Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) celebrated their annual commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 17 at 2:00 p.m. 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 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 President Snelick to deliver her speech as this year’s student speaker. Prior to commencement, Haight shared some words about what this day and opportunity meant to her. “It’s truly an honor to be asked to speak at this commencement, because it’s such an important and memorable day for all of us. Looking back to before college, I never dreamed I’d be doing this.”
Haight spoke about how she grew during her time as an NPRC student during her address. “My journey to this day was not what some may see as traditional. Growing up, I was homeschooled, and it’s something I’m very thankful for today. I want to thank my parents for preparing me for success. After graduating high school in 2020, I took a gap year and figure out what was next for me. I never really considered leaving home to attend college. Therefore, Northern Pennsylvania Regional College was the perfect place to continue my education.”
She continued, “Certain aspects of college are extremely difficult. I had late nights and countless assignments. There were classes I really loved and looked forward to, and others that I wished I didn’t have to take. In the moment, it can be incredibly stressful and discouraging. However, looking back, there is no part of my college career that didn’t shape me into a better version of myself. I am now more confident in myself than I’ve ever been. I also learned more about the community I was a part of. No matter what the degree, it is hard work. I questioned countless times if I had chosen the right college and the right degree. The truth is it could not have been better. I honestly believe this college was placed in my life for a reason.”
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. “My story, in many ways, is not unique. And that’s exactly why it matters. 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.”
“What I’ve learned is that courage doesn’t always show up in a cape. Sometimes, it looks like showing up to class when your body is aching. Sometimes, it’s choosing to read just one more chapter when your child is finally asleep. And sometimes, courage is simply letting yourself believe you are worthy of more. NPRC gave me more than just an education. It gave me the ability to bet on myself. It didn’t ask that I became perfect—it only asked that I come as I am, willing to try. It opened a door, and though the road was rocky, it was mine. And now, I see it led me here to this moment.”
After Grajek’s address, candidates were presented. This year’s candidates included:
Associate of Arts
Kara Randi-Joy Haight – Graduated with honors – Pittsfield, PA – Warren County
Katlyn Sobkowski – Graduated with honors – Youngsville, PA – Warren County
Associate of Science
Jacqueline Whitaker – Graduated with honors – St. Marys, PA – Elk County
Frank Williams – U.S. Veteran – Warren, PA – Warren County
Work-Ready Certificate
Danielle E. Gietler – Shinglehouse, PA – Potter County
Angela Lee McFarland – Tionesta, PA – Forest County
Dawn E. Nasoni – St. Marys, PA – Elk County
Katlyn Sobkowski – Graduated with honors – Youngsville, PA – Warren County
Frank Williams – U.S. Veteran – Warren, PA – Warren County
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. With the hard work of the NPRC Commencement Committee, the College hosted a ceremony that these alumni and their loved ones will never forget. We look forward to continuing to celebrate the successes of these alumni and seeing many more students cross the stage in the coming years.
NPRC acknowledges that the information contained in this content is complete and accurate at time of publication. It is descriptive in nature and the College reserves the right to make any adjustments it deems necessary or desirable. Updates to programs, tuition, or other academic-related items will be reflected in the online College Catalog or on the respective College web pages. Questions regarding accuracy of content may be emailed to marketing@rrcnpa.org.