Spring Graduates Count Blessings Amid Interrupted Plans

This spring, new Piedmont Technical College (PTC) graduate Elena Worthing Morse made a time-honored processional, draped not in black graduation gown with honor cords but in a flowing, full-length white dress that represents a milestone of comparable weight.

“I ended up getting married two days after the May 7 graduation date that would have been,” Morse said. The fact that an in-person graduation had been postponed indefinitely only seemed to inject more energy into her pending nuptials to Jason Morse, a case manager at McCravy Law Firm.

Morse, 21, graduated in May with an associate in applied science degree, majoring in human services. While at PTC, she was a Presidential Ambassador, the recipient of the Human Services Department’s Outstanding Student Award and a member of the Phi Theta Kappa 2020 All-State Academic Team. Morse already has a full-time job with Pathway House, a Christian organization that provides assistance to homeless men, women and children. Some of the best advice she learned at PTC is the value of making connections with businesspeople.

“While I was at a Chamber of Commerce breakfast to recognize scholarship recipients, I met Anthony Price, the director of Pathway House. That led to him offering me an internship, and that ended up becoming a full-time job,” she explained. “I would have missed the opportunity if I weren’t looking for connections.”

Life is good for the newlywed couple, who will make their home in Greenwood. Of her choice of college, Morse couldn’t be happier.

“I love this school,” she said. “You are surrounded by people who just want to learn. They are here not because they have to be but because they want to be.”

Christy Irons had plenty of distractions to keep her mind off of the “graduation situation.” Actually, you might say she had 10 distractions ― her adopted children ranging in age from 8 to 21.

“I have been raising children for a long time,” she said. “My oldest went to Aiken Tech. I have another son who just graduated from high school and will be studying welding at PTC, hopefully in the fall.”

The Cross Hill resident, who received her associate degree in nursing this spring and works at The Children’s Center and Wesley Commons, said she stayed home taking care of children for 15 years. Attending PTC has been a pleasant surprise.

“I am an older person, and it was nice to see some other older people on campus,” Irons said. “I liked all of the instructors, had a really good experience and made lots of friends.”

The lack of an in-person graduation this spring has not fazed Irons one bit.

“I think it’s just one of those things. We are adults now, and we have to roll with the punches,” she said. “It’s not anything anyone had control over.”

Katie DiBari, who graduated this spring with an associate of applied science majoring in early care and education, said that engaging relationships with instructors are among the many things PTC does right. “They make education accessible to all people,” the Greenwood resident said. “I had an amazing experience at Piedmont Tech. My classes were hands-on, focused and even fun! I felt like I was where I was supposed to be.”

Transferring to PTC, she noted, has been an agreeable change of pace.

“I went to two different four-year universities before transferring to PTC, and I was honestly skeptical of how good a technical college’s education could be,” she said. “But I learned so much through classes, projects and student teaching opportunities. Piedmont has impressed me, and I’m so glad I can call myself a graduate of the Early Care and Education Program.”

PLEASE NOTE:  PIEDMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE’S MAY 20 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 Spring 2020 semester, 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 Spring 2020 graduates will be maintained by the Student Records Office once all courses and grading have been completed.

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ABBEVILLE COUNTY

ABBEVILLE – Clifton W. Able, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Tywanna Shardae Blackwell, associate in applied science, major in occupational therapy assistant; Richard Bruce Cook III, associate in applied science, major in cardiovascular technology, adult echocardiography concentration; Kayla Japaris Crawford, associate in arts; Montell Garner, associate applied science, major in electronic engineering technology; George T. Guy, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, networking concentration; Katelyn Elizabeth Hall, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Justin Wilson McMahan, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Saaja Michelle Pearson, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Anthony Dylan Perdue, certificate in refrigeration applications; Christopher Nicholas Risner, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, networking concentration; Christopher Thomas Roberts, associate in applied science, major in automotive technology; Kisha Rollinson, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; and Kylene Alexis Vento, associate in arts.

