Search | Menu “We’re all still becoming”: Teen graduate captures spirit of Madison College Commencement
Camila Alcantara Perez felt a bit “unripe” enrolling at Madison College while still in high school.
At 15, she sat in classrooms full of adults, convinced she would stand out.
“I kept waiting for someone to sniff me out and say, ‘You don’t belong here.’ But the longer I stayed, the more questions I asked, the more I listened, I realized, no one really has it all figured out, because everyone is growing into who they want to be.”
Alcantara Perez, an Early College STEM Academy student, earned an associate’s degree and 70 college credits, debt-free, weeks before getting her diploma from Verona Area High School.
Now 16, Alcantara Perez was honored as the student speaker at Madison College’s Spring 2026 Commencement on May 15 at the Alliant Energy Center’s Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Madison.
Approximately 2,444 Madison College students earned associate degrees, technical diplomas, certificates and completed apprenticeships.
Teens, parents and seniors
On the commencement stage Friday night, Alcantara Perez addressed thousands of graduates and their families.
She acknowledged the fear of taking on the challenge of college, but her mom and dad encouraged her to seize the opportunity to become a first-generation college graduate.
“Discipline isn’t about being perfect,” she said. “It’s about showing up, even when you’re tired, even when you doubt yourself, especially when it’s hard. That’s what I learned from all of you.”
Never stop learning
The graduating class reflected a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, from teenagers earning early college credit to adult learners, some over 60, returning to the classroom.
In her commencement speech, Alcantara Perez recognized classmates who reshaped her understanding of discipline and perseverance — a mother of two balancing family and coursework, an older student excited to keep learning, and a father arriving to class after a full day of work.
Those experiences taught her that growth is not limited by circumstances.
“You’re always learning. Growth doesn’t come with an age limit — in that sense, we’re all still becoming.”
You are here, not by accident
Madison College President Dr. Jennifer Berne hailed the future graduates as vital caretakers, innovators, builders, problem-solvers, leaders, activists and providers.
“You are here, not by accident, but because you kept showing up, kept trying, and did the thing you thought you could not do,” Berne said.
Berne emphasized the transition from student to graduate: “You will be a vital part of its future, joining the tens of thousands of alumni living and working in our district, in Wisconsin, and beyond.”
Alumni legacy
Together, these graduates highlight the evolving role of Madison College in preparing individuals for careers, continued education and lifelong success.
“Graduates, you have changed Madison College with your energy and ideas, your struggles and achievements,” Berne said. “You can be sure that we will protect your legacy and continue to refine it with those who follow.”
Watch the Madison College 2026 Commencement Ceremony.
