Bartow County Graduates Embrace Bright Futures

CARTERSVILLE, GA - From Chattahoochee Tech: Chattahoochee Tech honored 445 students from the state’s largest technical college during two commencement ceremonies held on Thursday, May 10, at the Clarence Brown Conference Center in Cartersville. Students from 45 programs of study in the college’s six-county service area crossed the stage to receive a technical certificate of credit, diploma or an Associate of Applied Science degree.

As students gathered in preparation for commencement, they shared their plans for the future and expressed gratitude for their positive educational experiences at Chattahoochee Tech.

Dalen Quinn, of Bartow County, graduated with a diploma in Welding and Joining Technology. “I plan to keep working at my career and building on it,” said Quinn, who noted that he has already secured a welding job in Acworth.

Victoria Brogdon, of Bartow County, graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Accounting. “My Mom inspired me to go into Accounting,” said Brogdon, who noted that her mother also is an Accountant. “I’m looking into opening up my own tax firm.”

Also of Bartow County, Dual Enrollment student Cheyanne Head graduated with a diploma in Air Conditioning Technology. Head, a graduating senior at Woodland High School, plans to enlist in the U.S. Army and study to be a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic. “I’ve been studying Automotive Technology for a few years, and I knew that if I went to school for Air Conditioning Technology, it would make it easier to work on that for cars,” said Head. “If I have problems with my own car, I can fix that too!”

Chattahoochee Tech Engineering Technologies Lead Instructor Stephanie O’Donoghue delivered the commencement address for both graduation ceremonies. O’Donoghue recently received the State 2018 Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction, Georgia’s top award for a technical college instructor, presented annually by the Technical College System of Georgia.

“There are so many benefits for attending a technical college,” said O’Donoghue. “I know my students and they know each other, because they collaborate. Relationships impact student success. In addition, students learn a technical skill. I just cannot over emphasize the importance of technical skills. The future success of Georgia’s economy is dependent upon a skilled workforce.”

The most popular areas of study for the spring 2018 Chattahoochee Tech graduates were programs in Health Sciences followed by programs in business, including Accounting and Business Management, and programs in the field of public and professional services, including Cosmetology, Air Conditioning Technology and Early Childhood Care and Education.

Dr. Ron Newcomb, President of Chattahoochee Technical College, commended all of the graduating students for their diligence and determination.

“Today is a celebration of what our graduates have accomplished as well as a celebration of the skills and knowledge they have gained in order to take that next step in life – whether it is entering the workforce or pursuing even higher education,” said Dr. Ron Newcomb. “We are very proud of how Chattahoochee Tech faculty and staff guide our students on paths to successful and bright futures.”

For more information, visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu.

About Chattahoochee Technical College:
A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, Chattahoochee Technical College is the largest technical college in the state with more than 14,000 students enrolled in the past academic year. The college has eight campus locations serving the counties of Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Gilmer, Paulding, and Pickens. CTC provides a high quality, easily accessible college education at a fraction of the cost of other area colleges and universities. Chattahoochee Technical College awards more than 70 certificates, diplomas and associate degrees in 45 programs of study through traditional classroom courses as well as online training. The college also provides the community with learning opportunities, including customized workforce training, adult literacy and continuing education programs. For more information, visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu.

Photos courtesy of Chattahoochee Technical College