MAC commencement breaks record with 430 graduates
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Mineral Area College (MAC) celebrated the largest graduating class in its 101-year history at the Park Hills campus. The college conferred degrees and certificates upon 430 students, honoring achievements in academics, leadership, service, and resilience.
“This is the largest graduation class in Mineral Area College history,” MAC President Dr. Joe Gilgour announced to a full house inside the Robert E. Sechrest Sr. Field House. “You are joining more than 25,000 alumni of MAC and Flat River Junior College.”
The ceremony was filled with warmth and heartfelt tributes as the Class of 2025 marked the culmination of their MAC journey.
The evening began with performances by the Mineral Area College Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Linda Huck, who provided the traditional processional and recessional anthems. The MAC Singers, directed by Dr. Sherry Francis, delivered a stirring rendition of the national anthem, prompting a standing ovation and setting a dignified tone for the night.
Kester delivers a keynote where humor meets the heart
Greg Kester, a social studies teacher at Potosi High School and adjunct faculty member at MAC, as well as the 2024 Missouri Teacher of the Year, took center stage as the keynote speaker. Kester used humor and humility to inspire graduates with an address that drew both laughter and quiet reflection.
“Let’s all take a deep breath and lower your expectations,” he began, with a smile. “This is my first time doing more than reading names at a graduation.” Kester urged graduates to seek their life’s calling, rather than just a job, and to trust the inner voice that drives them forward.
“Your calling is that one thing you were uniquely made to do — the thing that brings peace, even at the end of the hardest day.”
He concluded with a quote from Abraham Lincoln: “Your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing.”
Honors for service and alumni achievement
Two of MAC’s most prestigious awards were presented during the ceremony.
The N. Gayle & Rowena Simmons Distinguished Service Award is given to a member of the community to highlight and celebrate unselfish service to and support of Mineral Area College. Recipients demonstrate an extraordinary level of commitment to the college and its mission and have a proven record of service with notable impact on the college community. The recipient for 2025 was Kurt Bauche, a longtime Farmington community leader and musician, for decades of advocacy for the arts. He was praised for his contributions to the Mineral Area Council on the Arts, Fine Arts Academy and countless performances that brought music and culture to campus, even during the uncertain years of the pandemic.
The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to an individual who has attended Mineral Area College or Flat River Junior College, achieved distinction in his or her chosen field, and made contributions to the community that transcend the norm. Preference is given to those who have earned a MAC or FRJC degree. The recipient for 2025 was Becky Buchanan, a 2000 MAC graduate and founder of the Pink Penguin Project, a nonprofit organization that supports women with breast cancer. A nurse practitioner at Midwest Pain, Spine and Family Practice, Buchanan was celebrated for combining professional excellence with deep compassion and community impact.
Outstanding graduates
MAC faculty selected nine graduates for special recognition for their academic excellence, leadership, and service.
Nicole Warden was selected as the Outstanding Student in the Allied Health and Sciences Division, graduating with an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing. Sophia Varga was selected as the Outstanding Student in the Arts and Communication Division, graduating with an Associate of Arts Degree in Art.
Ashley Buragas was selected as the Outstanding Student in Athletics. She is a two-year member of the women’s basketball team, graduating with an Associate of Arts Degree. Marcelous Phillips was selected as the Outstanding Student Award for the Business, Computers, and Math Division, graduating with an Associate of Arts Degree in Business Administration.
Haley Stephens was chosen as the Concurrent Enrollment Outstanding Student and graduated from Central High School and Mineral Area College during the same week. Hailey Cantrell was selected as the Outstanding Student for the Human Services Division, graduating with an Associate of Arts Degree in Teaching, an Associate of Arts Degree in Pre-Education, and an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Child Development.
Mason Currington was selected as the Outstanding Student for the Industry and Technology Division, graduating with his Associate of Applied Science Degree in Automotive Technology. Olivia Gillam was selected as the Outstanding Student in Leadership and Campus Service, graduating with an Associate of Arts Degree in Art.
