Student Profiles ‣ Laurel Ridge Community College

Brooke May, in a gray hooded sweatshirt, smiles with her arms crossed in front of an American flag.

Nursing

Nursing is the ticket to a brighter future for U.S. Army veteran

After getting out of the Army and working as a paramedic, Brooke May returned to Laurel Ridge Community College to reach her goal of becoming a nurse.

November 2, 2026

Ava Keyser, wearing a Laurel Ridge Community College T-shirt, smiles outdoors with mountains behind her.

1+1+2 Pathway

Laurel Ridge Community College's 1+1+2 Pathway leads to a future in teaching

2026 Page County High School graduate Ava Keyser is using Laurel Ridge Community College’s 1+1+2 Pathway to help her more quickly and affordably become a teacher.

October 28, 2026

Ben Fender, a Marine Corps veteran, stands outside a building on campus with a backpack over his shoulder.

Health Information Management

Decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran finds a home at Laurel Ridge Community College

Laurel Ridge Community College has welcomed U.S. Marine Corps veteran Ben Fender since his first interaction.

October 28, 2026

Peyton Parker, in a green bandana, gray hoodie and 4-H T-shirt, stands smiling beside a pond.

Science

Laurel Ridge Community College allowed Skyline High School graduate to flourish

2025 Skyline High School graduate Peyton Parker has found his footing and meaningful relationships while at Laurel Ridge Community College and hopes to transfer to Virginia Tech in fall 2027.

October 20, 2026

Nursing

From chef whites to scrubs: Laurel Ridge Community College Registered Nursing Student Laila Hall

Luray resident and Registered Nursing student Laila Hall already had some college credits and a career as a chef under her belt when she began her classes at Laurel Ridge…

October 17, 2026

Adam Gagnon, wearing a Student Ambassador name tag, smiles while seated at a table in front of colorful abstract paintings.

Liberal Arts

Liberal Arts student Adam Gagnon unlocked his potential at Laurel Ridge Community College

After his homeschooling experience left Adam Gagnon with an unsatisfactory educational level, he turned to Laurel Ridge Community College, first taking GED courses through Adult Education. Now, he is a…

October 14, 2026

Skyla Stewart, smiling, stands under a tree beside a gazebo on a sunny lawn

Future Educators Academy

Future Educators Academy provides opportunity for first-generation student to chase her dreams

High school senior Skyla Stewart has dreamed of becoming a teacher since kindergarten, and the Future Educators Academy at Laurel Ridge Community College is her ticket to achieving her dreams.

October 9, 2026

Person wearing bright blue medical scrubs and glasses standing in a healthcare facility hallway.

Nursing

Scholars Latino Initiative Made College Accessible for Laurel Ridge Community College Nursing Student

Laurel Ridge Community College Practical Nursing student Gabi Gonzales Recinos says the Scholars Latino Initiative helped her better understand how the college process works and provided her with scholarship funding.

October 5, 2026

Welding

Matthew Del Vacchio fabricating promising future with Laurel Ridge Community College Workforce Solutions Welding Program

One year after graduating from Gainesville High School, Matthew Del Vacchio is forging a solid career path with the Laurel Ridge Community College Workforce Solutions Welding program.

July 20, 2026

A Laurel Ridge Community College graduate wearing a bicycle helmet over his cap and blue graduation gown with gold honor cords shakes hands with a college administrator in academic regalia while receiving his diploma case under a white event tent, with other graduates seated in the background.

Engineering

Clover Crump: Riding her way to an engineering degree

2026 Laurel Ridge Community College engineering graduate Clover Crump spent one semester commuting by bicycle.

July 2, 2026

A Laurel Ridge Community College administrator in black doctoral regalia with light blue hood and gold trim shakes hands with a graduate in a blue cap and gown while together they hold a Laurel Ridge Community College diploma portfolio. The graduate wears multiple honor cords in gold and blue, a red, white, and blue medallion necklace, and an academic medallion, during an outdoor commencement ceremony held under a white tent.

Engineering

2026 Engineering graduate headed to Purdue University

Matthew Lehr will be continuing his Engineering degree at Purdue University after graduating with his associate in Engineering from Laurel Ridge Community College in May.

June 22, 2026

Engineering

2026 Engineering graduate off to Virginia Tech to pursue mechanics and robotics

2026 Engineering graduate Andy Desmedt saved money and homed in on what he wanted to pursue at Virginia Tech by coming to Laurel Ridge Community College first.

June 22, 2026