546 Students Graduate From Chattahoochee Tech

WOODSTOCK, GA -- Chattahoochee Technical College on Thursday honored 546 students from the state’s largest technical college during a commencement ceremony held Dec. 14 at the Clarence Brown Conference Center in Cartersville.

Representing students from the fall semester, 197 graduates from the college’s six-county service area walked across the stage to receive a technical certificate of credit, diploma or an Associate of Applied Science degree.

As they gathered in preparation for the graduation ceremony, students were eager to share information about their plans for the future as well as express gratitude for their positive educational experience at Chattahoochee Tech.

“I just want to build a career, and I thought this school was the best one for me to start at and then keep on going with my studies,” said Angelica Navarro of Cherokee County, who graduated with an associate degree in Health Care Management. “The professors are really nice and they help you understand everything. That’s one of my favorite things about being at this school.”

Also from Cherokee County is Dillon Egeland, who graduated with an associate degree in Radiography
Technology.

“I plan to get a job at Northside Hospital,” said Egeland. “I’ve worked there for four years already and I just took my licensing exam. They’re just waiting for that, and I’ll get started in January.”

The most popular area of study for graduates was Health Sciences. This was followed by programs in the area of business, including Accounting, Business Technology, Business Management, Marketing Management and programs in the field of public and professional services, including Cosmetology, Criminal Justice Technology and Early Childhood Care and Education.

There were 18 students who graduated with certificates, diplomas and degrees toward nontraditional careers. A nontraditional career is any occupation in which women or men make up 25 percent or less of the total employment.

For men, the programs included Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiography Technology and Accounting; for women, this included programs such as CIST Cybersecurity, Criminal Justice Technology, Design and Media Production Technology, Computer Programming and Drafting Technology. Students in
attendance wore green honor cords in recognition of their completion of such programs.

In addition, 28 students completed an Associate of Applied Science or diploma program with a 4.0 cumulative grade point average. Those in attendance wore gold honor cords to signify their accomplishment. Also participating in the graduation ceremony were nine students who are U.S. veterans.

During the graduation ceremony, Chattahoochee Technical College President Dr. Ron Newcomb commended all of the graduating students for their perseverance.

“Each of you has a personal story that is captivating,” said Dr. Newcomb. “The common thread in each of your stories is your perseverance – your personal decision and your personal commitment that you’re going to do this.

“You’ve balanced many things along the way,” said Dr. Newcomb. “Many of you have jobs and many of you have families. Among you candidates for graduation, I know that a great many of you are parents yourselves.”

Dr. Newcomb then asked that the graduating students who are parents to stand for special recognition from all those in attendance at the graduation ceremony.

“They persevered for their lives and for their families’ lives and their future, and I really respect that,” he added.

Delivering the commencement address at the Chattahoochee Tech graduation ceremony was Katherine Hamilton, the college’s 2017 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner. Hamilton, who graduated with an associate degree in the Physical Therapist Assistant program, reiterated the importance of perseverance for achieving success.

“So many of you have faced difficulties in your life, and your incredible perseverance has brought you down a path to this moment,” said Hamilton, who thanked her teachers and classmates for their ongoing encouragement.

“You have all worked hard and earned the opportunity to savor this moment,” said Hamilton. “So take a moment to look up and enjoy the view. Congratulations, Class of 2017.”

Photo: Chattahoochee Technical College President Dr. Ron Newcomb addresses the crowd at the Dec. 14 commencement ceremony.