Justin Rowland was selected as the Outstanding Student for the Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Division. The valedictorian of the MAC Law Enforcement Academy’s graduating class #24-110. Another highlight came when Tammy Franklin, a returning adult student, was recognized for completing MAC’s Honors Program after pausing her education to raise a family. She earned a standing ovation in addition to her degree.
Student service and achievement recognition
In keeping with MAC’s mission as a community college for all, the ceremony honored:
- First-generation college graduates, many of whom stood proudly as the audience applauded their trailblazing achievement.
- Dual-enrollment high school students are earning associate degrees before their high school diplomas.
- Members of Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society for two-year colleges.
- Scholar-athletes maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher while competing in collegiate sports.
- International students, wearing stoles representing their home countries.
- Veterans, honored for their military service and academic accomplishments.
“These students represent the best of who we are,” said Dr. Keith Zoromski, MAC’s provost. “They’ve shown courage, dedication, and grit—and they’ve done it with excellence.”
Tassels turned
After the final name was called and the final diploma cover handed out, Dr. Gilgour returned to the podium to officially confer degrees:
“By the authority vested in me through the Coordinating Board for Higher Education and the MAC Board of Trustees… I hereby confer these degrees and certificates.”
As graduates turned their tassels from right to left, the field house erupted into cheers.
Before concluding, Dr. Gilgour invited graduates to stand, point to their families in the audience, and give them a round of applause — honoring the support that helped make their journey possible.
“This moment isn’t just yours. It belongs to everyone who believed in you,” he said.
The Wind Ensemble struck up the recessional, and the graduates filed out — no longer just students, but alumni of a college proud to call them its own.
Complete list of graduates
Associate of General Studies
Noreen Ann Dreste, Sydney Jane Fitzwater, Brittany Lynn Sander, Jaylan Kodi Williams
Associate of Applied Science
Automotive Technology : Mason Michael Currington, Brandon Eugene Gruen
Business Management: Chadley Vinson Hayes, Bryanna Michelle Jones, Emma Rae Lewis, Ryan Linley Nelson, Maxwell Dutch Neuschwander, Colton Andrew Politte
Child Development: Hailey E. Cantrell
Computer Networking Cyber Security: Cameron Phillip Ancira, Ethan Wayne Wells
Construction/Building Technology: Ashton John Derrow, Rudy John Flieg, David Mathew Weisenburg
Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement: Alex Joseph Broch, William Joseph Finley Jr., Gage Edward Hasemeyer, Jimmie Wayne Kirkman, Trent Nathaniel Reeves
Electrical Technology: Cooper Peyton Durr, Jayden Michael Fisher
Electrical/Electronics Technology: Jacob Wayne Primo
Engineering Technology-Design Drafting: Landon Robert Burnham, Elijah Michael Fisher, Owen Riley Gilliam, Dana Nicole Starr
