CORRY — Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) celebrated its annual commencement ceremony Saturday.

The event took place at Enchanted Beginnings in Corry, with four students being recognized for completing their certificate or degree programs. The ceremony recognized three students in absentia.

President Susan Snelick opened the celebration by sharing words about the newest collection of graduates and the milestone they accomplished.

“As you step forward from this day, remember success is not just about reaching a destination, it’s about making the journey matter. Lift others as you rise. Speak up when it’s hard. Keep learning when it’s easier to coast. And always, always choose courage over comfort. No matter where your journey takes you, I know you will make a difference. So go forward with pride, with purpose, and with the bold belief that you are ready — not just for what’s next, but for what’s possible.”

Warren County native Kara Haight took the podium following Snelick to deliver her speech as this year’s student speaker.

Haight spoke about how she grew during her time as an NPRC student during her address, from being homeschooled to taking a gap year before starting college. “I never really considered leaving home to attend college. Therefore, Northern Pennsylvania Regional College was the perfect place to continue my education.”

She continued, saying it could be very difficult and stressful, but added, “looking back, there is no part of my college career that didn’t shape me into a better version of myself.”

Fellow NPRC graduate Brittany Grajek, who now teaches at the Meadville Children’s Center, took the stage following Haight to share her inspiring story of balance and perseverance. “Like many of you, I’ve balanced the late-night study sessions with early morning shifts. I’ve written papers between packing lunches and folding laundry. I’ve pushed through exhaustion and doubt. And, in my case, I did it while facing one of the greatest battles of my life—fighting cancer. There were days when I didn’t think I’d make it. Not through school, not through the week, not even through the hour. But somewhere deep inside me, and perhaps inside all of us, there is a quiet voice that whispers to keep going. And so, I did.”

After Grajek’s address, candidates were presented. This year’s candidates included:

Associate of Arts: Jacqueline Whitaker, graduated with honors, St. Marys

Work-Ready Certificate: Danielle E. Gietler, Shinglehouse, and Dawn E. Nasoni, St. Marys

Bob Esch, Chairperson of NPRC’s Board of Trustees, took the podium next to congratulate this group of students as NPRC alumni and encourage them as they enter the next chapter of their lives. “Today, your dreams become a new reality. Embrace the moment, be proud, and share success with others. Look to the future with the determination to succeed. Do it with confidence. Do it with strength. Do it with Grit. We live in a world of opportunities, so dream big. I ask that you share the journey that led you to today’s accomplishment. Reach out to others, assure them, instill in them the confidence to follow their dreams.”

Saturday’s event marked the fifth commencement ceremony in the young history of Northern Pennsylvania Regional College.