Bradford native Hailey Taylor has been named the 2026 Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) Student Commencement Speaker. Taylor began her time at NPRC in the Fall 2024 term and will earn an Associate of Science in Business Administration on Saturday, May 9. The ceremony is set for 2:00 p.m. in Taylor’s native McKean County at The Wilds Sonshine Factory, Inc. in Kane, located at 3480 Route 6 West.
Taylor’s address will share her journey from a high school student who struggled academically to a college student graduating among the top of her class as an honors student, a multiple-time Dean’s List honoree, and the September 2025 NPRC Student of the Month. “This opportunity really means a lot because I’m the first person in my immediate family to graduate from college,” explained Taylor. “I always hoped that going to college would be possible, and I’m grateful NPRC was the institution to give me that chance.”
Upon receiving the news of being selected as the student speaker, Taylor was overcome with emotion. “I hoped it would be possible, but I did not know if it was,” she shared. “I called my boyfriend after seeing that email that said I was selected as the student speaker. Truthfully, I couldn’t stop crying. It’s a moment I will never forget.”
Taylor’s speech reflects on how she found a whole new support system at NPRC, one that saw her for who she was and helped her become the student she knew she could be. With the help of her advisor, Sandie Rohlin, and support from dedicated instructors, Taylor is proud of how she has changed her life and brightened her future simply by being given a chance at NPRC. “Life is hard and we all face different challenges, but just because we face them, it does not mean we cannot overcome them. Nothing is set in stone unless we let it be. No matter where someone is in their journey through life, there’s always an opportunity to move past hard times and grow into the person you know you can be and want to be. It’s just a matter of challenging yourself and holding yourself accountable to do so.”
Taylor has previously shared her own story through NPRC’s social media and even with friends and family who are considering going to college. Finding NPRC was something that has benefitted her, and she hopes others will consider the institution as an affordable and accessible option regardless of their current circumstances. “I’ve shared with some family members and friends that it’s never too early to try something or plan. I encourage everyone to check out NPRC as a low-cost opportunity to see if college is for them. If it is, it is a great place to earn a degree and grow. They offer flexibility for those who work and prefer to learn from home. NPRC is a place that is leading to better opportunities for me, and I know it has and will continue to help others, too.”
After graduation, Taylor is exploring more education in business, entrepreneurship, joining one of her family’s businesses, or even a pivot into studying marine and wildlife biology because of her love of animals. “I’m leaning more seriously into a bachelor’s degree in business, but I want to continue to make sure that the next degree is also affordable, similar to NPRC.”
With just a few short weeks separating her from college student and college graduate, Taylor shares that it’s truly an indescribable feeling. A little over two years ago, she was unsure what would come next in life. But after finding her support system and setting her mind to a set of goals, Hailey Taylor will now serve as the student speaker for NPRC’s annual commencement ceremony. “It’s so surreal that it is finally happening,” she said. “The words cannot simply match how I feel inside about this. I took five or six classes at a time for two years, and here I am. At NPRC, I was never seen for anything less than who I am and was never cast aside. I cannot thank everyone, including my family, friends, boyfriend, and everyone at NPRC, for how they’ve helped and treated me. The people who work at NPRC are truly there for you as a student and as a person, and that has made a tremendous difference for me.”
Learn more about the 2026 Northern Pennsylvania Regional College Commencement Ceremony by visiting the official webpage.
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