Graduates cross the stage at Jefferson's 2026 Commencement Ceremonies

Published on Jun 15, 2026

The Class of 2026 took center stage on May 12 as Jefferson Community and Technical College hosted its Commencement Ceremonies at the Kentucky International Convention Center. Two ceremonies were held to honor graduates from the College's General and Technical Education programs.

Family, friends, faculty, and staff gathered to recognize the accomplishments of Jefferson's newest graduates. In his opening remarks, President Ty Handy commended graduates for their hard work and perseverance.

“Even under the pressure of extraordinary circumstances, you pushed to get to this stage for this moment, and you made it,” Dr. Handy said.

More than 2500 graduates were invited to walk in the graduation.

Olexus Porter, this year's student speaker for the Technical Education ceremony, spoke of her return to Jefferson after earning an Associate in Arts from the College in 2019.

“Life has a way of teaching us that sometimes the path that we start on is not the one that we're meant to finish. Coming back helped me truly discover a career that fits me,” she said, referencing her studies to become a Surgical Technologist.

At the General Education ceremony, student speaker Savannah Ballard shared her experience as a dual-credit student through the Bullitt Advanced Math and Science Program.

“What stood out to me most wasn't just the opportunity. It was the challenge. I was in an environment that pushed me in ways I had been looking for,” she said.

In all, over 2,500 students earned a diploma, degree, and/or certificate in the 2025-26 academic year. Graduates of the Class of 2026 ranged in age from 15 to 74 and represented 58 Kentucky counties.

Replays of the ceremonies are available on YouTube. Photos of Commencement 2026 are available on Flickr. Graduates should check their student (.edu) email for a link to download their individual graduation photo.