On Saturday, May 17, 2025, Allegany College of Maryland proudly celebrated the achievements of its graduating class during the Spring Commencement Ceremony held at the iconic Bob Kirk Arena on the Cumberland campus. The event was a vibrant tribute to academic and athletic excellence, with 32 student-athletes walking across the stage to receive their diplomas.

The ceremony featured three student commencement speakers, including two standout athletes: Moise Tefy (Men's Basketball) and Josie Shuke (Women's Basketball), who delivered inspiring messages about perseverance, teamwork, and the power of community.

Honoring Our Student-Athlete Graduates

Listed alphabetically by last name, here are the 32 student-athletes who graduated this spring, along with their academic programs and athletic highlights:

• Dylan Adams – Baseball (BSB), General Studies
  Hit 7 home runs and drove in 30 RBIs; briefly joined the MBB team during winter. Earned academic honors every semester.

• Nutrell Artis – Men's Basketball (MBB), General Studies
  Key member of the 2024 NJCAA D1 Tournament team in Hutchinson, Kansas. Earned academic honors in two semesters.

• Carson Bradley – Baseball (BSB), Criminal Justice
  2024–25 Outstanding Male Student-Athlete of the Year. Earned academic honors every semester.

• Grace Burke – Women's Soccer (WSOC), Medical Admin Assistant
  Part of ACM's first WSOC team in 20 years. Earned academic honors across multiple semesters.

• Shamaria Carr – Softball (SB), Applied Technical Studies

• Kayijah Cash – Women's Basketball (WBB), Business Administration
  Averaged 6 points, 2.5 assists per game, and shot 68% from the free-throw line.

• Cathy Cessna – Softball (SB), Women's Soccer (WSOC), Respiratory Therapy
  Recorded 9 doubles and 1 triple in softball. Earned academic honors every semester.

• Nkenge Durham – Men's Soccer (MSOC) General Studies
  Continued his soccer career with Miami Dutch Lions FC.

• Alexis Heavner – Softball (SB) Spanish
  Earned academic honors every semester.

• Kiara Hill – Women's Basketball (WBB)
  Named to the MD JUCO Honorable Mention Team and NJCAA Region 20 First Team.

• Timothy Jones – Baseball (BSB), General Studies
  Tallied 40 strikeouts and delivered a standout playoff performance.

• Alex Kennel – Baseball (BSB), General Studies

• Nathanial Klemm – Men's Soccer (MSOC), General Studies
  2024 Soccer MVP; recognized at both MD JUCO and NJCAA Region 20 levels.

• Nailevid Lorenzo-Lopez – Volleyball (VB), Business Administration
  Named to the MD JUCO Honorable Mention Team.

• Ryanne Martinez – Softball (SB), Culinary and Hospitality
  Team captain and NJCAA Region 20 Second Team selection.

• Konner Pittman – Baseball (BSB), Business Administration
  Delivered a game-changing play in the play-in game vs. Montgomery Rockville.

• Ryley Palumbo – Volleyball (VB), Nursing
  Earned academic honors every semester.

• Owen Pratt – Men's Soccer (MSOC)
  Team captain and recipient of the MSOC Valor Award.

• Tyler Serb – Baseball (BSB), Business Management
  Committed to Lock Haven University to continue his baseball career.

• Trevor Shifflett – Baseball (BSB), Business Administration

• Josie Shuke – Women's Basketball (WBB), Dental Hygiene
  Academic honors every semester; NJCAA All-Academic First Team, Region 20 Second Team, and All-MD JUCO Honorable Mention as a freshman.

• Roman Smith – Baseball (BSB), General Studies

• Morgan Taylor – Women's Basketball (WBB), Arts & Sciences – Social Work and Psychology
  NJCAA Region 20 Second Team selection as a freshman.

• Casey Tomasik – Baseball (BSB), Business Management

• Moise Tefy – Men's Basketball (MBB), Business Management
  Member of the 2024 NJCAA D1 Tournament team in Kansas.

• Ariaya Walker – Volleyball (VB), Arts & Sciences – Physiology
  Earned academic honors every semester.

• Emily Wilson – Volleyball (VB), Multimedia
  Decorated athlete with NJCAA Region 20, MD JUCO, and tournament honors. 2024–25 Outstanding Female Student-Athlete of the Year.

• Joel Wise – Baseball (BSB), Business Administration
  Headed to Lock Haven University. Earned academic honors in multiple semesters.

• Jasmine Rodriguez – Women's Basketball (WBB), Arts & Sciences – Psychology

• Jaidee Guinn – Volleyball (VB), Phlebotomy

Graduation by Sport

Here's a breakdown of the number of graduates by sport:

• Baseball (BSB): 10
• Men's Basketball (MBB): 2
• Women's Basketball (WBB): 5
• Softball (SB): 4
• Women's Soccer (WSOC): 2
• Men's Soccer (MSOC): 4
• Volleyball (VB): 5

Founded in 1961, Allegany College of Maryland (ACM) has long been a cornerstone of higher education in Western Maryland, offering a wide range of associate degree and certificate programs across academic, technical, and health-related fields. With a mission rooted in student success, community engagement, and lifelong learning, ACM continues to empower students from diverse backgrounds to achieve their educational and professional goals.

The Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony, held at the Bob Kirk Arena on ACM's Cumberland campus, was a celebration of perseverance, growth, and achievement. The arena, named in honor of legendary basketball coach Bob Kirk, provided a fitting backdrop for the event, symbolizing the spirit of excellence that defines ACM athletics and academics alike.

This year's ceremony was especially meaningful, as it highlighted the accomplishments of student-athletes who balanced the demands of competitive sports with rigorous academic programs. Their achievements reflect the college's commitment to developing well-rounded individuals prepared to lead and succeed in their next chapters—whether in further education, professional careers, or continued athletic pursuits.

As these 32 student-athletes join the ranks of ACM alumni, they carry forward a legacy of determination, leadership, and community pride. The college community celebrates their journey and looks forward to the impact they will make in the world.