PTC awards 429 academic credentials to 288 graduates during summer commencement ceremonies

A total of 429 academic credentials were awarded to 288 Piedmont Technical College (PTC) graduates during commencement ceremonies held Aug. 1.

The ceremonies at the James Medford Family Event Center in Greenwood marked the end of a successful academic year in which PTC awarded 1,829 credentials to 1,275 graduates. Those credentials included associate degrees, diplomas and certificates.

Dr. Hope E. Rivers, president of PTC, congratulated the graduates and urged them to “go forth with confidence that you can and will expect more from the world, making it better for yourselves and others.”

Rivers said a future investment of more than $100 million in new facilities and another $9 million in grant funding will enable PTC to live up to its commitment to provide future students with both a quality education and a “transformative experience that prepares you for the complexities of life and your career.”

She said the new facilities will include a state-of-the-art health science building in Greenwood and advanced manufacturing centers in Edgefield and Saluda counties. The grant money will be used to help create “innovative opportunities” ranging from electrical vehicle classes to mobile trainers that will extend PTC’s reach into rural areas, she said.

Andrea Martin, a PTC alumna who is executive director of the Food Bank of Greenwood, was the featured speaker at the commencement ceremonies. She urged the graduates to focus on evolution and growth as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

“Be open to change, willing to adapt, and committed to continuous learning,” Martin said.

“Celebrate your achievements, but also recognize that growth is an ongoing process. There will always be new heights to reach, new skills to acquire and new challenges to overcome.”

Criminal Justice major Ashley Powell spoke during the morning commencement ceremony.

“It is never too late to accomplish big things!” said Powell, a 34-year-old mother of two. “Soak up all you can and embrace what this world has to give you, take every chance you can to become a better you.’

Fernando Reyes, a dual enrollment student graduating from PTC’s Pharmacy Technician program, addressed his classmates during the afternoon commencement ceremony.

“One of the most important lessons I've learned here is the value of effort and the power of potential,” Reyes said. “Each of us has faced unique challenges, whether mastering complex concepts in our respective fields, balancing studies with personal responsibilities, or simply finding the motivation to keep pushing forward. But through it all, we've discovered that trying our best is not just a goal but a commitment to ourselves and our future.”

PLEASE NOTE:  PIEDMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE’S AUGUST 2024 GRADUATES AND THEIR AREAS OF STUDY ARE LISTED BELOW. 
Piedmont Tech shares in the well-deserved pride our graduates feel in their accomplishments. Due to semester and course delivery changes during the 2024 summer term, some courses and grades are still being finalized. For that reason, names of students who may not meet graduation requirements may be included. Conversely, names of students who will later meet those requirements after publication may be omitted. We regret any embarrassment or inconvenience these ongoing course completions may cause. An official list of all 2024 summer graduates will be maintained by the Student Records Office once all courses and grading have been completed.  

ABBEVILLE COUNTY 
ABBEVILLE – April D. Bell, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration; **Vanessa L. Carroll, diploma in applied science, major in medical assisting; *Shirley J. Crawford, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology; Armando Gonsalez, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, cybersecurity concentration; Pamela L. Owens, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology; Taja L. Parks, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology; **Ashley Powell, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Alley E. Sammons, associate in arts; Kristen L. Smith, associate in applied science, major in general technology, concentration in advertising design with secondary specialty in photography; **Kaitlyn L. Templeton, associate in applied science, major in human services; and Bria K. Waller, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice. 

CALHOUN FALLS – Ceniyah N. Bryant, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration; and Jeniyah L. Bryant, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technician. 

DONALDS – Michael D. Smalley, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology. 

HONEA PATH – Breanna N. Dill, associate in science. 

IVA – Cadence D. Lawter, associate in arts; and *Anna B. Powell, associate in applied science, major in business administration. 

AIKEN COUNTY 
AIKEN – Lacey J. Cloud, associate in applied science, major in early care and education. 

