Davis & Elkins College recognized the graduating Class’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian on Saturday, May 11, during Commencement Weekend. Valedictorian, Enrique José García García, and Salutatorian, Kyia Ruth McGill, addressed the Class of 2024 during their respective speeches.
“Our program is so proud of the accomplishments of Enrique in the classroom and the pool! He has had a remarkable impact on those around him, and it has been as special to watch him present his senior capstone as it has been to see him shatter school records,” says Head Men’s and Women’s Swimming Coach and Associate Athletic Director for Facilities & Event Operations, Nikki Rose. “He has been an extraordinary leader; demonstrating to teammates that developing excellence is not limited to one area.”
Assistant Professor of Theatre and Film Lonnie Martin says, “Kyia has epitomized the best qualities of the theatrical artist; dedicated, hard-working and holding herself to a high standard of work. She arrived at a time when the future of theatre at D&E was uncertain, and her commitment to the craft of film and theatre work gave me something to build for and great energy for her colleagues to coalesce around. She’s been a huge part of our success the past few years, and I wish her the best in the next steps of her journey.”
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Rob Phillips adds, “While Enrique and Kyia’s path to D&E as well as their interests and majors were quite different, they both were excellent students, represented the College exceptionally with their athletic and theatrical performances, delivered moving and thoughtful speeches and are certainly well-prepared for the next step in their personal and professional journeys. We are proud of their accomplishments and happy to have them as graduates.”
In addition to these academic achievements, García and McGill earned honors of highest-ranking Bachelor of Arts and Science graduate, respectively. Both former students, now alumni of the College, graduated summa cum laude. García is also the recipient of the Freeman J. Daniels Academic Achievement Award, granted to the outstanding graduating senior based on academic achievement.
