Snead State Community College Honors Graduating Athletes with Special Commencement Ceremony

Snead State Community College recognized student-athletes Monday evening, May 4, in a special Commencement ceremony highlighting their achievements in both academics and athletics.

Held at Plunkett Wallace Gymnasium, the ceremony brought together graduates, families, coaches, and college officials to celebrate a class that balanced competition schedules with coursework while representing the college across multiple sports.

Snead State President Dr. Joe Whitmore addressed the graduates, emphasizing the discipline required of student-athletes.

"Tonight is a special kind of celebration. We gather to honor a group of graduates who didn't just complete assignments and pass exams—you competed, you represented this college with pride, and you carried the responsibility of being both a student and an athlete. That takes discipline. That takes sacrifice. That takes resilience."

Dr. Whitmore challenged the graduates with a message about humility and accountability as they enter the next stage of life.

"Receiving your degree is a big deal, but it does not entitle you to anything. Your degree is an accomplishment. It is not a guarantee. It provides an opportunity. It is not a reward for the rest of your life, and it certainly does not entitle you to success."

He noted that millions of students graduate each year, urging the class to distinguish themselves through their actions rather than through their credentials alone.

"What will set you apart is not the fact that you have a degree—but how you live, how you work, and how you respond when life gets hard," Dr. Whitmore said. "Nothing is given. You didn't win just because you showed up. Some of your greatest growth came when things didn't go your way."

Dr. Whitmore also highlighted the importance of faith and humility, encouraging graduates to remain grounded as they pursue careers or further education.

"Faith replaces entitlement with gratitude. Instead of saying, 'I deserve this,' faith says, 'I'm thankful for the opportunity.'"

Participating in the Athletic Commencement Ceremony were:

Baseball
• Gabe Benton of Alexander City
• Forrest Heacock of Oxford
• JT Johnson of Madison
• Cameron Palahach of Hartselle
• Jack Rupe of Huntsville
• Mason Busch of Madison
• Andy Howard of Albertville
• Layton Sanford of Silver Creek, Ga.
• Mac Anderson of Gulf Shores
• Lawson Collier of Hazel Green
• Caid Finn of Hoover
• Blaze Gerhart of Sardis
• Coleman Gray of Birmingham
• McClane Mohon of Piedmont
• Brooks Parkerson of Midland, Ga.
• Bryce Persell of Fayetteville, Tenn.

Women's Basketball
• Lauren Jimmerson of Plainview
• Laylah Davis of Southside
• Skylar Lassiter of Pleasant Grove
• Omaya Nelson of Pleasant Grove
• Deacon Turner (Manager) of

Women's Golf
• Marlee Hedgepeth of Alexandria

Men's Basketball
• Ansar Osman of Atlanta, Ga.
• Raymond Rolley of Trussville
• Jaylen Spain of Douglas

Men's Golf
• Landon Bethune of Albertville
• Eli Edge of Gadsden
• Brayden Cochran of Riverside
• Jack Kilgo of Rainbow City
• John Linley of Tuscumbia

Softball
• Josie Bunch of Boaz
• Kailey Hyatt of Hazel Green
• Makayla Owen of Henagar
• Kylie Stracener of Cullman
• Macayla Wilkins of Vinemont
• Lola Wood of Altoona
• Brooke Mathewson of Tuscaloosa
• Brinlee Phillips of Falkville
• Amber Newman of Trussville
• Brynlee Silletti of Huntsville
• Kendra Fay of Fyffe
• Jalyn Hannah of Boaz
• Ivey Marsh of Guntersville
• Keilei Pearson of New Hope

Tennis
• Libby Kate Talton of Sardis
• Kailyn Boman of Albertville
• Emma Greer of Albertville
• Katy Morrison of Albertville
• Aubree Sipsy of Centre

Volleyball
• Shaquondra Holcombe of Chatom
• Tazlya Harris of Guntersville
• Layla Kirby of Fort Payne
• Jazira Roberts of Boaz
• Liberty Shadix of Cullman