Manor College Announces Student Speakers for 2025 Commencement

Natasha Moore and Yorlenny Vaca Lazo will speak at the institution’s 2025 Commencement on May 15.

Natasha Moore and Yorlenny Vaca Lazo have been named the student speakers for the Manor College 2025 Commencement Ceremony, the institution announced.

Moore, a sophomore from Covington, Georgia, will represent the Associate’s Degree graduates. She is earning her Associate’s Degree in Business Administration. Vaca Lazo, a senior from Swenson Arts and Technology High School in Philadelphia, will represent the Bachelor’s Degree graduates.

Manor College’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony takes place on May 15 in an outdoor ceremony on campus. The institution’s commencement orator will be Anatoli Murha, CEO of Ukrainian Selfreliance Federal Credit Union.

Learn more about the student speakers:

Natasha Moore

Natasha Moore (Covington Academy, Covington, Ga.) graduates from Manor College with her Associate’s Degree in Business Administration.

“God is good! I feel honored to be able to address my peers who are receiving their Associate’s Degrees,” Moore said. “My peers constantly inspire me to strive for excellence and push myself to achieve my goals.”

At Manor, Moore is the President of Student Senate, a Presidential Ambassador, a Public Hearing Officer and a member of Rotaract and Phi Theta Kappa. She’s excited for Commencement to share in the success with members of her family.

“My dad has always been my biggest supporter and motivator, and I can’t wait to make him proud of me for achieving my goals,” Moore said. “My Grandma has also been a constant source of encouragement, reminding me of the importance of education and hard work.”

Moore’s advice for her classmates is to understand who is in your circle of influence.

“Many people at Manor, such as teachers, classmates and staff members, are in your circle of influence,” Moore said. “Building relationships with these individuals can provide support, guidance and academic and personal growth opportunities.”

Yorlenny Vaca Lazo

Yorlenny Vaca Lazo (Swenson Arts and Technology High School, Philadelphia) graduates from Manor College with her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice.

“This moment means a lot to me, not only because of the degree itself, but because of everything it took to get here,” Vaca Lazo said. “I began college with the goal of working in a field where I could help others and make a difference.”

Vaca Lazo held a full-time retail job while attending college as a full-time student.

“Balancing both was far from easy, but it shaped me in ways I’ll always be grateful for,” Vaca Lazo said. “It taught me discipline, sacrifice and resilience. Even when things got overwhelming, I kept pushing forward because I knew what I was working toward.”

Vaca Lazo encourages students to not compare your path in life to anyone else.

“Everyone’s journey is different, and success doesn’t always look the same,” Vaca Lazo said. “Whether you’re working, taking care of family or going through challenges while studying – keep going. It’s OK to ask for help, to take breaks and to take pride in the small wins.”