Athens attorney Conor Bateman addresses the graduates during his keynote speech. As the more than 140 graduates crossed the stage at Trinity Valley Community College last week, they were spurred on by the words of Nelson Mandela:

"Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world."

Those words were quoted by Athens attorney Conor G. Bateman, J.D., who was the keynote speaker for Friday's summer graduation ceremony.

Bateman is a partner in the Athens law firm of Bateman & Bateman. He is a member of the Athens Rotary Club, First United Methodist Church Athens and the State Bar of Texas.

Bateman, who has earned diplomas from Athens High School, TVCC, Baylor University and University of Arkansas School of Law, encouraged the new grads to continue to develop their intelligence and their character.

"You are (already) persons of character, or you would not be seated here this evening," said Bateman. "Graduation is not an end. It's a beginning. "

He told the graduates that what they do with their lives and education is up to them, but that they can accomplish great things.

Courtesy Photo President's Award: Wills Point graduate Aida Murtazina is congratulated by Trinity Valley Community College President Glendon Forgey after receiving her diploma at last week's TVCC summer graduation. Murtazina was awarded the President's Award, an honor given to students who exhibit exceptional dedication and performance while at TVCC. The mascot for TVCC is the cardinal. Bateman said the cardinal is not just a mascot, but a role model.

He asked the graduates to think of the meaning of the word cardinal. Cardinal means first, highest, greatest (as in a religious cardinal, a cardinal rule or a cardinal direction), said Bateman. He encouraged them to live up to that definition.

"Tonight has given meaning to your life, what you do with that meaning is up to you," said Bateman.

At Friday's ceremony one graduate received special recognition. Wills Point student Aida Murtazina was awarded the TVCC President's Award. The award is given to students who have shown outstanding dedication and performance while at TVCC.

Murtazina is an honors graduate who was a regular name on the Honors List and President's Honor Roll. She worked as a volunteer and a tutor. Murtazina was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and president of the Terrell branch of the organization.

The summer TVCC graduates are listed alphabetically by hometown:

Athens - Derric L. Albrecht, CER; Tom O. Atkinson, AA; Kathleen M. Beasley, CER; Yulia Beckley, AA; Blake S. Butler, AA; Michael Callahan, AA; Amber M. Cooper, CER; Ashley A. Cumpston, AA; Ryan Frederick, AA; Kayla A. Gilcrease, CER; Kyla Henson, CER; Holli Hiza*, AA; Kristy L. Hopper, CER; Vannessa D. Jeffcoat, AA; Kristi D. Jones, CER; Melissa King, CER; Stefeni Kirchenbauer, AA; Tarah R. Miller, AAS; Randi L. Rowe, CER; Sofia L. Sanchez, CER; Jarrod T. Williams, AA.

Brownsboro - Adrian Avalos, CER; Kelly Clements, CER; Tameshia Q. Cofer, AAS; Ashley R. Kirby, CER; Melissa L. Swofford, AA.

Chandler - Rebekah Beall, CER; Matthew J. Berry, AA; Emily M. Epperson, CER; Kimberly L. Molandes, CER.

Larue - Rebecca L. McManus, CER; Randi Stutts, CER; Emilee F. Walker, CER.

Murchison - Diana E. Jeffrey, CER; Connie J. McGhee**, AA;Christy Templin, CER.

AA - Associate of Arts

AAS - Associate of Applied Science

CER - Certificate

* Denotes honors graduate ** Denotes high honors graduate.