Leader Publications

Michelle Williams of Berrien Springs and Samantha Gerard of Buchanan have been chosen as student speakers for Lake Michigan College’s 65th annual commencement exercises at the LMC Mendel Center May 6.

Growing up in Brazil, then graduating from high school in Guyana in South America, Williams moved to New York City before she and her husband landed in Michigan. With two small children, Williams spent the last two years as a full-time student, mother and employee working the nightshift as a nurse assistant unit clerk. Williams graduates with highest honors, receiving an associate in science degree. Her son, Keegan, 23, is also graduating from LMC with her.

At LMC, Williams participated in Phi Theta Kappa and Student Support Services. She spent 10 hours a week as a tutor in the LMC math lab, and also volunteered a half-day each Friday at the Domestic Violence Shelter for Child and Family Services.

Williams is on her way to fulfilling her dream of being a doctor in family medicine. In the fall, she will be attending the University of Michigan to pursue a bachelor of science degree in biochemistry. She plans to stay in Michigan to attend medical school.

Williams received the Richie and Karen Barnes Family Scholarship and the Winner’s Circle Scholarship and was an honoree on the Michigan All-Academic Team while at LMC.

The title of her speech is “Looking Back, Looking Forward, Reflections of a Graduate.”

Samantha Gerard will earn two diplomas this spring. At 18 years old, she graduates with an associate in arts degree from Lake Michigan College with honors, and in June she’ll graduate with honors from Buchanan High School.

Over the past two years, Gerard has participated in the LMC Early College Academy at the Bertrand Crossing Campus, splitting her day between college courses and playing baritone in band classes in high school.

During her freshman and sophomore years she participated at the Math and Science Center at Andrews University.

In the fall she will enroll in the pre-chiropractic program and band program at Missouri State University, where she received a Provost Scholarship, a band grant and had out-of-state tuition fees waived, all based on her grades. When she graduates, she will attend Palmer College of Chiropractic to earn her doctorate degree.

Gerard spent time in pep band, marching band, tutoring younger band students and fixing instruments for others in her spare time.

She also works weekends as a hostess at Famous Dave’s restaurant. As president of the National Honor Society at BHS, she wrote a recycling grant that was awarded to their chapter. She was also a member of Phi Kappa Theta at LMC.

The title of Gerard’s speech is “Opportunities.”