Congratulations, Class of 2025

Willie Abercrumbie

“The relationships I’ve formed with my teachers and peers has been priceless. They created a sense of camaraderie. Take your time, take up space, and take in everything.”

 

Nevaeh Blandford 

Degrees: AA, Running Start High School Diploma

“It’s definitely a lot, actually graduating. Especially as a high schooler, ending two chapters at once. I’m a first-gen student. My mom didn’t finish her college education, as she left school to take care of her own mom. So, I am fulfilling this for myself and for my mom. Finishing the degree my mom didn’t have a chance to. I’m doing it for her, too.”

Tina Bullen 

Degrees: AA, Running Start High School Diploma 

“I am transferring to PLU and majoring in nursing. This is a big achievement for me. I’ve never explored education like this before. I’m a first-gen college student. I’m creating a path for my family. There has been a weight on my shoulders as the first person to go to college. But now, I don’t feel it’s like a weight anymore. I feel fulfillment.”

 

Derriyona Crocklem

“Scholarships helped get me to this point in my education. They took care of my financial needs so I could focus on my education. TCC Running Start helped me focus on my education, and removed me from average teenager drama.”

 

Skyler Decoteau

Degree: AA, Running Start

“I’m going to get an accounting degree here at TCC. I really like it here, with how classes are set up, you can do online with a busy home schedule and work around it. Professors have been nice and communicative. This is a new step in life. Figuring it all out. I have my family who helps me and really are supportive. They’re the ones who pushed me with Running Start. I’m so glad I did it.”

Caleb Lee 

“You don’t have to be the smartest, the strongest, or the fastest, all that matters is keep fighting. Your dream depends on it.” 

Jessica Isiordia 

“The community at TCC truly makes a difference, but it’s the professors who make it personal. They know your name, who you are, and they genuinely care about your success.”   

 

Pensihda Jack

Degree: BAS, Project Management

“I earned certificates in HR, Accounting and Customer Service at TCC. I stayed here because the faculty and staff here were very supportive. They believed in me, supported me in my journey here. I am a foreign student, and they offered so much support to get me through my classes and everything. I not only found my professors, but I found my family here … I am very close with the Micronesian community. My capstone project was called Empowering the Four Stars in Higher Education. The objective was to raise awareness for the Micronesian community and connect them to resources. So many go straight to work and don’t know about the opportunities out there. They can do more. They have potential.” 

 

De’Marcus Morris

Degree: AA, Cybersecurity

“I feel great, wonderful and excited to graduate and keep moving forward. I will be back here at TCC this summer to start on my Bachelor’s degree in business. Staying at TCC is a good situation for me. Getting my Bachelor’s degree here is close to my work in cybersecurity … And, I like TCC. This place makes me feel safe and successful. The people around here are really helpful.”

 

Veronica Palmer

Degree: AA Applied Sciences, Allied Health

Next step: Going into Nursing 

“Everyone wants to see you grow and become a better person in the workforce.”

 

Michelle Puller-Stoto

Degree: AA Psychology

Next Step: UWT Next Step Scholarship recipient 

“I want to know all the secrets of the world, and nothing will stand in my way.”

 

Aya Qabil

“TCC is all that one can wish for. You get all the help, can talk to anyone. TCC helped me grow and shaped who I am, especially after moving from overseas.”

 

Alexis Schneider

“My kids are the reason why I decided to come back to school! Show them your dreams are possible with a lot of hard work and with the right team!”

 

Shannon Sparks

Degree: AS, Human Services

“I didn’t graduate from high school. This is a journey I didn’t think I could take. I am feeling overwhelmed in a good way. It’s a lot. I’m very emotional. I’m very proud of myself … I would tell other people to just do it. Don’t think twice. Take that leap and get into it, and once you get into it, it’s easier.”

 

Karli Summers

Degree: AA

Next Step: Transfer to Middle Tennessee State University to study music business

“I am feeling excited to be done. I am nervous about transitioning to a new school and a new place. I’ve learned a lot. I got to meet a lot of cool people and really great professors. I feel prepared. Now, I understand know more about the flow of college and how it works.”

 

Andrew Wasson

Degree: AAS, Accounting

“I’m a veteran, retired from the military. Had to find a new career, came back to school. My experience here was awesome. I felt included, not an outcast. Coming in at this age, I wondered how I would fit in, how the experience would be. And I felt welcomed. I developed a good rapport with my professors, I even got a tutoring position here for accounting students. I now work here at TCC in the HR department. It’s been a welcoming experience for me.”

