May 16, 2016 - On Friday, May 13, 2016, Panola College conducted its 77th commencement at the Carthage Civic Center. Panola College had 333 degree and certificate candidates and 182 of those students participated in the commencement ceremony making this graduation the largest in the College’s history.
Dr. Joe Shannon, Vice President of Instruction, presented the graduating class spring 2016 as Dr. Gregory Powell, President of Panola College led the processional of board members, faculty, staff and students in to be seated while “Pomp and Circumstance” was played in the background.
Following the alma mater, sang by Panola College Chorale and directed by Mrs. Sandra Bauer, Dr. Powell welcomed the assembled and gave opening remarks. Following opening remarks, Jessica Pace, Director of Institutional Advancement, recognized this year’s outstanding alumna, Dr. Berri O’Neal. Dr. O’Neal is a 1995 graduate of Panola College and is the Executive Director of Extended University for Texas A&M University-Commerce.
Before the awards ceremony, Dr. Shannon certified to Dr. Powell and members of the Panola College Board of Trustees that the 182 graduating students had completed all work necessary to graduate from Panola College.
Following certification of the graduates, Dr. Kathy Watlington, Professor of Foreign Languages began the reading of graduates and Dr. Powell awarded diplomas to the students.
Mr. Freddy Mason, Dean of Liberal Arts & Sciences, gave the benediction to end the ceremony. Dr. Shannon then led the recessional to the closing instrumentals.
Panola College is proud to announce the following spring 2016 Honor Graduates:
Summa Cum Laude 3.90 – 4.00
Katherine Gail Baze
Charlotte Cotton Fannin
Kevin Lee Fenton
Matthew Edward LeTourneau
Jennifer Olvera
Ronna Lynn Phillips
Magna Cum Laude 3.75 – 3.89
Brittany M. Barreraz
Liliana Castaneda
Mary Fallin Chance
Sierra Kay Collins
James Braswell Davis
Dusty Garrett
Randall Aaron Jackson
Chelsea Le’Anna Johnson
Taylor Morris
Jessica Lynn Long
Austin Lee Miguez
Sarahi Contreras Ortiz
McKensie Marie Piar
Sharnice Annae Rusk
Kyle Dean Walker
Samantha Jean Whitaker
Chantel Simone Woodard
Cum Laude 3.50 – 3.74
Deanna Askew-Lemon
April LaTrease Calhoun
Jayme D. Cole
Marzaveon Duon Cooper
Lewis J. Dales
Osiel Garcia
Rogelio Efrain Gonzalez
Ana Paola Guerrero-Rodriguez
Braulio Barron Guevara
Coby Blake Hammons
Shene Monique Johnson
Kade Harris Lindsay
Vivian Aquino Lugo
Stephanie Ann Page
Spencer James Rolland
Casi Shadowens
Terri Trost
Gavin Chapman Williamson
