Fort Cavazos graduation ceremony celebrates cap-tivating successes

FORT CAVAZOS, Texas - More than 80 graduates walked the stage in their caps and gowns and accepted their diplomas during the 27th Annual Consolidated Graduate Recognition Ceremony Oct. 24 at Howze Auditorium at Fort Cavazos.

The ceremony allows Soldiers and family members who may not be able to attend the graduation ceremony at the school they received their diploma from an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishment surrounded by their friends, family and peers. Collectively, the graduates received their degrees from over 20 colleges across the country.

"We congratulate (the graduates) for their achievements, recognize their hard work and the years it took to complete their goal," said Sheri' Buono, education services officer, Fort Cavazos Education Center.

Col. Lakicia Stokes, U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Cavazos commander, served as the commencement speaker during the ceremony, and she took the opportunity to praise them for their efforts.

"Today, we gather to celebrate a momentous milestone in your lives," she said. "Graduation is not just a ceremony; it's a powerful acknowledgment of your hard work, perseverance and commitment to your dreams. It is also a day of celebration and pride.

"Take a moment to reflect on the journey that has brought you to this day," she continued. "Each of you has faced challenges - late nights of studying and, perhaps, moments of doubt, but you persevered. For that, you should be incredibly proud."

Capt. Serena Taylor, 48th Chemical Brigade, who is receiving a Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling, delivered the student address. She shared her 10-year story in earning her degree, hoping to encourage others to pursue their education.

"Receiving this degree has been surreal," she said during her speech. "I have watched so many others complete their degrees 'on time,' and often felt like a failure because I wasn't able to do the same. I was reminded by my amazing support system that I was right where I needed to be and what was for me was for me. That is what kept me going on this journey.

"Some advice I would give to my peers, but, more importantly, to the junior Soldiers who asked, 'Ma'am is it doable?' I would say to them, 'It will not be easy. At times, you may want to quit. Your leadership may not support it. There will never be enough hours in a day. There will always be another priority, but all of that will be a distant memory when you're standing in your cap and gown receiving a degree that no one will ever be able to take away from you.'"

Sgt. 1st Class Johnny Vargas, 1st Battalion, 62nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, graduating from the University of Maryland Global Campus with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, participated in the ceremony and expressed his gratitude.

"This ceremony means a whole lot more to me than I thought it would originally, seeing the joy on everyone's faces and sharing the accomplishment that everyone got to be involved in today," he said. "I'm super appreciative of Fort Cavazos and the education center because I didn't get to go to either of my graduations, and that's the case for many Soldiers and family members. Either they're deployed, they're in the field, they're training, they're too busy or they just can't afford to go from state to state to different colleges. So, I'm cherishing today."

At the conclusion of the event, Buono said it is rewarding to be a part of.

"It's not about us," she said. "It's about the smiles. It's about the hugs. It's about the congratulations. It's just so heartwarming - the little kids in the audience saying, 'I love you, daddy.' You just can't beat that. My heart is full."

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