July 30, 2026
Ceremony Photos
East Central Community College recognized 53 graduates during its Summer 2026 Commencement Ceremony held Thursday, July 30, in J. Knox Huff Auditorium on the Decatur campus.
The graduating class included 18 students completing the Cosmetology program, 19 completing the Practical Nursing program, and 16 earning degrees from the Associate Degree Nursing program.
ECCC President Dr. Brent Gregory welcomed those attending the ceremony and awarded degrees and certificates. Dr. Melissa Haab, executive vice president, presented the candidates for graduation.
Practical Nursing graduate Rushia Jones delivered the invocation, while Tanner Luke Rushing, also a Practical Nursing graduate, and Associate Degree Nursing graduate Emily Vernon addressed those in attendance.
The nursing portion of the ceremony included pinning ceremonies for the Practical Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing graduates. Monica Stennis, Practical Nursing instructor, conducted the Practical Nursing pinning, and Donna Hemphill, Associate Degree Nursing instructor, conducted the Associate Degree Nursing pinning.
Theresa Cole, director of Practical Nursing, led the nursing graduates in the Florence Nightingale Pledge and candle-lighting ceremony.
Cosmetology graduate Gianna Esposito also addressed the audience, and Cosmetology graduate Taylor Alexis Read delivered the benediction.
Summer 2026 graduates included:
Cosmetology
Shadda Claire Bentley
Sharlee Brenna Coghlan
Magnolia Silveria Deleon Perez
Hazelle Gianna Esposito
Jodi Lynn Etheridge
Caley Elizabeth Gatlin
Danni Lauryn Goodin
Kaylen Elise Harrison
Avery Reese James
Taylor Alexis Read
Callie Reed
Hadley Kate Savell
Faith Raye Schillaci
Erika Peden Stewart
Madelyn Claire Thornton
Mikala Isabelle Townsend
Rachel Leigh White
Harley Jane Williamson
Practical Nursing
Zy’Breun Amerson
Sandjuanna Benamon
Cassie Body
Emma Rose Brinkerhoff
Niquasia Daniels
Zanya Lasabreanna Dukes
Kenay’Zha JaCora Germany
Tanyika Danielle Haralson
Heather Erie Sharday Hornsby
Ke’Miah Nicole Hughes
Rushia Aliciona Jones
Cierra Chardae Kincaid
Charity Nicole Moore
Shikira Kieanna Moore
De’Mekeia Reshondra Odom
Tamara Allysse Patrick
Tanner Luke Rushing
Shelby Sellers
Shalini Nicole Valdez
Associate Degree Nursing
Kayla Michele Alexander
Brooklyn Bazor
Natalee Lachae Bozeman
Mollee Claire Brown
LaKeesha Gray
Alesha Hollis
Ayden Delaney Kelly
Hannah Irene Mitchell
Carlee Jade Presley
Bailey Prestage
Ja’lisha LeNise Qualls
Summer Stennis
Chloe Laine Taylor
Emily Ross Vernon
Brandy Nicole Watson
Carnesha Wood
