2014 College Graduates recognized By Shannon Peck NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - The Navy College office held its annual graduation recognition ceremony on June 12, in which 36 participating graduates from a variety of schools including American Military University, Central Texas College, Columbia Southern University, ECPI University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Trident University International, and University of Maryland University College were honored and recognized in the completion of their recently earned degrees. The ceremony was held at the NAS 1 Chapel and began with graduates proudly marching into the processional as violinist Isidoro Cavallaro and chapel pianist Eleonora Trobia played the traditional graduation song Pomp and Circumstance. The posting of the colors were then presented by the Sigonella high school NJROTC Color Guard. After the posting of the colors, the audience continued standing as Ms. Thea Burke belted out a beautiful rendition of both the Italian and U.S. National Anthems. Father Rosairo La Delfa followed with the invocation. The audience members were then seated as NAS Sigonella Executive Officer, Cmdr. Charles G. McKinney II gave a welcoming address in which he congratulated the graduates stating that “they were living proof that education is attainable through hard work and dedication.” Guest speaker Michael D. Spruell, Associate Dean of Europe Central Texas College focused his speech on providing graduates sincere advice for pursing a meaningful and happy life. Spruell spoke of setting priorities and being productive while seeking to live a balanced life. He encouraged graduates to complete any task with full hearts and to continuously be thankful. His final word of advice to the 2014 graduates was to look toward the future, live in the present and to never stay hung up on past mistakes. The presentations of diplomas were then presented by Cmdr. McKinney and Navy College Director Tony Lugo. One by one the graduates anxiously waited for their turn to walk across stage as names and degrees were called out. Garret Price a graduate of Central Texas College captured the stage and made audience members laugh when he stopped after accepting his diploma to quickly take a “selfie” with McKinney. After all the diplomas had been awarded and with the last of the graduates seated, big cheers erupted as the class of 2014 were instructed to signify their achievements and end the ceremony with the turning of their tassels. Graduates then made their final departure through a wave of smiles and applause from audience members as they exited the chapel. Congratulations to the class of 2014!
Posted on: Fri, 20 Jun 2014 06:25:00 +0000
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