Commencement Student Speakers

The 2025 Ozarks Technical Community College Commencement Ceremony speaker for the 3 p.m. ceremony is Mary Higginbotham.

Mary is receiving her Associate of Arts in Behavioral Sciences and a Certificate of Achievement in American Sign Language.

As a single mother to her three children, Mary made the decision to return to college in 2022 with a desire to better her future for herself and her children. Mary’s journey through Ozarks Tech has been marked by her significant growth and achievement both inside and outside the classroom.

Following her second semester, Mary became a member of the college’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for two-year colleges. She currently serves as Vice President of Campus Promotions, raising awareness about the benefits of becoming a member of PTK. She is also the co-founder and Co-Vice President of the Silent Poet’s Society (ASL Club) a student club with a focus on promoting awareness and appreciation of ASL and Deaf Culture.

In addition, she works in the Honors Office on campus and serves as a board member for Polk County Cares, a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding resources for underprivileged individuals in Bolivar and the surrounding area.

Outside of her deep involvement on and off campus, Mary’s accomplishments can be seen clearly through her academic achievements. This year she was named the 2025 New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar, a scholarship that recognizes students who excel in academics, leadership and service. This prestigious award is given to the highest scoring student in each state from nearly 2,100 applicants. She also received the Oberndorf Lifeline to Completion Scholarship, which helps students facing financial hardships threatening their education.

Following graduation, Mary plans to transfer to Missouri State University where she will study psychology and social work with a focus on trauma and nonprofit management. She hopes one day that she can use her educational background to provide affordable therapy services in Polk County, where she lives, with an emphasis on serving the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community.

The 2025 Ozarks Technical Community College Commencement Ceremony speaker for the 6 p.m. ceremony is Derek Saiko.

Derek is receiving his Associate of Arts in Business, which he completed during the 2024 fall semester.

Derek’s journey through Ozarks Tech is defined by his commitment to building meaningful connections and a drive to learn from every opportunity he encounters. When Derek first stepped on campus in 2022 he wasn’t sure exactly where his path would lead.

Like many Ozarks Tech students, he planned to use his A+ Scholarship at Ozarks Tech before transferring to a four-year university. Along the way, one economics course sparked his interest in business, and he knew he had found the right direction.

Outside the classroom, Derek immersed himself in the student life opportunities he found at Ozarks Tech. He joined Politically Active and became a member of the Ozarks Tech chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for two-year colleges. These organizations provided him with a strong sense of community and opportunities for personal growth.

Derek’s passion for learning extends beyond academics. He worked multiple jobs, sometimes holding up to five at one time. From roles at the Springfield Cardinals Stadium and Brightspeed Ice Park to serving at Flat Creek and much more, he grew and built a skillset to utilize in his future.

Derek also volunteers with Ozarks Food Harvest and makes time to participate in SALT and StuMO, two Christian organizations focused on faith and creating fellowship. His enthusiasm for community also extended to campus events, where he frequently encouraged and recruited students to get involved – simply because he wanted others to experience the same sense of belonging he found at Ozarks Tech.

Now, Derek is continuing his education at Missouri State University, where he is studying financial planning. One day, he hopes his education and experiences will allow him to open his own business and help others plan for success.