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By Charlotte Underwood
LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- Thursday evening marked a milestone for 198 TCAT students as they donned cap and gown to walk across the graduation stage and start the next chapter of their lives.
It also marked a milestone for TCAT Jacksboro, as its largest graduating class to date!
The LaFollette Church of God was packed to capacity with well over 800 in attendance to support the graduating class of 2025.
A total of 26 adult education students from Campbell and surrounding counties also graduated Thursday evening.
“We’re excited to graduate our largest class yet … I can’t tell you how overwhelming it is to have this level of support for our graduates tonight,” said TCAT Jacksboro President Dr. Debbie Petree.
Thursday’s graduation was dedicated to TCAT Jacksboro staff member Jean Burres who passed away on July 1st. Burres was a TCAT Administrative Technology graduate and served as TCAT Jacksboro’s receptionist. Graduates and those in attendance shared a moment of silence in honor of Jean who always greeted everyone as they came into TCAT.
“She was an integral honor part of our team, and we miss her every day. She would be so proud of all of you and this event,” President Petree said.
President Petree said she had two favorite times of the year, “graduation and when new students get welcomed to campus on September 2nd.”
She thanked everyone for being there and supporting the students.
“We have awarded 198 certificates and diplomas in this past year and as you can tell, we are really growing at TCAT Jacksboro,” Petree said. She noted that Tennessee leads the nation in assisting its citizens to obtain higher education credentials and that many TCAT students were recipients of the Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect Programs. It was also noted that many students are dual enrollment students who are obtaining degrees while still in high school.
USA Today did a ranking on vocational schools across the nation and of the 250 schools picked, 17 TCATs were on that list.
“I’m so proud TCAT Jacksboro and our other 16 sister organizations were on that list,” Petree said.
She also thanked faculty and staff who “work tirelessly each day to help our students with the tools they need to enter the work force, saying TCAT faculty and staff go above and beyond every day.”
She left students with parting advice.
“Graduates, congratulations. You have put in a lot of hard work and dedication. Even though you have reached a milestone in completing your certificate or diploma, this is just the beginning; don’t stop here, continue growing,” President Petree said.
Residential Commercial Industrial Electricity Student Enoch Harness (above) delivered a heartfelt prayer at the beginning of the ceremony.
Practical Nursing Student Samantha Marlow (above) was among Thursday’s student guest speakers.
“We’ve all seen the late nights and countless hours of study that has led us to this day,” Marlow said.
She said Nursing was a “calling” and thanked her fellow students.
“We all learned trauma bonding holds its own meaning” Marlow said.
She also thanked all the instructors at TCAT, especially those in the nursing program, along with her family, her children and all those that believed in her.
She finished with words of encouragement to her fellow graduates.
“Go forth, embrace the challenges and make a positive impact on the world,” Marlow said.
Cosmetology graduate Alexandria Abrams (above) guest spoke as well.
“Some of us have worked full time and part time jobs, faced many struggles, gone through traumas, lost people, yet persevered and here we are…this journey wasn’t easy by any means and it’s one I will never forget…so focus on the joy in the present because we don’t know what tomorrow brings…keep dreaming and live your life and cherish every moment,” Abrams said.
Automotive Technology graduate Jaxson Goad spoke as well. He thanked his family and his teachers for their support.
“It was a very good experience, and I had an incredible time. There were some ups and downs, but that’s life….I made some good friends, and I made some really good friends, it’s been great,” Goad said.
Regent Danni Varlan, who is on the Tennessee Board of Regents, was Thursday’s main guest speaker. She shared her touching story of growing up and working hard for ten years to obtain her own degree through many challenges, trials and tribulations and that keeping a positive attitude is what brought her through it all.
“Being here with you today is what makes our volunteer service on the board so rewarding,” Varlan said.
“Today you become part of the proud history of TCAT.”
She left students with the parting advice and a quote from famous UT Vols coach Pat Summitt.
“Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you are right.”
She told graduates their attitude and how they reacted to life challenges were important qualities to success.
“More importantly, your attitude towards your challenges makes all the difference in how you overcome them…a positive attitude can improve our state of mind. Gratitude is my most secret weapon, being grateful for each and every day… Being recognized as a hard worker with a great attitude is the secret to success in my mind…God’s plan for you is so much greater than you can imagine. Congratulations graduates and welcome to the rest of your amazing life…as of today, TCAT Jacksboro is your Alma Mater….the board of Regents is proud to have you as our alumni… Go out into the workforce with confidence.”
President Petree closed out the ceremony by thanking “community partners for making this truly eventful event a reality.†(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-08/22/2025-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)