Congratulations to the Class of 2025! Northland Pioneer College (NPC) celebrated its 51st Commencement on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Holbrook Unified School District Football stadium. This year marked the inaugural graduates of NPC’s bachelor’s degree programs. Larissa Barela of Winslow, Cheryl Carlson of Holbrook, Kristopher Herder of Leupp, and Amandalynn Truax of Fort Apache graduated with their Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education. Additionally, 64 NPC graduates received transfer degrees. Of those degrees, 27 Associate of Arts degrees were awarded, five of whom earned their Associate of Arts in Elementary Education. One student took home an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood. Twelve students earned an Associate of Business degree. An Associate of General Studies degree was conferred upon eighteen graduates. Seven students earned their Associate of Science. One hundred eight graduates were awarded an Associate of Applied Science. An additional 127 students were awarded the Certificate of Applied Science. Certificates of Proficiency went to 360 students. Actual degrees and certificates will be conferred upon final grades and credit verification.
Representative Walter “Walt” Blackman served as the ceremony’s guest speaker. Representative Blackman made history in 2018 as the first Black American Republican elected to the Arizona House of Representatives. During his tenure, he served with distinction as Chairman of the House Judiciary and Government Committees and was widely recognized for his leadership in criminal justice reform and advocacy for veterans’ issues. A U.S. Army combat veteran, Representative Blackman served 21 years with honor, earning prestigious commendations including the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal. After retiring from military service, he founded WB Consults LLC, a firm providing mediation and arbitration services to businesses, families, and government agencies. He holds a degree in Mediation and Arbitration from Lakewood University and is a graduate of the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI). In addition to his public service, Representative Blackman is a respected speaker, advocate, and author of From Iraq to the Statehouse, which chronicles his inspiring journey from the battlefield to elected office.
Five outstanding graduates addressed their peers during the ceremony. Joel Brashear of Show Low, an Associate of Arts graduate. Ammon Tingey of Snowflake/Taylor, a graduate with an Associate of Business degree. Eric Jeide of Show Low was the outstanding graduate with an Associate of General Studies degree. Caleb Anson of Snowflake/Taylor was the top graduate for the Associate of Science, and NPC's top Associate of Applied Science graduate was Audra Rhoton, also of Snowflake/Taylor.
NPC would like to congratulate all the outstanding students in the graduating class of 2025. Well done!
