Fall Commencement Held at Piedmont Tech

The James Medford Family Event Center at Piedmont Technical College welcomed more than 275 Piedmont Technical College graduates for commencement ceremonies to celebrate their accomplishments.

Dr. Ray Brooks, president, welcomed graduates, family and guests to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduates.

“In the spirit of the season, you have given yourself a gift which is investing in yourself,” Brooks said. “It doesn’t matter where you start; it’s where you end up and what you do to get to that point and prepare yourself for a life well-lived so that you have no regrets.”

Brooks was followed by the commencement speakers. The address was delivered by three graduating students – Stephen Barklow, an HVAC major from Greenwood; Alfrieda Jackson, an associate degree nursing student from Aiken; and Misty Todd, an early care and education graduate from Waterloo.

Barklow impressed upon the graduates that it was never too late to learn.

“They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but I’m here as living proof that the staff at Piedmont Tech can do that,” he said. “A friend once told me that the greatest gift is to remain teachable and that is so true.”

Jackson asked her fellow graduates to go out and make a difference in the world.

“We are very lucky to have had great parents, spouses, children, family and friends who gave a part of themselves so that we could succeed,” she said. “I charge you, my fellow classmates, to go out and pay it forward.”

Todd took the opportunity to remember a classmate, Alisha Martin Boyter, who was killed in an automobile accident in the fall.

“As I speak tonight, I am reminded of the shortness of life,” she said. “I’m sure if Alisha was here tonight, she would tell you that you only get one chance in this life to make a difference, so make the most of it.”

Several graduates were recognized for highest academic achievement within their counties of residence.

The winners by their counties of residence and their majors were:  Abbeville: Jason Parnell, Associate in Science; Greenwood:  Dedric Norman, computer technology; Jessica Wakefield, business; Stephen Barklow, HVAC; and William Doherty, machine tool technology; Laurens:  Misty Todd, early care and education; and Dillon Sherfield, criminal justice; Newberry:  Carrie Harmon, administrative office technology; and Saluda:  Susan Shuler, administrative office technology.

Presenting this year’s graduates was Andy Omundson, dean of student services. Certificates, diplomas and associate degrees were conferred by Brooks and Susan Timmons, vice president for academic affairs, with assistance from board chairman Y. J. Ahn; Evelyn Beck, dean of Arts and Sciences; Jerry Alewine, dean of health science; Tara Harris, dean of nursing; Sissy Copeland, dean of business, information technologies and public service; and David Kibler, interim dean of engineering and industrial technologies.

The macebearer was Bradley Griggs, faculty senate president. The mace was designed by members of the faculty and staff and presented to the college in 1991 by PTC’s Alumni Association. Music was provided by Emerald City Brass. Rev. Jason McCary, pastor at REALife Ministries in Greenwood, delivered the invocation and benediction.

PLEASE NOTE:  PIEDMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE’S DECEMBER 2013 GRADUATES AND THEIR AREAS OF STUDY ARE LISTED BELOW.

Piedmont Tech shares in the well-deserved pride our graduates feel in their accomplishments.  To meet the printing deadlines required for production of the program and to maximize use of graduates’ names in area media, information is compiled a minimum of two weeks in advance of commencement exercises.  For that reason, names of students who fail to meet graduation requirements may be included.  Conversely, names of students who met those requirements after the print deadline may be omitted.  We regret any embarrassment or inconvenience these schedules may cause.

 

ABBEVILLE COUNTY

ABBEVILLE – Christopher D. Brownlee, associate in arts; Marquita Ann Calhoun, associate in applied science, major in early care and education; Amy Giles Copeland, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Tiequon Demario Ford, associate in applied science, major in general business, general business concentration; Joshua Taylor Fox, associate in applied science, major in general business, business management concentration; Kevin Lamont Lomax, associate in applied science, major in general business, business management concentration; *Jenna Renae Overholt, associate in arts; **Jason Lee Parnell, associate in science; Kristi Lewis Starks, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Charles Martell Turman, diploma in applied science, major in welding; and Martavis Calshun Wideman, associate in applied science, major in automotive technology.

BRADLEY – Whitney R. Nicholson, associate in arts.

CALHOUN FALLS – De’Lunta De’Shun Sampson, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, Internet concentration.

DONALDS – Heather C. Seawright, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

HONEA PATH – **Katie Jean Gambrell, associate in arts/associate in science.

IVA - *Kimberly Jordan Prince-Turner, associate in applied science, major in general business, general business concentration.

