Today, Halifax Community College celebrated its 58th annual commencement ceremony.
The event honored the hard work and achievements of the graduating class of 2025, with graduates receiving degrees, diplomas, and certificates in front of family, friends, faculty, and community members.
The event marked a proud continuation of HCC’s tradition of academic excellence and student success. We extend our warmest congratulations to these graduates and trust that the knowledge and skills they have acquired will prove invaluable in their future endeavors.
Marshall Cherry, president/CEO of Roanoke Cooperative, delivered an inspiring keynote address titled The Power of Becoming.
Drawing from personal experiences growing up in Bertie County and rising through the ranks in the energy sector, Cherry emphasized that true success lies not in titles or degrees, but in character, curiosity, and a willingness to keep moving forward — even through adversity. "Becoming is choosing to grow, to stretch, to fall and get back up again. Your degree is not the end. It’s the beginning of something greater —not just for you, but for your community."
The address celebrated the graduates’ perseverance through challenges, acknowledged the contributions of alumni, and highlighted the importance of collaboration in regional development, including partnerships in clean energy and job creation.
As Halifax County prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Halifax Resolves, the message to the Class of 2025 was clear: Keep becoming — not only as professionals but as leaders shaping the future of their communities.
Patrena Benton Elliott, president of HCC, delivered the charge to the graduates, stating: “Go forward boldly. Let your dreams be big, your purpose be clear, and your heart remain open to the possibilities ahead.”
Joanna Gonzalez-Olguin, delivered a heartfelt response with eloquence and poise, accepting the charge on behalf of the Class of 2025 and embodying the spirit of resilience and academic excellence celebrated throughout the ceremony.
Gonzalez-Olguin is a graduate and class valedictorian of Northampton County Early College and is also the recipient of an associate in arts and an associate science degree.