doubt, juggling responsibilities, and making sacrifices,” said Ward. “You have persevered. That perseverance will serve you well as you move forward. I encourage you to step into the next phase of life with courage. Stand up for what is right, even when it’s difficult, and give back to your community. The world needs people who are willing to make a difference. Stay humble and serve where you can.”
(Second Row – Colleen Hott, Delaney McNelis, RandiJo Wolford, Grace Willis, Kelsey Cook, Bethany Wolfe, Tiffany Alkire, Lynsey Berg, and Autumn Clark)
(Front Row- Dessanne Harkless, Kyle Branham, Mary Gruber, Barbara Fortner, Sandra Armentrout, Haley Judy, Crystal Clarke, and Dr. Tom Striplin, President)
The Harold K. Michael Founders Award and the APEX Award were presented during the ceremony. This year, former Board of Governors Chair Greg Greenwalt received the Harold K. Michael Founders Award, presented by current Chair Sheldon Arbaugh. Lauren Arbaugh, Director of Workforce Education at Eastern, presented the APEX Award to Farm Credit of the Virginias. Accepting the award on the organization’s behalf was Greg Mitchell, a loan officer with 25 years of service at the Moorefield branch. The APEX Award recognizes organizations that serve the citizens, employers, and communities of the Potomac Highlands. The Harold K. Michael Founders Award is given annually to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the college.
The ceremony concluded with a benediction from Crystal Clarke, who encouraged graduates to reflect on their journey and move forward with purpose.
“May you always be curious, never stop learning, and be bold in your endeavors,” Clarke said. “May your future be as bright as your hopes and dreams.”
To view the recorded graduation, go here (on Facebook).
About Eastern WVCTC
Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College, located in Moorefield, serves six rural counties in the Potomac Highlands. The college offers 14 degree programs (including six fully online), 12 certificates, and over 30 transfer pathways to four-year schools. Its Workforce Education department provides 15+ training programs in various formats and specialized Agriculture Innovation training, including mentorship opportunities for Farm Fellows. Eastern supports students and the community through its Career Center, offering job placement, resume help, and interview preparation. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Learn more at EasternWV.edu.