AIKEN COUNTY

AIKEN – **Ariel Megan Flurett, associate in applied science, major in general business, general business concentration; and Alfrieda Jackson, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

NORTH AUGUSTA – Narissa R. Brown, associate in applied science, major in general business, general business concentration; Lakisha Renee Jennings, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; and Loraine Michelle Johnson, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.

ANDERSON COUNTY

ANDERSON – Angela Dawn Dunlap, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.

HONEA PATH – Deborah Lynn Lewis, certificate in funeral service education.

IVA – Johnnisha Renee Durham, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, legal concentration; and Tamishia Lynnetta Durham, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration.

BERKELEY COUNTY

MONCKS CORNER – Norma Yvette Helmly, associate in applied science, major in funeral service.

CHARLESTON COUNTY

AWENDAW – Nicole Louise Nelson, associate in applied science, major in funeral service.

SUMMERVILLE – ***Paul J Brouthers, associate in applied science, major in funeral service.

DARLINGTON COUNTY

HARTSVILLE – William L. Peavy, associate in applied science, major in funeral service.

EDGEFIELD COUNTY

EDGEFIELD – Alexander A. Cheatham, associate in applied science, major in diversified agriculture; and Selma J. Talbert, associate in applied science, major in early care and education.

McCORMICK – Porcha Tyesha Anderson, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.

MODOC – Colin Brooks Bailey, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY

BLAIR – Danielle Kaycie Robinson, associate in applied science, major in general business, general business concentration.

FLORENCE COUNTY

FLORENCE – Tonya Renee Johnson, certificate in funeral service education; and Ruthene Kennedy, associate in applied science, major in funeral service.

GREENVILLE COUNTY

FOUNTAIN INN – **Danielle Nicole Nodine, associate in applied science, major in general technology, pharmacy technician concentration.

GREENVILLE – Lakiesha Smith, associate in applied science, major in machine tool technology.

SIMPSONVILLE – *Thomas Harmon Fields, associate in applied science, major in funeral service; *Kaycie Lianne Stone, associate in applied science, major in general business, general business concentration; Patricia Ann-Marie Tolan, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; and Laura Hindman Watson, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.

TAYLORS - **Danielle Boyette, associate in applied science, major in funeral service.

GREENWOOD COUNTY

BRADLEY – John Calvin Mundy, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; ***James Richard Rittmayer, certificate in professional clay; and Edmond Lamont Wright, associate in applied science, major in general technology, welding concentration.

DONALDS – Amy L. Ward, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.

GREENWOOD – Kathryn R. Alliston, associate in science; Tracy Bell Anderson, associate in applied science, major in automotive technology; Jobias Demonta Archie, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, networking concentration; ***Stephen William Barklow, associate in applied science, major in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology; Desima Kiana Beam, certificate in advertising design; Bernard Bruno Brooks, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Alene Cline Brothers, associate in arts; Maukeysha Sharee Brown, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration; Nathan Brown, associate in applied science, major in general business, general business concentration; Tonya M. Bullock, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Keierra Kenyatta Carroll, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Jacob H. Chapman, associate in arts; Sarah Whitney Colby, associate in applied science, major in general business, business management concentration; *Betty A. Colon, associate in applied science, major in general business, accounting concentration; Maegan Nicole Conner, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Jherrandall Connor, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, programming concentration; Charlotte Claire Cox, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Mary Frances Doris Craft, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; Abbey Renee Deale, associate in applied science, major in general business, accounting concentration; *James Michael Dilleshaw, associate in applied science, major in building construction technology; ***William John Doherty, associate in applied science, major in machine tool technology; Dana Breanne Dorn, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Glenn M. C. Dudek, certificate in advertising design; Brandon Lee Farver, associate in applied science, major in automotive technology; Jameson Edward Faulkner, associate in applied science, major in diversified agriculture; **Tony Gonce, associate in applied science, major in general business, business management concentration; Kristen R. Green, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Trionne Desiree Griffin, associate in arts; Shannon M. Hallman, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Travis Tremayne Henderson, diploma in applied science, major in welding; Richard Thomas Hilley, associate in applied science, major in automotive technology; *Paige Nicole Holt, associate in applied science, major in general business, accounting concentration; Amber Leighanne Horton, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration; Jessica Renee’ Kelly, associate in arts; Sheryl D. Laster, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration; *Cheryl Shonte’ Leverett, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; Graham Edward Lindler, diploma in applied science, major in welding; Jennifer Logeais, associate in applied science, major in human services. Cerrior T. Mansel, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; William C. Mayo, associate in applied science, major in general engineering technology; Matthew Seth McCravy, associate in arts; Britney Latrice McGill, associate in applied science, major in general business, general business concentration; Rose Kelley Middleton, associate in applied science, major in human services; Urban Gerald Mitchell, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Amanda F. Morrow, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; ***Dedric Jermaine Norman, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, networking concentration; Tammy Elaine Pace, associate in applied science, general business concentration; Kelly Crowley Padget, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Callie Elaine Pressley, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; William Pancratious Ray, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Tyler Del Reynolds, diploma in applied science, major in welding; Candi M. Rickett, associate in arts; *Julie Carolyn Robelot, associate in arts; **Stephen James Rudy, associate in applied science, major in general engineering technology; Ansley Smith Saggus, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing; concentration; Margaret Olivia Sealy, associate in applied science, major in early care and education; Tony Sims, associate in applied science, major in general technology, welding concentration; *Kyle J. Sitarz, associate in applied science, major in engineering graphics technology; Kelsie Elaine Sprouse, associate in applied science, major in general business, accounting concentration; Falan Charmain Talbert, associate in science; Kalyn Renee Templeton, associate in applied science, major in general business, accounting concentration; Tareze Delamar Thomas, diploma in applied science, major in welding; Heather R. Trautman, associate in science; James Ryan Watkins, associate in applied science, major in industrial electronics technology; *Tomekia Wells, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration; and Vernessia Wideman, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, programming concentration.