NORTH AUGUSTA – Shatia Green, associate in applied science, major in business administration, accounting concentration. 

SALLY – Marissa J. Livingston, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration. 

ANDERSON COUNTY 
ANDERSON – *Nate Garrison, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, cybersecurity concentration; *Madison S. Gordon, associate in applied science, major in business administration; Haley Mcauley, associate in applied science, major in nursing; and *Jermaina S. Owens, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology. 

BELTON – *Timothy N. Clardy, associate in applied science, major in business administration; Keytorial M. Cowan, associate in applied science, major in human services; *Isaac Gunnells, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technician; *Katherine E. Jennings, diploma in applied science, major in medical assisting; Amanda Smith, associate in applied science, major in nursing; and Michelle L. Young, diploma in applied science, major in medical assisting.  

HONEA PATH – Keyanti A. Gambrell, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; and *Tessie L. Long, associate in applied science, major in general technology, concentration in photography with secondary specialty in advertising design.  

IVA – Shelby L. Smith, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration. 

WILLIAMSTON – *Taylor A. Murray, diploma in applied science, major in medical assisting. 

DARLINGTON COUNTY 
HARTSVILLE – Shanovia R. Howard, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing. 
 
EDGEFIELD COUNTY 
EDGEFIELD – Tyasia S. Burton, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technician; Brionna L. Johnson, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Aaliyah M. Mealing, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technician; and *Melissa Vera, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice. 

JOHNSTON – **Joshua C. Harmon, associate in applied science, major in diversified agriculture; Kaitlyn Tolbert, associate in applied science, major in business administration; and Jennifer J. Young, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration. 

MCCORMICK – *Laken P. Cockrell, associate in applied science, major in general technology, welding concentration; and Tyniah West, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration. 

TRENTON – Ronnesha T. Drumming, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology. 
  
GREENVILLE COUNTY 
GREENVILLE – Shawnta’ Jones, diploma in applied science, major in medical assisting; Caroline M. Moore, associate in applied science, major in nursing; and Lorrene H. Stoddard, associate in applied science, major in human services. 

SIMPSONVILLE – Noelia L. Almendares, associate in science/associate in arts. 

GREENWOOD COUNTY 
BRADLEY – **Kenderrius T. Hackett, associate in science. 

GREENWOOD – **Bryan Aburto, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Jessica Aniceto, associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting concentration; **Joseph Barcenas, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technician; Marco A. Bernardino, certificate in automotive fundamentals; Chevonnie J. Brown, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Jasmine K. Butler, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Keierra K. Carroll, associate in applied science, major in nursing; *Zalia J. Cunningham, associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting concentration; Natasha L. Duncan, associate in applied science, major in human services; **Breosche I. Floyd, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technician; **Jacob Fruchtman, associate in applied science, major in business administration, accounting concentration; Cameron Greene, associate in arts; Sharmeka M. Hamilton, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology; Marvin Hamlett Jr., associate in science; Laporcha S. Hardy, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Melissa A. Henry, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; Angie C. Hollingsworth, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; Amalia Huertas, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Kemberly A. Jenkins, associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting concentration; Deaubre B. Johnson, certificate in automotive fundamentals; *Carolina P. Joseph, certificate in advertising design; Wandtez T. King, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Isabel F. Kinney, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Alexandria L. Land, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology; ***Da’Dra Mack, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology; *Thomas E. Masters, associate in applied science, major in machine tool technology; Shania L. Mayes, associate in applied science, major in human services.  

