This year’s was Napa Valley College’s 64th annual commencement.

Altogether the college awarded more than 700 two-year degrees and close to 200 certificates.

The graduates who walked into the gymnasium at the 2007 commencement included students who completed their 2-year degree during the Summer of 2006, Fall 2006 and Spring 2007

Margarita Jones, 29, said that even though she completed all her classes at NVC, it hasn’t yet hit her that she’s finished. As excited as she is about graduating, there are other things on her mind.

“I just want to go home and sleep, I haven’t done that yet,” Jones said.

Throughout her two years at NVC, Jones  — a Vallejo resident — had to balance a family, work and school. Through the campus daycare though, she was able to drop off her six year-old son while she went to class.

Friday night, Jones graduated with an associate’s degree in natural science and mathematics, and said she plans to move on to a four-year university and getting a bachelor’s degree so she can become a dental hygienist. Jones’ cousin, who is a dentist, is soon opening up her own practice and she plans on worker for her.

Jones said the balance of family and school is difficult, but worth it.

“It was hard, but I had to do it,” she said. “My family, they are my motivation.”