HODGES – Stephen Jacob Barger, associate in applied science, major in engineering graphics technology; Melissa Jaye Howard, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration; *Kendrakus Keyahn Ramsey, diploma in applied science, major in welding; Stephanie L. Shaw, associate in applied science, major in general business, accounting concentration; Jacob Zachariah Turner, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; ***Jessica L. Wakefield, associate in applied science, major in general business, accounting concentration.

NINETY SIX – Justin Edwin Cannon, associate in applied science, major in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology; Holly Lynn Hamlett, associate in applied science, major in engineering graphics technology; Kimberly Ann King, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; *Michelle Anderson Lewis, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, accounting concentration; *Heather Lynn Moton, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; *Timothy Shane Oliver, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; **Jonathan Scott, associate in applied science, major in electronic engineering technology; *Gena H. Turner, associate in applied science, major in general business, accounting concentration; and Cortney L. Washington, associate in applied science, major in human services.

WARE SHOALS – Kara J. Doyle, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Jandy Leanne McCarson-Stephens, associate in applied science, major in nursing; James Blake Morton, associate in applied science, major in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology; and Rhonda Randall, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.

HORRY COUNTY

CONWAY - **Michelle R. Lippincott, associate in arts.

LANCASTER COUNTY

HEATH SPRINGS – Reginald L. Shute, associate in applied science, major in funeral service.

LAURENS COUNTY

CLINTON – Kristi M. Boyce, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, legal concentration; Tyler James Ficklin, certificate in photography; **Blakely L. Frazier, diploma in applied science, major in welding; *Brittany Nicole Gary, associate in applied science, major in general business, general business concentration; Jekeria Chanel Henderson, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Jennifer E. Lyda, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Brandon Alexander Neal, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Teresa Rena Scurry, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; and *Victoria Gordon Smith, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice.

CROSS HILL – Cheryl Marie Bishop, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Houston Jake Dudley, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Brandon Dunlap, associate in applied science, major in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology; and Tina Lynne O’Brien, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration.

ENOREE – Hattie Sheets, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration.

FOUNTAIN INN – Kayla M. McKoon, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; and James B. Sastre, associate in applied science, major in general technology, gunsmithing concentration.

GRAY COURT – Lori H. Clark, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration; Courtney Harper Pike, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Allison M. Schofield, associate in applied science, major in engineering graphics technology; and *Jonathan Trey Wilburn, associate in applied science, major in general business, accounting concentration.

LAURENS – Najia Tyishaye Bartee, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Jarrell T. Bellamy, associate in arts; *Theresa M. Bishop, associate in applied science, major in funeral service; *Stacy R. Collins, associate in arts; Krista Beck Crowder, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; ***Robert Murphy Haggard, diploma in applied science, major in welding; *Rebecca Leaanne Parsons, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, legal concentration; Joel Patrick Pinson, associate in applied science, major in general business, general business concentration; Brian Scott Prevost, associate in applied science, major in general technology, welding concentration; *Savannah Lee Sharp, associate in applied science, major in general business, general business concentration; ***Dillon Barrett Sherfield, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Leigh Anne Simmons, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; and Lutcher James Williams, associate in applied science, major in general business, general business concentration.

