Dec. 15–16 WKCTC commencement to honor more than 1,000 graduates

Published on Dec 8, 2025

West Kentucky Community and Technical College will celebrate more than 1,000 graduation candidates during four fall commencement ceremonies December 15–16 at the Clemens Fine Arts Center on the WKCTC campus.

This year marks a special milestone: for the first time in many years, WKCTC will return to on-campus commencement ceremonies. Aside from temporary adjustments during COVID, the college has not held regular ceremonies on campus in more than two decades. College leaders said they are excited to welcome graduates and families back into the heart of campus for one of the year’s most meaningful celebrations.

Ceremony Schedule by Academic Program

• Ceremony 1 — Nursing & Practical Nursing
  5 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15
  Associate Degree Nursing, Practical Nursing
• Ceremony 2 — Applied Technology & Associate of Science
  7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15
  Associate of Science; Air Conditioning Technology; Apprenticeship Studies; Automotive Technology; Collision Repair Technology; Construction Technology; Computer Aided Drafting and Design; Computer & Information Technologies; Computer Engineering Technology; Computerized Manufacturing and Technology; Cosmetology; Culinary Arts; Diesel Technology; Electrical Technology; Fire Science Technology; General Occupational / Technical Studies; Industrial Maintenance Technology; Marine Technology; Welding Technology
• Ceremony 3 — Health Sciences
  5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 16
  Administrative Office Technology; Dental Assisting; Diagnostic Medical Sonography; Health Science Technology; Medical Information Technology; Medical Laboratory Technician; Nursing Assistant; Physical Therapist Assistant; Radiography; Surgical Technology
• Ceremony 4 — Arts & Sciences
  7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 16
  Associate in Arts; Associate in Fine Arts; Business Administration; Criminal Justice; Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education; Logistics & Operations Management; Visual Communication

Doors open at 4:15 p.m. for the first ceremony each evening and 6:15 p.m. for the second. Guests should enter through the main theater doors and must present tickets for entry.

Overflow seating with a live video feed will be available in the Livestream Lounge in the Student Center. This space will also accommodate guests who need to step out during the ceremony. 

College officials said the multi-ceremony format and expanded seating options help ensure a comfortable, safe, and meaningful celebration for graduates and their families.

Student Speakers

WKCTC’s fall ceremonies will feature three student speakers whose stories reflect resilience, determination, and the mission of community college education.

Michaelyn Sample (Diagnostic Medical Sonography) — Ceremonies 1 & 3
A top-performing DMS graduate, Sample earned multiple academic and clinical awards while serving as class treasurer. Following graduation, she will begin her career as a diagnostic medical sonographer at Carthage Area Hospital in Carthage, New York.

“I chose WKCTC because it let me pursue a high-demand healthcare career close to home with an affordable, high-quality education.”

Chloe Williams (Cosmetology) — Ceremony 2
Williams discovered her passion for cosmetology while balancing school and motherhood, crediting strong support networks for her success. She graduates proud of the professional and personal growth she achieved at WKCTC.

“Being a parent doesn’t erase your identity, it expands it. I’m proud of the mother and professional I became while earning this diploma.”

Gabriel “Gabe” Lawless (Associate in Arts) — Ceremony 4
Lawless overcame early academic challenges and a fear of public speaking to thrive academically and discover a passion for psychology. He plans to continue his education in the behavioral sciences.

“There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to uncertainty. Do things outside your comfort zone, face adversity, and find joy in the effort.”

Guest Speakers

WKCTC has invited distinguished community leaders whose service and professional achievements will inspire this semester’s graduates.

Sara Bradley — Ceremonies 1 & 2
Chef Sara Bradley, owner of freight house in Paducah, is a nationally recognized chef whose Appalachian and Jewish-inspired cuisine has earned her Top Chef runner-up honors, Chopped titles, and a 2025 James Beard Award semifinalist nomination. She is also a dedicated advocate for sustainability, equity in hospitality, and community food initiatives.

Mike Muscarella — Ceremony 3
Mike Muscarella retired from Baptist Health Paducah after 34 years of leading major clinical and community health initiatives and helping expand Kentucky’s healthcare workforce pipeline. He now serves as chair of the Kentucky AHEC Advisory Board and continues mentoring future health professionals.

Roy Henley — Ceremony 4
U.S. Army veteran Roy Henley transitioned from diverse careers into education after earning degrees from WKCTC and Murray State and is now in his eighth-year teaching history and social studies at Mayfield High School. His life of service, resilience, and community commitment reflects the values he brings to both students and graduates.