Photo By Eric Pilgrim | Nearly three dozen recent college graduates stand for applause after receiving their...... read more read more
FORT KNOX, Ky. — Nearly all of the 36 Fort Knox community members who signed up to participate attended the 2023 Fort Knox All Schools Graduation at Haszard Auditorium Oct. 20.
Some were unable to attend, but those who did celebrated a multi-schooled ceremony that represented 15 different institutions of higher learning. Degrees ranged from associates to masters, as well as some certificates.
“Thank you for allowing us to be a small part of your educational journey,” said Rella Braxton, education services officer and chief of the Fort Knox Army Continuing Education System.
Fort Knox Garrison Deputy Commander Jim Bradford welcomed the friends and families who attended the ceremony. He told the crowd that the small group of graduates represented a large range of the community.
“Our graduates here represent our National Guard, Army Reserve, active duty; they represent every unit and organization that serves or is part of the Fort Knox and greater regional organization and community,” said Bradford. “We have an opportunity to recognize 12 masters, 14 bachelors, and the associate degrees in nursing, child development, organizational leadership, business, STEM – all of these great skill sets and educational endeavors that our nation needs, and our Army needs.”
Bradford then welcomed the guest speaker for the event, an officer who he attended and graduated college with – U.S. Army Recruiting Command and Fort Knox Commander Maj. Gen. Johnny Davis.
“This was not easy. I know it wasn’t easy. It was a big decision, and you made it, and you began this journey to invest in yourself,” said Davis. “And … those around you carried you through this journey as well.”
Davis shared his own story of educational pursuits and how his family supported him along the way. He said he now looks to those who achieved their goals to lead the Army and nation into the future. He also encouraged them to relax a little and relish the moment.
“You earned it,” Davis said. “They can never take this away. This is your day, and it’s a great day. It’s a Friday, college graduation day, and tonight’s going to be party time – don’t let me see you on CNN.”
The graduates laughed.
Kayla Cheatham, the student speaker, shared much of the same sentiments with her fellow graduates.
“The college experience is like a race,” she said. “The degree’s the finish line, and our families and friends are our biggest motivators.”
After the graduates crossed the stage and received representations of their diplomas, they eagerly grabbed their tassels on command and moved them from the right side of their board to the left, signifying completion of their work.
Many stayed in the auditorium afterward, celebrating the moment with families and friends. Not Shantelle Kamei. In the Polynesian spirit of success, family members gathered around her outside of the auditorium and covered her in several leis, many with money attached, as they laughed.
The newly minted graduate of American Military University laughed with them.
| Date Taken: | 10.23.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 10.23.2023 16:23 |
| Story ID: | 456345 |
| Location: | FORT KNOX, KY, US |
| Web Views: | 34 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Almost three dozen shift tassels at 2023 Fort Knox All Schools Graduation, by Eric Pilgrim, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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