By Steve Esser
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — Nearly 200 graduates from Young Harris College’s Class of 2026 walked the stage Saturday, culminating years of education and earning their degrees.
Commencement capped a week of activity, ranging from the annual Senior Reception to the baccalaureate service. The Commencement ceremony, held in the Harp Recreation and Commencement Center, began with the traditional awards given to students recognizing their academic efforts.
The Clegg Outstanding Student Award, named for Dr. Charles R. Clegg, who served as President of Young Harris College from 1950 to 1963, is awarded to the graduating bachelor’s degree student or students with the highest cumulative grade point average.
Five graduates earned the award this year, with a 4.0 cumulative grade point average:
- Hannah Davis: a history major, tutor, and a member of the Mountain Lions softball team, from Dallas, GA.
- Alyssa DeSimione: a history major and a member of the Mountain Lions volleyball team, from Chino, CA.
- Holden Hall: a sport and recreation studies major with a minor in outdoor studies and a member of the Mountain Lions tennis team, from Statesboro, GA.
- Emma Hodges: a biology major with a minor in chemistry, a member of the Honors Program who graduated with Honor Distinction, and a member of the Mountain Lions women’s soccer team, from Covington, GA.
- Leho Le Louarn: a business administration major and a member of the Mountain Lions men’s soccer team, from Saint-Gregoire, France.
Haley Kelley received the Zell B. Miller Leadership Award, which goes to a senior who has made significant contributions to campus life as an outstanding leader and role model. Kelley was recognized for her impressive leadership capacity and her precocious ability to organize and direct followers while maintaining the highest of academic standards.
Kelley was in upper leadership for five major campus organizations: Alpha Chi National Honor Society, Dorcas Honor Society, Phi Delta Sorority, Artemas creative writing journal production team, and the First Year Transition Team (FYTT) book production team. She was also a member of many other organizations, including Sigma Tau Delta Honor Society, Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society, and Alpha Omega.
She did all this while maintaining top marks as a double major in creative writing and English literature. She has also consistently been selected as a resident advisor because of her maturity and capacity for leadership.
Bethany Allison and Jamisen Bail received the Young Harris College Spirit Award, which recognizes graduating seniors who best exemplify the spirit of YHC.
Allison was selected because of her positive influence on the YHC community, helping to welcome students arriving on campus. Her attitude helped her stand out as the perfect example of what it means to be a Mountain Lion.
Bail exemplified what it means to be a YHC student. She worked as an admissions rep, a FYTT Leader, FYTT Intern, and served as the student voice for all the parent activities during new-student orientation. She was recognized as a natural-born leader who consistently demonstrated dedication and pride in the campus community.
Young Harris is one of 70 colleges and universities in the Southeast to present annual awards in honor of Algernon Sydney Sullivan and Mary Mildred Sullivan. Established in 1890, these awards recognize college graduates of noble character who have distinguished themselves through service to others and to their communities.
Robert Webb received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. From his freshman year, Webb has been the first one to step up and help out throughout the campus. He has been an integral part of many campus organizations, and his drive and desire to learn about anything and everything will be missed.
This year’s Mary Mildred Sullivan Award recipient is Mary Beth Moreland. Moreland was an integral part of campus life, serving on the Campus Activity Board and in Outdoor Adventures. She also served as a mascot as well and participated in quiet service of her fellow students, helping to plan and run events.
The MAT Representative Award recognizes the graduating member of the Master of Arts in Teaching cohort who best represents the mission and ideals of the program, as determined by program students and faculty.
This year’s award winner, Jennifer Vasquez, exemplifies the College’s vision of igniting minds and inspiring change. With a passion for helping students succeed combined with a love of education, Vasquez consistently supported her students with a positive attitude and commitment to learning. She completed her undergraduate degree in biology at the University of Georgia and is employed as a biology teacher at Dacula High School.
After the awards were bestowed on those who earned them, the keynote speaker, Hannah Davis, Class of 2026, took the stage. Davis compared the growth of herself and her fellow students to that of trees and forests surrounding Young Harris College.
“Regardless of what season you are in, it’s important to recognize that seasons will change, and that’s where resilience and living with a growth mindset come in,” Davis said. “Each change of season is a time of growth, and that resilience you gain will help you withstand the storms of life.”
After the applause, the concert choir sang “If I Can Help Somebody,” and then it was time for each graduate to walk the stage. After diplomas were awarded, the crowd joined together to sing the alma mater. The campus chaplain, Rev. Dr. Adam Daniels, gave the benediction, and then the Class of 2026 gathered on the steps of the Harp for a cap toss and photo op. Best of luck to the Class of 2026!
About Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master’s degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires, and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College has four academic divisions: Fine Arts; Humanities; Mathematics, Science, and Technology; and Professional Studies. Approximately 1,400 students are enrolled in its residential and Early College programs. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the Conference Carolinas. For more information, visit yhc.edu.