WATERLOO – **Frankie Lee Elgin, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, Internet concentration; Emily Jae McGowan, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; ***Misty Mathis Todd, associate in applied science, major in early care and education; and Matthew Wayne Shipley, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, networking concentration.  

WARE SHOALS – Denecka Renee’ Agnew, associate in applied science, major in human services; Tabitha Cheltzie Crenshaw, associate in arts; and **Samuel Clay Moore, associate in applied science, major in industrial electronics technology/major in mechatronics technology.

LEXINGTON COUNTY

BATESBURG – Tara M. Hook, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; and **Lori Alena Smith, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration.

CHAPIN – Angela Corie Miller, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration.

COLUMBIA – Glenda Currence, associate in applied science, major in general business, business management concentration.

LEESVILLE - **Clairessa Donna Dinkins, associate in arts.

LEXINGTON – **Shannon B. Hughes, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, legal concentration.

MARION COUNTY

SELLERS – Marcus Centell Davis, certificate in funeral service education.

McCORMICK COUNTY

McCORMICK – Shaantel Lacole Brown, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Drayton Hoyt Collins, associate in applied science, major in automotive technology; *Rachael Ann Moss, associate in arts; and Hanna Wilkie, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice.

NEWBERRY COUNTY

CHAPPELLS - *Marlana Faith Alvarez, associate in arts.

LITTLE MOUNTAIN – Whitney Jeanette Smith, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.

NEWBERRY – Nathan Alex Beck, associate in applied science, major in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology; Frank Hare, associate in applied science, major in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology; Tyler Addison Kesler, associate in applied science, major in engineering graphics technology; Quenton Anthony Lyles, associate in arts; Schnora M. Lyles, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, accounting concentration; Chiquita M. Maybin, certificate in office technician; Tyler Keith Mills, associate in applied science, major in machine tool technology; Benjamin Derrick Moore, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; April M. Richardson, associate in applied science, major in nursing; *Henry H. Robinson, certificate in pc technician; and Cynthia Dianne Williams, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration.

POMARIA – Andrea Irelle’ Heller, associate in applied science, major in general business, general business concentration.

PROSPERITY – Shayla Dominique Counts, associate in arts; Elizabeth Harris Lawson, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; and Latonya Kachieka Wise, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.

WHITMIRE – Amy Marie Crumley, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; ***Carrie C. Harmon, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; and Tiffany Michelle Hopkins, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration.

PICKENS COUNTY

EASLEY - *Connie Jean Jones, associate in applied science, major in funeral service.

RICHLAND COUNTY

COLUMBIA – *Jacqueline Echols Adamson, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Yolanda E. Brown, associate in arts; Lewis C. Hicks, certificate in funeral service education; and Brittany Pinkston, associate in applied science, major in funeral service.

LITTLE MOUNTAIN – Dawn Alexandria Bird, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration.

SALUDA COUNTY

BATESBURG – *Rhonda W. Salter, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, accounting concentration; and Crystal Dawn Sanders, associate in applied science, major in general business, accounting /general business concentration.

LEESVILLE - *Travis Allen Alewine, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice.

SALUDA – Victoria Meshae Boyd, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Ashleigh Brianna Caughman, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; Thomas Young Coleman, associate in applied science, major in diversified agriculture; Darrell Edwin Frye, associate in applied science, major in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology; *Benjamin Paul Hallman, associate in applied science, major in general business, business management concentration; James Andrew Rodgers, associate in applied science, major in automotive technology; ***Susan Dianne Shuler, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; and Amy Marie Steele, associate in applied science, major in human services.

WARD – Daniel James Bange, associate in applied science, major in nursing; and Seth Preston Hartley, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice.

SPARTANBURG COUNTY

BOILING SPRINGS – Tannisha Larica Browning, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

MOORE – Marika Miller, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.

UNION COUNTY

WHITMIRE – Marvis Worthy Floyd, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, accounting concentration.

OUT OF STATE

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Karen Lynn Peltier, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

COLBERT, Ga. - *Katelin Marie Wages, associate in applied science, major in funeral service.

GROVETON, Ga. – Sabrina Marie Benson, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

LINCOLNTON, Ga. – Tiffany Nicole Bessinger, associate in applied science, major in nursing; and Kristina Leigh Kinzle, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

WASHINGTON, Ga. – Tanner Guinn Bridges, associate in applied science, major in nursing; and Lacey Nochole Goldman, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.

PINEVILLE, Ky. – Amanda Elizabeth Cleveland, associate in arts.

 

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