SANFORD - More than 450 people are the most recent graduates of the Central Carolina Community College's Division of Economic and Community Development Continuing Education Medical Programs, which held its graduation on Dec. 8 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center.

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

Kenzie Oldham, a Nurse Aide I graduate from Lee County, was among the student speakers. "I do this because I want to help people. I want to make everyone feel safe, welcomed, and taken care of," she said. "We are all so individually special and determined, and I'm so ecstatic for us to be the change and love the world desperately needs. It was a lot of studying and work, but 100 percent worth it."

Amy Doby, a Nurse Aide I graduate from Harnett County, noted, "Many of us have encountered many obstacles along the way while getting here. We must be proud of ourselves for not giving up, for not allowing ourselves to be defeated, but coming out strong and making it to this turning point in our lives."

Macy Clark, a Nurse Aide I graduate from Chatham County, commented, "We have devoted these past few months to the academics of healthcare and now we are ready to begin our healthcare professions. It takes special individuals to be in a profession that mentally and physically drains you, but we are prepared to take on this journey together."

Emily Palmiter, a Nurse Aide I graduate from Chatham County, said, "I have attended both Chatham Charter High School and Chatham Central High School that have allowed me to pursue a healthcare career, and now, I am proud to say I am a state board away from being a certified nurse because of Central Carolina Community College."

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

As the graduates' names were called, they walked across the stage to receive their certificates from CCCC Vice President of Student Learning Dr. Brian Merritt and CCCC Harnett Provost Bill Tyson.

Closing remarks were by Felicia Crittenden, CCCC Associate Dean, Corporate and Continuing Education.

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

For more information about Continuing Education Medical Programs, call the CCCC Economic and Community Development Division Student Support Center at (919) 718-7500.