Engineering Technology Manufacturing: Damion Michael Hiles
Graphic Arts/Printing Technology: Arron R. Major
Heating, A/C, Refrigeration Technology: Kole Anthony Kramer, Langston Taylor McGuire, Matthew Deane Morin, Benjamin Frederick Rawlins
Industrial Maintenance: Roderick John Thompson
Physical Therapy Assistant: Seth M. Spraggs
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS. Jamie Lynn Abrams, Emma Mae Affolter, Ricardo Gabriel Aguilera, Andino Ashley Dawn, Allgire Diego Alejandro, Andino Reyes Karter, Michael Arnett, Audra Marie Aubuchon, Madison Rae Ayers, Mackenzie Diana Backer, Anna Noelle Baer, Deanna Marie Banta, Garrison Andrew Barile, Zoe Dee Barlow, Jared Samuel Barnes, Audrey Rose Barry, Isabella Rosalie Beck, Rebecca Lynn Bell, Emma Marie Berck, Jess Alan Blankenship, Maria Dawn Blevins, Bryce Hunter Bloom, Finnly Ava Blue, Grace Anne Bone, Nayla Josae Bonner, Mackenzie Dean Bowen, Stacey D. Boyer, Alyssa Lou Ann Brake, Conner Alexander Brazel, Noah Christopher Brenon, Baylee Reynolds Brewster, Lilly Mae Brockland, Daisy Natasha Brown, Melayna Renee Brown, Ashley Carol-Ann Buragas, Ainsley Caroline Burnett, Katie Elizabeth Byron, Adriana Ree Cantagi, Hailey E. Cantrell, Shay Dylan Carey, Nycole Capri Carlson, Lakiya Ann Carter, Noah Cameron Cassie, Moladi Meagan Chikowore, Natalee Jeanne Chimienti, Hallie Marie Clark, Ava Danielle Clifton, Cianna Lynnae Clowdus, Braden Lee Cole, Blake Matthew Coleman, Emma Rae Collins, Logan James Compton, Abigail Marie Cook, Ava Louise Cooper, Ryan Conner Cooper, Jack Robert Copley, Rosalie Mae Coughlin, Brady Coleman Cox, Rian Marie Crabdree, Alex Eugene Crawford, Audrey Marie Crawford, Britany DeeAnn Crawford, Troy Ray Crocker, Alexander Joseph Cummings, Nevaeh Marie Dailey, Ashley Jo Daly, Ella Jane Davis, Jade Nicole Davis, Kalei May Davis, Madilyn Grace Dean, Barbara Demarco, Emily Grace DeProw, Amarion D. Dickerson-Smith, Sara J. Dietiker, Lily Anna Dowell, William Otis Dugal, Grace Marie Duncan, Cohlbe Keith James Dunnahoo, Brylee Grace Durbin, Cooper Peyton Durr, Carson Andrew Erwin, Sydney Grace Feltz, Brenna Isabel Files, Karlee Beth Fisher, Sydney Jane Fitzwater, Alexis Katherine Flotron, Brooke-lyn Nicole Forman, Angelo Joseph Enrico Franco, Tammie Louise Franklin, Isaac Shane Gaugel, Emmy Grace Gayle, Lilly Rae Gibson, Shayla Marie Gidden, Olivia Catherine Gillam, Brittany Shianne Golden, Preston Duane Goodnight, Natasha Goodwin, Kamille Cecilia Graham, Tessa Renee Grass, Reese Taylan Gray, Michael Lee Grebe, Lillian Grace Greenlee, Trinity Nichole Grisham, Eva Victoria Guzman, Paige Alexa Hacker, Alyssa Nicole Hamby, Heaven Leigh Sue Hamilton, Claire Grace Hampton, Drew Kyle Hardin, Reid Maxwell Hartmann, Olivia Jane Hartupee, Sarah Lynn Hatfield, Mallorie Elizabeth Hawkins, Leo Rue Heath, Addisyn Anne Hedgcorth, Patricia Leann Hedrick, Tadum Annette Heifner, Alyssa Ann-Marie Henderson, Alesica Bree Ann Henson, Allen Javier Hernandez, Hailey Marie Hettenhausen, Gracie Bethlynn Hicks, Joshua Enrique Navarro Hidalgo, Nolan Benjamin Hill, Jaysa Jean Hites, Emily Rayne Hochstatter, Abigail Faith Holland, Ryley Ann Marie Holzheimer, Sally Lynn Hosking, Gavin Neal Huck, Suzannah