Nearly 200 Grays Harbor College students were at Stewart Field in Aberdeen Friday to accept their diplomas at the school’s 89th commencement ceremony, part of the largest graduating class in the school’s history.

In all, 433 diplomas were awarded to this year’s class.

College President Dr. James Minkler introduced Aberdeen Police Chief Steve Shumate, a 1990 Grays Harbor College graduate, who delivered this year’s address to the graduates.

The college’s first ever graduating class to earn a Bachelor in Applied Science degree was up first to receive diplomas, including five in forest resources management and 21 in teacher education.

Other firsts included the 12 students graduating the Associate of Applied Science for medical assistant program, and the 18 Associate in Applied Science degrees in business management awarded to qualifying graduates at Stafford Creek Corrections Center.

Honored during the ceremony were the 2019 Outstanding Student Award recipient Mary Valentine and Faculty of the Year Award winner Melanie Israel.

DAN HAMMOCK | GRAYS HARBOR NEWS GROUP Soon-to-be-graduates of Grays Harbor College await their diplomas at the school’s 89th commencement ceremony Friday evening.

DAN HAMMOCK | GRAYS HARBOR NEWS GROUP Students walk onto Stewart Field in Aberdeen at the 2019 Grays Harbor College commencement ceremony Friday evening.

DAN HAMMOCK | GRAYS HARBOR NEWS GROUP Members of the 2019 Grays Harbor College graduating class applaud their supporters in the stands at Stewart Field during Friday’s commencement ceremony.

DAN HAMMOCK | GRAYS HARBOR NEWS GROUP Soon-to-be-graduates of Grays Harbor College await their diplomas at the school’s 89th commencement ceremony Friday evening.