Staff Report
Western Nevada College celebrated the Class of 2026 during commencement ceremonies held May 18 at Marv Teixeira Pavilion in Carson City and May 20 at Rafter 3C Arena in Fallon.
The college recognized a record 686 graduates approved to receive a combined 851 degrees and Certificates of Achievement.
“Commencement is one of the proudest and most inspiring traditions at Western Nevada College because it celebrates the determination, resilience, and achievements of our students,” said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. “The Class of 2026 has reached an extraordinary milestone, and we are especially proud of our Jump Start students who earned college degrees while completing high school. On behalf of the entire college community, congratulations to our graduates and their families. We look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make throughout Nevada and beyond.”
This year’s graduating class also marked a milestone for the college’s Jump Start program, with 242 students earning associate degrees before graduating from high school. Picture below: Fallon Media’s Riggin Stonebarger graduates with an Associate of Business degree. Photo by Christina Rodarte.
“These accomplishments reflect the dedication of our students and the collective support and collaborative efforts of the entire campus community,” said WNC Admissions and Records Director and Registrar Chelsie Hamtak.
The Class of 2026 represents 11 states and is WNC’s 55th graduating class. The Fallon campus saw 87 students graduate, with several students earning multiple degrees or certificates.
WNC Fallon Graduates
Associate of Applied Science - Deaf Studies: Belinda Jean Hooper
Associate of Applied Science - Graphic Design: Kelti Lou Koehler
Associate of Applied Science - Health Science: Shivani J. Bhakta
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing: Daniel Jacob Andersen, Guadalupe De Santiago, Kimduong Duong, Brielle Johnson, Joshua Sanders
Associate of Applied Science - Technology - Welding: Trenton Aldrich, Jorge Nicholas Garcia, Talon Michael Johnson, Xander Kobberstad, Trevor M. Layton, Alyssa Partridge, Dustin Wade Stritenberger
Associate of Arts: Chase L. Ackerman, Ayden James Anaya, Travis Anderton, Alyssa Renee Ayers, Mikayla June Casey, Aidan Christopher Clark, Dahlila Aysha Creer, Dylan J. Ekins-Faught, Adelyne Flick, Katelyn Emma Glinka, Shelene Renee Gomez-Miller, Kayla D. Greenberg, Abraham Gutierrez, Beatriz L. Hallberg, Joshua Helm, Isabella R. Hockenberry Grimes, Taylor Jean Hyde, Melanie Ibarra, Genesis Jade Johnson, Savahanna Kelley, Mackenzi Jean Kerr, Kelti Lou Koehler, Olivia Merced Kutansky, Trevor M. Layton, Mikala Jane Ledesma, Chrystal Martinez, Natalia Aurora Martinez De La Cruz, Justin O. McArthur, Taylor Iwtswy McEwen, Oaklee Flora McKnight, Rusten Alan McKnight, Aiden Dario Palanivelu, Aevan Eileen Payne, Larissa Eve Peterson, Kassandra Pearl Porretta, Marissa May Rau, Nevaeh Routt, Benton J. Snow, Jenna Catherine Steffens, Kayden Dean White
Associate of Business: Nicolle Cheyenne Cassidy, Aidan Christopher Clark, Austin Mize, AlexZandar Allan Sheldon-Davis, Riggin Trent Robbie Stonebarger
Associate of General Studies: Jorge Nicholas Garcia, Shelene Renee Gomez-Miller, Earl James Grabowski, Olivia Merced Kutansky, Alyssa Partridge, Ann Pawson
Associate of Science: Alyssa Renee Ayers, Trevor Michael Barrenchea, Matthew Heath Bird, Tabitha Princess Margaret Brockelsby, Mia Casandra Cabatic, Katelynn Faye Cagle, Ruth Anahi Casillas, Kayla Cervantes, Laynee Rae Diaz, Emma Lucille Dowler, Richard Thomas Gomez, Mariel Dannie-Junior Jamela, Allura Jasmine Grace Knight-Zumwalt, Grace Anna Laca, Jeana Lee, Dawson Michael McKnight, Ryder McNabb, Jilliana Morales, Madison Rosemarie Palmer, Kaylee Peters, Catherine Raymond, Christina Kate Robinson, Washington Scott, Leah Sorensen, James Austin Thibodaux, Lea Eden Williams
Bachelor of Applied Science - Organization and Project Management: Jamie Lynne Bennefield
Certificate of Achievement - American Sign Language: Belinda Jean Hooper
Certificate of Achievement - Early Childhood Education: Shelene Renee Gomez-Miller
Certificate of Achievement - Graphic Design: Kelti Lou Koehler
Certificate of Achievement - Welding Technology: Trenton Aldrich, Manuel Richard Barros, Jorge Nicholas Garcia, Talon Michael Johnson, Xander Kobberstad, Alyssa Partridge, Dustin Wade Stritenberger.
“Progress doesn't always come in big moments,” Dalpe said in a message to students and the community. “More often, it's built day by day. We are proud of you. We celebrate what you've accomplished, and we look forward to what comes next. You started here. Now go anywhere. Congratulations, Class of 2026!”
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