Honoring service, celebrating futures: PBSC veterans graduate in America’s 250th year

This spring, 89 veterans, active-duty service members and National Guard students graduated from Palm Beach State College, marking a significant milestone not only in their academic journeys but in their continued service to their communities. During the College’s 12:30 p.m. commencement ceremony, a special tribute honored these graduates, recognizing the dedication, discipline and resilience they bring from their military experience to the classroom and beyond.

The moment carries added meaning as the nation approaches its 250th birthday, a time to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who have worn the uniform. At PBSC, that legacy is evident in a student body that includes individuals who have served around the world and returned home to pursue new goals through higher education.

Skye Escobar

Skye Escobar was 20 years old, working behind a deli counter and unsure of her future when she made a life-changing decision to enlist in the Navy in 2017.

After graduating from boot camp in April 2017, she was deployed just two months later. Over the next seven years, Escobar rose to the rank of Gunner’s Mate first class petty officer, overseeing all arms, ammunition and explosives aboard her ship and serving as a lead weapons systems technician. She deployed to the Middle East aboard the USS Nimitz and later served on the USS Kidd, conducting counternarcotic operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, when her crew remained at sea for 10 months.

Escobar had planned to make the military a long-term career, but her path changed in December 2022 when her younger sister suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident. Choosing family over career, Escobar left the Navy and took legal guardianship of her sister, becoming her full-time caregiver.

“I felt like I lost my purpose, like I wasn't contributing to something bigger,” she said.

Determined to rebuild, she enrolled at Palm Beach State College. While balancing coursework she also managed caregiving responsibilities. She credits PBSC’s Veterans Success Center for providing flexibility and understanding.

Through the experience, Escobar discovered her resilience.

“I'm stronger than I realized — stronger than I ever thought I was,” she said.

Now graduating with her Associate in Arts degree, Escobar plans to continue in PBSC's radiography program, gaining skills in the medical imaging field.

“This isn't the end for me, but it's definitely a check in the box. I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity because if I hadn't joined the military and things hadn't played out the way they did, I most likely wouldn't have a degree,” she said.

Motivated by her sister, Escobar is focused on building a strong foundation for the future — one that will allow her to provide care and stability for years to come.