It was standing-room only for family and friends who attended graduation ceremonies Wednesday night at the Flint Hills Technical College. Spectators two and three deep lined the walls, cameras and cell phones in hand, and some late arrivals found seating in the foyer outside the conference room where the event was held. The venue was changed this week from the Memorial Ballroom at Emporia State University to the conference room at the college.
“I had no idea so many people would be here,” a woman murmured to a friend as they searched for seating and found none.
The crowd, gathered by the door and beyond, was asked to separate and step back to allow graduates room to walk to their chairs in the front of the room while a trio made up of Bill Hanlon, Ray Lauber and Trish Swindale played “Pomp and Circumstance.” Cheers and yelps broke out repeatedly as individual graduates walked past the crowd.
College President Dean Hollenbeck introduced members of the board of trustees — Jerry Fair, Kent Heerman, Brad Kraft, Marshall Miller, John Schwenn, Lori Scott Dreiling and Paula Taylor — before speaking to the graduates and the audience.
“We have certain expectations that we feel like our students have to do,” Hollenbeck said.
He said continuing to learn was the No. 1 expectation.
“It’s a fact that when you graduate and get a job somewhere ... you have to have the proper attitude. ...You have to be ready to learn,” he said. A new employer may require additional training, and learning is a life-long task.
Hollenbeck challenged the graduates to take risks.
“If you don’t reach for something, you will get nothing,” he said.
“Be a great citizen. Be involved in your community. Be involved in your church, enjoy your family. ...We believe in helping others. If you do that, you will never be sorry. Successes come to people who work hard.”
Steve Loewen, dean of instructional services, presented the divisions represented and the graduates; Lisa Kirmer, dean of student services introduced the graduates.
The graduates are:
Adult Education Center
Kansas High School Diploma — From Emporia, Rebecca Breedlove, Elizabeth Burton, Scott Alan Deskines, Michelle Emley, Ashley Finney, Carissa Grancis, Brandi Galbreath, Glenda Garza, Catherine Marie Goodwin, Brittney D. Hunter, Nathan Edward McDonald, Joshua Eric Nell, Shane Olinger, Dwan Rachelle Phillips, Andrew Rodriguez, Melissa Sharples, Lori Schultz, Jerry Sieminskie, Skye Silver, Andrew Slater and Everett Williams. From Madison, Shaina Renee Hanners. From Cottonwood Falls, Virginia Jones. From Hartford, Lannie Michelle Lyman.
Division of Arts
Associate Degree in Graphic Arts Technology — Crystal K. Baldridge, Emporia.
Division of Health
Health Occupations Technology — Mary A. Ramirez, with honors, Emporia.
Associate Degree in Paramedics — Derek B. Douglas, Emporia.
Associate Degree in Practical Nursing — Lisa Brown, Michele E. Fischer, Christina L. Miller, Juanita A. Ortiz with honors, and Kelly R. Sterkel, all of Emporia; Eva L. Lamb, Ottawa; Lisa A. McDonald, Williamsburg; Ashley M. Sage, Burlingame; Shara K. Sage, Harveyville; David N. Saina, Wichita; and Chauncy Smith, Allen.
Practical Nursing — April S. Groves, Janee Y. Hill, Sherryl K. Richardson, Lindsey Strawder, and Rebecca J. Whiteaker with honors, Emporia; Francis Gatimi and Jane Gatimi, and Tom M. Mogondo, both of Olathe; Traci L. Hill, Eskridge; Ann J. Maltby, Burlington; Kayla M. McDonald, Eureka; Aziz T. Merey, Emmanuel K. Missana with honors, Joyce W. Salisbury with honors and National Honor Society, all of Wichita; Melissa E. Skelton with honors, Garnett; and Shyan L. White, Reading.
Division of Information Technology
Associate Degree in Network Technology — Matthew D. Walker, Emporia.
Associate Degree in Office Professional — Melody G. Gryner with honors, Emporia, and Jessica E. Redding, Gridley.
Office Professional — Kim J. Dains with honors and National Honor Society, Peggy Derrick with honors, Debra J. Hinrichs with highest honors and National Honor Society, Gina M. Jones, and Sabra Reber with highest honors, all of Emporia; Lora J. Metcalfe with highest honors and National Honor Society, Americus; and Juleen R. Young with highest honors and National Honor Society, Madison.
Division of Technology
Automotive Technology — Andrus J. O’Dell with honors, Emporia.
Associate Degree in Power Plant Technology — Bradley S. Nuessen with honors and Dallas Schick, Emporia; Patrick E. Beard and Marcus J. Raymer with honors, Burlington; and Eric S. Peterson with honors, Fort Scott.
A list of graduates will be published in The Gazette on Thursday.
jindo (anonymous) says...
i was there i was there
December 21, 2006 at 9 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )