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Nearly 60 Kentucky State University graduates crossed the stage Friday, Dec. 13 during the Fall 2019 Commencement Convocation in Carl H. Smith Auditorium in David H. Bradford Hall.

Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III, presiding prelate of Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, gave the commencement address.

Walker warned the graduates to fight against the enemy called average.

“You have not come this far and through this much to fall victim to average,” Walker said. “Average is the top of the bottom. You can’t be satisfied until you’re on top of the top. Average is easy. Average is accepted.”

Megan J. McCoun, valedictorian, spoke about overcoming obstacles to reach graduation.

McCoun said leaving for college was hard to imagine sometimes while growing up on a farm in Henry County.

McCoun said the kindness and support she received, as well as small class sizes, helped her excel.

“Dr. (Suzette M.) Polson made me feel smart enough to be in her organic chemistry class,” McCoun said.

President Brown announced interesting facts about the fall class of 2019: the class is comprised of students from 10 states and three foreign countries, the youngest graduate is 19 and the oldest graduate – Barbara White – is 80 years old.

Student Government Association President Keirra L. Donald congratulated the graduates.

“All of the obstacles, hard work and perseverance have gotten you to this point,” Donald said. “Soak it all in. You have reached the finish line.”

Musical guest and The Voice Season 8 contestant MaKenzie Thomas brought the house down with musical selections “Rise Up” and “I Was Here.”

President Brown gave each graduate their first $2 as “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X filled the auditorium. Graduates reacted with laughter and excitement.