Alumna Kayla Witthoeft Delivers Fall Commencement Address
Press Release
Date: 1/20/2026
Contact: Lisa Garrett, lgarrett@tctc.edu
Alumna Kayla Witthoeft Delivers Fall Commencement Address
Clemson, SC – Kayla Witthoeft, a two-time Tri-County Technical College graduate, delivered the keynote address at fall commencement held December 15. Witthoeft is a post-anesthesia and critical care nurse, educator and researcher at Prisma Health Oconee Memorial Hospital.
Two hundred and fifty-eight graduates received degrees, diplomas and certificates.
Her address focused on the power of small actions and how each of us can make the world just a tiny bit better.
“I once sat exactly where you are. I am a proud Tri-County graduate,” said Witthoeft, who began her nursing career after graduating from TCTC’s Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) and Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) programs. She transferred to Clemson University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
“The foundation I built here shaped every step of my nursing career. I am endlessly grateful for this college, these faculty, and the way this place turns ordinary beginnings into extraordinary futures. At Tri-County Technical College, we don’t just learn …We build things. We fix things. We heal. We take concepts off the page and turn them into real improvements in real lives. Improvements that may look small in the moment but matter a lot to the people they involve.
Because the truth is, no one wakes up one morning and suddenly becomes a world-changer. That’s not how progress works. It’s not one giant decision ... it’s thousands of small, everyday contributions made by people who know their craft and care enough to use it,” said Witthoeft.
“These aren’t small things. These are the quiet acts that keep our entire world functioning. So, imagine this: What would happen if each of us committed to making the world just one degree better every day? Not perfect. Not solved. Just … better,” she asked the graduates.
“Those small acts of care add up—multiplied by thousands of graduates like you. That’s how communities change. That’s how workplaces transform. That’s how innovation actually happens. A small improvement in patient care becomes a healthier community. A small improvement in machinery becomes fewer accidents. A small improvement in design becomes a breakthrough years later. A small improvement in how you treat others becomes a ripple of kindness bigger than you will ever see,” she said.
“And if each of you does that – if you give your communities, your workplaces, and your corner of the world just one small improvement at a time – then someday we’ll look back and realize something incredible: All those tiny improvements weren’t tiny at all. They were the foundation of a better world that you helped create. Congratulations, graduates. Go out there and make things just a little bit better, one moment at a time.”
Last year Witthoeft was among the 100 nurses selected to receive a SC Palmetto Gold award and Prisma Health presented her with its Excellence in Nursing Research award.
In 2024 she attended the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) International Magnet Conference® and ANCC Pathway to Excellence Conference® in New Orleans to accept the National Magnet Nurse of the Year award in the category of New Knowledge, Innovation and Improvements. Witthoeft, BSN, RN, ONC, CPAN, CCRN, was only one of five nurse innovators in the world to be recognized for conducting research leading to best practices for their patients.
Her most recent accolade is the TCTC Distinguished Alumni of the Year award.
