Student Speakers Share Their Paths to Graduation

Student speakers Kailee Classay and Serjio Gomez will address graduates at this year’s Coconino Community College commencement, sharing personal journeys that reflect the diversity of student experiences across the college.

For Classay, the path to earning an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education began before her first semester even started. In the summer of 2024, she participated in the Summer Bridge Program at CCC’s Page Campus. Originally from Tuba City, Arizona, on the Navajo Nation, that early introduction helped make college feel more accessible and set the tone for her academic journey.

As a student, Classay became actively involved on campus, serving as a tutor for the Native American Student Success program. In that role, she supported fellow students while discovering how meaningful it was to help others navigate their education. The experience strengthened her interest in early childhood education and affirmed her desire to give back through teaching.

Classay also participated in outreach events and workshops that supported her personal and professional growth. At the same time, she balanced a demanding schedule as a full-time student while working both a full-time and a part-time job. Managing those responsibilities required strong time-management skills and persistence, particularly during challenging periods.

She credits the support of faculty and staff, especially Jessica Dodson, with helping her build confidence and gain professional experience. Classay plans to transfer to Grand Canyon University, where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree and teaching certification in Early Childhood Education.

For Gomez, commencement represents the completion of a goal more than two decades in the making. Born in East Los Angeles, California, he returned to college after more than 20 years away, drawn to the flexibility and support systems of community college. His first semester was intimidating, but it quickly became a turning point.

As Gomez built relationships with faculty and classmates, his confidence grew and he began to see himself as a capable student. Balancing a full-time job, family responsibilities, and coursework required late nights and careful planning, but he remained committed to earning his degree.

Graduating with an Associate of Business makes Gomez the first person in his family to earn a college degree, an accomplishment he proudly shares with his parents, wife, and children. Throughout his time at CCC, he found support through the TRIO program, tutoring services, and encouragement from faculty and staff.

Those experiences also helped him grow as a mentor in his workplace, where he now supports others pursuing their own professional goals. Gomez will continue his education at Arizona State University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in Global Logistics Management.

Together, Classay and Gomez represent two different paths to the same milestone. As commencement speakers, their stories highlight the role of perseverance, support, and opportunity in helping students achieve their goals at Coconino Community College.