Commencement Profiles
High School and 99¸£ÀûÊÓƵ Graduate Ana Sanchez-Grande Aims to Serve Bilingual Families as a Nurse
May 13, 2026 When she was in middle school, Ana Sanchez-Grande, 19, didn’t give her future schooling much thought. She first heard about Buncombe County Early College (BCEC) from a friend who was applying. Not wanting to be left behind, she added her name to the list.
Vet Tech Graduate Emmy Robinson Wants to Give Back to Animals
May 12, 2026 Unlike some young women her age, Emmy Robinson, 21, never dreamed of going away to college. The Alexander native took a year off after high school and was content to stay on her family’s farm to help tend to the goats, horses, and donkeys.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Graduate Maggie Vallieres Juggled Motherhood and School
May 11, 2026 After several years of working in the food industry, Maggie Vallieres was ready for a change. The 32-year-old mom craved a satisfying job that would both support her new family and keep her on her toes. She came to 99¸£ÀûÊÓƵ unsure of what she wanted to do.
Freedom and a Life Outdoors: Geomatics Technology Graduate Adam Garrison Found His Dream Career
May 8, 2026 Geomatics Technology graduate Adam Garrison, 24, was on track to become a Physician’s Assistant when Covid hit and threw a wrench into his plans.  The Mars Hill native witnessed doctors and nurses pushed to the limit as local clinics and hospitals became inundated with patients.
Radiography Graduate Kelsey Fisher Aims to Help Women Combat Breast Cancer
May 6, 2026 Kelsey Fisher never planned on becoming a radiographer. She was at West Virginia University on a pre-nursing track when her mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. After watching her experience the ups and downs of treatment, Fisher began to reassess her life’s path.
Ceramicist Julius Coggins Immortalizes Former Teacher with his Art
May 5, 2026 For artist and Fine Arts Academic Achievement Award winner Julius Coggins, making art is not just about the act of creating. It’s also about processing a lifetime’s worth of memories and emotions and letting them live and breathe in his creations.
Student Chef Carolina Salas Montano Celebrates Authentic Mexican Traditions
May 4, 2026 Growing up in Guadalajara, Mexico, food was a big part of Carolina Salas Montano’s life from an early age. One of her favorite early memories is helping her grandmother bake a sweet bread made with chayote, a native squash similar to zucchini that is prevalent in Mexico.
Coming Up Roses: Educator Itzel Briseida Moreno-Angeles’ Knack for Nurturing
May 8, 2025 When there’s a Latinx birthday in the local community, Itzel Briseida Moreno-Angles, 21, is often there to mark it with a bouquet of her signature red roses.
Medical Lab Technician Student Dan Nielson Conquers Self Doubt, Redefines Career
May 8, 2025 Dan Nielson will be the first to tell you that his inner critic is tough to beat. The 54-year-old veteran, who is graduating this May with a Medical Laboratory Technology AAS degree, has battled PTSD and negative self-talk for more than half of his life.
Truth Seeker: Criminal Justice Graduate Raevyn Mitchell’s Quest for Justice
May 7, 2025 As a teenager, Criminal Justice Technology student Raevyn Mitchell, 25, took a forensics class and was instantly hooked. The class introduced her to the process of collecting, analyzing, and understanding evidence found at accident scenes. It is a process that excites her to this day.