Following the speech, TCTC President Galen DeHay and other College officials presented degrees, diplomas and certificates to the following graduates:
Anderson County
From Anderson
Marck Anthony Ballard, Computer Technology-Software and Web Dev Emphasis; Nylehia Alanna Bash, Nursing-Registered, RN; Tyler Alex Blanding, Media Arts Production; Mackenzie Raeann Brest, Surgical Technology; Caelan Michael Brown, Manufacturing Management and Leadership; Kevon Carnes, Mechatronics Technology; Regan M. Carwile, Accounting; Abigael Paris Cushman, University Transfer-Associate in Arts; Kathy Vanesa Del Cid, Personal Care Aide; Benjamin Col Delacruz, Media Arts Production; Lauren Elizabeth Dickard, Business Administration - Entrepreneur; Hannah Faith Do, Business Administration; Alexander Michael Fanton, University Transfer-Associate in Arts; David A. Ford, Computer Technology-Software and Web Dev Emphasis; Michael Shane Franks, Mechatronics Technology; Adam Heath Fuller, Mechatronics Technology; Larissa Camille Galloway, Pre-Pharmacy; Akasha Geer, Administrative Office Technology-Med Office Specialist; Joseph E. Getty, Media Arts Production; Matthew Richard Durnell Grindle, Business Administration - Operations Management Emphasis; Marytere Luna Gutierrez, Surgical Technology; Alexis Raeane Harrison, Business Administration; Olivia Nicole Hawkins, Mechatronics Technology; LaKendra Head, Nursing-Practical, LPN; Mckenzie Breanna Herring, Media Arts Production; Isaac Patrick Higgins, Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning Technology; Britanny Grace Jackson, Business Administration - Entrepreneur; Michael David Jamieson, Media Arts Production; Andrew Spencer Jenness, Emergency Medical Technology; Hayden Lee Johnson, University Transfer-Associate in Science; Porsha Monique Johnson, Nursing-Registered, RN; Weston Grant Johnson, Mechatronics Technology; Jonathan Joseph Kent, Computer Technology-Cybersecurity/Forensics Emphasis; Benjamin Keith Knox, University Transfer-Associate in Science; Britani Lau Castaneda, University Transfer-Associate in Science; Lan T. Le, Manufacturing Production I; Jessica Brianne Levine, Nursing-Registered, RN; Christian Michael Lind, Mechatronics Technology; Kaylee Amiya Lopez, University Transfer-Associate in Science; Kennedy Riley Luper, Business Administration; Olivia Paige Maness, Nursing-Practical, LPN; Madeline Rose McClure, Early Care and Education; Preslie Renee McCuen, Nursing-Registered, RN; Jaiden Michael McNamara, Business Administration - Entrepreneur; Charlene Mattison Moore, Business Administration; Desiree Monica Moore, Nursing-Registered, RN; Elizabeth Nicole Poleshuk, Business Administration; Kasai Rashaad Pressley, Computer Technology-Cybersecurity/Forensics Emphasis; Juanita Sarai Ramos Martinez, Nursing-Registered, RN; Holly Anne Reep, University Transfer-Associate in Arts; John George Rozakos, Business Administration - Entrepreneur; Skyzia Brooklyn Sanders, Business Administration - Management Emphasis; Curtis M. Sibert, Media Arts Production; Trinity Jean Simonson, University Transfer-Associate in Science; Katherine E. Sisk, Business Administration - Management Emphasis; Dylan Samuel Smith, Mechatronics Technology; Shane Michael Smith, HVAC Apprentice; Amilcar Ernesto Solis, Mechatronics Technology; Karis Olivia Stewart, University Transfer-Associate in Arts; Morgan Ashley Stewart, Nursing-Registered, RN; Piriyaporn Suwankuer, Nursing-Registered, RN; Christin Truong, Manufacturing Production I; Jordan Olivia Turbeville, Surgical Technology; Kristina Abbegale Elizabeth Vaughn, Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement Oper Emphasis; Tydeja Iyana Williams, Nursing-Registered, RN; Kareem Willingham, Computer Technology-Cybersecurity/Forensics Emphasis; and Cullen James Wilson, Computer Technology-Cybersecurity/Forensics Emphasis
