Gateway to College Commencement 2025

Congratulations to the Class of 2025!

2025 graduate group

You’ve shown incredible determination, resilience, and heart in reaching this milestone—and we couldn’t be prouder. This page is dedicated to celebrating you—your hard work, growth, and success.

Welcome to the official celebration of Gateway to College at STCC’s graduating class of 2025! Here you’ll find special acknowledgements, graduate profiles, a complete list of this year’s graduates, and a recording of our graduation ceremony—including a speech from our student speaker.

To our graduates: Congratulations on achieving this major accomplishment! Over the past few years, you’ve demonstrated strength and perseverance through challenging and unprecedented times. Whether you’re moving on to college, trade school, military service, or the workforce, you’ve proven that you have the courage, grit, and determination to succeed.

We hope your time in the Gateway program has prepared you not only for college, but for life—and reminded you that you are capable of achieving anything. If you did it once, you can do it again.

We are excited for all that lies ahead and proud to introduce you to the world as the Gateway to College Class of 2025.

We invite professors, instructors, peers, co-workers, family, and friends to join in the celebration by posting congratulatory messages and words of encouragement. Let’s honor this journey—and cheer on what’s next!

Ceremony Video

Special Recognition

Bradley Fletcher with Rowdy the Ram

Bradley Fletcher

The Gateway staff is proud to recognize Bradley Fletcher, a Gateway alum who recently earned his Associate Degree from Springfield Technical Community College.

Bradley joined the Gateway program determined to earn his high school diploma after being out of school for two years. Through hard work, motivation, and unwavering determination, he overcame challenges and graduated not only with his diploma but also with 10 college credits already completed—a remarkable achievement.

Now, having reached another milestone with his associate degree, Bradley is taking time to thoughtfully consider his next steps. Whether in further education, the workforce, or another path entirely, we are confident that his resilience and drive will continue to guide him toward success.

Congratulations, Bradley! We are proud to celebrate this accomplishment with you and look forward to all that lies ahead on your journey.

Student Speaker

clair bertrand-delmas headshot

Claire Bertrand-Delmas

Claire Bertrand-Delmas, is an exceptional member of our graduating class who exemplifies leadership, maturity, dedication, and a commitment to both academic excellence and community service. With 28 college credits and a 4.4 high school GPA, Claire has demonstrated an unwavering work ethic and strong academic habits that have set her up for success.

This fall, she will attend Bay Path University, where she plans to major in Biology as the first step toward her goal of becoming a neurosurgeon. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she intends to continue her journey in medical school.

Claire's impact reaches beyond the classroom. She has volunteered as an English tutor for Ukrainian students through ENGin, spent time supporting children at Horizons Homeless Shelter, and contributed her creative talents as a videographer for SCORE. Her service-minded spirit and natural leadership have earned her admiration from both mentors and educators.

Since joining the Gateway program, Claire has blossomed into a confident and articulate young woman. Her transformation from quiet and reserved to poised and self-assured is a testament to her resilience and personal growth.

As our 2025 Graduation Speaker, Claire represents the bright future ahead—not only for herself, but for the entire Class of 2025. We eagerly anticipate following her journey into adulthood.

Graduates

June 2025

Claire Bertrand-Delmas

Claire Bertrand-Delmas

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: Katara and Ms. B.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: The liberation in having a vast amount of courses available to us. The gateway program allowed us to be informed about how different high school would be when jumping into college. It prepared me for college because of its ability to replicate the college experience for us, allowing us to take college level courses, and seek guidance from professors in certain fields that pertain to each of our futures.

After graduation: I’m attending Bay Path University: major in biology (pre-med track).

I’m most looking forward to: a very organized future that eventually leads me to medical school.

Eliza Curiel Rivera

Eliza Curiel Rivera

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: Katara, Miss B, Ramah & Diane .. always made me feel good even when my days were bad! I appreciate all of you 💗

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: When I entered I didn’t have motivation for school and I wasn’t too happy to start anywhere new but once I started going and saw I was able to talk to the staff about anything I knew I was gonna be ok to stay and give it a try with good support around me.