Grace Huddleston, Jeb Andrew Huff, Sawyer James Huff, Lillian Elizabeth Huffman, Dalton Robert Hutson, Alex Anthony Ikemeier, Elliot Lyn Inman, Nolan Byron Inman, Charae Latrice Jackson, Jack Kieran Jackson, Landon Scott Johnson, Jillian Faye Jones, Quenton Lee Jones, Sara Lynne Jones, Jaelah-Dorne Malo Filiga Kapsin, Alainie Sue Kassabaum, Elizabeth Joyce Kaufman, Kirsten Paige Kennedy, Ethan Michael Kerr, Felicity Grace Kester, Milasia Khanthavixay, Margaret Renee Killian, Jacey Laine King, Kayley Faith Kingsbury, David Michael Kirkpatrick, Stevie Klekamp, Baden Stefon Klug, Emma Grace Kohler, Tori Lynn Krebs, Emma Claire LaChance, Abigail Ida Lambert, Kenleigh Allisyn Lange, Nevaeh Marie Larkins, Shania Andrea Leach, Montgomery Dalton Lee, Kannon Joshua Leible, Sientez Manuel Lerma, Luke Christian Lianthong, Skylar K. Link, Jordan Lamont Logan, Jill Yvonne Lombardo, Antonio Lopez, Morelia Lorenzo Diaz, Carlie Lynn Loughary, Carson Michael Loughary, Todd David Lucas, Ashling Camara Lynch, Kaitlyn Christina Maas, Stephon Reece Mac Donald, Eden Mahjia Trancoso, Mack Olivier Martel, Adria Dawn Marvin, Lila Lee Mast, Pakey Lynn Matthews, Colby Alan Maxwell, Laura LeeAnne Mayhew, Lydia Raeann Mays, Charles Carson McCaleb, James Connor McCaleb, Bralea Grace McClain, Kaesen Tyler McClain, Laci D. McClellan, Alyssa Rose McFarland, Tayler May McMahan, Jaycee Kay McMillian, Ellee Grace Medlin, Dakotah Bell Medows, Tim Heidel Meier, Kerry Gayle Melton, Joshua Stephon Meo, Libby Paige Mesch, Sophia Rose Meyer, Cory Ryan Miller, David Michael Miller, Evy Mikelle Miller, Lillian Ashton Miller, Haley Grace Minkel, Leanna Danielle Mitts, Jazmine Lynn Morris, Rachel Elizabeth Morris, Sierra Aspyn Fayth Moyers, Dawson Christopher Mueller, Grant William Mullins, Orran Desmond Strachan Mushet, Samantha Jo Nahlik, Karly Marie Neubauer, Peyton Allison Nier, Ava Michelle Obenauer, Joshua James O’Farrell, Summer Michelle O’Harver, Casey Meaghan Oneal, Samuel James Christopher Francis O’Neill, Giovanna Onitsuka Ishii, Shyana Joyce Orrick, Lauren Elizabeth Oster, Mia Rene Owens, Kiara Michele Parker, Hailey Michelle Parson, Lydia Imogen Pascoe, Kolten Allen Payne, Maddison Rose Phares, Griffin Mark Phillips, Marcelous M. Phillips, Makenna Lynn Pierce, Makenna Marie Pigg, Drew Patrick Pobst, Morgan Haley Pogue, Annie Izabellia Politte, Jaysa Beth Proffer, Madison L. Randazzo, Reece Elliott Rawlings, Alyson Grace Rayl, Braysen Scott Reagan, Natalie Jade Reddick, Hannah Beth Rehkop, Isaac E. Reissing, Myah Brynn Richter, Caleb Christopher Ricker, Hali Marie Riddle, Cullen Lee Riel, Rylee Kay Righter, William Edward Ring, Payton Lee Roberts, Tabitha Dawn Rogers, Iesha Monique Rollins, Desirae Elizabeth Ross, Jonah Christopher Sarabia, Monica Rose Sauer, Amiyah Te’anne Saxton, Brandon Michael Schaupert, Joseph Eric Scott, Skye Alison Scott, Wyatt T. Scott, Eva Serra, Samuel Preston Shaw, Macy Jane Sheckles, Charlie Shepherd, Addison Lynn Shetley, Adelaide Catherine Siddle, Collin Ross Sitton, Camille Elizabeth Skaggs, Matthew Neil Skaggs, Richard Phillip Skinner, Savannah (Jax) Eve Sluder, Karl Allen Slusher, Kaden Lane Malikye Smith, Josh Michael Somerville, Devon