South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) presented students Kelly McAferty, Emily Lupercio, and Khanh Pham with the 2025 Outstanding Student Award at this year’s commencement ceremony.
Kelly, Emily, and Khanh were nominated by staff and faculty to recognize their personal growth, academic achievement, and contributions to the college and community during their time at SPSCC. Each student was awarded a $500 scholarship from the SPSCC Foundation.
Kelly McAferty graduated with an Associate in Arts degree and plans to continue his education at Centralia College to become a Substance Use Disorder Professional. Known for his hardworking, passionate, and community-minded spirit, Kelly takes pride in achieving this academic milestone later in life. One of his favorite memories from his time at SPSCC was the joy he felt watching confetti fall in the Canvas app after submitting assignments, a small but meaningful celebration that many students can relate to. Kelly’s journey is a testament to perseverance and purpose, and he looks forward to making a positive impact in the field of addiction recovery.
Emily Lupercio graduated with her Associate in Business Direct Transfer degree. Her time at SPSCC was marked by resilience and growth, as she balanced working as a tutor, classes, and personal time, all while prioritizing her mental health. These experiences helped her truly understand the value of education. Emily describes herself as insightful, empathetic, and innovative, and she dedicates her achievements to her mom and dad, who have worked tirelessly to create better opportunities for their family. She plans to transfer to the University of Washington – Tacoma to pursue a bachelor’s degree in accounting with a minor in law and policy.
Khanh Pham graduated as one of SPSCC’s top achievers, earning an Associate in Arts degree along with over $60,000 in scholarships from various organizations to attend the University of Washington, where he will study computer science. His favorite memories at SPSCC include his involvement with the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and his work as an office assistant with the Transition Studies team. Khanh describes himself as driven, resilient, and passionate, qualities that are clearly reflected in his accomplishments and widely recognized by the SPSCC community.
