LCC to hold June 16 commencement ceremony at Kelso HS stadium

Lower Columbia College (LCC) will hold its 87th annual commencement ceremony in-person at the Kelso High School stadium on June 16. The ceremony, which will also be livestreamed, will begin at 6:30 p.m.

For the 2022-23 academic year, the college expects to confer 41 applied bachelor’s degrees, 485 associate degrees, 16 certificates, and 57 high school diplomas.

In lieu of a single valedictorian, LCC names Scholastic Achievement Award winners in three categories: baccalaureate, academic transfer, and professional technical. This year’s winners are Abby Thayer, Sarah Maffett, and Hannah Wheeldon.

Abby Thayer received a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and family studies from the University of Washington prior to entering LCC’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education program. She is currently applying for teaching positions, and plans to earn a master’s degree in education down the road. Her career goal is to become a K-12 administrator or school counselor. When she’s not studying, Abby enjoys the great outdoors, playing sports, and being with friends and family.

Sarah Maffett is receiving an associate in science transfer degree in Biological Sciences. At LCC, Sarah has been assisting Dr. Armando Herbelin with identifying traces of pesticides in bee honey. Her next stop is Western Washington University, where she will continue to pursue her interest in horticulture. Sarah’s career goal is to work in propagation research, specifically the development of new plant breeds. In addition to her studies, Sarah is a member of LCC’s award winning speech and debate team, the Fighting Smelt. She also works on campus as a chemistry and math tutor.

Hannah Wheeldon received an associate of applied science transfer degree in Early Childhood Education in winter quarter, and is an applicant for LCC's Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education (BAS-TE) program. As a new student, Hannah participated in LCC's Integrated Basic Education Skills and Training (I-BEST) program, designed to provide additional math, reading and/or writing support for students enrolled in professional/technical programs. When she's not studying, Hannah enjoys spending time camping, hiking and kayaking in the great outdoors with her husband, Arthur, and two children.

More information and the livestream link can be found at lowercolumbia.edu/commencement.