SANFORD - Central Carolina Community College Veterinary Medical Technology students and a retired instructor were honored at the North Carolina Association of Veterinary Technicians Spring Conference March 10 at N.C. State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.

In addition, the associated elected five CCCC VMT graduates to serve on its eight-member board of directors.

Nancy Robinson, of Sanford, graduated from the CCCC (then Central Carolina Technical Institute) Animal Hospital Technician (now Veterinary Medical Technology) program in 1971. She returned to teach at the college for 39 years, retiring in 2011. The NCAVT honored her for her long service to the profession and the NCAVT, as well as for her service on the N.C. Veterinary Medical Board over the past 10 years.

Christine Lavelle, of Cary, a second year CCCC VMT student, was honored with the organization's 2012 Community Service Award for her volunteer efforts with three Wake County-based spay and neuter facilities while raising a family and maintaining a 4.0 GPA in the Vet Med program.

Amanda Dillard, of Randleman, a 2001 CCCC graduate, was honored with the NCAVT 2012 Veterinary Technician of the Year award for years of hard work and dedication to the Association while serving on its board. Dillard was voted in as the organization's 2012-13 president.

Other 2012-13 officers with CCCC Veterinary Medical Technology program connections are: President-elect Jonathan Loftis, of Cameron, 2001 graduate and current instructor/Animal Facilities manager; Vice President/Public Relations Officer Beckie Mossor, of Sanford, instructor and 2007 graduate; Education Coordinator Jasmin Walthour, of Lillington, 2010 graduate; and NAVTA Representative Anne Myers, of Apex, a 1985 graduate.

The other 2012-13 officers are: Secretary Jeannie Losey, of Cary, a graduate of Pierce College; Treasurer Sandi Portilla, of Burlington, a Gaston College graduate; and Information Officer Beth Green, of Asheville, a graduate of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College.

Students from CCCC's first and second year VMT classes attended the conference. First-year students represented the college's Student Chapter of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (SCNAVTA); second-year students represented the VMT program.

"Membership in the NCAVT, particularly at the student level, is of paramount importance for this profession," said Loftis. "The NCAVT acts as the representative of the profession to lawmakers in Raleigh. Without members, that voice is but a whisper."

He noted that, in 2009, NCAVT members met with state lawmakers and were able to have the law changed to allow registered veterinary technicians to administer rabies vaccines under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

CCCC's is one of three North Carolina Community College System Vet Med programs. The others are at Asheville-Buncombe TCC, and Gaston College. All are approved by the NCAVT and accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Loftis said the NCAVT encourages students from each of the accredited programs to join because of the great opportunities they gain through membership. They are able to have experiences such as networking with technicians from across the state at conferences and attending lectures by some of the brightest minds in veterinary medicine. These open more opportunities for them once they enter the field.

For more information about CCCC's five-semester Veterinary Medical Technology Associate in Applied Science degree program, visit its Web site at: www.cccc.edu/curriculum/majors/veterinarymedical/ or call (919) 718-7234. For more information about the N.C. Association of Veterinary Technicians, visit its Web site at: www.ncavt.org.