From Belton
Natalie Morgan Boggs, Business Administration; Amber Rose Cleveland, Personal Care Aide; Sarah Gracelynn Thornwell Hooper, Nursing-Transition, LPN to RN; Nykiejah Breasha Phillips, University Transfer-Associate in Arts; Brooklyn Ramsey, Business Administration; Hunter Ray Saville, Mechatronics Technology; and Benjamin Waters, Computer Technology-Network Systems Mgt Emphasis
From Honea Path
Mekenzie Grace Bright, Surgical Technology and Emily Aleece Riddle, Nursing-Registered, RN
From Iva
Landen Paul Edwards, University Transfer-Associate in Science; Dalton Malon Lewis, Mechatronics Technology; and Charles Randall Smith, Nursing-Registered, RN
From Pelzer
Steven Gage Holcombe, Mechatronics Technology
From Pendleton
Zealeria Sanaa McCrea, Nursing-Practical, LPN; Matthew Murray, Criminal Justice Technology; Sonja Yvette Patterson, Manufacturing Management and Leadership; Hannah Person, Business Administration - Marketing Emphasis; Chevis Dakota Posey, Business Administration; Chloe Elizabeth Simmons, Nursing-Registered, RN; Bathshua Tirzah Wall, University Transfer-Associate in Science; and Lataya Michell Welborn, University Transfer-Associate in Science
From Piedmont
Christin Leigh Bovender, Nursing-Practical, LPN; Bayne Brooks, Welding Technology-Multi-Process; Kayla Nicole McGrier, Nursing-Registered, RN; Reagan Eliana Perry, Nursing-Registered, RN; Kaylee Beth Raymond, University Transfer-Associate in Arts; Cameron James Sanders, Computer Technology-Software and Web Dev Emphasis; Madison Stowe, Nursing-Registered, RN; William Evan Tripp, Welding Technology; and Monica Mae Williams, Nursing-Registered, RN
From Starr
Melissa Branham, Nursing-Registered, RN; John Thomas Burgess, Mechatronics Technology; Keagan Wayne Carter, Mechatronics Technology; Brianna Nicole McCurley, Nursing-Registered, RN; and Victoria Ashley Southerland, Nursing-Registered, RN
From Williamston
Antonio Santos Escalante, Welding Technology; William Lee Grimes, Welding Technology; Hunter Zarek Hughes, Mechatronics Technology; and Logan A. Woodhams, Mechatronics Technology
Oconee County
From Fair Play
Gretchen Elise Leroy, Personal Care Aide
From Mountain Rest
Jamie Sue Nicholson, Nursing-Registered, RN; and Maverick Homer James Shelton, Mechatronics Technology
From Salem
William Brett Burrell, CNC Programming and Operations; Kaleigh Jeannette Galloway, Nursing-Registered, RN; Joshua Hastin Gibson, University Transfer-Associate in Arts; Autumn Delisa Hidalgo, Nursing-Registered, RN; and Isaac Paul Johnson, Mechatronics Technology
From Seneca
Katherine Margaret Becker, Business Administration - Management Emphasis; Matthew Frederick Berger, CNC Programming and Operations; McKayla Fujimoto, Business Administration - Entrepreneur; Anthony Michael Galloway, Welding Technology; Violeta Daniella Gerasimchuk, Surgical Technology; Skylar Alexis Marie Gibson, University Transfer-Associate in Science; Kaitlyn Elizabeth Halliwell, Welding Technology; Connor David Heeter, Manufacturing Production I; Alexis Kha Le, University Transfer-Associate in Arts; Rhiannon Kaitlyn Lee, University Transfer-Associate in Arts; William Hunter McClure, Computer Technology-Software and Web Dev Emphasis; Reid Maddox Merck, University Transfer-Associate in Arts; Jaden Davarion Morris, Mechatronics Technology; Jessica Ravan Sloan, Surgical Technology; Lexie Savannah Smith, Personal Care Aide; Morgan Elizabeth Suttles, Nursing-Registered, RN; Samuel Leon Watters, Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning Technology; Ben Edward White, Automotive Technology; and Joshua James Whitworth, Manufacturing Management and Leadership
From Townville
Hannah Jesse Stansell, Nursing-Registered, RN
From Walhalla
