From STAFF REPORTS

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University (VSU) recently announced the members of its graduating class of Spring 2017. This list includes the following local and area graduates.
Lyndsey Alston of Preston earned a bachelor of science in education in early childhood education.
Matthew Cowan of Montezuma earned a bachelor of science in biology.
Jennifer Fowler of Americus earned a bachelor of science in education in communication disorders and a bachelor of science in special education.
Jonathan Gooden of Americus earned a bachelor of science in organizational leadership.
Matthew Harris of Montezuma earned a bachelor of business administration in management.
William Hollomon of Americus earned a bachelor of applied science in human capital performance.
Miketta Thompson of Americus earned a bachelor of business administration in management.
More than 1,100 undergraduate and graduate students were recognized during VSU’s 223rd commencement ceremonies May 5-6. The Spring 2017 celebration featured a keynote address by Governor Nathan Deal, and a full fireworks display.
“Graduation is a defining moment in every student’s life,” said Richard A. Carvajal, Ph.D., president of VSU. “We are excited that the governor of this great state helped us pay tribute to the outstanding efforts of our spring graduates and celebrate education as the foundation upon which success is built. These students have had to overcome any number of challenges to reach this point in their life’s journey. It is that very perseverance that protects and nurtures Blazer Nation’s 100-plus-year-old tradition of academic, creative, athletic, research, and service excellence. This celebration is not an ending but the beginning of many great things to come.”