Fort Meade Staff Sargeant Leads AACC Grads

It's hard to study when you're dealing with the constant threat of enemy fire. 

But from the remote regions of Afghanistan, Dysha J. Huggins-Hodge, a staff sargeant in the U.S. Army, never lost her focus. 

Huggins-Hodge finished first in her class among the nearly 600 graduates honored Thursday at the 49th Commencement ceremonies at Anne Arundel Community College. 

Huggins-Hodge, a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist, was assigned to Afghanistan right after she decided to pursue her degree at AACC in transfer studies. She took her courses online, sometimes taking oral exams via Skype.

She began her valedictorian address by connecting her struggle to that of all the graduates who came about their time at AACC and their educational process in so many ways.

“Many of us fought uphill battles to get where we are today,” she told the audience. “I commend you all on being an example to our community.”

Nearly 3,500 degrees and associate degrees, and more than 600 certificates were awarded to the class of 2011.

“We are not just a community college, we are our community’s college,” said AACC President Martha Smith in her opening remarks. “Tonight, we celebrate our wonderful students and their impressive success.”

In one of her last speaking engagements as state superintendent of schools before she retires next month, Nancy Grasmick congratulated the graduates but told them that in this advanced technological world, learning can never stop.

“By the time Americans are 39, they will have had an average of 14 jobs,” said Grasmick. “You are about to enter a workforce with promotable skills. Remember, you have the potential to be great. Keep on learning.”

Susan Koller of Millersville served as a student marshal for commencement. She had worked for years in a medical office before deciding to change careers and pursue studies in nursing.

Barry McMenamin of Severna Park also served as a student marshal. He had worked as a bike messenger and in construction before the economy’s downward spiral. He earned a degree in engineering, is a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society and a student supplemental instruction leader in physics for his classmates.

The entire ceremony is being repeatedly broadcast on the AACC channel on local cable.