While watching the college basketball games during March Madness, I noticed that most teams seemed to play with a higher level of energy and anticipation as they approached the end of the game. Especially in a close game, the intensity goes off the charts as every play feels more important than the opening tipoff.
Even though I have never been close to being the overall winner in a road race, not even in my youth, I still feel the urge to sprint when I see the finish line. Last year, during the City of Oaks half marathon, it was exciting to run downhill toward the finish. The Marion New Year’s Eve race may have only been a 5K, but it ended uphill. While it did not have the thrill of a final sprint, the victory of pushing up Courthouse Hill through the finish line was still rewarding.
Most of us know that feeling of accomplishment, and sometimes relief, that comes after pushing through a challenge and reaching a moment of celebration. Right now, more than 400 McDowell Tech students are pushing toward the graduation finish line.
Their stories are as varied as they are inspiring. I have the honor of greeting them as they cross the stage during commencement. Some will be single parents finishing the rigors of nursing school or earning construction trade credentials. Others will be high school students graduating with both a diploma and an associate degree. I will also have the opportunity to shake hands with adult students in their 40s, 50s, and 60s who returned to upskill for new jobs or promotions, while others came back to complete their high school equivalency.
Graduation is their accomplishment, and commencement is the celebration. We are honored that this year’s commencement speaker will be Sharon Decker, a respected North Carolina leader whose life and career reflect both achievement and service. She currently serves as Senior Advisor for Long-Term Recovery with the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC), helping lead the important work of rebuilding communities after Hurricane Helene. Over the years, she has served in significant leadership roles in business, philanthropy, and state government, including as North Carolina Secretary of Commerce. What stands out most, however, is not simply her résumé, but her heart for people and communities. Her story is one of resilience, purpose, and steady leadership through difficult circumstances, making her a fitting voice for graduates who have worked hard, overcome obstacles, and are now pushing across the finish line into their next chapter.
Everyone at The Tech is looking forward to the excitement of students crossing their educational finish line during our three commencement ceremonies on May 14th and 15th. Keep an eye on our social media for inspiring pictures and stories. They just might encourage you to discover that McDowell Tech is Right Where You Belong: www.mcdowelltech.edu.
