Future stars

Lenoir Community College will hold its 46th graduation ceremony tonight in the student gymnasium.

The graduation's keynote speaker will be LCC President Brantley Briley. The ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. with about 550 graduates expected to receive degrees, certificates or diplomas from various academic programs.

During his keynote address, Briley said he will discuss LCC's rich history and the college's 50th anniversary, which was officially celebrated in April. Student Government Association President Chris Bridgeforth and LCC Board of Trustees Chairman Grady Bethel are also scheduled to speak during the graduation ceremony.

Officials began preparing for the ceremony earlier this week. LCC employee Francis Gaskins finished the preparations Thursday by hanging up a banner in the gym. Graduating students will participate in a dress rehearsal at 10 a.m. this morning.

Music during the graduation ceremony will be provided by LCC cosmetology instructor Pam Parker-Ingram.

"Graduation signals a beginning for this group of students," LCC Director of Marketing and Recruiting Richy Huneycutt said.

He said LCC will hand out 246 degrees, 152 certificates and 39 diplomas during the ceremony.

Chris Lavender can be reached at (252) 559-1078 or clavender@freedomenc.com.

Lenoir Community College 46^th Graduation Ceremony

Where: LCC student gymnasium

When: 7 p.m., tonight

Keynote speaker: Dr. Brantley Briley

Additional comments made by: LCC Board of Trustees Chairman Grady Bethel and SGA President Chris Bridgeforth.

Total number of graduates: 437

A ticket will be required to attend the ceremony.