Clark College’s Running Start program has record 476 graduates

About 750 penguins waddled into the future Thursday as Clark College celebrated its 82nd graduating class.

The Sunlight Supply Amphitheater was a sea of blue caps and gowns, as the Class of 2018 celebrated its accomplishments.

This year’s class received more than 2,300 certificates and degrees. That includes 476 Running Start graduates — high school students working toward their associate’s degree — a record number for the college.

Graduate Grace Moe, a 17-year-old Running Start student, received the 2018-2019 Community College Presidents’ Award in Honor of Val Ogden. The scholarship provides full-time tuition for one year to a graduate transferring to Washington State University Vancouver and is renewable for a second year.

“She has shown an exemplary work ethic, participating in student government and volunteering with community organizations while maintaining a high GPA,” Clark College President Robert Knight said of Moe during the ceremony.

Knight also announced the recipients of the 2018 Exceptional Faculty Awards: Computer technology instructor Bruce Elgort, English as a second language professor Sara Gallow, music professor Richard Inouye, math professor Kanchan Mathur and addiction counselor education instructor Don Wissusik.