Perkins held National Commencement Day on Friday August 26, 2016. Perkins had 37 graduates participate in the ceremony and was honored to have KYs Lieutenant Governor Jenean Hampton as keynote speaker.

Governor Hampton was born in 1958 in inner-city Detroit into a financially humble household. Despite watching her mother struggle to raise four girls. Lieutenant Governor Hampton knew she was blessed to live in a nation where people could rise from poverty. After earning an Industrial Engineering degree in 1985 , Lieutenant governor Hampton joined the U.S. Air Force as a computer systems officer, writing computer code and testing software, Her seven years of military service included a tour of duty in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm. After her military career she began a 10-year career in the corrugated packaging industry.

Lieutenant Governor talked about opportunity. There is always opportunity to improve your process, to make things better. She also went on to say it’s good to get out of your comfort zone. To be able to work with many people, working together toward a common goal. In closing she reminded the graduates to “keep learning, and thank people along the way that have inspired or assisted you in some way.

The Perkins center had over 85 family and community members attend the graduation and reception. Lieutenant governor Hampton, stayed for the reception where she talked to each graduated and their families.
Perkins would like to thank the Lieutenant Governor Hampton and her staff for attending this event and making it so memorable for all.