Pictured is Bay College Class of 2026 student commencement speaker Abigail Rich. (Courtesy photo)

ESCANABA – Bay College has announced that Abigail Rich has been selected to deliver the college’s 2026 graduation student commencement speech on Saturday.

Rich is one of two children and part of a set of twins. She and her twin brother grew up in North Carolina on a hobby farm. Rich will earn her associate’s degree in criminal justice this May. She is excited to reach this milestone and to celebrate her brother’s graduation from trade school later this year.

She will transfer to Northern Michigan University this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree. She plans to become a Department of Natural Resources officer after completing her education.

Rich says, “Bay College has been a steppingstone for my future career. I have learned so much about life and what it takes to succeed during my two years here. I am excited to keep learning and pushing myself to the next step.”

Rich loves the outdoors and spends much of her time at the beach during the summer. She values community and understands how important it is in a person’s life.