“Celebrating a major milestone, I am thankful and blessed to graduate with my Bachelor’s in Applied Science in Energy Management from Bismarck State College (BSC). At 48, this achievement reflects perseverance amid juggling family, work, and school. This would never have happened without the love and support of my wife, Virginia, and our children, Brandyn, Angel, Izzy, and Dean. I began my college adventure in 2020, earning my Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Lineworker from BSC in 2022. My employer, Garland Power and Light (GP&L), has also been a source of great support for my college career. I have been a supervisor for 7 years and plan to use my 31 years of experience in the Energy Field and my newly earned degree to advance to higher executive roles within GP&L.
My wife of 27 years also earned her Bachelor’s in Nursing degree this past year. We work diligently to be a guiding light for our families and show our children, nieces, and nephews that anything is possible with hard work and perseverance. Reaching these educational milestones together fills us with pride and hope for the future. I could not have completed my degree requirements without her support. She has been my rock and moral compass for 30 years. I want to thank her for everything she does to keep me in line and show me that she will always be in my corner, and I in hers. Lastly, thank you, Mom and Dad, Amanda and Robert Weaver, for believing in me and teaching me how to grow through adversity.”
Darrell Attocknie
Fate, Texas