Hatfield resident Jacqueline Ramos, who is pursuing a new career after working more than 20 years in business administration, recently delivered the student commencement speech to more than 1,550 graduates of the Montgomery County Community College.

After finding a renewed patience for baking, Ramos, who began cooking for her parents and six sisters as a daily ritual at age 13, enrolled at the college’s Culinary Arts Institute more than two years ago.

The 44-year-old wife and mother graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Baking and Pastry Arts, as well as a certificate in Culinary Arts.

“It’s such an honor,” Ramos said about delivering commencement speech. “I love my school so much. I love representing my school. I’m so passionate about it.”

Ramos will be continuing her studies at Johnson & Wales while seeking a Bachelor’s Degree in Baking and Pastry Arts and Food Service Management.

She credited her education at Montco – and the scheduling flexibility it provides – as leading her on the path to baking and culinary success.

Among the other graduates, 11 students will soon be attending Bucknell University through Bucknell’s Community College Scholars Program.

Six of the students – Alexa Colon, Chante Forde, Stephanie Harper, Daniel Krantman, Julia Tartaglia, and Sarah Wochele – will participate in Bucknell’s Summer 2016 Residency Program.

During the summer program, selected students enroll in two courses and work with student and faculty mentors for six weeks. The program is free for the students and includes tuition, room and board and books. Participating students then have the opportunity to apply to Bucknell in 2017, and if accepted, they will transfer to the university with junior status on full-tuition scholarships.

Five of the students who participated in last year’s summer program – Regina Guzman, Seth Hartley, Charles Hennessey, Malachi Musick and Kyle Steinke – were selected to transfer to the university in the fall as juniors with full-tuition scholarships from Bucknell.