Melanie Smith-Fortney of Cranberry Township clips the graduation cap on the head of her daughter, Sydni Smith, prior to the Butler County Community College graduation ceremony Wednesday afternoon. Sydni earned an associate degree in psychology and will pursue a bachelor's degree in psychology at Slippery Rock University in the fall.

Adam McCandless of Slippery Rock is going to pray for guidance on how to apply the associate degree he received Wednesday from Butler County Community College toward a new career.

McCandless, 39, worked with his hands on a railroad and as a union carpenter before complications from diabetes resulted in the amputation of toes on one of his feet and part of his other foot ended that career and left him reliant on a wheelchair.

“I thought I was going to retire from the carpenter's union. I was always good with my hands, but no one wanted to hire me without a degree,” McCandless said after receiving his degree in general studies as one of 461 members of the Butler County Community College Class of 2021.

The graduates received their associate degrees and certificates during a daylong series of mini ceremonies that made up BC3's 53rd annual commencement.McCandless' immediate plans are to pray and continue playing in the church band at Muddy Creek United Presbyterian Church.He said he would like to study music at Slippery Rock University, but he has heard that it is difficult to get accepted into the program.The years he spent away from academic pursuits made his studies at BC3 challenging.“It seems to come easy to kids. I'm off my study game,” McCandless said.But he graduated and his family is proud.“I'm very proud of my dad. He's come a long way,” said his daughter, Lindsay Boettner.His mother, Patty Decaria, said he dropped out of high school, but earned a general education development diploma soon afterward.“I'm very, very proud of him,” she said.The commencement ceremony consisted of seven groups of graduates proceeding through ceremonies featuring recorded messages from BC3 President Nick Neupauer, BC3 board of trustees Chairman Joe Kubit, County Commissioner and BC3 alum Kim Geyer, faculty president Ramin Hajave, and presidential scholar graduates Olivia Girdwood and Libby Casey.“Today, we take one step closer to achieving our aspirations,” Casey said.“You will leave here fully equipped to take on life's challenges,” Neupauer said.“Today is about new discoveries and new opportunities for our graduates,” said Geyer, who is also an ex officio member of the board of trustees.

Rachel Klumph takes a photo of her stepson, Kyle Klumph, with his father Todd Klumph of West Middlesex before the BC3 graduation ceremony Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Kyle earned an associate degree in business administration.

BC3 graduate Adam McCandless an his mother Patty Decaria.

Sarah Pfingstl of Portersville adjusts her cap with the help of her cell phone prior to the BC3 graduation ceremony Wednesday afternoon. Sarah earned an associate degree in business managment.

Lilleann Gorog of Zelienople, center, poses for a photo with her mother, Michelle Gorog and father, Jonathan Gorog following the BC3 graduation ceremony Wednesday.

BC3 president Nicholas Neupauer fist bumps Sherri Mack, dean of business, prior to the graduation ceremony Wednesday afternoon. The Class of 2021's 461 students received their degrees in a series of mini ceremonies.