Lakes Region Community College (LRCC) held its 57th commencement ceremony at the Colonial Theatre on Saturday, May 16, celebrating the achievements of 121 graduates while recognizing faculty, staff and peers. Four Franklin High School students and three Plymouth High School students walked in the ceremony, all of whom earned a certificate in Early Childhood Education through Early College, a dual enrollment program that allows high school students to earn college credits.
“Our graduates earned a degree that is going to open doors to better opportunities, more stability, and a chance to build a different kind of life,” said Patrick Cate, LRCC president. “And they’re leaving with more than an academic credential. They’re leaving with resilience, discipline, perspective — and the ability to push through something that wasn’t easy.”
Keynote speaker Kirk Beattie, city manager of Laconia, provided remarks to the crowd as did valedictorian Madison Liakas. The ceremony included the presentation of four distinguished awards: Faculty of the Year, Staff of the Year, and two Student of the Year honors.
Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Lynda Sinkiewich presented the Faculty of the Year award to Professor Stephen Freeborn of the liberal arts department. The award recognizes educators who have made a lasting impact on students’ academic journeys and who embody LRCC’s highest standards of scholarship, pedagogy, compassion and service.
Associate Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Laura LeMien presented the Staff of the Year award to Lisa Moulton, a longtime member of the college’s operations and maintenance team. The award honors outstanding service and dedication to students.
The 2026 Student of the Year award was shared between two graduates, Anna D’Amato and Bryce Haines. Selected by faculty and staff, the award recognizes graduates who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, resilience and a strong commitment to the LRCC community.
D’Amato served on the Student Senate, most recently as president, and led the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society chapter. At commencement, she received the Top GPA Award in Pastry Arts. She also co-founded Liberty Leaders, worked as a community advisor in the student apartments, represented students on the community engagement committee, and served as an officer in the Hospitality Club.
Haines served alongside D’Amato as vice president of the Hospitality Club, graduating with his associate degree in Culinary Arts. Earlier this year he represented LRCC at Experience New Hampshire in Washington, D.C., an event that showcases the state’s best specialty foods and craft beverages to lawmakers and visitors. When a reporter at the event asked him what the secret ingredient to it all was, Haines replied, “Education.”
