Greenwood Celebrates the Achievements of Piedmont Technical College Graduates
The air was filled with a mixed aroma of joy and relief as students of Piedmont Technical College marched down the isle to receive their much-anticipated accolades. Nestled in the heart of Greenwood, the James Medford Family Event Center became the center stage for this joyous occasion.
Diplomas and Dreams
On a brisk December day, Piedmont Technical College’s Fall Commencement unfolded with pomp and circumstance, celebrating a significant educational milestone for many. A total of 232 credentials were conferred, consisting of associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates, marking not just the completion of their courses, but the dawn of a fresh chapter.
Hope Rivers, President of Piedmont Tech, warmly congratulated the graduates, acknowledging their dedication and perseverance. “Today marks a significant milestone in your lives,” she said with pride. “You’ve not only completed your degree but you’ve taken that extra step towards ‘expecting more’—for your education, for yourselves, and for the opportunities that await.”
Ceremonies Filled with Heartfelt Stories
The commencement was divided into two parts. The first ceremony, staged in the morning, spotlighted graduates from the Healthcare programs, along with Associates in Arts and Science. The afternoon session shifted the focus towards the disciplines of business, information technology, commercial art, public service, and engineering.
Inspirational Stories
Among those who took the spotlight was Heather Strickland, a mother of three, whose journey to earning an Associates in Applied Science degree in Occupational Therapy was both challenging and enlightening. Heather’s story resonated deeply with many as she shared the motivations wrought from personal experiences and a family life interwoven with unique challenges.
“I chose a career in occupational therapy to support not only my children, but to be a beacon for families navigating similar paths,” she explained. “My experiences have shown me just how transformative this field can be, touching lives beyond obvious limitations.”
In the afternoon, Derrick Goodman, aged 52, stood proudly before his peers, having earned his associates diploma in Applied Science in Business Administration Management. Derrick’s story is a testament to the notion that learning is timeless, and his passion for advancing his education is nothing short of inspirational. He plans to continue this ambitious journey at Lander University.
Words of Encouragement
Both ceremonies were graced by a commencement address from Nadia Sanders, a distinguished alumna. Her remarks echoed through the halls, striking a chord with the hopeful graduates. “Graduation is not an end,” Sanders affirmed. “It’s just the start. The tools you’ve gained at Piedmont Tech are like stepping stones towards the world that awaits.” She urged the graduates to embrace both successes and setbacks with open arms, always driving forward with resolve and determination.
Looking Forward
While the event naturally honored the achievements of the graduates, it also symbolized the support and dedication of family, friends, and faculty who have been pillars of strength along their educational journey. As graduates hugged, posed for pictures, and secured their mementos, the spirit of community and celebration was palpably cherished in the air.
As they step into the next phase of their lives, with a forecast of partly to mostly cloudy skies and temperatures peaking at 58°F, these graduates carry with them not only their newly earned credentials but the confidence and expectation of more from a world that is theirs to explore. However the evening turns out, clear skies or not, the world remains their oyster, full of endless possibilities.
