From teenagers accelerating their futures through to seasoned professionals launching second careers, 麻豆视频鈥檚 Class of 2026 reflects the power of education to transform lives at every stage.
This year, 1,042 graduates crossed the stage, representing a wide range of journeys and aspirations. Among them, 274 Running Start students earned both their high school diplomas and associate degrees simultaneously, and 12 graduates served in the U.S. military, bringing discipline and resilience shaped by service. Altogether, the college will confer 1,106 degrees and certificates, spanning bachelor of applied science degrees, transfer pathways and professional and technical programs.
Ages of graduates ranged from under 15 to 66, underscoring a defining truth about YVC: opportunity has no single timeline.
A voice of service: Yuleyda Garc铆a
At commencement, graduates heard from one of their own 鈥� Yuleyda Garc铆a, a student whose journey spans continents, careers and a lifelong commitment to care.
A physician trained in Venezuela, Garc铆a has more than 33 years of experience in health care, including advanced training in internal medicine, family medicine and holistic disciplines and occupational health.
鈥淢y entire career has been focused on treating the whole person, not just the illness,鈥� Garc铆a said.
In 2023, Garc铆a immigrated to the United States seeking stability amid ongoing challenges in Venezuela. She chose the Yakima Valley to be close to family 鈥� but found something more.
鈥淎fter living here, I fell in love with the Valley, its natural beauty, its strength and especially its people,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 feel a deep connection to this community.鈥�
Determined to understand and navigate the American health care system, Garc铆a enrolled at 麻豆视频 and later joined the program. There, she quickly became both a student and a mentor, sharing her global perspective while embracing new skills.
Now, as she completes her studies, Garc铆a is preparing for a new role 鈥� one that builds on decades of expertise while expanding her impact locally.
鈥淚 am eager to begin my journey as a medical assistant and provide high-quality care to our community,鈥� she said. 鈥淭his is just the beginning.鈥�
Her focus remains clear: serving those who need care most.
鈥淢y mission is to serve our most underserved and vulnerable populations and to combine my years of experience with my new skills to ensure that everyone receives the compassionate care they deserve.鈥�
For Garc铆a, graduation is not an endpoint, but a continuation of purpose.
鈥淭his isn鈥檛 just a job,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a new way to fulfill my lifelong calling.鈥�
A community impact that extends beyond campus
Each graduate carries a story like Garc铆a鈥檚 鈥� shaped by determination, supported by community and aimed toward impact.
Whether transferring to four-year universities, entering the workforce or advancing within their careers, the Class of 2026 is poised to strengthen the Yakima Valley and beyond.
Their success reflects YVC鈥檚 mission: creating accessible pathways where education meets opportunity, and where dreams 鈥� no matter when they begin 鈥� are within reach.
By the Numbers: Class of 2026
- 1,042 graduates
- 1,106 degrees and certificates awarded
- 274 Running Start graduates (dual high school and college credentials)
- 12 veteran graduates
- Age range: under 15 to 66
Story by Stefanie Menard, AA-DTA 鈥�05, communications consultant. Photos by Menard and Brandon Mendoza, AA-DTA '19, graphic designer/multimedia content producer.