Wayland graduates 25

Staff Writer

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On the heels of retiring from the U.S. Air Force this past April, Demarcus J. Anthony is embarking upon a new chapter in his life — and it’s one that includes efforts to mold and shape young lives.

Staff photo: Tony Bullocks

Elane Seebo presents graduate Demarcus J. Anthony with his degree during Friday morning graduation ceremony at Central Baptist Church. Anthony was awarded with his Master of Education degree. Seebo is vice president of external campuses and graduate services for the Wayland Baptist University Clovis Campus.

The Clovis Freshman Academy history teacher received a Master of Education degree Friday, joining other graduates who also garnered various levels of degrees during the Wayland Baptist University Clovis Campus commencement ceremony at Central Baptist Church. School officials said a total of 25 graduates included six graduates slated to receive their degrees in absentia.

“I thought it was really great,” said Anthony, a New Iiberia, Louisiana, native, of the ceremony. “I liked the pace and intimacy of the setting. I plan to use my degree within the teaching profession and eventually enter administration as a principal. I enjoy working with kids and working to make a positive impact on their lives. I’m really excited about the next phase and stand appreciative of the opportunity.”

The commencement program included a welcome from WBU-Clovis Executive Director and Dean Gary Mitchell, as well as a musical performance from Wayland Baptist University Associate Professor of Voice Kimberly Brown and Assistant Professor of Collaborative Piano Kennith Freeman.

“These graduates seated before us represent a mixture of active duty Air Force, retired military and civilians,” Mitchell said. “But no matter their background, all of our graduates have worked extremely hard to achieve their academic goals. Many of you have made numerous sacrifices to get to this point and we’re very proud of you. I am appreciative of the dedication, commitment and persistence, because those things are contagious and positively impact everyone around you.”

Clovis Mayor David Lansford delivered the commencement address.

“This is actually a launching point for the rest of your life,” he said. “Every day you’re writing your story. Keep in mind our decisions, our choices are writing our stories. It’s about loving people. If you want to be a leader, want to impact your community and make decisions that have long term impact, I think if we love people, they will follow us, they will listen to us and respect us. Everyone in this room can be a leader in some form or fashion. And that means people are going to be looking at you and deciding who you are and what your story is. I’m hopeful your story talks about sustaining love and building.”