Since 1967, Sampson Community College has honored thousands of graduates through its annual spring commencement ceremony. On Thursday, May 7, SCC welcomed almost 400 graduates for its 2026 Applied Science & Education, Business, and College Transfer program ceremonies — marking the college’s 59th commencement.
Walking the stage at the Sampson County Exposition Center, over 310 students completed a traditional degree or diploma pathway, while 70 dual-enrolled high school students earned both their two-year degree and high school diploma through Sampson Early College High School or SCC’s Career & College Promise program.
SCC’s CCP graduates included: CHS- Anna Lovitt, Keyla Serrano, Dylan Zuniga, Alexus West; Hobbton High- Cooper Bland, Grace Harris, Molly Hobbs, Lola Warren; Lakewood High- Harper Newton, Caitlyn Bass, Andrey Aguirre; Midway High- AnnaBell Ennis, Kelsey Fisher, Alexander Parker, Kayla Raines, Jacob Ratliff, Wilson Mayo, Lizbeth Ventura-Antonio, Peyton Herring, Ella Love, Bridget Jenness, Elizabeth Rogers; Union High- Mia Castro-Guerrero, Adyson Register, Jazmine Serrano, Aileen Serrano, Karisma Fryar, Leslie Soloranzo; Homeschool- Brandon Bednar, Briley Spearman; Harrells Christian- Grace Johnson.
The events began with the National Anthem sung by Angela Martin, Arts & Sciences instructor at SCC, followed by the academic procession led by 2026 Academic Marshals Hollin Autry, Noel De la Fuente, Edwin Gaspar Martinez, Jesury Guerrero Flores, Saliyah Joyner, Herlin Medina Martinez, Spencer Mumford, Oscar Munguia Zaldivar, Kailey Pope, and William Sankey.
Afterwards, Outstanding Graduates from each of the college’s degree programs were recognized. Each year, recipients are nominated by faculty and staff based upon scholastic excellence, leadership ability and potential for future achievement, citizenship and service to school, maturity in on-the-job situations, and participation in civic and professional activities.
Spring 2026 Outstanding Graduates: Liliana Almonte Lopez, Nathan Baker, Sarai Balderas, Tamara Danielle Becton, Allison Deanne Caudell, Ashley Danetta Draughon, Nicole Sachiko Faircloth, Jessica Leanne Flores, Amanda Lea Graves, Jonathan Glen Grice, Molly Maranda Hobbs, Elizabeth Iorizzo, Shayla Jocelyn Jackson, Walker Joyner Jr., Jessica Gautier Lane, Stephine Macedo-Serrano, Angel Guadualupe Ramirez, Cesia Ramirez Santoyo, Jacob Stone Ratliff, Allison Hughes Reed, Abram Sanchez, William Tippett, Kaycie Grace White, Wendy Marleny Zelaya-Lizardo.
SCC’s Academic Excellence Award for 2026 went to Molly Hobbs, a Hobbton High student who graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA from SCC through CCP, earning both her Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degree. Nominated by faculty and staff, the award is the highest academic honor the N.C. Community College System bestows on students from each of the 58 community colleges in N.C.
Another special student honored during the commencement was Jose Resendiz Ponce, a United States Marine Corps veteran, 2024 Building Construction Technology graduate, and superintendent for Daniels & Daniels Construction who returned to SCC to earn his Associate in Applied Science in Business Administration. Ponce was nominated as the college’s 2026 Dallas Herring Achievement Award nominee, celebrating students who have overcome tremendous obstacles and taken advantage of the opportunities provided by the community college system.
Student Ambassadors to SCC for the academic year, Nathan Baker and Sara Davis, were also honored.
The keynote address for the evening was given by Jimmy Matthews, long-time owner of Matthews Drugs and Matthews Gifts in Clinton, — well-loved businesses that have served the community for over five decades.
Graduating from CHS and UNC Chapel Hill’s School of Pharmacy, Matthews returned to Clinton to open his two beloved establishments, while raising a family with his wife, Bonnie. He’s also played a vital role in local organizations and initiates such as Kiwanis, Jaycees, Sampson County Chamber of Commerce, Clinton City Schools, First Baptist Church, and more. Retiring after 55 years in pharmacy, Matthews has been able to witness the growth and impact SCC has had on students throughout the years—growing from a small annex building to the current campus today.
“Having grown up here and having seen the path that SCC has taken, it is unreal. It started in a small building downtown and from there, with the dreams and hard work, in combination with the leadership of the community college, has blossomed into an institution whose footprint is across the United States.”
In his address, Matthews also encouraged graduates to go out into the workforce with a mindset of serving others, instead of chasing wealth. Through his career as a pharmacist, Matthews shared that he’s personally seen the impact helping others can have on a life — ultimately telling students to always remember: ‘Do unto others, as you would have them do to you.’
He stated, “I hope to challenge graduates not to focus on the dollars you can earn, but what you can do to help and serve people through the job you choose. That if we put service first, the money we desire and need will follow. Believe me, as I have reflected, I saw that theory work well for over 55 years… being a part of a business where we pay attention to people. Put money second and service first, and that will take you through life and provide you with the resources needed to get through it. It is better to have a million friends than a million dollars. Congratulations to all the graduates on their hard work.”
Dr. William Starling, president of SCC, also congratulated students, “We are proud of all of our graduates, many of whom have overcome the challenges of jobs, families, and financial pressures while continuing their program of study; those who are the first in their families to attend college; and others who returned after years away, seeking new skills in a changing economy. This has been a remarkable year of accomplishment for our students, faculty, and staff!”
Sampson Community College is tremendously proud of its graduating Class of 2026, the president noted. The college , he said, recognizes the hard work and dedication that has gone into completing their respective degrees and diplomas over the last few years.