Nearly 200 graduates walked across the stage at Lenoir Community College to receive degrees, diplomas and certificates and celebrate next steps at the college’s 62nd annual commencement in the student center.
The May 9 ceremony gathered friends and family to reflect on accomplishments and to be thankful for those who offered support along the way, said LCC President Rusty Hunt.
“You have persevered and have emerged from our program of study much better prepared to achieve your life’s goals and reach your dreams,” Hunt said. “We are excited to have been a part of your educational journey and we stand ready to assist you in your future educational goals. Graduates, take time to enjoy tonight. This is an exciting time and you have earned this moment. Congratulations!”
Student speaker Savannah Boseman, president of the Student Government Association, encouraged the Class of 2024 to continue to pursue its dreams. “If there is one lesson I have learned throughout my time at Lenoir Community College, it is this: success is not just about seizing opportunities; it is about creating them,” she said.
“So, to my fellow graduates, I urge you not to wait for doors to open. Go out there and knock on them. Take risks, embrace challenges, and never underestimate the power of your own determination,” she said. “Remember that though it may seem like every door is closed I encourage you to gather the courage to keep knocking because you never know what door will finally open and lead you to the place where you can achieve your dreams. Whether you are continuing your education as I am, entering the workforce, or pursuing your passions, remember that the future belongs to those who are brave enough to shape it.”
Paul Sugg, president of EastPoint Prosthetics & Orthotics Inc. headquartered in Kinston, was the guest speaker for the evening. He added his congratulations to the group and talked about how their actions can change the world. He started his remarks by leading an activity one would see at a sporting event — the wave.
“Did you notice how you may have been reluctant but as the person beside you became engaged then you followed along? Isn’t it amazing watching the participation grow in the wave?” he said. “It starts slowly, and then gradually builds, until everyone in the place is doing the wave. You see, your actions and the actions of others has an effect on you.”
He told the students about the butterfly effect, a thesis that states a butterfly flapping its wings on one side of the earth sets in motion movement and forces that act upon each other and build to effect movement on the other side of the planet strong enough to alter the path of a tornado or hurricane.
“The flapping wing represents a small change in the initial condition of the system, which cascades to large-scale alterations of events,” he said. “The small change you make flapping your little butterfly wings can lead to a large-scale alteration in events. All just because you flapped your butterfly wings,” he said.
He closed with a story about girl on a beach with thousands of starfish that had washed up in a storm. When she came to each starfish, she would pick it up and throw it back into the ocean. When someone approached her and said you can’t save all the starfish, she continued to pick each one up and replied, “Well, I made a difference for that one,” Sugg said.
“So, years from now, when you think of your graduation and remember 2024, think about how many times you flapped your butterfly wings or became a star thrower over the years, and then, and only then will you be able to see the difference you made in humanity.”
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