KILGORE — Sabrina Warren hugged her best friend and punched her brother in the arm shortly after her graduation from Kilgore College on Friday evening.
"I'm so happy," she said, standing at the bottom of the stairs to Dodson Auditorium with her family.
Les Hassell/News-Journal Photo |
Kilgore College president William Holda gives a hug to Anna Kostadinova Katzkova after she accepted her diploma during Friday's graduation ceremony. Katzkova, a member of Phi Theta Kappa, graduated with presidential honors.
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Warren graduated with an associates degree of applied science after studying graphic design for two years. Warren, whose parents live in Diana, said she chose graphic design because she likes art and computers. She plans to continue her education at the University of Texas at Tyler.
"It's a great way to start college," she said.
The 20-year-old Whitehouse High School graduate was one of 260 students awarded degrees and certificates by the college during two Friday graduation ceremonies. Chris Craddock, college spokesman, said the college split its graduation ceremony to accommodate the large graduating class. He said it was the first time in the college's history to divide the ceremony, and he said the college would likely continue splitting the ceremony in the future.
It was standing-room only at the almost 1,700-seat auditorium for the 5:30 p.m. graduation. More than 50 people were standing at the back of the auditorium, some straining to see their graduates as they entered the building to take their seats.
Commencement speaker and fellow Kilgore College graduate Jerry Long congratulated the students for their hard work. Long, a managing partner of Houston-based DDS Associates, said his graduation from the college was the first "yes I can" moments of his life.
Long charged the graduates to remember their own "yes I can" moments in their lives as they aim towards new goals. "A great achievement is not the end," Long said.
After Long's speech, the students received their diplomas. Each of the students walking across the stage received a burst of applause, and at least one family brought air horns to show their excitement.
Once the ceremony concluded, the graduates and their entourages mingled outside the auditorium, sharing hugs and posing for pictures.
Warren stood with her best friend as her brother crouched to take a picture. Warren's grandmother watched, smiling.
"I'm going to keep going," Warren said.
