Press Release
Date: May 14, 2024
Contact: lgarrett@tctc.edu
Carol Burdette Urges Graduates to Find Ways to Serve, Give Accomplish and Show Kindness
PENDLETON --- Each of you came to Tri-County Technical College with a story, Carol Burdette, chief executive officer of United Way of Anderson County, told Tri-County Technical College graduates in her address to the Class of 2024. "This graduation marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life’s story."
Three hundred and seventy-three students were awarded degrees, diplomas and/or certificates during the College’s spring commencement held May 7 at Clemson University’s Littlejohn Coliseum.
“We all have a story and you have continued to write your story while you’ve been here. Some of you have struggled with transportation to get to your classes. Some of you are first-generation college students like I was. Some of you have families who may be very supportive, but in some cases, families are frightened that if you get a college degree and a good job, you will forget them. Some of you have been challenged to find daycare for your children to get to class and to get your work done. Whatever your situation, it is part of your story,” she said.
Going forward she urged graduates to find ways to serve, give, accomplish and show kindness.
“Wherever you go, show respect to those around you regardless of their religion, the color of their skin, their sexual orientation, their political stance, their socioeconomic status or their education level,” she said.
“Wherever you go, seek to serve,” she said. “We all have 24 hours in a day…find some time to give back. Serve your family, serve in your place of faith, serve in your workplace, and serve in your community. You all now have skills that will help you make a living, but remember that you always want to make a life and that will include serving. Winston Churchill said, ‘We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give’.”
She acknowledged that some of the graduates will go straight into the workforce while others will be heading to a four-year institution. “But wherever your journey takes you, always find ways to continue learning and having new experiences. What you learn, where you go and what you do will all be a part of your story.”
Following Burdette’s address, TCTC President Galen DeHay and other college officials presented degrees, diplomas and certificates to the following graduates:
Anderson County
From Anderson:
Aaron Alba, SMA Structural Welding; Alexis Alba, Mechatronics Technology; Ethan Marshall Ashley, Associate in Arts; Monya Ashley Barnes, Digital Production Techniques; Harley Gerald Bell, Auto Engine Performance System; Benjamin Michael Blair, University Studies; Keri Rose Branch, Associate in Arts; Renaisha Harrison Bruce, Engineering Design Technology; Shuntell Dominique Campbell, Nursing; Brooke McClain Cantrell, Accounting; Alicia Deniece Cantu, Office Support Specialist; Zachary Austin Carroll, Business Administration; Jordan Alysha Clinkscales, Associate in Science; Shawnett Cox, Manufacturing Production I; Madolyn Grace Criffield, Veterinary Technology; Ansley Elizabeth Dixon, Nursing; Ashleigh Brooke Dover, Media Arts Production; Jacob Dowdy, Cisco Network Administrator; Courtlyn Holland Fallaw, Medical Laboratory Technology; Sophia Fiore, University Studies; Caroline Floyd, Business Administration - Marketing Emphasis; Abbigail Rae Fuller, Criminal Justice Technology - Paralegal Studies Emphasis; Marc Oliver Lavarias Galvez, Jr., Computer Technology - Software and Web Development Emphasis; Daniel Mehdi Ghobadi, Technical Operators I; Corbin Brandt Gillespie, Mechatronics Technology; Timothy Bradon Gray, Computer Technician; Shereai Raquel Greenlee, Criminal Justice Technology - Paralegal Studies Emphasis; De'Andra Kayoka Haliey, Nursing; Jewel Manola Mae Hamilton, Manufacturing Production I; Roleana Hamilton, Manufacturing Production I; Cathryn Mae Harned, Associate in Arts; Olivia Nicole Hawkins, Technical Operators I; Naomi Pretty Heng, Medical Laboratory Technology; Maria Guadalupe Hernandez Angeles, Associate in Science; Lauren Elizabeth Hodge, Nursing; Rachel Amanda Kembel, Nursing; Amber Jewel King, Criminal Justice Technology - Paralegal Studies Emphasis; Heather King, Computer Technology - Software and Web Development Emphasis; Anna Katherine Kohlmayer, Associate in Arts; Nikolai Thomas Korte, Technical Operators I; Freia R. Lademora, Nursing; Tyler Lane Latimer, Associate in Arts; Conner Owen Laughridge, Medical Laboratory Technology; Crystal Lupita Lopez, SMA Structural Welding; Aiden Reginald Luper, Welding Technology; Clemencia Lizeth Martinez Molina, Associate in Arts; Kelly Elizabeth Meredith, Associate in Arts; Karen Leonard Meyers, Personal Care Aide; Antonella Jennyfer Mitta, Veterinary Technology; Ansley Nicole Moore, Nursing; Madisyn Olyvia Morris, Veterinary Technology; Ryan Alexander