Campus News
May 13th, 2025
Warne to serve as GC commencement speaker
2025 GC graduate plans to teach after finishing degree at FSU
Warne to serve as GC commencement speaker
Natalie Warne has the gift.
"There are some people who are natural teachers, and Natalie is one of those individuals," said Dr. John Taylor, associate professor of education at Garrett College. "Teaching is an art, and Natalie is a true artist."
While Warne seems destined to excel in her own classroom someday, she's spent the last two years standing out in Garrett College classrooms. The GC faculty selected Warne – who is graduating with a degree in elementary education with a special education concentration – as the student speaker for Saturday's 10:30 a.m. commencement exercises in the CARC gym.
"I was definitely a little surprised," said Warne, a 2023 Southern Garrett High School graduate. "I was kind of like 'why me?' – but it was a good kind of 'why me?' situation."
Warne said Taylor and Assistant Professor of Chemistry Joel Bostic played key roles in preparing her to transfer to Frostburg State University in the fall.
"Dr. Taylor is definitely someone whose dedication and passion I would like to emulate when I have my own classroom," said Warne, who is planning to pivot to elementary and middle school science at FSU.
"Honestly, I've always kind of enjoyed the science realm – GaCo [Garrett Coalition Team 1629] robotics and STEM classes," said Warne. "Professor Bostic's classes [physical science and geography] reinforced that with me."
"It was truly a pleasure to have Natalie in two of my science classes," said Bostic. "She's intelligent, hardworking, unafraid to ask questions, and always brightened the class with her ever-present smile.
"I'm confident she will excel at Frostburg State University and go on to become an outstanding science teacher," added Bostic.
Warne also noted the huge positive impact her parents, Holly and Mike Warne, and sister Olivia have had in her life.
"I can't thank my parents enough for everything they've done for me. They've been there for every single moment – they don't miss a thing," said Warne. "They also instilled in me the importance of working hard and doing my best in everything."
Sister Olivia, meanwhile, has been something of a trailblazer for Warne, graduating from GC in 2023 and then transferring to FSU. Olivia Warne is graduating from FSU this spring with a degree in early childhood education.
Warne also noted the important role the Garrett County Scholarship Program – known locally as "the Commissioners' Scholarship" – played in her decision to attend GC.
"The biggest selling point was the Garrett County Commissioners Scholarship," said Warne. "It opened so many doors and saved me a lot of money. It's just such a great opportunity.
"I also knew Garrett College had a really good education program with small class sizes and a close-knit community," added Warne.
Warne also excelled at GC outside the classroom, playing for the College's inaugural women's soccer team in 2023 and then helping the Lady Lakers to a regional semifinal berth in 2024.
"I truly enjoyed every moment of it," Warne said of her collegiate soccer career. "It's definitely something I never saw myself doing. GC provided an opportunity to be a college athlete – one of the great opportunities I've had at Garrett."
Warne said a love of teaching runs in her family.
"There are a lot of educators in my family – my Dad, lots of aunts and uncles, and both my grandpas," said Warne. "They were all definite positive influences."
