President Jermaine F. Williams officiated his first—and Montgomery College’s 75th—commencement exercises May 19 and 20 at the Rockville Campus. Two days of 80-plus-degree-heat did not deter nearly 1,200 of the 3,200 graduates and their families and friends from attending the ceremonies.
Dr. Williams thanked the class for their persistence about wanting an in-person ceremony. “Just three months ago we had not planned to hold this ceremony in person,” he said. “But then we heard from so many of you. We heard how much students wanted to celebrate their arrival at this day, so we pulled out all the stops to make it happen.”
College administrators and staff quickly pivoted to plan two ceremonies (recognizing graduates by last names A-L and M-Z) on the Rockville Campus parking lot. Vendors set up a grand stage measuring 40 feet high by 86 feet wide, which included two large video boards. Three more video boards were positioned in the guest and overflow viewing sections. A total of 3,500 chairs were used for graduates and their guests.
Dr. Williams briefly addressed the graduates about transcending limits. “Transcendence means to rise above or go beyond the limits [of something],” he said. “I believe this is what higher education is supposed to do: to show you what lies beyond your limits.”
At the ceremonies, Williams lauded the unlimited potential of many members of Montgomery College’s class of 2022, which range in age from 16 to 60-plus years old. Williams recognized Board of Trustees Scholars Gerardo Paul Rendon (Rockville Campus), Kenisha Salvary (Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus), and Yanxin Christina Yang (Germantown Campus), who all graduated with a 4.0 grade point average. These students receive a cash award to be applied to future tuition or educational purposes of their choice.
This year, 269 Montgomery County Public Schools students earned a Montgomery College degree—and their high school diploma—through innovative dual enrollment programs. These programs have grown exponentially since the first class of eight dual enrollment program students graduated in 2018.
Among other notable accomplishments, three graduates, Anna L. Chacon, Marthe Medalebem Sanjol, and Eve Elias Stowell, earned the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship, a highly selective scholarship for the nation’s top community college students seeking to complete their bachelor’s degrees at four-year colleges or universities.
To watch the ceremonies, visit montgomerycollege.edu/events/commencement.
Courtesy of Montgomery College
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17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Now in its 17th year, the Kensington Day of the Book Festival is a family-friendly street festival featuring 150+ renowned authors, poets, and literary organizations. Enjoy live music on five stages, special guest speakers, military veteran writers and comedians, poetry readings, cookbook demos, children's program, and much more.
Admission is free, and attendees will also be able to explore a marketplace of books and food offerings from local vendors.
Not your average book festival! This festival offers something for everyone!
17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Sunday, April 21, 2024, 11am-4pm (held rain or shine!)
Howard Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895
www.dayofthebook.com
Instagram: @kensingtonbookfestival
Contact: Elisenda Sola-Sole, Festival Director
301-949-9416 (text preferred)
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
