EVERETT—Everett Community College celebrated the achievements of the class of 2026 during the annual commencement ceremony on Sunday, June 14, at the Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett.
About 1,600 students graduated from Everett Community College with a degree or certificate in 2025-26. Over 500 graduates participated in commencement, which is a record high number.
The graduate speakers were Rosalisa Waste and Amen Getahun.
Waste earned an Associate in Science degree as a pre-nursing student, with a long-term goal of becoming a neurosurgeon. Born and raised in Zambia, she is a mother of two, a former model, and a current certified nursing assistant. Her educational journey has been shaped by resilience, faith and determination, and she chose EvCC because it provided a supportive environment to pursue her goals while managing the responsibilities of work and family.
Getahun earned an Associate of Arts and Sciences-Direct Transfer Agreement from EvCC while earning her high school diploma through the Running Start program. Born in Everett to parents who immigrated from Ethiopia, she chose EvCC not only to get ahead academically, but because she found a place she felt she belonged. She plans to continue studying biology and English with the goal of becoming a pediatrician. She was involved in EvCC Student LIFE and several clubs, volunteered in her community, and was recognized on the dean’s list multiple quarters.
Everett Community College’s 2026 Outstanding Graduates
As part of the annual commencement celebrations, EvCC recognized 24 outstanding graduates at a June 1 reception. Faculty members nominated and selected the outstanding graduates, who were recognized with a medallion and a certificate of award. Among the outstanding graduates, faculty also presented two students with the inaugural Trojan Academic Valor Award for demonstrating extraordinary grit, resilience and strength of character throughout their academic journeys.
The 2026 Outstanding Graduates are:
Professional and Technical Education and Applied Sciences
Lindsay Case
Liliya Clark
Samantha Franklin
Lhyn Hilliard
Jonathan Kindsvatter
Jennifer Kinsella
Andrew Melashenko
Viktoriia Uskova
Jessica Vasquez-Santos
Teresa West
Akane Yahiro
Transfer Education
Emmarrie Davis – Trojan Academic Valor Award
James Free
Joslynn Jelovich
Austin Laos
Jeffrey Sass
Kathy Schons
Jocelyn Sistrunk
Rob Ziegler
Transitional Studies
Faith Fodge – Trojan Academic Valor Award
Samantha Gonzalez Espino
Sydney Graves
Cole Hayes
Elsa Lazo
Source: Everett Community College
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
