The Technical College of the Lowcountry held its 2025 Spring Commencement service on Friday, May 9, at Beaufort’s Waterfront Park.
Some 328 graduates received either a diploma, certificate or associate degree or, in some cases, more than one award.
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Perseverance, sacrifice and finding one’s purpose in life were the themes of the day as the sky cleared after a week of spring showers and speakers took to the podium.
“Your path to this ceremony has been marked by hard work and sacrifice,” said TCL President Dr. Richard Gough, adding that many students juggled job and family responsibilities while pursuing higher education.
“You have shown us what perseverance looks like,” he said. “Whether you step into a career right now that will shape our region’s workforce or continue your studies at a university or four-year institution, you do so with a solid foundation rooted in knowledge, resilience and purpose.”
TCL’s Presidential Medallion was also revealed and awarded to local businessman Charles “Bill” Bootle at Friday’s ceremony.
Given each year, the Presidential Medallion recognizes a distinguished community leader who exhibits enthusiasm, integrity and perseverance beyond the ordinary.
A longtime Beaufort resident, veteran and supporter of the college, Bootle previously served on TCL’s Area Commission and helped establish the college’s HVAC program.
In addition, he was instrumental in founding the Colleton County Career Skills Center and helped secure a $2.3 million grant to improve student persistence in graduation. Bootle’s son, Ed Bootle, accepted the award on his father’s behalf.
Karen Huerta, a dual enrollment student at Battery Creek High School, served as the Class of 2025 Student Speaker. Chosen from a pool of candidates who auditioned for the honor, Huerta echoed Dr. Gough’s earlier remarks.
“Never forget what it took to get here, or what you’re capable of becoming next,” she said. “Your story, your struggle, your voice matter. Every sacrifice has led you to this moment.”
Huerta, whose parents are immigrants, went on to thank her family for their support and sacrifice.
“They never failed to remind me that I can do whatever I want in life as long as I’m willing to put in the work to achieve it,” she said. “Standing here today means I’m not just representing myself, I’m representing them.”
Huerta plans to attend Clemson University to major in philosophy as part of the university’s “Law, Liberty and Justice” pre-law program.
S.C. House Rep. Shannon Erickson of Beaufort also spoke on Friday and served as the ceremony’s commencement speaker.
“You are walking proof that technical education works, matters and is relevant in today’s society,” she told graduates.
She went on to provide several points of advice including showing up, being adaptable or flexible and having curiosity.
“You don’t need a fancy title to have the meaning of life,” she said. “You just need a purpose. You have that.”
To watch the full 2025 Commencement recorded earlier click here.
For more highlights and behind-the-scenes photos, visit our Facebook album here.