After graduation: Continue working as a dental assistant and eventually go back to school to chase my dream of being a ultra sound tech

I’m most looking forward to: being able to chase my dreams and do bigger better things in life

Isabel Kane Garcia

Isabel Kane Garcia

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: My greatest supporters were my friends around me.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: What I liked best about Gateway to College was the support and how understanding the people around me were.

After graduation: After graduating I plan to further my education in automotive and travel.

I’m most looking forward to: I’m looking forward to traveling and seeing the world.

Avionna Grant

Avionna Grant

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: The Gateway Staff (Katara and Ms. B) and outside of them my family.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: How being there helped me escape my shell. I felt like the gateway community, yes itself is smaller but at the same time I got over my fear of being around a lot of people when it came down to taking college like classes with different age groups.

After graduation: Continuing my education inside medical field by attending a nursing program along with outside of it.

I’m most looking forward to: Exploring and focusing on my career goals, as well as having fun by traveling and trying new things that will help the community. I hope to gain independence and valuable life experiences.

Kristiana Hall

Kristiana Hall

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: My mom and Gateway staff.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: That I was treated as an adult and of course the staff <3

After graduation: Come back to STCC, major in business, and see where life takes me.

I’m most looking forward to: Sleeping after graduation.

Lee Marks

Lee Marks

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: My counselors Ms. B and Katara, my girlfriend, and my parents.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: I liked the fact it was mostly independent but if you needed help or guidance it was there for you.

After graduation: I plan to work on getting my social work degree.

I’m most looking forward to: I’m looking forward to getting my degree.

Anyelina Nevarez Escalera

Anyelina Nevarez Escalera

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: God was definitely number 1. And myself and family. And of course my councilor and principal.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: The hours were great. Had great help and motivation from teachers.

After graduation: Continue going to school to be a Early Education Teacher. Also want to start working.

I’m most looking forward to: Complete my dreams and achieve every goal and even more!

Ethan Serpa

Ethan Serpa

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: My mom and dad

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: the ability to take college classes with good professors along with being treated more like an adult and being involved with decisions

After graduation: Study at West Point (USMA)

I’m most looking forward to: My time as a cadet, studying chemistry, and the Army

Kanyia in dress holding flowers

Kanyia Simmons

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: My grandmother, mother, father, and others.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: The sense of community, open communication, and understanding. I was always given a 2nd chance.

After graduation: I plan to go to college to study psychology.

I’m most looking forward to: Graduation!

Xavier Vega

Xavier Vega

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: My family

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: It was fast.

After graduation: Enjoy a gap year or two.

I’m most looking forward to: Being free from school.


August 2025

Kyara Beardsley

Kyara Beardsley

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: Ms. B & Katara

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: The flexible schedule

After graduation: Air force, police officer, & college

I’m most looking forward to: Making money

Alana Delrio

Alana Delrio

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: Ms. B, Katara, all of my professors, and my parents.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: It was amazing college prep and it was a great experience overall. I met a lot of people like me who understood my situation with high school which felt great.

After graduation: Go to college then university and earn my bachelors in criminal justice and move on to work for the FBI.

I’m most looking forward to: Not having to go to high school anymore and actually work for what I want to do with my life.

Ashley Nowicki

Ashley Nowicki

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: My mom, Katara, and my friends

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: The atmosphere and the people I met along the way.

After graduation: I plan to get a bachelors in nursing and pursue a career in being an RN.

I’m most looking forward to: Moving towards new goals.

Yailene Santos

Yailene Santos

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: My mom

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: the support and having a bit more freedom

After graduation: go back to school for the 2 year program as well as working

I’m most looking forward to: Graduation!

Rihanna Velasquez

Rihanna Velasquez

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: Katara, Diana, Juliana, and even my math professor Ramah and also my Spanish professor Johnson were so genuine and supportive to me.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: That I had my own pace and time but also had a very big support system and it was nothing but great honestly.

