LSCO Hosts First Off-Site Commencement Ceremony for Dual Credit Cosmetology Students in Polk County

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LIVINGSTON, TX – In a milestone moment for both the college and the community, Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) celebrated 38 dual credit students from Lake Creek, Nacogdoches  and Montgomery High Schools as they graduated with their Cosmetology Operator Business Management Certificate on Thursday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Polk County Commerce Center in Livingston.

This marks the first graduation ceremony LSCO has hosted away from its main campus in Orange, Texas, signifying both a historic first and a deepening of LSCO’s commitment to serving students across the East Texas region. The celebration highlights the college’s ongoing partnership with local school districts and its expanded offerings through the Texas State University System (TSUS) Polk County Center (PCC).

“These young professionals have not only earned a credential, but they’ve also jump-started their careers while still in high school,” said Dr. Tom Johnson, LSCO President. “This is exactly the kind of innovation and accessibility that community colleges are designed to provide, and we’re proud to bring this celebration directly to the communities we serve.”

The Cosmetology Operator Business Management Certificate equips students with the technical and entrepreneurial skills needed to thrive in the beauty industry. By completing the program through dual credit, students earn their certificate faster and with less financial burden positioning them to enter the workforce or continue their education immediately after high school.

The ceremony included remarks from college leadership and community partners, recognizing the hard work and determination these students demonstrated in reaching this achievement.

“This event showcases the power of partnerships,” said Kristin Walker, Assistant Vice President for Statewide Partnerships at LSCO. “Through our collaboration with the TSUS Polk County Center and our partner high schools, we’re providing students with real pathways to success and celebrating them where they are.”

The TSUS Polk County Center continues to expand access to higher education and workforce development in East Texas. With programs ranging from nurse aide certification and teacher preparation to business and criminal justice, students can start or continue their academic journey close to home.

In addition to cosmetology, LSCO offers in-demand programs at the PCC, including Vocational Nursing, RN Transition, Criminal Justice, Education, Business and more. Whether students are exploring dual credit, pursuing a certificate, or looking to earn an associate degree, the TSUS Polk County Center provides flexible, affordable options supported by experienced faculty from three two-year colleges with Lamar State College Orange, Lamar State College Port Arthur, and Lamar Institute of Technology.

To learn more about opportunities at the TSUS Polk County Center and how to enroll, visit pcc.tsus.edu or lsco.edu/pcc.

Graduates recognized at the ceremony were:

Lake Creek High School

Sandra Barriga
Ragan Kathleen Dupree
Opal Evans
Nia Jade Gonzalez
Natalie Marie Maldonado
Presleigh Ann Murphy
Bailey Renee Richards
Lily Grace Youxiang Ronsman
Adriana Santiago Rodriguez
Addalyn Marie Sessions
Codi Nicole Shearn
Alison Breanne Tompkins

Nacogdoches High School

Melissa Banda
Jazmine Renee Curbow
Sissy Fernandez
Kimberly Flores
Alexis Gibbs
Orianna Lakeviya Kennard- Sessions
SeMya Jakel Mallard
Anahi Martinez
Anahi Ortiz
Karla Panuco
Alantiss RaShun Session
ShaNiya JurShay Tolbert
Valeria Isabella Torres
Lizeth Carrera Velela

Montgomery High School

Madison Raeann Adkins
Althea Cuculic
Sydney Danielle Driscoll
Riley Morgan Frye
Mia Gerretsen
Keylin Jackeline Gonzales
Paola Violeta Gonzalez
Morgyn Lizabeth Langley
Victoria Faith Mattfeld
Mia Michelle Mejia
Allison Romo
Lizbeth Carrera Velela