EFSC Graduation Celebration: A Journey Inspired by Family

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More than 821 Eastern Florida State College students walked across the Commencement stage on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. ceremonies. This spring, a total of 1,950 students were eligible to receive diplomas.

“Excitement, that’s the biggest feeling right now," says Madeleine Dumonteil, who is completing her associate in arts degree alongside her younger sister, Gianna. "It’s really special and sentimental to be graduating together, and it makes the moment even more meaningful.”

Madeleine's accolades at EFSC include serving as EFSC's SGA President and the Cocoa Campus' Activity Board Chair. Gianna, a dual-enrolled student, is graduating with both her high school diploma and two-year college degree simultaneously.

Although three years apart, the sisters are walking across the commencement stage together at the 11 a.m. ceremony—a milestone they share as "each other's best friend." Madeleine, interested in the non-profit sector, plans to continue on to earn her bachelor’s degree in business management at University of Central Florida while Gianna pursues biological sciences at Tallahassee State College before transferring to Florida State University.

“We're always together. In the fall, it’ll be our first time being separated," says Gianna. "It's bittersweet, but we're both looking forward to experiencing university life, meeting new people, and getting our foot in the door."

The Dumonteil sisters are not the only family crossing the commencement stage together. Dual-enrolled cousins Karleigh and Evan Burnette have been completing education together since high school and earned many of their college credits in the same classroom.

“It’s cool to be graduating the same day, same class, walking the same stage as your cousin,” says Evan, with Karleigh adding, "Not a lot of people get to do that all at the same time."

Their post-graduation plans include a shared celebratory party, followed by vacation. While both plan to pursue bachelor's degrees, Evan will attend UCF for business while Karleigh enrolls at UF to study finance with the aim of becoming a personal financial advisor.

“Business is something important that I think everybody should learn," says Evan. "That kind of knowledge will benefit any job I choose.”

His advice for future graduates: "Don't procrastinate, and turn in your work on time."

For Alexis Hankerson, completing her associate of arts degree is an act of courage and resilience following the tragic loss of her sister.

“In 2012, my sister inspired me to go to school, ultimately to do something in the healthcare field—something out of the ordinary for my family," says Alexis. "In the fall of 2014, my sister passed away. It crushed my hopes, my dreams—it crushed everything.”

Ten years later, on the anniversary of her sister's passing, Alexis "had this little voice in my head telling me, ‘Go back to school, go back to school’. I thought, 'That's my sister'.”

She signed up for her remaining classes, officially stepping back onto the campus in January 2025.

“Now here I am in May 2026, graduating with my associate in arts," says Alexis. "This is a milestone that I've not only reached but overcome. I hope I'm able to encourage and inspire someone else."

Following graduation, Alexis plans to return to EFSC in Summer 2027 to complete the A.S. in Radiography, with the goal of pursuing a subsequent bachelor's degree and entering the healthcare field, achieving the dream fostered by her sister.

College President Dr. Jim Richey congratulated all the graduates, telling the crowds, “You are the best and brightest, and are now an integral part of the legacy of success that is EFSC. The world needs you. We need your talents, imagination, creativity, and hard work. You are the Titan Nation.”

Both ceremonies were broadcast live on WEFS-TV and livestreamed via YouTube.

Commencement replays can be viewed on the College’s YouTube channel at bit.ly/efscwatch.

Graduates, family, and friends can post their photos and videos on social media using the hashtag #EFSCGrad so they can be part of the virtual social wall.

EFSC's newest alumni join more than 130,000 others who have earned their diplomas from the college since it opened in 1960 with one campus.

Today four campuses span the Space Coast from Titusville to Palm Bay with almost four dozen programs also available completely online.

To learn more about EFSC and the nearly 150 programs offered, visit easternflorida.edu.

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