Rappahannock Community College (RCC) celebrated the Class of 2023 on Thursday, May 11, in two ceremonies at Essex High School in Tappahannock. President Dr. Shannon Kennedy conferred 550 degrees and certificates at the 51st Commencement.
In addition to family and friends, RCC faculty, staff and college board members were in attendance to honor the graduates.
College board chairman Jamie Tucker, representing Northumberland County, addressed the graduates. “You’ve worked hard while showing determination and overcoming obstacles to meet your goals,” said Tucker. “Now you’re on the road to achieving your dreams. Be proud.”
The first student speaker, Latesha Washington expressed her thoughts about how the pandemic affected this year’s graduates. “We have all experienced the effects of the global pandemic in some fashion. We have lost loved ones whom we wish were here today, transitioned to online learning due to campus closings, and missed social interaction with our peers. Despite it all….