Levi Souden, Zoe Elizabeth St.Gemme, Kaylee Ann Stafford, Haley Nicole Stephens, Meika Lyn Stienkemeyer, Machaelyn Jade Stokes, Savannah Nicole Stokes, Mariah Dene Storie, Reagan Danielle Stricklin, Josalyn Marie Sweatt, Skylar Marie Sweeney, Sera Kay Tarkington, Molibetsane Raymond Thetsane, Emily Marie Todd, Caleb Austin Truman, Grant Christopher Tucker, Emily Jean Turner, Nora Grace Umfleet, Sarina Ann VanBuren, Ethan Paul Vance, Kayla Marie Vandiver, Matthew Jacob Joshua Vanslyke, Sophia Marie Varga, Peyton Elizabeth VarVera, Baylor Reed Vaugh, Jaydee Edward Vick, Kathleen Marie Voepel, Kinley Addison Walden, Caralyne Walker, Keeley Colleen Walker, Tabitha Lacey Walker, Gunnar Ross Ward, Robert Owen Warner, Jayme N. Warren, Nathan Christopher Warren, Andrew E. Weaver, Evan Micheal Weiss, Kailee Ann Welker-Arteaga, Madilyn Rose Western, Elliot Ben Whalley, Julie Marie Whelen, Levi Braxton Wiegand, Ally Reese Wigger, Audrey Grace Williams, Meredith Claire Williams, Christopher Mark Williamson, Brendan Joseph Wilson, Grady Joe Wilson, Jaiden Victoria Wilson, Mallory Nicole Wolk, Elliot Nicole Woods, Cylas Jaxson Worley, Reese Makenna Worthington, Gracie Lyn Wright, Lani Renee Yamnitz, Elizabeth A. Yeager, Grace Ellen Young, Autumn Elizabeth Zahner
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN TEACHING: Madison Lynn Alaniz, Sierra Nichole Ames, Ashley Valeria Avalos Ortiz, Alina N. Bader, Samantha Baeza Gutierrez, Meghan Lynn Barnhouse, Elisabeth Ann Barrington, Molly Jo Barton, Charles Lee Bockenkamp IV, Madeline Ruthanne Bradley, Alyssa Lou Ann Brake, Brittany Ann Williams, Allison Nicole Campbell, Hailey E. Cantrell, Breanna Nikole Cash, Danielle Marie Clark, Lillian Grace Coleman, Charles Curtis Cureton, Lauren Renee DeLong, Carlee Marcella Drennen, Mackenzie Rae Drinnin, Macie Katheryn Drury, Cooper Peyton Durr, Brooke-lyn Nicole Forman, Abigail Hunter Hammock, Kylie Renee Hardesty, Sarah Lynn Hatfield, Audrey Layne Hawkins, Cassidy Tina Marie Herget, Morgan Cecelia Ivester, Jaden Ty Kanan, Sissie Lynn Guinn, Olivia Maria Killian, Layni Ann Kinkead, Matthew David Koester, Monica Lynn Loeffel, McCoy Deann Lucy, Colby Alan Maxwell, Makenna Lynn Pierce, Kelsey Nicole Radford, Madison Lynn Randazzo, Josalyn Elizabeth Reagan, Makayla Ann Rector, Rachel Elizabeth Ruble, Nola Skye Scott, Reese Elizabeth Shepard, James S. Skaggs, Kaylee Ann Stafford, Mary Elizabeth Stagg, Haley Nicole Stephens, Lillian Cole Thorn, Alexis Louise Voepel, Amanda G. Voyles, Kimberly Ann Walton, Elizabeth Paige Weir, Rylee Elizabeth White-Steel, Sydney S. Wynn
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE NURSING: Isabella Sylvia Alvey-Bohr, Abigail Judith Armstrong, Ashley Jonna Barker Brennan, Austin Bedford, Ana Cisnero Benz, Kiersten Marie Bramlett, Samantha Jean Branham, Kathleen Michelle Bullock, Jace Wade Crump, Peyton Ann Crump, Jade Nicole Davis, Ashley Elizabeth Dill, Dallas Page Doughten, Emily Elizabeth Draper, Grace Nichole Featherston, Colleen Marie Flanagan, Samantha Nicole Follis, Alyssa Grace Freeman, Darrian Rakelle Gayle, Elisa Rae Gerstenschlager, Laura Danielle Gore, Tessa Marie Hamm, Kami Nicole Haskell, Jennifer Renee