Alumni Profiles

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a head shot photograph of Kaaz Garrett

After earning her associate degree from Laurel Ridge, Kaaz Garrett went on to study in Asia, and is helping victims of human trafficking.

Jared Loving stands in front of a fountain inside a college building, with large decorative metal letters visible in the background. He is wearing a blue NTI t-shirt and khaki pants, with his hands clasped in front of him.

Rappahannock County High School graduate Jared Loving thinks his time spent at the Trades Academy at Laurel Ridge Community College was instrumental in his getting into the prestigious Apprentice School.

Katie Borland smiles and leans on the University of Virginia Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering sign, wearing graduation regalia with an orange tassel resting on the sign, in front of a brick campus building.

Laurel Ridge Community College graduate Katie Borland has a thrilling career at Blue Origin after earning a degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Virginia.

Valerie Harter and a fellow pilot smile from the cockpit of a commercial aircraft, both wearing pilot uniforms with epaulettes and lanyards while seated at the instrument-filled flight deck.

Laurel Ridge Community College Mountain Vista Governor’s School alumna Valerie Harter has transitioned into a commerical pilot career following a decade of nursing.

Derrick DeHaney, wearing a white hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, and a tool belt, climbs a wooden utility pole against a clear blue sky while working on electrical lines.

Derrick DeHaney recently graduated from Laurel Ridge Community College Workforce Solutions’ Power Line Worker Program, and has begun working for Dominion Energy.

Graduate in white coat receives diploma and shakes hands with faculty member on an outdoor commencement stage.

Hannah Hjelm graduated from Laurel Ridge Community College’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program in 2025 and is loving her job working with patients at an outpatient facility.

photograph of Katie standing in front of an archway with the words "Luray Caverns, VA"

Katie McDaniel enrolled at Laurel Ridge Community College while employed at Luray Caverns. She was able to get her associate degree and her bachelor’s degree while working full-time at the tourist destination, where she still has a fulfilling career.

Julie holding her diploma and standing next to President Blosser on stage at commencement

Julie Burkholder earned her associate degree in Physical Therapist Assistant from Laurel Ridge Community College in May 2025 and loves serving in her community.

Breeden in a light blue dress standing outdoors among evergreen trees, with a soft winter-themed snowflake overlay.

Jennifer Breeden has been able to use her fine arts degree from Laurel Ridge Community College in every career transition.

a man faces the camera and smiles wearing a dress shirt and blazer jacket

Laurel Ridge Community College graduate Alex White says the college was instrumental in his attending Harvard University and Yale Law School.

Three people sit around a table in a room decorated with American and military flags. One person has a laptop open, suggesting a meeting or study session, and all appear relaxed and engaged.

Laurel Ridge Community College 2025 Outstanding Graduate in Cybersecurity Wade Dickinson never expected he would enjoy the level of academic success he has, nor that he would be studying for his master’s degree.

Man wearing a white lab coat embroidered with “Shenandoah University School of Pharmacy,” a white dress shirt, and a dark tie, posing against a plain white background.

Laurel Ridge Community College alumnus Jeff Sinclair has just begun his first semester of pharmacy school at Shenandoah University and said the community college gave him a solid foundation.