Easley Students Among Piedmont Tech Graduates

Easley students were among the 300 Piedmont Technical College students who graduated on August 2.

Dr. Ray Brooks, president, welcomed graduates, family and guests to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduates.

“We have student speakers because that is the focus of this college – our students,” Brooks said. “We are here tonight to celebrate learning and achievement.”

Brooks was followed by the commencement speakers. The afternoon address for Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, business and information technology, public service, industrial and engineering technology graduates was delivered by three graduating students – Jessica Hill, a human services graduate from Greenwood; Gregory Stewart, an Associate in Arts major from Newberry; and Josh Wooten, an electronic engineering technology graduate from Greenwood.

Hill encouraged her fellow graduates to take the strong foundation of persistence, training and communication skills they received at Piedmont Tech as they continue on their journey.

“Though these skills may have not been easy [to obtain], I am sure we are forever grateful for the opportunity of learning,” she said. “I stand before you today to say make sure you continue to step over the rocks and wipe the sweat as we continue on our journey.”

Stewart implored all of the graduates to have a vision to effect positive change in their communities, homes, state and nation.

“We should always remember the journey we began here at Piedmont Tech that has afforded us all the chance to be successful in the careers we choose and to develop into people who contribute something positive to society,” Stewart said.

Wooten said he started as a student who spent five semesters at a small Georgia college with no idea what he wanted to do with his life.

“The real difference between Piedmont Technical College and my first experience at college is me,” he said. “With passion and vision, there is nothing you can’t accomplish.”

Speakers during the evening ceremony for health science and nursing graduates were Frederick Moore, an associate degree nursing major from Abbeville; and Cheryl Wilson, a surgical technology graduate from Greenwood.

Moore shared his experiences as a Marine recruit on Parris Island and the importance of being focused on overcoming any obstacles.

“Because I ignored the distraction, because I kept my eye on my goal, practiced the technique and followed the instruction given, I was successful,” he said. Because we have ignored the distractions, because we have stuck to the technique, listened to the instruction given and kept our eyes on the goal, we now sit here tonight on the other end of this obstacle successfully.”

Wilson challenged the graduates to use the same enthusiasm and vigor they had as successful students for the care of their patients.

“Let’s make sure we make the caring and compassionate connection with all of our patients,” she said. “The patients need to know that not only are we doing the best at our job, but that we really do care about their feelings and well-being.”

The Easley students who graduated from Piedmont Technical College are:

William F. Morgan, who earned an associate in applied science, major in computer technology, information technology/Internet/programming concentration.

Sage Adeline Crocker, who earned an associate in applied science, major in cardiovascular technology, non-invasive.