Hayes, Destiny Nicole Head, Carter Mark Hedrick, Victoria Marie Hiles, Heaven Marie Hollandsworth, Gracie Raye Johnson, Gage Edward Kinder, Janson Lee King, Ronald Niel Koenig, Daneisha Shanice Lane, Madison Isabella Lappe, Annette Michelle Lewis, Sarah Michelle Lewis, Xandar Z’ev McBride, Bryanne’ Paige McCallister, Hannah Rae Militzer, Abby Michelle Miller, Addison Lynn Miller, Haley Rene Moore, Candace Louise Monia, Edward Lee Andrew Morgan III, Holden Japheth Morgan, Callee Jo Naeger, Lauren Elizabeth Oster, McKenzie Rae Pippin, Angel Lynn Racer, Emily Joy Anne Rasnic, Cynthia Renee Raynor, Courtney Jade Reeves, Elizabeth Ann Rhives, Madison Marie Rigdon, Kezaray Briella Rogers, Kaitlin May Rosenau, Isabella Marie Simmons, Margaret Ann Smith, Ryleigh Ann Sprengel, Stephanie Lynn Sutterer, Danica Asante Thomas, Alidia Matalin Tinsley, Nicole Leann Warden, Rilee Elizabeth Watson, Abbigail June Weathers, Aimee Lashon Whitney
ONE-YEAR CERTIFICATES
1000 Hour Law Enforcement Academy: Kailee Jade Arnold, Kaleb Hunter Beckmann, Jimmie Wayne Kirkman, Colton Thomas Malott, Christopher Michael Phelps, Justin Alexander Rowland
Advanced Multi-Process Welding: Franklin Dylan Leroy, Beard Roman Neusbaum, Ethan James Workes
Automotive Technology: Mason Michael Currington, Joseph Blake Dorris
Construction/Building Technology: Maxwell John Vogel, David Mathew Weisenburg
Criminal Justice: Hannah Michelle Fortner
Heating, A/C, Refrigeration Technology: Nicolas Fracek Rimpo, Bryan Paul Brewster, Matthew Boone Kemp, Benjamin Frederick Rawlins
Law Enforcement Academy: Sharece Opal Dale, Charles Jacob Finley, Tyler Mychal Gapsch, Jesse James Johnson, Brendon David King, Edward Lytle Lewis, Samuel Joseph Obenhaus, David Raymond Ogden, Alexis Gail Pace, William Alan Pigue, Thomas Michael Popejoy, Andrew David Skokolo, Chase Ryan Watson, Dalton Alfred Whitley, Paramedic Technology, Leah Rae Coppaway, Christopher Michael Hahn, Ashtin Rose Harlan, Michelle Kien-ly, Practical Nursing, Samantha Nichole Davenport, Jenna Marie Groves, Brian M. Shocklee
LESS THAN ONE-YEAR CERTIFICATES
Community Health Worker: Edna I. Boyer, Chetta Ann Dement, Reese Hadley Grassham, Matthew J. Kiefer, Megan Renee Przygoda, Lora Allison Sanders, Wyatt Mathew Sansoucie, Halie Brooke Wells, Travis O’brien Wilkinson
Community Paramedic:
Timothy Alan Ayers, Michael W. Bell, Gretchen Marie Bodley, Sarah Nicole Branson, Brent Conley Douglas, Andrew Joseph Klosterman, Bryan O’Neil McClellan, Brian T. Openlander, William Dean Railsback, Adam W. Reed, Marilyn Renee Stough
Emergency Medical Technology: Madison Nichole Hicks, Alexandria Miah Kimbrough, Paige Elizabeth Maas, Christopher Michael Scott Parks, Gwyneth Ann Shipley, Addison LeAnn Akers, Jonas Matthew Berkbuegler, Amy J. Collins, Aiden Thomas Jarred Declue, Cierra Ashley Dugge, Noah Ray Eads, Sophia Elisabeth Edwards, Makayla Rose Fuller, Bereket Hailye Mahn, Landon Michael Priest, Kyleigh Reagan Przygoda, Zackary Tyler Shoemaker, Brianna Nicole Stacy, Fiber Optics Fundamentals, Damion Micheal Hiles
Lisa Brotherton-Barnes is a staff writer for the Daily Journal and Farmington Press. She can be reached at lbarnes@dailyjournalonline.com.
