Even though Margarita Jones, has completed all her classes at Napa Valley College, it hasn’t yet hit her that she’s finished.

As excited as she is about graduating, there are other things on her mind.

Throughout her two years at NVC, Jones, 29, of Vallejo, had to balance a family, work and school. Through the campus day care though, she was able to drop off her 6-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 to work 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.”

Friday night, more than 1,300 people — including about 200 graduates in cap and gowns and hundreds of friends and family — celebrated NVC’s 64th annual commencement.

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

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

Another graduate with reasons to celebrate was Renae Austin of Rodeo. Now 31, she said it took her 13 years to complete her degree primarily because she worked and took time off to raise her daughter, Danielle, 11.

“It took me a long time to get it but I did get it,” said Austin, who is also the mother of an 18-month-old son, Ashton, received her degree in natural science and math.

Austin, who first came to Napa Valley College when she was recruited to play softball right after high school, plans to become a medical laboratory technician.

Among her guests at graduation were her mother, her daughter, her grandfather, her brother and friends.

At the ceremony, NVC President Dr. Chris McCarthy commended students on their accomplishments and encouraged them to continue being successful not just academically, but in all aspects of their life.

“Be a role model for others who may have turned their back to education,” McCarthy told the graduates.

This year’s graduates included students from all walks of life; the youngest graduate is 18 and the oldest is 76, McCarthy said. The average age, however, was 30, and about 57 percent of the graduates are female.

“Napa Valley College serves students with as many different needs and goals as there are in this room,” McCarthy said. “Everyone has a place here ... (and) everyone is valued.”

NVC board of trustees President Michael Baldini, who graduated from NVC 30 years ago, also addressed the graduates.

“Punctuate your life with passion,” Baldini told the graduates, which included two of his nephews. “Good luck to all of you!”

Another graduate, Dan Gagne of Napa plans to become a substance abuse counselor.

He decided to attend Napa Valley College after he became drug-free in 2003, he said, as he stood in line near the gymnasium during a dress rehearsal. He completed his degree in December and wants to complete his training at Santa Rosa Junior College.

Gagne, 46, met a lot of great people on campus. “It was a very good experience,” he said.

This year’s valedictory addresses were given by Anne Bruns, who graduates with an associate’s degree in general education, and Monica Yvóne Hurtado-Leon, who earned an associate’s degree in humanities and fine arts.