CALHOUN FALLS – Tristan Theodore Cutter, certificate in automotive fundamentals; Lily C. Marshall, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Deshawna Monae Patterson, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration; and Sommer Brooke Wood, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

DONALDS – Debra Janice Cade, associate in applied science, major in business administration; Justin Gleen Frankum, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; and Brentley Matthew Lynch Jr., associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology.

HODGES – Rodrick D. Stoll, associate in applied science, major in general technology, paramedic concentration.

HONEA PATH – Kemani C. Agnew, associate in applied science, major in business administration, accounting concentration; Kendall Jones, associate in applied science, major in general technology, pharmacy technology concentration; and Britney Naomi Kelly, associate in applied science, major in business administration, office management concentration.

 

AIKEN COUNTY

AIKEN – Tiffany Elizabeth Brown, associate in applied science, major in human services; and Quintin Hicks, certificate in automotive fundamentals.

 

ANDERSON COUNTY

ANDERSON – Brittany Nicole Simpson, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

BELTON – Alexandria Pulliam, associate in applied science, major in nursing; and Lauren A. Williamson, associate in applied science, major in early care and education, infant/toddler concentration.

HONEA PATH – Heather Bell, associate in applied science, major in cardiovascular technology, invasive concentration; Tiffany Gilmer, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Timothy S. Senchishen, associate in applied science, major in mechanical engineering technology; and Charity Nicolle Trangmar, associate in applied science, major in veterinary technology.

IVA – Makayla Lynn Kelley, associate in applied science, major in business administration; Summer N. King, associate in arts; and Eric William Moore, associate in applied science, major in business administration.

PENDLETON – Shakilia Watt, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

WILLIAMSTON – Kobe Jordan Broadwater, associate in applied science, major in electronic engineering technology.

 

BARNWELL COUNTY

BARNWELL – Celie Garrick Jordan, associate in applied science, major in occupational therapy assistant.

 

EDGEFIELD COUNTY

EDGEFIELD – Antonia Danielle Adams, associate in arts; Rebecca Madeline Boykin, associate in arts; and Tiffany Zkia Sibert, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration.

JOHNSTON – Shakiera Edwards, associate in arts; Tyree Rashad Enit Felder, certificate in automotive fundamentals; and Steve Hutcherson, associate in applied science, major in building construction technology.

TRENTON – Pamela A. Chick, associate in arts; and Martha Drumming, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice.

 

FAIRFIELD COUNTY

WINNSBORO – Cali Ann Swearingen, associate in applied science, major in occupational therapy assistant.

 

FLORENCE COUNTY

FLORENCE – Ashlyn Hope Bochette, associate in applied science, major in occupational therapy assistant.

LAKE CITY – Kendall Annsley Gray, associate in applied science, major in occupational therapy assistant.

 

GEORGETOWN COUNTY

GEORGETOWN – Ryan Franklin, associate in applied science, major in electronic engineering technology.

 

GREENVILLE COUNTY

GREENVILLE – Victoria Anne Goldsmith, associate in arts; Carter L. Moze Jr., associate in applied science, major in computer technology, cybersecurity concentration; and Shawna Walker, associate in applied science, major in cardiovascular technology, invasive concentration.

GREER – Lakeisha Renee Chambers, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration.

SIMPSONVILLE – Brieana Danielle Hudson, associate in applied science, major in cardiovascular technology, invasive technology.

 

GREENWOOD COUNTY

BRADLEY – T’Keyah Zhane’ Harris, associate in applied science, major in nursing; and Nathaniel Alexander Hilley, associate in applied science, major in building construction technology.

DONALDS – Lexi Hannah Butler, associate in applied science, major in cardiovascular technology, adult echocardiography concentration; and Allison Smith Reece, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

