Folsom Lake College holds third graduation ceremony

Graduates of all ages, backgrounds and areas of study will accept their diplomas today during Folsom Lake College's third graduation ceremony. The event will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the college's main Folsom campus, located at 100 Scholar Way. And while some receive their associate's degrees, other students will receive more than one. According to Scott Crow, public information officer for the college, 324 graduates will earn a total of 484 degrees and 153 certificates. Four students will receive four degrees and 20 will receive three degrees.And while their futures differ as much as their personalities, statistics show childcare as a popular field this year. Nineteen students will receive degrees in early childhood education and 110 certificates within the childhood development field. "Our valedictorian works in the child development center on campus," Crow said. The Folsom Lake College staff member, Debbie Whitney, will be today's featured student speaker. "It's a little scary," Whitney said about her speech. "If you're over 30 inches tall I get nervous," she joked, explaining she's used to talking with children. "I can have a room of 30 students, 30 inches or shorter, and it's no problem. If you're taller than that I get nervous."The 51-year-old Cameron Park resident plans to continue her education and work toward her master's degree. Ione resident Mathew Ylst is this year's youngest graduate. At 21, Ylst will earn his associate's degree in general education. He plans to take some time off from school and start his own business customizing cars and trucks. "It is exciting," Ylst said about graduating from Folsom Lake College. Three students have similar plans and will receive their degree in business with a focus on small business management/entrepreneurship tonight.Fifty-nine percent of graduates (192 students) have indicated they will be transferring to a four-year campus next year. Crow said today's ceremony will be a big event compared to years past. The campus saw a 62 percent increase in the number of degrees given this year compared to last year and a 48 percent increase in certificates handed out.