SANFORD - More than 350 people are the most recent graduates of the Central Carolina Community College's Division of Economic and Community Development Medical Programs Department, which held its graduation on Dec. 10 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center.

The certificate areas include Cardiovascular Monitor Tech, Central Sterile Processing, EKG Technician, EKG Monitor Technician, Nurse Aide I and II, Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, Physical Therapy Aide, and Sleep Disorder Technician.

Cody Welty, a Nurse Aide I graduate from Lee County, was among the three student speakers. "Countless doors have been opened to us, and we have endless opportunities to use our knowledge to improve the lives of others," he said. "The rewards and gratification for being capable of affecting change in the quality of life for someone makes every hard day worth it."

Andrea Hanner, a Pharmacy Technician graduate from Chatham County, talked about the challenges she faced as a student, including working a full-time and part-time job. "But my focus was still set on finishing what I had set out to do and that was finish my class," she said.

Elizabeth Rhodes, a Nurse Aide I graduate from Harnett County, noted, "We bring good tidings to the people we care for by binding up the brokenhearted and soothing or taking away someone's pain, even if it's only for a moment."

As the graduates' names were called, they walked across the stage to receive their certificates from college President Dr. T.E. Marchant and receive congratulations from CCCC Board of Trustees Chairman Julian Philpott.

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."

Before the graduation, Pharmacy Technician graduate Sheridan Phillips of Chatham County had an even more special night when she received a marriage proposal from Justin Leville, also a CCCC student. "I honestly had no idea that he was going to do that," she said, noting that the two met while at CCCC.

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

"It was exciting," said Alexia Cotton of Chatham County, a Pharmacy Technician graduate.

Phlebotomy Technician graduate Ashley Miller, of Harnett County, noted, "Tonight was a very monumental night in my life."

Kristen Bree Dowdy, of Lee County, said she was nervous and excited. She graduated as a Cardiovascular Monitor Tech.

"I loved it," said Stephanie Bailey, a Phlebotomy Technician graduate from Moore County. She noted that she brought her two children. "It was special because I accomplished something for them."

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