Allan Hancock College highlights 2025 graduates at Commencement in Santa Maria

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Allan Hancock College held its commencement ceremony Friday morning for the class of 2025.

Some graduates carry with them some incredible stories.

The 104th graduating class crossed the stage Friday morning to receive their Associates’ degrees.

Families and friends gathered on the college’s football field in beautiful conditions to honor 2025's graduating class.

“I feel really excited,” says featured graduate Samantha McDonald. It's almost kind of surreal that this is happening. I started when I was 13 years old and now I just turned 18 and I'm graduating from college.”

Among the graduates highlighted by the college are Samantha McDonald, who just celebrated her 18th birthday on Tuesday, and Josie Mora who had the unique privilege of graduating simultaneously with her daughter.

“Most of the students are younger and with her by my side it made me feel more comfortable,” says Josie Mora, who is graduating with a psychology degree for transfer. “And it's exciting that we're graduating together.”

“I’m very proud of her,” says Josie’s daughter and co-graduate Mayra Campa. “She's helped me through a lot. She's been my support but I'm glad I managed to support her. I'm very happy with her accomplishments.”

President Kevin Walthers began the ceremony by commenting on the positive "problem" of having too many graduates.

This year, 1,287 graduates are taking home 2,491 degrees and 3,110 certificates of achievement across 116 majors.

“My word of advice is to not let your age stop you from doing what you want to do, even though I was only 13, today, I'll be graduating with five degrees,” says McDonald.

College officials say one student crossed the stage today having achieved no less than twelve degrees, a testament to perseverance and seizing opportunity.