It was a night of tears and cheers as nearly 200 graduates walked across the stage at Lenoir Community College to receive degrees, diplomas, and certificates in the College’s 62nd Annual Commencement in the Student Center.

“Congratulations, Class of 2024! This is a special night, a night for you to reflect on all that you have accomplished, a night to be thankful for those who have supported you along the way, said LCC President Dr. Rusty Hunt. “This is your moment. Enjoy it as we celebrate with each of you, and we look forward to the next chapters in your life.”

“You have persevered and have emerged from our program of study much better prepared to achieve your life’s goals and reach your dreams,” he said. “We are excited to have been a part of your educational journey and we stand ready to assist you in your future educational goals. Graduates, take time to enjoy tonight. This is an exciting time and you have earned this moment. Congratulations!”

Student speaker Savannah Boseman, President of the Student Government Association, encouraged the Class of 2024 to continue to pursue its dreams. “If there is one lesson I have learned throughout my time at Lenoir Community College, it is this: success is not just about seizing opportunities; it is about creating them.” 

“So, to my fellow graduates, I urge you not to wait for doors to open. Go out there and knock on them. Take risks, embrace challenges, and never underestimate the power of your own determination,” she said. “Remember that though it may seem like every door is closed I encourage you to gather the courage to keep knocking because you never know what door will finally open and lead you to the place where you can achieve your dreams. Whether you are continuing your education as I am, entering the workforce, or pursuing your passions, remember that the future belongs to those who are brave enough to shape it.”

Paul Sugg, president of EastPoint Prosthetics & Orthotics, Inc. headquartered in Kinston was the guest speaker for the evening. He added his congratulations to the Class of 2024. He started his remarks with an activity one would see at a sporting event – the wave. 

“Did you notice how you may have been reluctant but as the person beside you became engaged then you followed along? Isn’t it amazing watching the participation grow in the wave?,” he said. “It starts slowly, and then gradually builds, until everyone in the place is doing the wave. You see, your actions, and the actions of others has an effect on you.”

Have you ever heard of the Butterfly Effect?, he asked. “The Butterfly Effect was a doctoral thesis written in 1963 by Edward Lorenz. Basically, it states that when a butterfly flaps its wings on one side of the earth, this sets in motion, movement and forces that act upon each other and can be part of the effects of movement on the other side of the earth that could cause or alter the path of a tornado or hurricane.” 

Sugg cited several examples of the Butterfly Effect through the years, making the point that with each people’s story, each flapped their butterfly wings altering the course of history for the next individual in the story. “And guess what? Your story contains these kinds of interactions as well. So, wait…then…maybe… it’s you!, Sugg said. 

“Remember what I quoted earlier about the Butterfly Effect – the flapping wing represents a small change in the initial condition of the system, which cascades to large scale alterations of events,” he said. “The small change you make flapping your little butterfly wings can lead to a large-scale alteration in events. All just because you flapped your butterfly wings,” he said.

“Your story may look different, and your path may be different than these listed here, but we all have those who have affected us, good and bad, making a difference and flapping their butterfly wings throughout our history.”

He closed with a story about a little girl on a beach with thousands of starfish that had been washed up in a storm. When she came to each starfish, she would pick it up and throw it back into the ocean. When someone approached her and said you can’t save all the starfish, she continued to pick each one up and replied, Well I made a difference for that one.

“So, years from now, when you think of your graduation and remember 2024, think about how many times you flapped your butterfly wings or became a star thrower over the years, and then, and only then will you be able to see the difference you made in humanity.”