Also, Belinda F. Melson, certificate in photography; ***Charles D. Mikalauski III, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; **Nina A. Moore, associate in arts/associate in science; Prima P. Mosley, associate in applied science, major in human services; Raven A. Moss, associate in applied science, major in business administration; Karli E. Myers, certificate in automotive fundamentals; **Caitlin A. Nickles, associate in applied science, major in business administration; **Emily L. Owens, associate in applied science, major in general technology, concentration in advertising design with secondary specialty in photography; Victoria K. Parnell, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Amiah S. Partlow, associate in arts; Octavius E. Perrin, certificate in digital rendering and gaming; Ethan C. Rachels, associate in applied science, major in mechanical engineering technology; Kori B. Rebovich, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; James W. Redden, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, programming concentration; **Fernando Reyes, diploma in applied science, pharmacy technician; Haylie D. Ritter, associate in applied science, major in nursing; ***Anthony Rodriguez, certificate in automotive fundamentals; Billy G. Sartin, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Sandra A. Williams, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, cybersecurity concentration; Samantha L. Willis, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration; ***James B. Wooten Jr., associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; and Kenya V. Wright, associate in applied science, major in human services.  

HODGES – Christie L. Enzian, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration; Sarah N. Huff, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; *Elizabeth G. Moody, associate in applied science, major in business administration; and *Genaya C. Nesbitt, associate in applied science, major in human services. 

NINETY SIX – *Candace D. Bowlus, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; Ian A. Dixon, associate in applied science, major in general technology, concentration in digital rendering and gaming with secondary specialty in advertising design or photography; **Elisa E. Gonzalez, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technician; and Santoria L. Langford, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration. 

WARE SHOALS – Emma N. Baldwin, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology; Mckenzie L. Haynes, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technician; *Jacob S. Nelson, associate in arts; and *Kristy L. Shipps, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration. 

HORRY COUNTY 
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH – Jaquelyn Graham, associate in science. 

LAURENS COUNTY 
CLINTON – *Melissa Benson, associate in arts; Minnie F. Butler, associate in applied science, major in human services; *Macnasja L. Byrd, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology; William J. Clark, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, programming concentration; ***Emily K. Graham, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; Jaylin R. King, diploma in applied science, major in medical assisting; James D. Langston, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, cybersecurity concentration; **Justin A. Moton, associate in applied science, major in business administration, human resources generalist concentration; ***Leland J. Nelson II, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, cybersecurity concentration; and Tira J. Owens, associate in science. 

CROSS HILL – Ellyse S. Culbreath, associate in applied science, major in business administration. 
 
GRAY COURT – Enrique Hernandez-Juarez, associate in applied science, major in general technology, concentration in advertising design with secondary specialty in photography. 

JOANNA – **Delia S. Mullinax, associate in applied science, major in general technology, concentration in advertising design with secondary specialty in photography. 

LAURENS – *Caleb N. Bouchillon, diploma in applied science, major in machine tool; *Rayneisha M. Boyd, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology; McKenzie A. Cooper, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration; Isaac M. Craig, associate in science; *Candice R. Epley, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology; **Franklin T. Fomby Jr., associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Katelyn J. Miller, associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting concentration; Emmanuel Rivera-Cedillo, associate in applied science; major in engineering design technology; *Michael A. Rosales, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Jamie M. Scott, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; Nicholas M. Smith, associate in arts; and Trey C. Williams, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, cybersecurity concentration. 

MOUNTVILLE – Brandie M. Bishop, associate in applied science, major in machine tool technology. 

WARE SHOALS – Alexiah D. Agnew, associate in applied science, major in nursing; *Noah L. Bunting, associate in arts; **Kaylin J. Scarboro, associate in applied science, major in human services; and *Kassidy A. Sievers, associate in applied science, major in general technology, concentration in digital rendering and gaming with secondary specialty in advertising design or photography. 

WATERLOO – *Jennifer V. Davis-Cook, associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting concentration; Shequita C. Moore, associate in applied science, major in mechanical engineering technology; and Anna B. Pedigo, associate in applied science, major in nursing. 

LEXINGTON COUNTY 
CHAPIN – Laura D. Malloy, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration. 

COLUMBIA – *Jonathon F. Holden, associate in applied science, major in engineering design technology. 