After graduation: Proceed with my barbering and car engineering.

I’m most looking forward to: My barbering and how far I go with it.

Special Thanks

We extend our heartfelt thanks to President John Cook, SPS Superintendent Dr. Sonia E. Dinnall, SPS School Improvement Officer, Rhonda Jacobs, Principal Linda Singer, and ATD/Gateway to College National Network for their vision and unwavering support of K–12 district innovation.

We also gratefully acknowledge the dedicated faculty and staff at Springfield Technical Community College who work tirelessly to support the Gateway program and empower our students every day. Your commitment makes all the difference.

STCC Faculty and Staff

Academic Affairs

  • Vice President of Academic Affairs, Christopher Thuot
  • Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs, David DiMattio

Gateway Program Faculty

  • James Ramah
  • Theresa Shea
  • Ilizabetsy Velez
  • Milton White

Special Thanks to Faculty and Staff in the Following Departments

Admissions, Advising, Athletics, Bookstore, Business Services, Career Development Center, Center for Access Services, Copy Center, Disability Services, Early College, English Department, Facilities, Fitness Center, Health and Wellness Center, Information Technology, Institutional Advancement and Foundation, Library, Mailroom, Maintenance, Communications and Marketing, Math Department, Parking Office, Registrar’s Office, SIMS Medical Center, STCC Police, STEM Department, Student Activities, Student Affairs, Student Financial Services, Student Government, Student Success Center, Testing and Assessment, Workforce Development

Finally, we offer a very special thank you to our students’ parents, families, and friends. Your personal and academic support plays a vital role in their success. We deeply appreciate your encouragement, dedication, and all the hard work you do behind the scenes!

Past Classes

Congratulations Forum

Family and friends of graduates are encouraged to post congratulatory messages below in public support of this milestone.

Congratulations Messages

Dear Class 2025, 

Even though  I didn't know you all for long, I'm so grateful I got the chance to meet some of you and be part of your journey, even in a small way. Watching you push through, stay focused, and not give up, it was trulty inspiring to witness.  

Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of this chapter. I am proud of you and excited for your next chapter in life.

Congratulations!

-Julia :)

Congratulations to you all!! Your resilience and persistence paid off and will serve you well as you move on to your next accomplishments.

-Diane Sabato, STCC Business Professor

Kristiana,   Kaniya    

   I know you'll both do well with your next moves

 

Congrats  !

-Ramah

Avi,  Lee   was great seeing you again    Awsum job   Good Luck with your futures !

-Ramah

Eliza,   Like your future plan !

    Congrats  !

-Ramah

Angie,    you did it   ....   never any doubt   :  )

 

Congrats

-Ramah

Ethan    ...      It was a quick ride   ...  cause you'r awsum   ...   GO ARMY !

 

 

-Ramah

Great Job with your presentation Claire !

-Ramah

Izzie,   XMan   ...   thanks for your several semesters    ...   good luck movin forward   :  )

 

-Ramah

To my niece Kristiana Hall,

I am so proud of you.  Words cannot express how happy I am about your accomplishments.  Skys the limit for you my beautiful niece.

Love,

Auntie Shervonne

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Congratulations to the Gateway@STCC class of 2025! You did ittttt! Woooooo! All your hard work and dedication paid off, and that diploma is yours. Whatever your next steps are, best of luck and go crush it! 

-Anita Gallers

My baby girl Yailene Santos!! I love you so much, I'm super proud of you! Always remember the sky's the limit!

 

- Your sister.

-Linda Fernandez

Congratulations class of 2025! I’m so proud of how far you’ve come and excited for all that's ahead. Remember to believe in yourself and never stop chasing your dreams. I’ll always be cheering you on.

And please know, no matter where life takes you, you can always reach out or visit the Gateway building. Once your counselor, always your counselor.

-Ms. B

 

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Congratulations class of 2025! We are incredibly proud of you, and your hard work and dedication to your academic success. Felicidades!!!!

-Maria Fonseca