Lake Tahoe Community College’s class of 2013. Photos/Kathryn Reed

By Kathryn Reed

Make every day matter. That was the message Lake Tahoe Community College English instructor Suzanne Roberts delivered to the graduates as she struck a balance between joy and sorrow during the June 28 commencement address.

The evening was a bit of remembrance for three former college employees who died this spring – Kathy “Ms. B” Bluethman, Sue Huff and Carl Young, acknowledgement to the two main former presidents at the school – Jim Duke and Guy Lease, acknowledging Bob and Tammy Hassett as distinguished alumni, and a sendoff to the 140 students who earned their associates of arts degree.

LTCC President Kindred Murillo congratulates Raina Patrocinio.

LTCC has a rich tradition of being the top small college in the state when it comes to the number of students who transfer to one of the UC colleges. Cal is always a popular choice, as is UC Davis.

Georgillis Ortega receives a congratulatory hug from President Kindred Murillo.

Chris Sidell is one of the LTCC grads who will go to Davis, where he will study viticulture.

Many of the students are the first in their families to earn a college degree.

College President Kindred Murillo spoke of the confidence she has in this group of young people.

Looking at the sea of green gowns, one could see many clearly didn’t fit the traditional student model just based on their age.

For Karen Jaimes, one of the student speakers, she is an example of someone who many would have said college would never be an option. Even she had those thoughts for seven years.

Jaimes became a mother when she was 14 years old. She thought her future would never involve college.

Graduates celebrate June 28.

“Miss (Susan) Baker and Miss (Amy) Jackson inspired my dreams back into my life,” Jaimes said of the two longtime educators at Mt. Tallac High.

She credited the college’s flexibility in taking classes with allowing her to also be a full-time mom.

For Samantha Ramirez, her two young daughters also inspired her to keep going. She balanced being a mom, wife, working two jobs and being a full-time student.

As Roberts said, the evening was a commencement ceremony – a start, not an ending.

“The thing to remember is your life is now,” Roberts said. “Risk failure to chase your dreams. Go live your one wild and precious life.”