Piedmont Technical College graduates hear inspiring speeches before collecting diplomas

Before receiving their diplomas, hundreds of Piedmont Technical College (PTC) graduates heard a series of inspiring speeches during a pair of commencement ceremonies held May 8 at the James Medford Family Event Center on the Greenwood Campus.

“As you move forward, remember this: Whether you were starting fresh, starting over or simply daring to dream bigger, your journey mattered to us. And it still does,” PTC President Hope E. Rivers told the graduates during the morning and afternoon commencement ceremonies. “Embrace this moment and let it be a guiding light as it takes you to the next step in your journey.”

South Carolina Comptroller General Brian J. Gaines also spoke at both commencement ceremonies.

“Make bold mistakes. Know that you will get some things wrong sometimes. It doesn’t mean that you’re failing, but it means that you’re trying,” Gaines told the graduates. “Build your resilience. Let hard moments make you stronger, not smaller.”

Kassidy Phillips, a first-generation college student from Honea Path who excelled in PTC’s Early Care and Education Program, addressed her classmates during the morning commencement ceremony.

“Teaching isn’t just about ABCs and 123s – but making sure every child is seen and heard,” Phillips said.

Another first-generation college student, Hernan Silva Jr., spoke during the afternoon commencement ceremony. He recounted the challenges and setbacks that he overcame to complete PTC’s Respiratory Care Program.

“Failing is proof that we tried,” Silva said. “Proof we cared.”

LAURENS COUNTY GRADUATES

CLINTON – Rhett L. Avery, associate in applied science, major in early care and education; Brianna L. Edwards, certificate in university studies; **Brantly Renee Eubanks, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration; **Brandon Sanchez Fitz, associate in applied science, major in automotive technology/***certificate in automotive fundamentals; Addison T. Gault, associate in applied science, major in radiologic technology; Adger Leroy Gregory Jr., associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Megan Kuykendall, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Candice P. Lindsay, early care and education/certificate in early childhood development; *Brittany Marie Vanessa Mcarthur-Meadows, associate in applied science, major in business administration; *Jordan A. Miles, associate in applied science, major in business administration; *Michael Norman, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; **Carolyn J. Roberts, associate in applied science, major in human services; Christopher L. Shaver, associate in applied science, major in nursing; **Matthew William Sickles, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration; **Heather Renee Strickland, associate in applied science, major in occupational therapy assistant; and *Taylor Worthy, associate in applied science, major in veterinary technology.

CROSS HILL – **Xander Runk, associate in applied science, major in automotive technology.

GRAY COURT – Sarah Elizabeth Brewington, associate in applied science, major in radiologic technology; *Tanner Riley Clark, associate in applied science, major in heating ventilation and air conditioning technology/**certificate in refrigeration applications; **James Trevor Kitzmiller, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Brandon Moreno, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; *Christopher A. Taylor, associate in applied science, major in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology/certificate in refrigeration applications; Jada Nichole Wix, associate in applied science, major in general technology, concentration in advertising design with a secondary specialty in photography; and **Rachel Woods, associate in applied science, major in veterinary technology.

JOANNA – *Caleb Jace Jolly, associate in applied science, major in machine tool technology; and Melissa Gail Simmons, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

KINARDS – *Trinette Elizabeth Paulsen, associate in applied science, major in respiratory care.

LAURENS – Joshua Martin Allen, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Ana Elizabeth Baltazar, certificate in university studies; *Alice Jeanette Brown, certificate in PC technician; Dylan Ethan Brown, certificate in university studies; Brentley Michael Campbell, associate in applied science, major in machine tool technology; **Michael B. Corley, associate in applied science, major in building construction technology; **Genie Cox, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration; Duncun Alexander Curry, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, cybersecurity concentration; Carter Jack Faulkner, associate in applied science, major in business administration; Brandy Nicole Gambill, associate in applied science, major in respiratory care; Cristobal Hernandez, associate in applied science, major in radiologic technology; **Jan Cassidy Hill, associate in applied science, major in business administration, accounting concentration/***certificate in accounting; Alia Mashay Irby, associate in applied science, major in respiratory care; *Madyson B. Iusti, certificate in university studies; *Lilly Caroline Pinson, certificate in university studies; Cody Nathaniel Redding, associate in applied science, major in radiologic technology; Janna Elizabeth Smith, associate in applied science, major in early care and education; Anslee B. Spires, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Nicholas Vang, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Malikai Walker, certificate in advanced welding; and **Isabella Youssef, associate in applied science, major in business administration.

MOUNTVILLE – *Hayleigh Jade Wilson, associate in applied science, major in radiologic technology.

WARE SHOALS – Jonah Lee Douglas, associate in applied science, major in general technology, welding concentration/certificate in advanced welding; Samuel Thomas Fallaw, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; *Lukas Jordan Pettry, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; and *Bobby Eugene Russell, associate in applied science, major in diversified agriculture.

WATERLOO – Randi Joy Gullion, associate in applied science, major in human services; Chris May, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, cybersecurity concentration; and Hailee Nichole Stockman, associate in arts.

WOODRUFF – Stephanie Oggenfuss, associate in applied science, major in early care and education.