Page 10 - Ft. Irwin High Desert Warrior 6-5-15

10 High Desert Warrior
June 5, 2015
Education
Congratulations graduates!
Story and photos by Gustavo Bahena
Public Affairs Office
A consolidated graduation ceremony honored graduates of
higher education here, May 12.
The 18th annual ceremony hosted by the Fort Irwin Educa-
tion Center recognized military servicemembers, family mem-
bers and civilian employees of the National Training Center
and Fort Irwin. Almost 80 graduates completed a course of
study leading to qualifications ranging from certificates of
achievement to master’s degree diplomas.
Approximately 25 of the graduates attended the ceremony,
which included an audience of family, friends, servicemembers,
and leadership of post units.
Academic institution representatives at the event included: audience, said it was challenging being a military spouse and
Dr. Debbie DiThomas, superintendent/president of Barstow
Community College; Marcia Zableckis, president of the Board
of Trustees for the Barstow Community College District;
Mark Clair, academic director of Park University, and; John
Valentine, director of the Fort Irwin Education Center. Col-
Dr. Debbie DiThomas, superintendent/president of Barstow Community College, Twenty-five graduates attended the ceremony, May 12. Seventy-eight servicemembers,
performs a hooding ceremony for Capt. Frank Lenart, who received a master’s family members and civilian employees of the National Training Center and Fort Irwin
degree in management and leadership from Webster University.
For more information go to www.irwin.army.mil
www.aerotechnews.com/ntcfortirwin
lege faculty also attended. successful I can be, and with motivation and determination,
Col. Kevin Jacobi, commander of 11th Armored Cavalry anything is possible.”
Regiment, represented post leadership and provided remarks. Staff Sgt. Lynnis Nickelson – a tank crewmember with
He complimented the graduates and described their achieve- Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 11th
ments as extremely significant. ACR and a member of the S-3 battle staff – received his as-
sociates of science degree in criminal justice from Kaplan
“Congratulations for earning something that no one can University. Just one month after being stationed here in April
ever take away from you,” Jacobi said. “And congratulations 2012, he began his studies. His lowest grade was an A minus,
for entering a new phase in your life, be that continued service and he didn’t want to get anything worse, so he bought an
in the military or following your dreams in contributing to Internet hotspot and did schoolwork in the field when possible.
society in another way. The road you have taken requires dedi-
cation and perseverance. Congratulations on your persistence His wife, Nicola, acknowledged that he made sacrifices
and achieving the goals you have set for yourself. We are all to succeed.
very proud of you.”
“I am so excited for him,” Nicola said. “I’m just happy that
Carol Queen graduated with an associates of arts in social he achieved his dream … because it was a lot of hard work.”
science from the Barstow College and, while addressing the
The non-commissioned officer stated he will start this fall
going to school, but well “worth it in the end.” working on his bachelor’s, which could lead to a career in
homeland security.
“Military families face many challenges, and going to school
usually is difficult because you’re constantly moving around, “When it comes to your education, you have to make a
and it can be hard to stick to a career plan,” Queen explained. decision to invest in your future,” Nickelson said. “So …
“Barstow Community College has opened my eyes to how you’re going to have to make some sacrifices, but in the end
it’s going to work out for the better.”
Sunghee Yun, recipient of a bachelor of science in social psychology from Park University,
and Carol Queen, recipient of an associates of arts in social science from Barstow
Community College. They were the student speakers at the 2015 Consolidated Graduation
Ceremony here, May 12.
completed a course of study leading to qualifications ranging from certificates of
achievements to master’s degree diplomas.
Jeremy Berenschot is congratulated
by Col. Kevin Jacobi at the 2015
Fort Irwin Consolidated Graduation
Ceremony, May 12. Berenschot
received a bachelor of science in
computer networks security from
the University of Maryland University
College. Jacobi is the commander of
the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment.