Students Alejandra Ramirez, Kalyah Watson, and Aalyah Watson to speak at LMC’s 76th commencement

Alejandra Ramirez, Kalyah Watson, and Aalyah Watson have been selected as student speakers for Lake Michigan College's 76th annual commencement ceremonies at 10 a.m. (Arts & Sciences and General Studies) and 1 p.m. (Career & Workforce and Health Sciences) Sunday, May 7, at The Mendel Center Mainstage on the Benton Harbor Campus, 2755 E. Napier Ave. 

Student speakers are nominated by their peers, LMC faculty, and staff based on academic excellence, integrity, and compassion for their classmates. 

Ramirez is a St. Joseph resident and 2019 St. Joseph High School graduate.  

She graduates with an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice and plans to work in immigration as an immigration paralegal.  

"During my college career, I have learned independence, professionalism, discipline, and most importantly, I learned passion for the career I chose," Ramirez said. "In my professional and personal life, I had to overcome many obstacles to be where I am now, and every time I saw the results of my hard work, I kept pushing harder." 

Twin sisters Kalyah Watson and Aalyah Watson are both from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and are 2021 graduates of the Milwaukee School of Languages. Both played for the Red Hawks Women's Basketball Team. 

Kalyah Watson graduates with an Associate in General Studies and plans to transfer to Warner University in Lake Wales, Florida, for Fall 2023 to major in Kinesiology/Exercise Science. 

"LMC offers a lot of opportunities and resources that were designed to help me be successful," Kalyah Watson said. "I knew there was no way I could fail with the amount of academic, staff, and coach support I had. My teammates and classmates were always there to bounce off of in a time of need, not to mention Aalyah." 

Aalyah Watson graduates with an Associate in Arts and plans to transfer to Warner University in Lake Wales, Florida, for Fall 2023 to major in Social Work. Both sisters committed to the Royals Women's Basketball program. 

"To me, LMC means opportunity," Aalyah Watson said. "Not only have I been granted the opportunity to further my education here, but I've been given the opportunity to play basketball at the collegiate level, meet new people, share experiences, and learn adulting skills alongside Kalyah. My instructors genuinely cared about my well-being while still wanting me to succeed academically." 

During the May 7 ceremonies, 456 LMC students will receive 472 degrees and certificates from 31 areas of study, including 431 associate degrees, 15 advanced certificates, and 26 certificates of achievement. 

For more information, visit lakemichigancollege.edu/commencement.