College News

Barton Community College to honor graduates in 54th commencement

Students pause for a photo before the 2023 commencement ceremony in the Barton Gym.
Students pause for a photo before the 2023 commencement ceremony in the Barton Gym.

May 3, 2024
Story by Maggie Harris
Photo by Joe Vinduska

Barton Community College’s 54th commencement is set for 7 p.m. May 10 in the Barton Gymnasium. The ceremony will also be live-streamed via the Barton Facebook and YouTube pages.

After brief comments from Barton President Dr. Carl Heilman, Vice President of Student Services Angie Maddy will present the 2024 Outstanding Graduate awards to Evelin Valadez of Stafford and Hayley Wise of Silver Lake.

Vice President of Instruction Elaine Simmons will then present five Distinguished Instructor Awards to Dance Instructor Danika Bielek and Math Instructor Nolan Esfeld from the Barton County Campus, Military Programs Instructor Christopher Vanderlinde from the Fort Riley Campus, and Business and Communications Instructor Jessica Fullen and Criminal Justice Instructor Ericka Peoples-Howard from the Fort Leavenworth Campus.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees Mike Johnson and Simmons will confer the degrees. Developmental Education Instructor Abby Howe will present the graduates as Dr. Heilman extends the college’s official congratulations on behalf of the Board of Trustees.

Pastor Tonya Andrews is set to lead the invocation.

For more information on commencement day activities, visit bartonccc.edu/graduation/ceremony. For commencement photos, visit bartonccc.edu/gradpics.