Katlyn Michelle Catchings, Nursing-Transition, LPN to RN; Yerlin Melissa Cruz Galvez, Business Administration; Jackson Marvin Edmonds, Computer Technology-Cybersecurity/Forensics Emphasis; Christopher W. Edwards, Business Administration - Management Emphasis; Naharai Bithiah Pineda, Nursing-Transition, LPN to RN; James Patrick Pitts, Mechatronics Technology; Alleigh Suzanne Sanders, Nursing-Registered, RN; Anna Lee Smith, Nursing-Registered, RN; Emily Makenna Vajdic, Business Administration - Management Emphasis; and Derek Vaughn, Business Administration - Management Emphasis
From West Union
Hayden Lee Booth, University Transfer-Associate in Arts; Gracian Davis Hamby, Criminal Justice Technology; Angel Ismael Melendez, University Transfer-Associate in Science; Parker Ryan Roach, University Transfer-Associate in Arts; and Kylie Brooke Siedschlag, Media Arts Production
From Westminster
Frederick Levi Cole Ashley, CNC Programming and Operations; Salomon Colin, Engineering Systems Technology; Carlos Escamilla, Surgical Technology; Rachel LeeAnn Hendrix, Nursing-Registered, RN; Mary Rebecca Miller, Media Arts Production; Daniel James Monez, Manufacturing Production I; Arianna Rae Patterson, Manufacturing Production I; Emily Louise Ragle, Nursing-Registered, RN; Reagan M. Reed, Surgical Technology; and Evan Daniel Rogers, Associate in Science
Pickens County
From Central
Tristian Amir Allen, Nursing-Registered, RN; Erin Beam, University Transfer-Associate in Arts; Jackson Douglas Broome, Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning Technology; Madison Elizabeth Harrison, University Transfer-Associate in Arts; Kaylee Nevaeh Holbrooks, Personal Care Aide; Riley Henderson Kelley, HVAC Installer; Andrew Harrison Kittrell, Computer Technology-Cybersecurity/Forensics Emphasis; Trinity Nicole Lawton, Early Care and Education; Juan Luis Martinez, Welding Technology; Stephen J. Miller, Mechatronics Technology; Wanda Christine Wardlaw, Business Administration; Noah Sinclaire Warwick, University Transfer-Associate in Arts; Joshua Cody Young, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology; Samantha Elan Ansardi, Early Care and Education; Stacy Cartwright Estes, Surgical Technology; and William Cade Wardlaw, University Transfer-Associate in Arts
From Clemson
Ryan Jones Cloer, University Transfer-Associate in Arts; Katherine Lee Mostertz, University Transfer-Associate in Arts; and Ashley Nicole Wright, Nursing-Registered, RN
From Easley
Landen Lee Adler, University Transfer-Associate in Arts; Emma Elizabeth Alexander, Nursing-Practical, LPN; Samarah Jade Bautista Winchester, Business Administration - Management Emphasis; Logan Bertonaschi, Mechatronics Technology; Deandrea Joy Blake, Nursing-Practical, LPN; Kristin Elaina Brooks, Computer Technology-Software and Web Dev Emphasis; Amy Gail Coleman, Nursing-Registered, RN; Christine Ann Corn, Nursing-Registered, RN; Matthew Justin Cronin, Nursing-Practical, LPN; Noura Lynn Dardouk, Nursing-Registered, RN; Latoya Renee Davis, Business Administration; Campbell Elizabeth Galloway, Business Administration - Entrepreneur; Gracie Catherine Garrick, Surgical Technology; Rachel E. Godfrey, Nursing-Practical, LPN; Reilly Gossett, Nursing-Registered, RN; Elicia S. Hansen, Nursing-Registered, RN; Mayci Reese Irby, Nursing-Registered, RN; Tanishia Lashai Justice, Nursing-Registered, RN; Joseph Alfred Kelley, Administrative Office Technology; Jonathan Thomas Lawton, Mechatronics Technology; Nicole Heaven Lee, Business Administration - Management Emphasis; Johnny Chase Mcintosh, Mechatronics Technology; Kylie Nicole Moore, Nursing-Registered, RN; Kaitlyn Elaine Morrow, Nursing-Practical, LPN; Wilbur Lester Murrell, Emergency Medical Technology; Jamison Martin Schulz, Nursing-Practical, LPN; Nicholas Dean Scott, Mechatronics Technology; Alec Sean Smith, Computer Technology-Network Systems Mgt Emphasis; Mckynze Jo Sorrow, Personal Care Aide; Macee Rae Tamminen, Nursing-Registered, RN; Addison Spence Turner, Business Administration - Management Emphasis; Hadon Joseph Wallin, Business Administration - Marketing Emphasis; Tyrik Marquise Watson, Computer Technology-Software and Web Dev Emphasis; Andrew Daniel Woodard, Nursing-Practical, LPN; and John M. Youssef, Media Arts Production
