A message of success and determination preceded a procession of more than 300 students across the stage of White Auditorium during the 2025 Flint Hills Technical College spring commencement ceremony Saturday morning.
The message was delivered by previous FHTC graduate and first-generation college student, David Garcilazo, who told the students that Saturday was just the beginning of their respective journeys in life. He says, regardless of their paths forward, the students will all be capable of success, but how they achieve it will be up to them.
Garcilazo told KVOE News he hopes his message resonated with all in attendance, but especially the first-generation graduates like himself, noting these individuals often face unique challenges throughout their educational journeys.
In total, the college awarded certificates and degrees to 321 students amongst a sea of friends and families in attendance. FHTC President Dr. Caron Daugherty says they are always proud to see a great turnout of friends and family for commencement, noting that the individuals who supported their students throughout their education outside of the classroom deserve to be celebrated as well.
Saturday’s commencement comes with the college amid its largest ever fundraising endeavor, the “Advancing Tomorrow” capital campaign to support construction of a new 27,000-square-foot Advanced Industry Education Center. Daugherty says the new center will bring many new opportunities to the college, its students, and local industries as it will allow them to welcome more students to the campus and eventually congratulate more graduates in years to come.
Saturday’s ceremony was just one of two graduations inside of White Auditorium this weekend, preceding the Emporia High School graduation Sunday afternoon.
Click here for a YouTube Short of Saturday’s commencement
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE NewsÂ
