SANFORD - Approximately 270 people are the most recent graduates of the Central Carolina Community College's Continuing Education Medical Programs, which held its graduation on June 13 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center.

The certificate areas include Cardiovascular Monitor Technician, Central Sterile Processing, Medical Billing and Coding, Nurse Aide I, Nurse Aide II, Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, and Physical Therapy Aide.

April Brown, a Nurse Aide I graduate who attended class in Chatham County, was among the student speakers. "I know many of us had our days in class where we felt we could not make it. Even though we had our ups and downs in class and with life, we pushed through and we have made it to this day. That day is the day of our graduation. Now that we have made it to this day, it means that now we have all the essential tools we need to make friends, family, or anyone everyday living more meaningful."

Shaniya Smith, a Nurse Aide I graduate who attended class in Harnett County, said, "When I was younger, I tried to think of a better way to accept failure and defeat that I might face in life by always being prepared to fail -- 'expect the worse and celebrate the best,' I'd say - but in my days and hours caring for others and not having to think about myself but for others, I noticed the confidence I'd need behind what I did. As the late Helen Keller said, 'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.'"

Gillian Walter, a Nurse Aide I graduate who attended class in Lee County, commented, "What led me to wanting to go into the medical field was my passion for caring for others. I love and have always loved taking care of people," said Walter, who will be attending East Carolina University in the fall to pursue nursing in hopes of one day becoming a Pediatric Oncology Nurse Practitioner.

Welcoming remarks were by Lisa Godfrey, CCCC Dean of Health Sciences and Human Services.

Lennie Stephenson, CCCC Continuing Education Medical Programs Director, introduced the student speakers.

CCCC President Dr. Lisa Chapman presented certificates.

Closing remarks were by Dr. Brian Merritt, CCCC Vice President Learning and Workforce Development / Chief Officer of Student Learning.

Coordinators of the CCCC Continuing Education Medical Programs are Lennie Stephenson (Harnett County), Toni Williams (Chatham County), and Sandra Hurley (Lee County).

Following the graduation, class members met their families and friends in the Civic & Conference Center foyer for hugs and more picture taking.

For more information about Continuing Education Medical Programs, call (919) 718-7500.