GREENWOOD – Phoebe Caroline Agardy, associate in applied science, major in early care and education; Shania L. Anderson, associate in arts; Kelcey Orlando Baten, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Caleb Boatwright, associate in applied science, major in engineering design technology; Myia Brewer, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration; Katelyn Brown, associate in applied science, major in business administration, accounting concentration; Jasmine J. Brown, associate in applied science, major in human services; Tiara Laquita Brown, associate in applied science, major in human services; Jane Lanier Carr, associate in applied science, major in occupational therapy assistant; Matthew Jospeh Cavall, associate in applied science, major in occupational therapy assistant; Michelle Quarles Collins, associate in applied science, major in business administration, office management; Kyle Lukeem Collins, associate in applied science, major in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology; Erin E. Davis, associate in applied science, major in occupational therapy assistant; Hope Leanne Deloach, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Katherine Dibara, associate in applied science, major in early care and education; Gina Laureen Drebenstedt, associate in applied science, major in occupational therapy assistant; Corey Drennon, associate in applied science, major in automotive technology; Bianca Skyy Earl, associate in applied science, major in human services; Abigail D. Elrod, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Callie Marie Free, associate in arts; Kamron Ostin Garlington, associate in applied science, major in business administration, accounting concentration; Keenon Lamar Glenn, associate in applied science, major in electronic engineering technology; Jessalyn Leandria Goode, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Jesse Linnenkohl Gowan, associate in applied science, major in engineering design technology; Tyree Toeze Hall, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration; Fumeko Latrese Hall, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Marissa N. Harrison, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Brett N. Hart, associate in applied science, major in machine tool technology; Sammy Benjamin Harvley, associate in applied science, major in electronic engineering technology; Maesha Shanice Hearst, associate in applied science, major in business administration, accounting concentration; Abigail Lynne Hemann, associate in arts; Koramadou Heng, associate in arts; Crystal T. Holloway, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Kayla Shae Hughes, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Shirvie Labelle Jackson, associate in applied science, major in business administration, office management concentration; Lauren Elizabeth Johnson, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration; Abigail Johnson, associate in arts; Eva R. Justice, associate in arts; Tyler Kagan, associate in science; Nathaniel Laign, associate in science; Flor Emalie Leonardo, associate in applied science, major in human services; Gregory Matthew Lewis, associate in applied science, major in electronic engineering technology; Kayla Nicole Malone, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Shandra Sangria Martin, associate in applied science, major in human services; Lauren Grace Mason, associate in applied science, major in business administration; Robert Tyler Medlock, certificate in PC technician; Madison Michelle Miller, associate in science; Robert F. Nelson III, associate in science; Daniel Allen Nguyen, associate in applied science, major in automotive technology; Noah Oaks, associate in applied science, major in electronic engineering technology; Jason W. Patton, certificate in refrigeration applications; Jeremy R. Phillips, associate in applied science, major in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology; Danielle Denay Pope, diploma in applied science, major in machine tool; Brionne T. Pratt, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Jacob Blake Prince, associate in applied science, major in building construction technology; Arian Lynn Reed, certificate in early childhood development; Betsy Lyn Russ, associate in applied science, major in occupational therapy assistant; Steve Salgado, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Hannah E. Simmons, associate in arts; Michael Blakely Stephenson, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Crystal Tepetate Hernandez, associate in arts; Ashley Nicole Todd, associate in arts; Khanh Ly Huynh Tran, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Olga Nikolaevna Tretiak, certificate in accounting; Nancy Vess, associate in applied science, major in business administration; Andrew Waldron, associate in applied science, major in engineering design technology; Jetil Alexia Teron Christen Warren, associate in arts; Lindy Weidert, associate in applied science, major in cardiovascular technology, adult echocardiography concentration; Precious Janay Williams, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, accounting concentration; Brianna Williams, associate in applied science, major in mechanical engineering technology; James-Evon Sterling Williams, associate in science; Tosnia Symone Williams, associate in applied science, major in nursing; and Elena Worthing, associate in applied science, major in human services.

HODGES – Bethany Michaela Fisher, associate in applied science, major in veterinary technology; Rodney D. Free, associate in applied science, major in general technology, paramedic concentration; Chelsea Hatcher, associate in applied science, major in occupational therapy assistant; Benjamin Thomas McIntyre, associate in applied science major in electronic engineering technology; Joseph Alan Stawski, associate in applied science, major in engineering design technology; and Jennifer Lynn Wakefield, associate in applied science, major in occupational therapy assistant.

