Frontier Community College celebrated its 48th Annual Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 15th at Fairfield Community High School, where 126 graduates were recognized.
The ceremony began promptly at 7 p.m. with the processional performed by the Fairfield Community High School Ensemble under the direction of Mr. Joshua Livesay. Frontier Community College President Dr. Sharmila Kakac welcomed graduates, families, friends, faculty, and staff to the evening’s celebration.
The Class of 2026 represented a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and academic pathways. The youngest graduate was 17, while the oldest was 60, with the average age of graduates being 22.7. Nearly 30 percent of the graduating class, 29.4 percent, were first-generation students. The most popular degree type among graduates was the Associate in Science and Arts, while the top departments represented were nursing, business management, and skilled trades.
During the ceremony, Dr. Kakac presented the 2026 President’s Award to Emmalynn Vinson of Vienna, Illinois. Jonathan Paul and Aubrey Churchill were recognized as runners-up for the honor.
Presented annually to a member of the graduating class, the President’s Award honors a student who exemplifies outstanding campus and community involvement, academic excellence, strong character, and a dedication to service.
Vinson was recognized for her leadership, academic success, campus involvement, and service to others. She served as president of Phi Theta Kappa, was active in several student organizations, and was a team captain for the Bobcats softball team. She also gave back to her community through youth softball lessons and volunteer coaching, helping lead New Simpson Hill Junior High girls basketball to a third-place state finish in 2025 and coaching a Johnson County Softball League team to a division title in 2025.
Following her time at Frontier, Vinson plans to attend Greenville University in Greenville, Illinois, where she will continue her academic and athletic career. Her goal is to become a teacher.
Dr. Kakac also recognized students who received program and club awards during the academic year. Miller Simpson was also recognized during the ceremony as he prepares to attend the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
Dr. Alani Frederick, Dean of Health Professions, presented the candidates for degrees and certificates, and IECC Board Chairman Gary Carter conferred the degrees and certificates.
Following the conferring of degrees, Dr. Kakac delivered the charge to the class, encouraging graduates as they begin the next chapter of their lives. The ceremony concluded with the recessional performed by Mr. Livesay and the FCHS Ensemble.
Blessed Blooms was also on hand selling flower bouquets for graduates and families. Golf cart rides were provided for those needing transportation to the high school, and members of the FCC Foundation assisted with handing out programs before the ceremony.
Frontier Community College congratulates the Class of 2026 on this important milestone and celebrates their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments.