West Hills College Coalinga celebrates annual graduation ceremony as nearly 400 students attend commencement

A total of 599 students received degrees or certificates, with some receiving multiple degrees or certificates. Eight hundred seventy-two degrees and certificates total were awarded this semester, reflecting Fall 2018, Spring 2019, and Summer 2019 semesters.

“Class of 2019 – In a few minutes you will be making history,” said WHCC President Brenda Thames. “You will become members of a very elite group of people.  You will become college graduates. 

"Less than one in three adults in the Central Valley have achieved this status.  There are over 370 of you graduating this evening, more than 370-plus unique, individual journeys.  It has taken an enormous investment of time, energy, commitment, and effort to nurture the talent, build the capacity, and develop the social, economic, and intellectual capital that is contained in each and every one of you as you become college graduates. "So, as you move on to the next segment of your journey, repay that debt ... pay it forward and pay it backward … and continue to be relentless in your pursuit of success.”

Sandy Rubio and Devanee Matcham served as student speakers. Both have been active in the Associated Student Body and clubs at North District Center Firebaugh and West Hills College Coalinga.

Coalinga High School student Tabatha Bernard sang the national anthem. Instructor Jeff Wanderer and other faculty presented class honors and learning area awards.

The graduation was also live streamed and is available to watch on YouTube. Visit http://tiny.cc/WHCC2019 to view the commencement.