From Liberty
Cameron Carver, Business Administration - Management Emphasis; Christopher Gage Epps, University Transfer-Associate in Arts; Kiera Celeste Marino, Media Arts Production; Talena Ruby, Nursing-Registered, RN; and Karly Amber Ruth Watkins, Surgical Technology
From Pickens
Naiseth Antonio-Hernandez, Nursing-Practical, LPN; Javin Lewis Barnhardt, Mechatronics Technology; Caleb Samuel Bowen, Mechatronics Technology; Briana V. Hudson, Administrative Office Technology-Medical Emphasis; Bentley Neal Jennings, University Transfer-Associate in Science; Hallie Lashea Pace, Nursing-Practical, LPN; Keegan Elias Pangle, Business Administration - Management Emphasis; and Douglas Rae Hunter Sosbee, HVAC Installer
From Six Mile
Kaitlyn Grace Dunkley, Nursing-Registered, RN; Kalyn Ann Meaders, University Transfer-Associate in Science; and Cenia Marizol Velasquez, University Transfer-Associate in Arts
From Sunset
Fisher Stephens Kelly, Manufacturing Production I
Out of County
From Abbeville
Elliott Mckee Clark, Media Arts Production
From Elgin
Katie Kyeong Ryan, Nursing-Registered, RN
From Fountain Inn
Kayla Hall, Nursing-Registered, RN
From Greenville
Lakisha Griffin Davis, Nursing-Practical, LPN; Mckenzie Faith Dickson, Nursing-Registered, RN; Katlyn Teresa Fowler, Business Administration - Management Emphasis; Barbara Jenkins, Nursing-Registered, RN
From Greenwood
Kydedra R. Banks, University Transfer-Associate in Arts
From Greer
Kelly Ysabel Carver, Computer Technology-Cybersecurity/Forensics Emphasis
From Hartsville
Ashlyn Grace Goff, Nursing-Registered, RN
From Manning
Lanie Rhane McGee, Surgical Technology
From Marion
Riley Grace Hatfield, University Transfer-Associate in Science
From Mountville
Naisha Randasia Goggins, Nursing-Transition, LPN to RN
From Simpsonville
Makayla De'Ann Dawkins, Nursing-Practical, LPN; Blaire Madison Dumit, Nursing-Registered, RN
From Slater
Kalyn Ann Haney, Nursing-Registered, RN
From Summerville
Mason Matthew Lowe, HVAC Installer; Peggy Blayne Murchison, Manufacturing Management and Leadership
From Taylors
Merari Stefany Lopez, Nursing-Practical, LPN; Karis M. Sutton, Nursing-Practical, LPN
From Travelers Rest
Olivia Ann White, Nursing-Practical, LPN
From West Columbia
Sophie Erin Gilroy, University Transfer-Associate in Arts
From York
Ashley Taylor Stiles, Nursing-Registered, RN
Out of State
From Decatur, AL
Ashley Amber Santos, Photography
From Parkesburg, PA
Abigail Fleming, Nursing-Registered, RN
Other graduates:
Rachele L. Brooks, Nursing-Registered, RN; Alyssa Leigh Griffin, Nursing-Registered, RN; and Noah Franklin Price, Business Administration
About Tri-County Technical College
Tri-County Technical College, a public two-year community and technical college serving Anderson, Oconee and Pickens Counties in South Carolina, enrolls more than 9,000 students annually and offers more than 70 major fields of study, including computer technology, business administration, mechatronics, nursing, and university transfer programs. Tri-County boasts the highest student success rate among two-year colleges in the state and ranks in the top one percent nationally for successful student transfers to four-year colleges and universities. To learn more, visit tctc.edu.
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