200 Walk Stage at PTC Summer Graduations

Approximately 200 students received degrees during two commencement ceremonies in August at Piedmont Technical College.

Surgical Technology major Isabelle Casey was the student speaker for the morning ceremony, and Administrative Office Technology/Medical Concentration major Jael Rivera was the student speaker for the afternoon ceremony.

Twenty-year veteran first responder and Newberry Fire Chief Gene Shealy delivered the public leader keynote address at both ceremonies. He focused on the upbeat sense of pride, honor, and belonging that comes with the term “esprit de corps.” He urged the graduates to embrace fellowship, to honor those around them, and to lead by example.

“Today, I see young people who truly assert esprit de corps. Your loyalty, pride, honor, effort, and responsibility have led you here today,” Chief Shealy said. “Each of you brings hope and promise to our future. You hold tomorrow in your hands.”

Graduating from Laurens County include:

CLINTON – *Patrick J. Castaneda, associate in applied science, major in business administration, office management concentration; Megan Kuykendall, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Rikki Olivia Lafler, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technician; Joshua L. Mintern, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, cybersecurity concentration; Marcus Antwan Shelton, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Teonda F. Tollison, certificate in early childhood development.

CROSS HILL – Lisa M. Franklin, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration.

FOUNTAIN INN – **Andrew Ralph Mohl, certificate in accounting.

GRAY COURT – Suzanne Kristen Holliday, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Emilio Lopez Hunter, associate in applied science, major in automotive technology; Mackenzey Kay Locklear, certificate in university studies; Joy Mckenlee Morton, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; Kyrstin Mckenzie Simmons, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration; and Keyonia La’Travia Simpson-Williams, associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting concentration.

JOANNA – James V. Fulmer, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology; and Lee Ann Kitchens, associate in applied science, major in early care and education.

KINARDS – Mary Mccumber, associate in applied science, major in business administration, accounting concentration; and Reva A. Mccumber, certificate in accounting.

LAURENS – *Pedro Mateo Andres, certificate in university studies; Savanna Elizabeth Avila, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology; Alexander Rain Freeman, associate in applied science, major in general technology, advertising design with photography concentration; Emma M. Hill, certificate in early childhood development; Denae Latia Johnson, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technician; Lily Rhiannon King, associate in applied science, major in early care and education; **James Brian McNuer, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Guretta Mims, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; Reagan Elizabeth Phillips, associate in applied science, major in business administration, office management concentration; *Ian Mark Pierce, diploma in applied science, major in medical assisting; Yuri A. Santana Garcia, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; **Jendayi L. Shumate, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration; Jason Hunter Smith, certificate in automotive fundamentals; Tiffiny Lynn Stone, certificate in university studies; and Joletha Lynnette Walker, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology.

WARE SHOALS – Hannah Foster, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; and Ashleigh Yavon Goldman, associate in applied science, major in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology.

WATERLOO – **Lacy J. Arnold, associate in applied science, major in general technology, advertising design with photography concentration; Sharnice Anteria Rice, associate in arts/associate in science; and *Amber Nicole Taylor, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology.

***Summa Cum Laude-4.0​  **Magna Cum Laude-3.75-3.99​  *Cum Laude-3.5-3.74

To learn more about opportunities at PTC, visit www.ptc.edu.