NINETY SIX – Courtney Lynn Attaway, associate in applied science, major in business administration; John Lindsey Barton, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, cybersecurity concentration; Markayla N. Brown, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, cybersecurity concentration; Samuel K. Crittendon, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Carlynn B. Eustace, associate in science; Kayla Morgan Gillespie, associate in applied science, major in veterinary technology; Jonah L. Gonce, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Micheal A. Gregory, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Laureen Renee Lawson, associate in applied science, major in cardiovascular technology, adult echocardiography concentration; Michael T. Lightsey, associate in applied science, major in building construction technology; Robert L. Maxey, associate in applied science, major in general technology, gunsmithing concentration; and Lacey Helena Pollard, associate in applied science, major in business administration, accounting concentration.

WARE SHOALS – Taylor B. Byrd, associate in applied science, major    in early care and education; and Zelea Grace James, associate in applied science, major in cardiovascular technology, adult echocardiography concentration.

 

LANCASTER COUNTY

LANCASTER – Ariana Michelle Ware, associate in applied science, major in veterinary technology.

 

LAURENS COUNTY

CLINTON – Kristina Dwyer, associate in applied science, major in human services; JoAnna Marie Haupfear, associate in applied science, major in business administration; Courtney Elizabeth Marsh, associate in applied science, major in early care and education; Brandon Gage McWatters, associate in applied science, major in diversified agriculture; Brittany Megan Robinson, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, accounting concentration; Kristen Michelle Seawright, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration; and Lauren Leggett Truelock, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

CROSS HILL – Jessica Dawn Davis, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Dixie Tylor Davis, associate in applied science, major in engineering design technology; Christy M. Irons, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Jose Juan Santiago, associate in applied science, major in automotive technology; and Shakira Late Leake, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

ENOREE – Karina Williams, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

FOUNTAIN INN – Markitta Elmore, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

GRAY COURT – Joanna Grace Huffman, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, cybersecurity concentration; and Frankie Devin Williams, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, cybersecurity concentration.

HONEA PATH – Heather Summers, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

JOANNA – Jacob Ryan Carmichael, associate in science; and James T. Millwood, associate in applied science, major in occupational therapy assistant.

KINARDS – Kayla Leann Lawson, associate in applied science, major in business administration.

LAURENS – Andrew Baughn, associate in applied science, major in machine tool technology; Brittany Ann Cash, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Molly Reeves Culbertson, associate in applied science, major in occupational therapy assistant; Ashton McNuer, associate in applied science, major in occupational therapy assistant; John W. Porter, associate in applied science, major in diversified agriculture; Gill P. Stone, associate in applied science, major in mechanical engineering technology; and Blythe Mikaela Wzorek, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

WARE SHOALS – Sarah Elizabeth Wzorek, associate in arts; Wendy Collum Foster, associate in applied science, major in business administration; and Dominic B. Nygro, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, networking concentration.

WATERLOO – Kayla Leigh Roberts, associate in applied science, major in general technology, photography with advertising design concentration; and Ashley C. Rush, associate in applied science, major in engineering design technology.

 

LEXINGTON COUNTY

BATESBURG – Christa Gale Jones, associate in applied science, major in early care and education; and Kelly Lybrand, associate in applied science, major in business administration.

CHAPIN – Christina Marie Haley, associate in applied science, major in nursing; and Wesley Alan Huffstetler, associate in arts.

GILBERT – Elizabeth G. Temple, associate in arts.

LEESVILLE – Angelica Rose Boatwright, associate in applied science, major in veterinary technology.

LEXINGTON – Jamie Bethel, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Kimberly Nichole Frye, associate in applied, major in veterinary technology; Jacob B. Lindler, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Leah C. Lomastro, associate in applied science, major in veterinary technology; and Natisha Lashay Nicholson, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

LITTLE MOUNTAIN – Crystal Farmer, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

 

McCORMICK COUNTY

CLARKS HILL – Autumn Moultrie, associate in arts.

McCORMICK – Marlia Denise Barker, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration; Albert Z. Bell, associate in arts; Jordan T. Brown, associate in arts; Isaiah J. Dansby, associate in arts; James Christopher Hardy, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Emerald Hill, associate in arts; Dominique Lovelle Jackson, associate in applied science, major in mechanical engineering technology; Zaire Jahnai Jenkins, associate in arts; Laquincy Nelson, associate in applied science, major in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology; Mitaviar Antonio Tate, associate in arts; and Justin Jamareon Tatum, associate in arts.

