Central Baptist College graduated 102 students Saturday at its 2008 commencement.
Registrar Phylis Hoffman said it was one of the college's largest graduations, if not the largest. Of 102 receiving degrees, 100 participated in the ceremony, she said.
Prior to the ceremony at Burgess Auditorium, students in caps and gowns talked with friends and family members at the Harold E. Cooper Educational Complex.
Jessica Myrick of Conway was receiving an associate of arts in general education from CBC's Professional Adult College Education (PACE) program, which meets one night per week. Myrick has been working as a receptionist at CBC for the past year and a half.
"I am excited," she said. "I'm nervous. I'm glad it's finally here after four years of working on it."
She hopes to pursue a degree in counseling and to become a school counselor or therapist, she said.
Beverly Sherrill of Mount Vernon was also a student in the PACE program. She was receiving a bachelor of science in organizational management. She has a full-time job with Arkansas Blue Cross and hopes her degree will allow her to advance within the company, she said.
"I'm relieved it's over. It's been a long 20 months," she said.
Sherrill added her husband returned two weeks ago from deployment in Iraq and was at her graduation.
Rebecca Burke of Potosi, Mo., who was graduating summa cum laude, was receiving her associate's degree in early childhood education. She said her plans were to attend the University of Central Arkansas and finish her early childhood education degree.
Ali Smith of Clinton was "nervous but excited" about walking across the stage to receive her associate of arts in general education. She said she would complete her bachelor of arts in general education at CBC and possibly go on to UAMS to become a dental hygienist.
Matt Kelly of Greenbrier, who is a carrier for the Log Cabin Democrat, donned cap and gown to signify the completion of his associate's degree in science.
"It's one step closer to finishing my overall goal of becoming an educator," he said.
Kelly hopes to become a science teacher. He plans to attend UCA for his bachelor of science and his master's in science education.
Jimmy Tollison II of Jonesboro earned his bachelor of arts in biblical studies.
"I'm very excited," he said. "It's been a long road. It's my fifth year here, so I'm glad to get out."
Tollison said he plans to attend seminary and will probably go on to earn a doctorate in theology.
"Past that, I'll probably leave it up to the Lord," he said.
Freddie Mark Wilcox earned his associate's degree in general business. He said he will likely complete his business degree and minor in Bible.
"This is a proud moment," he said. "I thought I shouldn't tell anyone what to do, I should show them."
(Staff writer Rachel Parker Dickerson can be reached by e-mail at rachel.dickerson@thecabin.net or by phone at 505-1277. Send us your news at www.thecabin.net/submit)
