Green River Community College helped 517 graduating students celebrate their accomplishment June 14 at its annual commencement exercises at the ShoWare Center in Kent.

More than 4,000 family and friends were in attendance to see the class graduate.

“We are extremely proud of all of our students,” said Green River President Eileen Ely. “Commencement is a time to recognize their success and wish them well with their future goals.”

The ceremony marked the first for the iGrad program, which graduated 65 students. This program is a partnership between Green River and the Kent School District designed to re-engage youth ages 16 to 21 at risk of dropping out of school. Students in the grant-funded program can earn a GED, a high school diploma or an associate degree.

Ouidakathryn Bryson was named the winner of the 2013 President’s Award at the ceremony. She was selected from among a slate of five nominees by college staff and faculty. Bryson served 20 years in the Marines and 10 years in law enforcement before enrolling at Green River. She graduates with degrees in Fine Arts and Criminal Justice. The award recognizes students who exhibit academic success through citizenship, personal qualities and high academic achievement.

Also recognized at the ceremony were 114 Running Start students who graduated with their high school diploma and an associate degree, and 83 students who earned a cumulative GPA of 3.90 or higher.

Three instructors, Harry Rosemond, Janet Ash and Paul Metivier, were recognized with the Outstanding Faculty Award by the Green River Community College Foundation.