2026 Graduates Earn GCC Degree Alongside High School Diploma

Batavia, NY (05/20/2026) — On May 16, 2026 Genesee Community College celebrated its 58th annual Commencement Ceremony with a group of 7 students from area high schools deserving special mention. They completed their GCC degree requirements concurrently with their high school diplomas or New York State High School Equivalency. These graduates participated in the eighth annual cohort of the Excel Program (formerly Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Enrichment Program) through GCC's Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) Office.

These high-achieving individuals include the following: Peyton Hudson (Perry), Evelyn LaWall (Warsaw), Bradley Pierce (Albion), Gemma Reinhard (Greece Athena), Colton Smith (Lyndonville), Hunter Tobolski (Oakfield) and Camdeon Wittcop-Howes (Lyndonville).

The Excel program began in 2012 allowing the students to start their college studies as early as the seventh grade. In addition to their traditional schoolwork, they enrolled in college level coursework each year taking advantage of many academic opportunities and successfully completing all of the rigorous challenges of an associate degree.

"We are incredibly proud of these outstanding students who have achieved the remarkable milestone of earning both their high school diplomas and GCC degrees. Their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to academic excellence reflect the transformative impact of early college opportunities and serve as an inspiration to future students pursuing their educational goals," said Ann Valento, director of Accelerated College Enrollment programs at Genesee Community College.

Kaitlyn Harloff, Excel program coordinator at Genesee Community College, added, "These students have demonstrated an exceptional ability to thrive in a rigorous academic environment while balancing the demands of high school and college coursework. Their success highlights the strength of the Excel Enrichment Program and the dedication of our faculty and staff who support students every step of the way."

Genesee Community College's 58th annual Commencement Ceremony was held at the Richard C. Call Arena on GCC's Batavia Campus. To view the ceremony, please visit: https://www.genesee.edu/commencement/.

For more information contact Director of ACE Programs, Ann Valento at (585) 343-0055 x6316, or via email: amvalento@genesee.edu.

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58th Annual Commencement Ceremony

Genesee Community College

2026 Graduates Earn GCC Degree Alongside High School Diploma

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Genesee Community College

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