 

Shontelle Amos

Degree: AA, with Arts Specialization

“I learned a lot about so many things and about myself. I took astronomy, chemistry, anthropology … I learned things that I didn’t realize I was going to learn. I also learned to buckle down and focus. Put myself on a schedule. I learned to finally realize that I can actually do this. I’ve taken some big steps. I used to hide in the back of the class. Now I sit in front of the class. I volunteer a lot more now. Raise my hand and say “I think I know the answer.” That’s a big deal for me.”

 

Michelle C. Camacho

Degree: High School Diploma

“Being here means I am allowed to be myself. There is a lot of diversity here. Fellowship. Amazing who understands the students and one another. I’ve been to other colleges … it didn’t stick. When I got into the recovery program, I decided to go back to school, and I was told about this place, and to try it out. My professors helped me throughout the way. I will be getting my bachelor’s degree. I’m going to go all the way. I want to show my kids no matter 

 

Jean Dadie

“Be dedicated and know what you want to do. Have an idea! Take advantage of the campus resources and study room. TCC has helped me get to the next level of my education.”

Samuel Prokopovich

Degree: AA, Business

“My parents came here from the Soviet Union in the 90s. My mom was a Chernobyl survivor. They saw the opportunities and freedoms here. At TCC, I really liked the multicultural experiences I’ve had here and the ability I’ve had to foster a comfortable environment for Russian and Ukrainian students. The diverse environment led me to different interests and experiences and different cores of knowledge, in terms of language, perspectives, globalization. I’m now going to the UW in Seattle and major in business. My family is so proud. I hope that graduating from TCC will be a positive influence with younger and older siblings.”

 

Arthur Fleming

Degree: AA, Human Services

“I feel blessed. I’m grateful for the opportunities that afforded me and bringing me here. I have had quite the journey. I’m in recovery, which is part of my story. Third college run. And I did it … I am a drug and alcohol counselor. I work with youths. Getting my degree helped me learn skills to work with my clients. The program here helped me work with youths, to see the underlying issues and their struggles. Helped me make students feel seen and feel heard.”

George Rice

“I’m so fortunate to get into this program and be able to pursue my goal and inspire my kids.”

“Know yourself, see what you want to do. Once you find that out, give TCC an opportunity because they are the bridge to your goals.”

 

Bronti Lemke

Degree: AA, Human Services.

“When I first came here I actually didn’t even have my high school diploma yet. And now I’m graduating with my Associate in Human Services and an Associates Direct Transfer Degree.” 

 

Hayden Nguyen

2025 President’s Medal Recipient

Degree: Biochemistry

“As a Running Start student, attending college course at TCC has been amazing, the education level and support and resources. The community has been amazing.”

“Don’t hesitate to reach out to peers & professors. They are super helpful. Stay curious because there are so many opportunities here!”

 

Luz Perez

“Do not be afraid to ask for help. Everyone is really friendly and here to help you succeed.”

 

Rocio Leon

“Use the Tutoring Center and the MARC Center. They are very helpful.”

 

Aurora Purnell

“All of the resources that TCC has, has got me through. I’m grateful for my professors, my peers, and the resources that made it possible to graduate and to continue your education.”

 

Stephanie Santiago

“You can do it, everyone doesn’t have the same path, that’s what I love about TCC. Appreciated the opportunity to collaborate with other institutions, I received my Small Business Operations certificate while attending TCC.”

“Anyone can come here. It’s diverse – I made many friends here and I love how open it is. You can do anything you want.”

 

Isatou “Aisha” Sowe

Degree: AS, Computer Science

“People called us the twins. We met at a basketball game here. Now we are besties. Finding your person made a huge difference for us. Once we met, we began to do well in academics, we matched each other’s energy. Now I’m going to WSU; Aisha is going to UW. But we will stay in touch. Someday, we will go to medical school together.”

 

Ginikachukwu Rex-Elem

Degree: AS, Bioengineering and Chemical Engineering

 

 

Kylie Sullivan

“Stand firm in who you are and what you believe in. Take the leap of faith. TCC has opened my eyes in new ways I would have never even considered.”

 

Leon Walker

Degree: AA

“I learned to better manage my time, and one of the other great lessons I learned, was to go with the flow of things, stay focused on things you need to do, but allow some fun in your schedule as well … I’ve come pretty far with myself, and I have significantly improved with how much I seriously take my academic career now. ”

 

Samantha Wetherbee

Degree: AA, Accounting

“I feel great. Considering where I was three and a half years ago, I was pregnant, an addict, homeless, lost custody of two of my children. Now – I am clean and sober, have my kids, about to graduate from college, I have my own place. I will be attending Central Washington University to earn my bachelor’s degree. Commencement is on my son’s birthday, and he says he will celebrate with me. I feel proud. My kids are proud.”