Wenatchee Valley College is pleased to announce the 2026 graduates who were recognized at commencement ceremonies and nursing convocations for their academic excellence.
Diana Morales-Cruz from the Wenatchee campus and Amber Watson from the Omak campus received WVC President’s Medals for their academic achievements, leadership, and service.
Diana Morales-Cruz served as the ASWVC senate president this academic year and earned
an associate of science-transfer degree. She is a first-generation graduate and student leader, having served on the student
senate for two years. She was an active member of the Delta Christian Club, and part
of the WVC MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement) and TRIO programs. Throughout
her student journey, Diana strove to create a sense of belonging for WVC students
and volunteered in the Anatomy and Physiology open labs to help her classmates with
their studies by offering study tips and encouragement. She balanced classes, college
commitments, and work while being named to the Dean’s List and the President’s List
for her academic achievements.
Professor Rob Fitch said that Morales-Cruz’s “transcript shows a repeated pattern of academic excellence throughout her career at WVC.... I believe she will continue to be successful in her academic endeavors in the future.” Morales-Cruz will continue her education at the University of Washington this fall and will pursue her bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Amber Watson earned an associate in arts-transfer degree and also served as the ASWVCO
student senate president this year. Hoping to set an example for her children, Watson
enrolled at WVC Omak to earn her high school diploma through the Transitional Studies
program. She completed her diploma in one quarter and continued her education, working
to complete her associate degree while serving on the student senate for two years.
Professor Stella Columbia said, “She has demonstrated one of the most important characteristics needed for success...grit. It takes a certain amount of fortitude to juggle classes, work, and parenthood.” Watson will continue her education in WVC’s Bachelor of Applied Science-Behavioral Health program so that she can pursue a career dedicated to helping others. She also hopes to eventually earn a master’s degree in education.
Additional nominees for the President’s Medals included Afonso Abreu of Leiria, Portugal, business transfer degree; Marley Burgess-Duquette of Priest River, Idaho, associate in arts-transfer degree; Jose Cabello Preciado of Omak, associate in arts-transfer degree; Cash Fowler of Wenatchee, associate of science-transfer; America Guerrero Macias, associate in arts-transfer degree; Lindsay Hanks, associate of applied science-transfer degree in Industrial Electronics; Johanna Perez of Compton, Calif., associate of applied science degree in accounting; Guadalupe Rios of East Wenatchee, associate of applied science degrees in business and accounting; Brianna Urrutia-Vera of East Wenatchee, associate in science-transfer; and Zyanya Vazquez Gonzalez of Yakima, associate in science-transfer.
Outstanding Graduate Awards at the Wenatchee ceremony were awarded to Iris Giles, Diana Morales-Cruz, and Elizabeth Ray. Giles, who is from Wenatchee, earned an associate of applied science-transfer degree in computer technology-network administration and a computer technician certificate of completion. Ray, also from Wenatchee, earned an associate in music transfer degree.
Recipients of the Academic Achievement Award at the Omak ceremony went to Mykala Lynn Berntsen and Crystal Nemecio Alejandro. Berntsen, who is from Post Falls, Idaho, earned an associate in arts-transfer degree. Nemecio Alejandro, of Oroville, earned an associate in arts-transfer degree. The Academic Achievement Award is bestowed on students who have the highest GPA in their graduating class.
At the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN to BSN) convocation in Omak, Kara Flaherty received the Capstone Impact Award, and Kami Aldrich received the Emerging Nurse Leader. Flaherty's capstone project was “National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)
Pharmacology for Working Licensed Professional Nurses (LPNs).” Aldrich’s project was
“Balancing Autonomy and Safety in Correctional Withdrawal Management: A Standardized
Policy for Informed Refusal and Escalation.”
Hailey Hopkins and Ethan Kamphaus were also recognized as All-Washington Academic Team members. Hopkins, of East Wenatchee, earned an associate of science-transfer degree, and will pursue her computer engineering degree at the University of Washington’s Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering. Kamphaus, of Wenatchee, earned an associate in arts-transfer degree, and will pursue his environmental biology degree at Montana State University this fall.
About Wenatchee Valley College
Founded in 1939, Wenatchee Valley College enriches North Central Washington and delivers relevant, innovative, and experiential educational opportunities for thriving and healthy communities. Learn more at www.wvc.edu.
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Wenatchee Valley College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in employment and student enrollment. All programs are free from discrimination and harassment against any person because of race, creed, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a service animal by a person with a disability, age, parental status or families with children, marital status, religion, genetic information, honorably discharged veteran or military status or any other prohibited basis per RCW 49.60.030, 040 and other federal and state laws and regulations, or participation in the complaint process. Learn more at www.wvc.edu/publicdisclosure.
Published July 15, 2026
Media Contact:
Cal Cross, Dean, Omak campus, 509-422-7805, ccross@wvc.edu
Dr. Jennifer Freese, Nursing Program Director, 509-682-6662, jfreese@wvc.edu
Marcine Miller, Executive Director, Public Information Office, 509-682-6582, mmiller2@wvc.edu