Laurel Business Institutes: Celebrating 114th Graduation

Laurel Business Institute held graduation on September 19th, 2024, at the State Theater in Uniontown, PA. Opening comments were given by Nancy Decker, President and CEO of Laurel Institutes, “Graduation is a time of new beginnings and we are always excited to celebrate this time with you because we know that it took hard work and dedication for you each to get here,” says Decker.

Assistant Campus Director,McKenna Gower, recognized the class Valedictorians, Brooke Clark, Madison Gibson, Luke McCullah, Amber Ravenscroft, and Christine Specht. Salutatorians Bonnie Benco and Emily Brentensky were also recognized. Next to be recognized were the September 2024 Distinguished Graduates, McKenna Hilling, Madison Gibson, and Amber Ravenscroft, all three were also recognized for membership into the Alpha Beta Kappa Honor Society. Laurel Business Insitute’s Assistant Campus Director, McKenna Gower, then presented the Degree and Diplomas to the graduates. The Career Services department reported that 66% of the September 2024 graduating class have accepted employment offers within their program of study. The following students were awarded Specialized Associate Degrees and Diplomas in the following programs: 

Degree Programs:

Cloud Computing Technology 

Mason Tharp

Early Childhood Education

Nicole Gregg

Electrical Technician 

Ontario Jones

Medical Office Administration 

Savannah Turner

Network Administration & Security 

Alexander C. Abedejos

Chase Hicks

Diploma Programs:

Clinical Medical Assistant 

McKenna Hilling

Jacob Robison

Christie Specht

Madison Vojtkofsky

Cosmetology 

Adriana Allen Angelo

Bonnie Lee Benco

Emily Marie Brestensky

Madison Morgan Gibson

Devyn Harris

Lillyann Germaine Horvath

Cassidy Brook Zelasko

Adalina Elizabeth Zolbrod

Esthetics & Nail Technician

Faith Andrews

Keristen R. Harris

Alaina Petrosky

Amber Ravenscroft

Alicia M Rimbey

Nail Technician 

Samantha Grim

Nina Moreland

Welding & Fabrication with Pipeline Technology 

Truman Philip Avery

Hunter James Brangard

Brooke Clark

Olivia Fairbee

Luke McCullah

Heath Randolph II

LBI's 114th Graduating Class, September 19th, 2024Photo byLaurel Business Institute

First row (left to right): Hunter Brangard, Adriana Angelo, Alaina Petrosky, McKenna Hilling, Emily Brestensky, Brooke Clark, Christie Specht, Luke McCullah, Amber Ravenscroft, Madison Gibson, Bonnie Benco, Lillyann Horvath, Alicia Rimbey, Adalina Zolbrod, Alexander Abadejos

Second row (left to right): Ontario Jones, Olivia Fairbee, Jacob Robison, Nicole Gregg, Samantha Grimm, Nina Moreland, Cassidy Zelasko, Devyn Harris, Keristen Harris, Madison Vojtkofsky, Faith Andrews, Mason Tharp

Founded in 1985 as Laurel Business Institute is a private, post-secondary specialized associate degree-granting, Career and Technical Education (CTE) provider with four locations throughout Western Pennsylvania and North Central West Virginia. Laurel is nationally accredited as ‘School of Distinction’ by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, Laurel has over 500 current students and 3,800 alumni across approximately 20 different AST/B Degree and Diploma programs. These programs are focused on high-demand occupational classifications such as skilled trades, health care, information technology, business, cosmetology, and early childhood education.