VHCC to hand out more than 778 degrees, certificates on May 10

Three students of the graduating class of 2024 will join the faculty and staff in leading commencement ceremonies to be held Friday, May 10 in the Joseph P. Johnson, Jr., Grand Hall of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center on the VHCC campus.

More than 540 graduates will be honored for earning 778 degrees and certificates. “We have so much to celebrate this year,” VHCC President Dr. Adam Hutchison said. Three outstanding students – Kaitlyn Woodby, Ella Jackson, and Danielle Artrip – will challenge this year’s record-breaking graduating class at ceremonies to take place at 2:30, 5:00, and 7:30 PM.

“These students were selected by faculty members for their exemplary leadership and representation of the values that define Virginia Highlands Community College,” VHCC Vice President of Instruction and Student Services, Dr. Derek Whisman, said. The three students were nominated by faculty based on the demonstration of “outstanding scholarship and a strong academic work ethic” and a “strong potential for future achievement.”

The 2:30 p.m. ceremony will honor college transfer graduates. Also honored at this ceremony will be more than 50 area high school students who have been designated as Governor’s Scholars for earning college credentials through the Dual Enrollment Program. This group includes students who will be awarded a Certificate in General Education, which is equivalent to the first year of a four-year degree.

The 5 p.m. ceremony will recognize graduates earning credentials in the professional & technical studies areas. And, the 7:30 p.m. ceremony will celebrate the accomplishments of students graduating in nursing and allied health.

“We are extremely proud to celebrate the hard work and achievements of all VHCC students,” said Hutchison. ”In particular, we recognize the special contributions of our three student speakers, who so clearly exemplify the talents and work ethic needed for the next generation of leaders in the communities we serve.”

Kaitlyn Woodby – Associates of Arts and Sciences in General Studies

There have been many “firsts” for Kaitlyn Woodby of Bristol during her time at VHCC. Most notably, upon graduation Woodby will be the first in her family to earn a college degree. She got a jump-start on her Associates of Arts and Sciences degree by taking college-level courses through Virginia Highlands while she was still in high school. When Woodby isn’t studying or working as an at-risk mentor for Highlands Community Services, her favorite activities are photography, reading and hiking. In addition to enjoying serving as the Secretary for the VHCC Student Government Association and being a member of PTK, Woodby says that her “favorite memory at VHCC was being chosen to represent the Arts and Sciences Division in Richmond at the Virginia General Assembly. “This experience was very important to me and allowed me to connect with senators, delegates, and representatives to speak with them about the betterment of VHCC.” After graduation from VHCC, Woodby plans to attend Radford University to major in psychology and criminal justice to prepare her for a career as a forensic psychologist. As words of reflection for the Class of 2024, Woodby says, “I would not be the person I am today without VHCC… it has allowed me to find my place, given me amazing opportunities, and made me into a better person. This looks difference for everyone, but I encourage you to always have a goal or a dream and work to turn it into reality. You should always be working to be the best you that you can be.”

Ella Jackson – Career Studies Certificate in Accounting & Information Systems Technology

Ella Jackson of Abingdon has a deep love of family, farming, and furry critters. Raised on a ranch where her family trains Quarter Horses and raises Angus Beef cattle, Jackson has been around animals her entire life. Jackson lights up when she talks about her two sheep, Bonnie and Clyde, a bottle-fed calf named Smokey, and a one-eyed horse named Sun Dance. When she’s not in class or helping on the farm, Jackson enjoys being outdoors riding horses, kayaking, and hiking. Like many VHCC students, Jackson graduated from high school undecided about her career path, but knowing she wanted to stay close to family and the animals she loves. She chose to attend Virginia Highlands and says that “at first, the thought of attending college was absolutely terrifying but after experiencing the welcoming and supportive environment, I knew I could do it!” One of her favorite memories at VHCC was getting to be the Wolf Mascot in the Abingdon Holiday Parade in 2023. As for what’s next, Jackson has already secured her dream job as a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor where she will partner with horses in riding sessions for children and adults that have mental, physical or emotional challenges and delays. In offering words of advice to the Class of 2024, Jackson says, “Do what you love and love what you do.”

Danielle Artrip – Associates of Applied Science in Nursing

Danielle Artrip of Bluff City is married her high school sweetheart and is the proud “mother of five beautiful children: Forrest, Karterbeth, Wyatt, Abram Luke, and Sully Kate.” With the love and support of her large and close-knit family, Artrip enrolled at VHCC and was grateful to find another family waiting for her. Her Virginia Highlands family helped her earn her first college degree in Emergency Medical Services in 2017 which enabled her to become a nationally-registered paramedic. Artrip says that VHCC has been her go-to-college because it “offered affordable local education options, and helped her achieve her goal of becoming a nurse while continuing to balance her home life as a wife and mother.” After graduation, Artrip has plans work as a critical care nurse while attending King University to pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing. As she begins these next steps in her journey, Artrip will look back on her favorite things about VHCC: “the positive rapport built with faculty, being in the simulation lab with Bethany and Kayla, and watching Amy’s portrayal of a patient during the Interdisciplinary Simulation Day.” Artrip’s advice and encouragement to her fellow graduates is “never settle for less than your worth, and know that any dream or goal you have can be obtained through hard work and dedication.”