LEESVILLE – Matthew Rikard, associate in applied science, major in general technology, concentration in digital rendering and gaming with secondary specialty in advertising design or photography. 

LITTLE MOUNTAIN – ***Nolan Smith, certificate in university studies. 

McCORMICK COUNTY 
McCORMICK – Avreal C. Brown, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Marquita C. Gaston, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; and Miranda K. Moore, associate in applied science, major in nursing. 
 
NEWBERRY COUNTY 
LITTLE MOUNTAIN – Hayden Hall, associate in applied science, major in machine tool technology. 

NEWBERRY – Michelle Ayala-Perez, associate in arts; Alexis M. Broad, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology; Mark E. Donkle Jr., associate in applied science, major in machine tool technology; Brenden A. Duncan, associate in science; *Taneshia S. Gallman, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology; Nereida Gutierrez, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology; Brady V. Hall, associate in applied science, major in business administration; Darnasha T. Houseal, associate in science; Bethany J. Jones, associate in arts; *Esveydi Lopez, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; *German Ponce Espinoza, certificate in advanced welding; ***Caleb S. Riddle, certificate in university studies; Yaritza Rojas, associate in science; Thania Serrano Balderas, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration; Martin D. Singley, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; ***Justin Smith, associate in applied science, major in business administration, accounting concentration; **Sadie A. Tribble, diploma in applied science, major in medical assisting; *Daisy J. Villalobos, associate in arts; and **Kimberly M. Yarborough, associate in applied science, major in business administration. 

POMARIA – Emilee T. Carpenter, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; and Tracy M. Faulkner, associate in applied science, major in medical coding/billing concentration. 

PROSPERITY – Zarainia Clark-Watson, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; William Henderson, associate in applied science, major in automotive technology; Shanice Miller, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; and Rebecca K. Roberts, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing. 

SILVERSTREET – Benjamin D. Baldwin, certificate in university studies. 

WHITMIRE – Samantha G. Hood, associate in applied science, major in business administration. 

PICKENS COUNTY 
EASLEY – Tara Stocker, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, major in medical coding/billing concentration. 

RICHLAND COUNTY 
LITTLE MOUNTAIN – **Laney R. Rauch, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technician. 

SALUDA COUNTY 
BATESBURG – Tanner W. Norris, certificate in advanced welding. 

SALUDA – Marianna M. Caldwell, associate in arts; Lorena Contreras-Segura, associate in science; ***AnnElise R. Griffith, certificate in university studies; Haley M. Gunter, associate in science; Maria C. Munoz-Deleon, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Langley K. Patterson, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; and *Courtney J. Smith, diploma in applied science, major in medical assisting. 

SPARTANBURG COUNTY 
BOILING SPRINGS – Shyrie Y. Horne, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration.  

INMAN – Kenyatta L. Hardy, associate in arts. 

SPARTANBURG – Ebony L. Foster, associate in applied science, major in human services. 

WOODRUFF – Kelly M. Owens, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration. 

UNION COUNTY 
UNION – Kelonda L. Jennings, associate in applied science, major in nursing; and Jasmine S. Rice, associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting concentration. 
 
OUT OF STATE 
AUGUSTA, Ga. – Jazmyne N. Smith, associate in applied science, major in nursing. 

GROVETOWN, Ga. – Heather M. Smith, associate in applied science, major in nursing. 

THOMSON, Ga. – Anquinesha Johnson, associate in applied science, major in nursing. 

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

PTC summer graduation photo captions
Powell graduation - Criminal Justice major Ashley Powell speaks at the morning commencement ceremony held Aug. 1.
Reyes graduation - Fernando Reyes, a dual enrollment student graduating from the Pharmacy Technician program, speaks at the afternoon commencement ceremony held Aug. 1.
Andrea Martin, a PTC alumna and executive director of the Food Bank of Greenwood, was the featured speaker at the Aug. 1 commencement ceremonies.