Abigail Brooke Ingalls, a veterinary technology major from Ledyard, was the class of 2020 valedictorian at Middlesex Community College. The  valedictorian is the graduate with the highest grade point average while earning at least half of their credits from Middlesex.

“My experience at Middlesex was a glowingly positive one. My professors all cared about my well-being and success in the vet tech program, and my classmates were near always willing to corroborate our findings for assignments,” said Abby.

Abby was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and selected to be on the All-Connecticut Academic Team. She is Connecticut’s only recipient of the New Century Workforce Pathway Scholarship in 2020, an award that recognizes the most outstanding workforce-bound student from each state.

After graduation, Abby said she plans to work full-time as a veterinary technician. During school, she had been working part-time at a veterinary clinic in Mystic. Her volunteer projects also include building cat shelters and feeding stations with her fellow vet tech club members.

Aside from work, Abby also wants to join small acting and film projects. She has taught piano lessons while in school and also plays the accordion.

“In the coming years, God willing, I would like to move closer to New York so that these projects can be a bigger part of my day-to-day,” she added.

During the online ceremony, Abby also received the Award for Academic Excellence. This award is given to graduating students who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 4.00 in an associate degree program and who have completed 50% of their requirements at Middlesex.

She also earned the Pritchett-Taylor Award. These scholarships are awarded to the graduates with the highest cumulative grade point average who have earned at least 30 credits at Middlesex, and who have attended full-time for at least two semesters.

“For all of my time at the college, I would like to thank every professor and classmate who walked with me,” Abby said. “But most importantly, I need to thank my Heavenly Father for being the faithful God that He is. I owe Him my life and more.”

When asked what would her advice be to new Middlesex students, Abby responded, “Have no fear; do what’s expected of you and reach out when you need it. You’ll be well taken care of. Don’t be bashful about asking for directions and don’t worry about walking between buildings. The exercise and weather builds camaraderie. Most importantly, simply be kind.”

June 2020
Written by Thea Moritz