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Keynote speaker encourages students to never give up on dreams
More than 600 Pensacola State College graduates received bachelor’s and associate degrees, applied technology diplomas and workforce certificates during commencement exercises held May 10 at the Pensacola Bay Center.
Rick Byars, senior external affairs manager for Florida Power and Light Co., was the keynote speaker. He shared his life story as a message of inspiration to the Class of 2024.
As a child who grew up in the Catholic Church foster care system, Byars urged the graduates to never give up on their aspirations and dreams despite life’s challenges.
“From the age of 6 to 13 years old, I would live in six different homes in Mississippi. Finally at age 13 years old, I was placed with a family in Vicksburg, Mississippi, where I would stay permanently,” he said. “To this very day, I call Bill and Judy Corpus my mom and dad.”
Byars described the now-deceased couple as wonderful and simple people with three adopted children who gave him love, a home and a family.
“They taught me to go to church, be an honorable man, and, more importantly, to never give up on myself,” he said. “And this is what my message is to you tonight – to never give up on yourself.”
After sharing his varied career path from working in a shoe store to his current Florida Power and Light position with the graduates, Byars urged each graduate to “Be persistent in everything you do.”
“Know in your heart that you can do anything you set your mind to and are willing to sacrifice to see it through to the end. Never give up on yourself!” Byars said.
The College also posthumously bestowed an associate in arts degree to the late Timothy LeMoine. The 19-year-old passed away in March. His grandmother, Randi LeMoine, accepted the degree.