A&M-Commerce Graduate Experiences Unique Graduation Ceremony

A&M-Commerce graduate Ashlyn Jones was featured in an article on myparistexas.com for her one-of-a-kind graduation ceremony. Since commencement ceremonies at A&M-Commerce have been postponed, Ashlyn's husband, Derek Jones, decided to hold a graduation ceremony for his wife in their own back yard.

According to the article, he turned the deck into a stage and a ladder into a podium; the karaoke machine served as the sound system, and a printed banner proudly announced graduation 2020 at A&M-Commerce. Four family members attended the ceremony, and Ashlyn walked down the “aisle” to “Pomp and Circumstance” in her high school cap and gown.

Ashlyn described the event as “a special moment because Derek worked really hard to make it perfect for me.”

“I had to hold back the tears because, honestly, if it weren't for him I don't know where I would be. I definitely probably wouldn't be reaching my dreams of becoming a teacher. I got the degree, but he put in the sacrifices of long work hours, watching the kiddos so I could attend classes, helping me study…,” Ashlyn said.

According to Derek, it may not have been the graduation ceremony of Ashlyn’s dreams, but it's a memory they will never forget.

“I am so proud of her,” said Derek.

Read the entire myparistexas article.