WILKES – BARRE, LUZERNE CO. (WOLF) — Even though the weather was gloomy, the Geisinger College of Health Sciences graduates inside the Kirby Center in Wilkes Barre were anything but.

“It’s just a surreal moment,” said valedictorian Dr. Trenton Husick. “You know, we’ve all worked so hard for this very moment. So, the fact that it’s finally here, and we can call ourselves doctors, it’s truly an amazing moment.”

Families of the 14th class of the school came to celebrate the newly graduated doctors.

Hundreds sat as speakers regaled stories from the school year, recounted meaningful school and residency moments, and emphasized important messages that the graduates have and will learn.

“Typically, they’ve been in school for more than 20 years by the time they get to this point, adding it all together,” explained college president Dr. Julie Byerly. “And it really is a chance to celebrate, stand up tall, and have a degree, have a new title, have a profession that will be a part of them forever.”

Dr. Husick started in EMS when he decided to become a doctor, he spoke at Saturday’s commencement and said that he knows the path isn’t going to be easy, but he’s confident in his class to always excel.

“They’re truly lifelong learners and they’ve worked so hard for this moment, and they know that our future will not be an easy road, but we’ll continue to learn and continue to care for patients and I’m so happy that I can do it with all of them,” said Dr. Husick.

Finally, it was the moment everyone had waited for nearly 20 years, the graduates were presented their diplomas – certifying their place among the health community and starting the next chapter of their lives, now, as doctors.

“These young people have learned all kinds of science, all kinds of clinical skills, how to use the health system, and then they’re going out to provide that care to people who need it,” said Dr. Byerly. “And we need more health professionals. We need more doctors, we need more nurses, and I’m so proud to produce some that I can trust.”

Soon they’ll be working in practices across the county, saving lives, now with an alma matter that has their back.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026.