MOUNT CARMEL – Kyanna Denise Luchey, associate in arts; and Vatahjgie Tillman, associate in arts.

PLUM BRANCH – Rosalyn Joyce Miller, associate in arts; and Eternity Jewel Wilridge, associate in arts.

 

NEWBERRY COUNTY

CHAPPELLS – Allen Dakota Cannon, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, networking concentration.

NEWBERRY – Darling M. Abney, associate in science; Saul Carmona Aguilera, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Dana Rashell Cornejo, associate in applied science, major in nursing; John Koshy, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, programming concentration; Rodrigo A. Martinez, associate in arts; Ethan Hunter Meetze, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, cybersecurity concentration; Edward David Pacheco, associate in applied science, major in electronic engineering technology; Titilayo Khadija Robinson, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Michaella Rayanna Rubio, associate in applied science, major in veterinary technology; Warren Floyd Ruff, associate in applied science, major in automotive technology; Christopher Willie Traylor, associate in applied science, major in cardiovascular technology, invasive concentration; Coty H. Weaver, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, legal concentration.   

POMARIA – Tristan Danielle Lever, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

PROSPERITY – Jeffrey S. Chapman, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Preston W. Cook, associate in arts; Weston Gregory Lindamood, associate in applied science, major in cardiovascular technology, adult echocardiography; Brittany Erin Montjoy, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration; Jessica Layne Morris, associate in science; and Joseph Tarallo, associate in arts.

WHITMIRE – Ivy Henderson Rice, associate in applied science, major in business administration / associate in applied science, major in business administration, accounting concentration.

 

RICHLAND COUNTY

CHAPIN – Jenna Katherine McCall, associate in applied science, major in veterinary technology.

COLUMBIA – Tiffany Desiree’ Jenkins, associate in applied science, major in occupational therapy assistant; and Aria Alexus Smith, associate in applied science, major in occupational therapy assistant.

IRMO – Julia Rae-Ann Reitz, associate in applied science, major in veterinary technology.

 

SALUDA COUNTY

JOHNSTON – Megan Grace Gilliland, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration.

LEESVILLE – Zachary Drayton Hall, associate in applied science, major in diversified agriculture.

SALUDA – Evon Rose Brooks, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Pearlnia Myrlaya Davenport, associate in applied science, major in human services; Caleb Fincannon, associate in applied science, major in mechanical engineering technology; Breanna I. Herbert, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Devin Luther Hipp, associate in applied science, major in electronic engineering technology / associate in applied science, major in engineering design technology; Natallia Lott, associate in science; and Ana Salazar-Juan, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice.

TROY – Greyham H. Rushton, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology.

 

SPARTANBURG COUNTY

INMAN – Leonid Khenkin, associate in applied science, major in cardiovascular technology, invasive concentration.

MOORE – Nicole S. Epps, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

SPARTANBURG – Adrienne Clark, associate in applied science, major in nursing; and Sylvia Lasha Daniels, associate in science.

 

UNION COUNTY

UNION – Corey Jamar Land, associate in science.

 

WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY

KINGSTREE – Hampton Beard, associate in applied science, major in diversified agriculture.

 

YORK COUNTY

CLOVER – Christopher Lawrence Misiuda, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice.

ROCK HILL – Adia Simpkins, associate in applied science, major in occupational therapy assistant.

 

OUT OF STATE

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Zachary James Irving, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Latasha R. Simpkins, associate in applied science major in nursing; and Belenda Fate Walker-Lamb, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

ELBERTON, Ga. – Macie Shirley, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

LINCOLNTON, Ga. – Nicole L. Waters, associate in applied science, major in cardiovascular technology, adult echocardiography concentration.

WATERTOWN, N.Y. – Bianca McKinney, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration.

 

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

 

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PHOTOS:

Elena Worthing Morse and her husband, Jason, at their May 9 wedding.
Christy Irons