Casper native Nolan Hornecker chosen as 2025 CC graduation speaker
Casper native Nolan Hornecker has been selected as the 2025 graduation speaker for Casper College. His speech is titled “Heart.”
Hornecker will graduate with two degrees: an Associate of Science in agribusiness and an Associate of Science in geographic information systems. He plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. “My future career goal is to be able to run a business and continue with the geographic information systems work. After I start a business, I want to continue ranching and be able to continue with the cattle,” said Hornecker.
Of his time at Casper College, Hornecker said he was amazed at what he had learned as a student and a person. “I really enjoyed Casper College and hold my time here close. I have always enjoyed the small classroom feel and being able to get an idea and get to know everyone. I think this helped make the sporting events and the overall culture of Casper College really great.” While at Casper College, Hornecker was actively involved in the Oil City Ag Club and was a Phi Theta Kappa chapter member.
Hornecker was thankful to his parents and family “… who pushed me to what I am today, the ag department and the many teachers I have had that have always been there for me, and the people that make things run in the background like Megan Schafer, (executive assistant for administrative and student services), who inspired me to have passion and spirit for Casper sports; Anna Miller, (scholarship coordinator), who was always a help to me and anyone else; and Mrs. (Mary) O’Connor, (administrative assistant, recruitment and retention), who always greeted me with a smile. I truly believe that these people are the heart behind Casper College,” he noted.
When asked if he would recommend Casper College, he replied, “I would recommend Casper College to someone because of the educational possibilities that you can have. Casper is an affordable school that has very nice facilities, and there are awesome hands-on classes that you can take and be a part of. I took classes like packing and outfitting, cattle AI, and drone classes that really increased my hard skills and have given me benefits when working. Casper has a small classroom feel with teachers who are always willing to help and are proud of your education.”
The Natrona County High School graduate was chosen from a group of students who applied to compete in the 2025 Graduation Speaker Tryouts. Each applicant was required to prepare the speech they would use for the graduation ceremony before a panel of judges. Each presenter was judged on having a clear topic and purpose in their speech, the quality of content, organization, and structure, and finally on their delivery.
In addition to an outstanding speech and presentation, the 2024-2025 Student Commencement Speaker Contest winner had to have a minimum 3.0 GPA, graduate in the 2024-2025 school year, and be in good standing with Casper College. Thanks to his selection as the speaker at Casper College’s 2025 Commencement, Hornecker will also receive a $500 scholarship to his transfer school.