By Danny Federico Riverbend News
RIVEROAK Technical College held its 2020-21 Patient Care Technician graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 24, at 6 p.m. in the sanctuary of First Advent Christian Church, located at 699 Pinewood Dr. SW, in Live Oak.
The following graduates received their certificates: Mayra Acen, Aaliyah Back-Pagan, Bridgett Bembry, Anna Calderon, Madison Carroll, Hannah Foust, Shameria Lanier, Ayanna Newsome, Tonya Shiver, Anika Warner and Key'Undrea Zanders.
RIVEROAK staff in attendance included: Mary Keen, Principal and Director of Career and Technical Education; Julie Ulmer, Coordinator of Career and Technical Education and Student and Community Affairs and Jenna Stratton, RN, Patient Care Technician Instructor.
Graduate Madison Carroll congratulated her fellow graduates with words from Dr. Seuss' book, “Oh, the Places You'll Go!” "My wish is that each and every one of you remember how hard you worked to get where you are now," Carroll said. Following her welcome speech was the Pledge of Allegiance, which was led by Key'Undrea Zanders. Hannah Foust then took the podium to welcome special guests. These guests included members of the Suwannee County School Board: Chairman Tim Alcorn, District 3; Jerry Taylor, District 1; Norman Crawford, District 2 and Ed daSilva, District 4. In addition, Leslie Carter, Hamilton County High School Graduation Coach, was welcomed and thanked for her dedication to helping six students who were dual-enrolled through Hamilton County High School.
Following the introduction of the special guests, Jenna Stratton began to present four special awards. Foust was presented with the Perfect Attendance Award, as well as the Academic Excellence Award for having the highest GPA. Acen was presented with an award for her hard work and Back-Pagan was presented with the Most Improved Award.
Graduates were then introduced by Julie Ulmer and presented with their certificates by Principal Keen. After each graduate received their awards, Back-Pagan led her fellow graduates in reciting the Modern Nightingale Pledge. The evening closed out with a prayer, led by Lanier.