Moulton, Personal Care Aide; Hunter Bascue Nelson, HVAC Apprentice; Nadia Jean Norris, Business Administration - Management Emphasis; Carleigh Elisabeth Parker, Veterinary Technology; Paige Partain, Associate in Science; Jace Evett Poole, SMA Structural Welding; Genna Leigh Prince, Associate in Science; Hailey Grace Ricketts, Veterinary Technology; Prilliyah Brishanti Rinnix, Mechatronics Technology; Jennifer Rae Rutledge, Nursing; Anthony Bryant Shirley, HVAC Apprentice; Gavin Khaine Simmons, Associate in Science; Armani Ni'Rubyan Singleton, Media Arts Business; Trenton Lance Smith, Associate in Arts; Lydia Carolyn Stovall, Associate in Arts; Alexander Charles Strang, Mechatronics Technology; Dakota Lee Tanner, SMA Structural Welding; Emily Rebecca Grace Trotter, Associate in Arts; Nathan Christopher Trotter, Technical Operators I; Alyssa Louise Vallecillo, Veterinary Technology; Michael Joseph Waldsmith, Jr., Engineering Systems Technology; Ellison Compton Waters, University Studies; Yolanda Evette Watkins, Associate in Science; Jasmine Keara West, Business Administration; Braxton Curtis White, University Studies; Joseph Dean Whiting, Auto Engine Performance System; and Riley Ann Wilson, Associate in Science
From Belton:
Ayden Rice Alley, Mechatronics Technology; Emma Claire Barnes, Associate in Arts; Nathan Wayne Barnes, Computer Technology - Software and Web Development Emphasis; Ryan Bradley Baucom, General Engineering Technology; Regan M. Carwile, Associate in Arts; Andrea Phyllis Crocker, Personal Care Aide; Kathryn Mykal Drake, Nursing; Marissa Danielle Knox, Veterinary Technology; Mahli Bea Maciejewski, SMA Structural Welding; Ethan Cole Martin, Mechatronics Technology; Rex William Murray, Mechatronics Technology; Riley Steven Owen, Intro to Manufacturing Management Technology; Kacie Rein Summerall, Personal Care Aide; Jennifer Rena Sutton, Personal Care Aide; and Quawonicka S. Thompson, Nursing
From Honea Path:
Madison Rose Bright, Associate in Science; Barrett Dennis Gambrell, Mechatronics Technology; Daniel Michael Guest, Mechatronics Technology; Richard Wayne Howard, Jr., Computer Technology - Cybersecurity and Forensics Emphasis; Molly Elana Waters, Associate in Arts; and Jacob Chandler Wood, Veterinary Technology
From Iva:
Tristan Levi Garrett, Technical Operators I; Shana Medlin, General Engineering Technology; and Emery Kathleen Thomas, Nursing
From Pelzer:
Bethany Reid Broome, Child Care Management; Katia Larissa Herrera, Personal Care Aide; Robert Christain Horne, Computer Technician; Natasha N. Kilgore, Nursing; Josey Kaylynn Lomax, Associate in Science; Preston Elvis Dexter McCreary, Mechatronics Technology; Charles Louis Ray, Media Arts Production; Jaden R. Rector, University Studies; Maureen Shanek Rush, Nursing; Silas John VanDonkelaar, Computer Technician; Nicole Vanhook, Veterinary Technology; and Tonya Lisette Zepeda, Business Administration – Marketing Emphasis
From Pendleton:
Jessica Leigh Bowman, Accounting; David Andrew Christian, Computer Technology - Network Systems Management Emphasis; Emma Lane Corley, Associate in Arts; Paul Curzi, Auto Engine Electrical Systems; Christina Rose Gurley, Early Care and Education; Zaynab Abdelmajid Hentati, University Studies; Matthew Emmer Herrick, Associate in Science; Rachel Erin Nation, Medical Laboratory Technology; Tanjit Singh Padda, Computer Technology - Network Systems Management Emphasis; Sonja Yvette Patterson, Intro to Manufacturing Management Technology; Mckenna Trinity Sullivan, Associate in Arts; Julie Amber Thrasher, Criminal Justice Technology - Paralegal Studies Emphasis; and David Kongthara Wattanakone, Associate in Arts
From Piedmont:
Walter A. Alexander, IV, Technical Operators I; Baylie Shae Bannister, Personal Care Aide; Cassidy L. Davenport, Nursing; Abigail Faith-Caroline Goforth, Associate in Arts; Hunter Alan Lawson, SMA Structural Welding; Bobby Lee Norris, Jr., General Engineering Technology; Adaijah C. Simpson, Nursing; Christopher Hayley Stuart, Digital Production Techniques; Dajuan S. Wardell, Technical Operators I; and Casey Logan Whitten, Administrative Office Technology - Medical Emphasis
From Powdersville:
Shantal Alexica Drummond, Personal Care Aide
From Sandy Springs:
Jonah Brendan Glenn, University Studies
From Starr:
Keagan Wayne Carter, Technical Operators I; Blaze Nikolas King, SMA Structural Welding; Georgina P. McGuffin, Engineering Design Technology; Summer Netrell Smith, Medical Office Specialist; Sarah Rose Turner, Nursing; Curstain Leandra Waters, Criminal Justice Technology - Paralegal Studies Emphasis; and Andrew James Woolery, Auto Engine Electrical Systems
From Townville:
Dontriel Abrams, HVAC Apprentice; Savannah Grayson Chastain, Nursing; and Evan McAdams, Logistics & Supply Chain Mgmt.
From Williamston:
Austin Tyler Beers, Technical Operators I; Gabrielle Eden Black, Technical Operators I; Marlee Zayne Bowen, Business Administration - