SANFORD -- More than 280 people are the most recent graduates of the Central Carolina Community College's Economic and Community Development Medical Programs Department, which held its graduation on May 28 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center.

The certificate areas include Central Sterile Processing, EKG Monitor Technician, Laboratory Assistant, Nurse Aide I and II, Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, Sleep Disorder Technician, and Sports Medicine Technology Part I.

Student graduation speakers were Sharon Rone (Chatham County), Roger Goad (Harnett County), and Samantha Christie (Lee County).

Rone, a Nurse Aide I graduate, is a retired state employee with 31 years of service. "I took the Certified Nursing Assistant I class because I wanted to prepare myself for the Licensed Practical Nurse course," said Rone.

"I am determined to pursue my goal in becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse and work 2-3 days a week because I want to relax and enjoy the rest of my retirement life by helping others," said Rone.

Goad, also a Nurse Aide I graduate, is a Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army Retired. "I went from working on jet engines, weapons systems and instruments, to taking vital signs, helping people get dressed, and basically helping them with the everyday activities that we take for granted. It made me happy and gave me a great sense of accomplishment to help them," said Goad.

"I was scared when I first started this class. I thought I was too old to start something new," said Goad. "But now I know that with determination and hard work, a person can succeed. So, if you have a desire to do something totally different, don't let your fears stop you."

Christie, a Phlebotomy Technician graduate, was a single mother working two jobs when she decided to go back to school. "I wanted to use this speech to give thanks to all the staff and to put them on a platform for once," said Christie.

"We are not alone, we did this and so can you. So if you're thinking of taking the next step, do. You're never too old, too young, or ill equipped. All of these things CCCC has offered for me is available to you. Remember, it's not about how hard you have fallen, but about how you get back up," said Christie.

As the graduates' names were called, they walked across the stage to receive their certificates from Dr. Pamela Senegal, CCCC Vice President of Corporation & Continuing Education.

As the ceremony was nearing an end, the graduates repeated the Health Occupations' Pledge:

"I solemnly do pledge to use my hands for the patient, the most important person in the hospital or health care setting.

"I understand that the patient is not an interruption to my work, but that the patient is my work.

"I understand the patient depends on me and that my reputation and job depend on the patient.

"I understand that the patient does me a favor when he or she calls; I am not doing a favor for the patient by answering the call.

"I understand that the patient is someone to comfort and help, not someone with whom to argue.

"I understand that the patient is not just a number but is flesh and blood and has feelings.

"I understand that I must fully justify the trust that the patient has in me."

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

Among the graduates was Tatrice Morris, of Harnett County, who is a Phlebotomy Technician graduate. "I'm really proud of myself," said Morris. "It's been an amazing experience."

"I'm excited," said Kaitlyn Rackley Kelly, of Lee County, a Nurse Aide II graduate. Maddison Lynch, of Chatham County, a Nurse Aide I graduate, expressed that same sentiment.

CCCC's Coordinators of Medical Programs are Sandra Hurley in Lee County, Heike Johnson in Chatham County, and Lennie Stephenson in Harnett County.

For more information about Continuing Education medial programs, call Lennie Stephenson, CCCC's Director of Continuing Education medical programs, at 910-814-8833 or email lstephenson@cccc.edu.

Pictures from the commencement exercises can be downloaded at www.cccc.edu.