Churchill's graduates to walk this week

Graduates of three local schools will receive their diplomas this week during commencement ceremonies.

Western Nevada College’s Fallon campus is having graduation Thursday at 9 a.m. at the City-County Gym, 321 Venturacci Lane.

“I am pleased we can offer ceremonies in Carson City and Fallon,” said WNC President J. Kyle Dalpe. “Our graduates have worked hard to reach this point and they and their families have made sacrifices in order to reach this milestone. I am so pleased to say ‘congrats’ to each of them.”

Dalpe will deliver opening remarks in Fallon, present the graduates and confer their degrees. Associated Students of Western Nevada President and 2024 graduate Suzanna Stankute will also speak to the graduating class.

The WNC Carson City campus honored graduates Monday with Capt. Shane Tanner, commanding officer of Naval Air Station Fallon, delivering the keynote address. He will also speak to the Fallon graduates.

Tanner graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Community Health and holds a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College. He also graduated from the Joint Forces Staff College with Full Joint Qualification, the Carrier Airborne Early Warning Weapons School and United States Navy Strike Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN).

Between the two ceremonies, 617 graduates are approved to receive 692 degrees and Certificates of Achievement. A record-breaking 168 of those students, including 14 from CCHS and 32 from Oasis Academy, have earned an associate degree alongside a high school diploma as graduates of the “Jump Start” program. WNC Fallon will also recognize four Phi Theta Kappa national honor society members who will wear gold stoles during the ceremony.

Oasis Academy will hold a graduation ceremony also on Thursday at 6 p.m. at the City-County Gym where 41 seniors will receive their diplomas.

Melissa Mackedon was one of Oasis Academy’s original founders and the school’s first chief executive officer, will deliver the keynote address.

In October Gov. Joe Lombardo appointed Mackedon as executive director of the State Public Charter School Authority Board. In this position, along with her work as a member of the Charter School Association of Nevada Board, Mackedon oversees about 80 campuses in Nevada that serve more than 60,000 students.

Churchill County High School’s graduation celebration is Friday at 7 p.m. The 265 seniors will receive their diplomas at the Edward Arciniega Athletic Complex.

Steve Johnson, CCHS science department chair and chemistry instructor, will deliver the keynote address. Johnson was also the 2017 Veterans of Foreign Wars state and national Teacher of the Year,

Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. and the Rafter 3C Arena parking lot will be available to all guests for overflow parking. Parking passes are required for the high school’s back parking lot adjacent to the main building. Cart assistance to the field will be available from all locations. A livestream of the ceremony will be available on Churchill County School District’s Facebook page.

In his weekly update, Derild Parsons shared his gratitude upon the completion of his first year as CCSD superintendent by thanking the students, parents, community partners and staff.

“One of the things I love about education is this excitement that happens every year as one year is ushered out and exciting plans are implemented for the next year,” Parsons said. “I consider it a great privilege to serve as your superintendent and I look forward to continuing our journey together. Be safe this week, finish strong, and then enjoy your well-deserved summer break!”