Oh, the Places You Will Go! WNC Fallon Graduates 87 Students

Western Nevada College celebrated the Class of 2026 during commencement ceremonies held May 18 at Marv Teixeira Pavilion in Carson City and May 20 at Rafter 3C Arena in Fallon.

The college recognized a record 686 graduates approved to receive a combined 851 degrees and Certificates of Achievement.

“Commencement is one of the proudest and most inspiring traditions at Western Nevada College because it celebrates the determination, resilience, and achievements of our students,” said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. “The Class of 2026 has reached an extraordinary milestone, and we are especially proud of our Jump Start students who earned college degrees while completing high school. On behalf of the entire college community, congratulations to our graduates and their families. We look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make throughout Nevada and beyond.”

This year’s graduating class also marked a milestone for the college’s Jump Start program, with 242 students earning associate degrees before graduating from high school.

“These accomplishments reflect the dedication of our students and the collective support and collaborative efforts of the entire campus community,” said WNC Admissions and Records Director and Registrar Chelsie Hamtak.

The Class of 2026 represents 11 states and is WNC’s 55th graduating class. The Fallon campus saw 87 students graduate, with several students earning multiple degrees or certificates.

WNC Fallon Graduates

Associate of Applied Science - Deaf Studies: Belinda Jean Hooper

Associate of Applied Science - Graphic Design: Kelti Lou Koehler

Associate of Applied Science - Health Science: Shivani J. Bhakta

Associate of Applied Science - Nursing: Daniel Jacob Andersen, Guadalupe De Santiago, Kimduong Duong, Brielle Johnson, Joshua Sanders

Associate of Applied Science - Technology - Welding: Trenton Aldrich, Aidan James Bullock, Jorge Nicholas Garcia, Talon Michael Johnson, Xander Kobberstad, Trevor M. Layton, Alyssa Partridge, Dustin Wade Stritenberger

Associate of Arts: Chase L. Ackerman, Ayden James Anaya, Travis Anderton, Alyssa Renee Ayers, Mikayla June Casey, Aidan Christopher Clark, Dahlila Aysha Creer, Dylan J. Ekins-Faught, Adelyne Flick, Katelyn Emma Glinka, Shelene Renee Gomez-Miller, Kayla D. Greenberg, Abraham Gutierrez, Beatriz L. Hallberg, Joshua Helm, Isabella R. Hockenberry Grimes, Taylor Jean Hyde, Melanie Ibarra, Genesis Jade Johnson, Savahanna Kelley, Mackenzi Jean Kerr, Kelti Lou Koehler, Olivia Merced Kutansky, Trevor M. Layton, Mikala Jane Ledesma, Chrystal Martinez, Natalia Aurora Martinez De La Cruz, Justin O. McArthur, Taylor Iwtswy McEwen, Oaklee Flora McKnight, Rusten Alan McKnight, Aiden Dario Palanivelu, Aevan Eileen Payne, Larissa Eve Peterson, Kassandra Pearl Porretta, Marissa May Rau, Nevaeh Routt, Benton J. Snow, Jenna Catherine Steffens, Kayden Dean White

Associate of Business: Nicolle Cheyenne Cassidy, Aidan Christopher Clark, Austin Mize, AlexZandar Allan Sheldon-Davis, Riggin Trent Robbie Stonebarger

Associate of General Studies: Aidan James Bullock, Jorge Nicholas Garcia, Shelene Renee Gomez-Miller, Earl James Grabowski, Olivia Merced Kutansky, Alyssa Partridge, Ann Pawson

Associate of Science: Alyssa Renee Ayers, Trevor Michael Barrenchea, Matthew Heath Bird, Tabitha Princess Margaret Brockelsby, Mia Casandra Cabatic, Katelynn Faye Cagle, Ruth Anahi Casillas, Kayla Cervantes, Laynee Rae Diaz, Emma Lucille Dowler, Richard Thomas Gomez, Mariel Dannie-Junior Jamela, Allura Jasmine Grace Knight-Zumwalt, Grace Anna Laca, Jeana Lee, Dawson Michael McKnight, Ryder McNabb, Jilliana Morales, Madison Rosemarie Palmer, Kaylee Peters, Catherine Raymond, Christina Kate Robinson, Washington Scott, Leah Sorensen, James Austin Thibodaux, Lea Eden Williams

Bachelor of Applied Science - Organization and Project Management: Jamie Lynne Bennefield

Certificate of Achievement - American Sign Language: Belinda Jean Hooper

Certificate of Achievement - Early Childhood Education: Shelene Renee Gomez-Miller

Certificate of Achievement - Graphic Design: Kelti Lou Koehler

Certificate of Achievement - Welding Technology: Trenton Aldrich, Manuel Richard Barros, Jorge Nicholas Garcia, Talon Michael Johnson, Xander Kobberstad, Alyssa Partridge, Dustin Wade Stritenberger.

“Progress doesn't always come in big moments,” Dalpe said in a message to students and the community. “More often, it's built day by day. We are proud of you. We celebrate what you've accomplished, and we look forward to what comes next. You started here. Now go anywhere. Congratulations, Class of 2026!”