RIVEROAK Technical College Holds Graduation Ceremony
Florida High School Diploma Graduates during RIVEROAK’s graduation ceremony, last week. -RIVEROAK Courtesy Photo
“You’ll join the high fliers who soar to high heights. Oh, the places you’ll go! Today you are you, that is Truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than you.” — Dr. Seuss.
By Jennifer Campbell, RTC Teacher on Special Assignment
RIVEROAK Technical College held its 2025 Graduation and Awards Ceremony on Thursday evening, May 15, 2025, at the Suwannee High School auditorium. Over 1,000 were in attendance to celebrate the achievements of RIVEROAK’s Class of 2025.
RIVEROAK recognized 102 graduating career and technical education program completers, 191 industry certification earners, 28 Florida High School Diploma graduates, and 31 scholarship and special award recipients. These phenomenal counts do not include students in RIVEROAK’s healthcare programs, as they hold separate graduation ceremonies throughout the year.
The outstanding accomplishments of this graduating class is a poignant reminder of the way RIVEROAK exudes excellence in every aspect of this postsecondary institution. RIVEROAK is grateful for the fabulous administrators, faculty, and staff who grow futures by inspiring our students daily. Without them, graduation would not be possible.
RIVEROAK is appreciative of the support of their community and business partners. This past
year, more than $250,000 in scholarships, including Open Door Grant Awards, were awarded to deserving RIVEROAK students. Your partnerships are the heart of Career and Adult Education.
RIVEROAK Technical College in Live Oak, Florida, is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE). RIVEROAK offers 20 career and technical education programs. Visit www.riveroakcollege.com for more information on how you can grow your future with us!
Special Award Recipients
William Miles Industrial Workhorse Award (sponsored by Miles Consulting) - Samuel LeNeave and Paul Schmitz
Altrusa Cosmetology Scholarship - Danica Williams
Altrusa Industrial Scholarship - Hugo Garcia
Altrusa Naomi Hart Culinary Arts Scholarship - Lakiesha Nekole Dickson
The 406 Culinary Scholarship - Lisa Gall
Ginny “Meme” Crews Memorial Award - Noah Garrison
Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce - Elaina Bowles
Walter Doughty Memorial Scholarship - Lane Griffith
Vincent M. Jones Achievement Award - Victoria Pittman
Outstanding Student Awards
Applied Cybersecurity - Sarah Kopp
Automotive Collision Technology Technician - Dominic Capone and Kylie Mathews
Master Automotive Service Technology - Caleb Neely and Garrett Fitzpatrick
Brick & Block Masonry - Julian Smith and Kale Staley
Cosmetology - Makayla Williams
Facials Specialty - Arwen Haley and Kimberly McClure Shust
Nails Specialty - Elvimar Acosta and Arwen Haley
Professional Culinary Arts & Hospitality - Jacob Ellison and Charles Parker
Electricity - Hugo Garcia and Victor Sanches
Applied Engineering - Lucas Wright
Welding Technology - Wyatt Clark, Karr Corbin, Josue Garduno-Tellez, and Lorenzo Lee
HVAC/Refrigeration 1 - Jabari Gwinn
National Adult Education Honor Society
Inductees: Aaliyah Crace, Kendall Crawford, Avin Elkins, Angelina Fletcher, Elizabeth Gould-Kinney, Kayla Grace Sapp, Gracie Loos, Summer Murrah, Tayvin Palov, Erin Ramirez, Melyssa Schwantes, Erika Sosa-Cruz, Nathaniel Stoudemire, Sara Sanchez, and Elizabeth Tomlin.
Matt Johns plays the National Anthem on saxophone during RIVEROAK’s Graduation Ceremony. -RIVEROAK Courtesy Photo
RTC Adminstrators and Faculty. -RIVEROAK Courtesy Photo
