(Photo by: Jasmine Mills)

Data shows Hispanic and Black student populations are underrepresented in state colleges compared to the general population. With this in mind, students realized they had to create their own celebration when they became more than just a statistic and overcame the odds.

Graduating students at JCCC have an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and proudly represent their cultures by participating in this year’s Cavalier Send-Off event. The Cavalier Send-Off Graduation Ceremony honors the accomplishments and experiences of Johnson County Community College graduates from historically marginalized and underrepresented communities. This will take place on May 18, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., in RC 101.

Dr. Mya Lawrence, Manager of Student Life and Leadership, has been in higher education for twenty-four years, and seeing students get to the end is the thing that drives her most.

“I am going to miss the community,” Lawrence says. “I’ve been in Kansas City for 12 years, and this is the first place that I’ve been able to show up and truly be myself.”

Lawrence has accepted a position in St. Louis, Missouri, and will be leaving JCCC to continue her journey as an inspiring influence to many students and staff.

“It started off as what was called an Affinity Graduation. I was talking with a student whose parents were nervous about coming to the big graduation ceremony because of their native garb.” Lawrence says. “They wanted to come dressed in their native garb and weren’t comfortable.”

Student Life Ambassadors then decided to sit down and plan out the first Affinity Graduation just a few years ago.

The goal of the event was to highlight and honor students representing marginalized identities. This includes, but is not limited to, Black, Haitian, LGBTQIA+, Asian, Pacific Islander, Indigenous, Latin, African, neurodiverse and students of color. In 2025, due to changes in federal funding, MPAC, the Multicultural Program Advisory Council, joined forces and created what is currently known as Cavalier Send-Off.

Dr. Lawrence adds, “What makes JCCC, JCCC, is all the pieces; staff and faculty that truly care, dynamic and layered students. I don’t think I’ll ever encounter [another] place like this.”

Cavalier Send-Off is now a club and student-led event. Additionally, it aims to honor these identities and their members’ organizations. Organizations include: GSA, African Caribbean Student Association, Black Student Union, International Club, Latinos United Now and Always (LUNA), Neurodiversity Club, and Roots and Routes.

Graduates are encouraged to join and celebrate with friends, family, and the wider campus community. Here, they will receive a cord and stole in honor of their achievements.

During Cavalier Send-Off, students can expect:

• A slideshow showcasing different backgrounds and involvement on campus.
• The ceremony.
• Music and a special DJ presence.
• Alumni speakers.
• A 360 photobooth, videos and more.

Student Life Ambassador Alissah Barolette is responsible for coordinating Cav Send-Off. She has attended JCCC since 2023 and is a graduating student this spring. She works in the Center for Student Involvement and, in her free time, actively serves and assists in ministry. Barolette has been accepted into the nursing program at KU and plans to start in the fall. Originally from Haiti, she has found support in the community.

“I’m from a more strict type of program and school[ing]. The main thing I really like about the campus is that you have so much support and resources that can help you mentally, academically and in everyday life… it is a really great school,” Barolette said.

Barolette’s favorite experiences at JCCC are her involvement in clubs, specifically the African-Caribbean Club. When she first enrolled, as more of an introvert, her focus was mostly academic. However, when she started working in CSI, she was urged by newly-made connections to get involved and evolve her sense of community.

Similarly, Ismaila Chongan, freelance reporter for The Messenger and transferring student, says clubs are where he met almost all of his friends.

Chongan is part of the Black Student Union and African-Caribbean Association. He is majoring in political science with a minor in journalism, and plans to transfer to KU next semester. His goal is to earn his bachelor’s degree, go to grad school, freelance and eventually get a doctorate to become a professor.

“I love politics in general,” Chongan said. “At first, I was just going to do straight up political science, but then [I] found a love for journalism.”

Chongan was asked about who has influenced him in his time here at JCCC.

“Definitely my debate coach, Chris Loghry. I learn something new from him every day… he is very smart.”

For Chongan, Cav Sendoff will be in recognition of the time spent in the community and a send-off to everything he has worked towards.

“People like to downplay community college,” Chongon says. “But it is still valid, and everybody here is working towards something.”

There are many other students who are graduating and plan on attending the event.

Sam Mungai, a graduating international student from Kenya, has been enrolled at JCCC for one year. After receiving his associate’s degree in Liberal Arts this spring, he plans to pivot towards nursing and has been accepted into the nursing program at JCCC. Mungai will also be simultaneously working towards his bachelor’s degree in science and nursing at KU. He has volunteered as a CNA, and his passion lies in caring for others.

“Helping people has always been something I’ve wanted to do in the healthcare space,” Mugai said. “I’m interested in geriatric nursing… I learned my passion to be in that line [of work]. That is my primary focus.”

Geriatric nursing is the care of older adults with health needs. Mungai will be attending Cavalier Send-Off and notes it is good to celebrate with others who have shared similar experiences.

“One of my biggest mentors here has been Bailey Wilner, my academic counselor,” Mungai said. “She’s been a constant source of guidance and support, helping me navigate decisions and stay grounded throughout my time here.”

While balancing the responsibilities that come with being an international student—and being a marginalized student himself—Mungai describes his academic journey, and how much it takes to get to the level he has achieved. Dealing with immigration, managing finances, being away from family, all while maintaining an education, are just a few of the many difficult circumstances students like Mungai face. He has been in the United States for just two years, and hopes his testament will encourage future education prospects in other students.

Dr. Lawrence shares some final words of wisdom for all students, graduating or otherwise.

“Knowing that you made it through this process,” Lawrence says. “Continue to show up, take up space, and be authentically yourself. Just like in Cav Send-Off, people will welcome you and support you as who you are. Keep yourself intact.”

Many students, including Mungai, have learned lessons during their time at JCCC that they will carry with them throughout their lives.

“Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone,” Mungai said. “Growth rarely happens in comfort. The moments that shape you most are often the ones where you choose to show up, get involved and take that step, even when it feels uncertain. JCCC has so much to offer, but the experience becomes yours when you lean into it.”

Chongon believes there is value in the community built at JCCC.

“Don’t waste your time,” Chongon said. “Try to connect to the community as much as you can, because that is the best thing here, in my opinion. We are not as separate as everybody [thinks we are].”

Barolette learned to be confident in her abilities.

“I would never imagine I would be able to [accomplish] all of this,” Barolette said. “So just trust you can do it… believe in yourself, talk good about yourself and love yourself. There is nothing impossible in this life, and if you put your mind to it, there is nothing you cannot do.”

The Cavalier Send-Off Graduation Ceremony is a place to gather around, have fun, share experiences, reflect on lasting memories, and celebrate yourself and your peers as a community. Don’t miss out on one of the highlights wrapping up the 2025-26 school year.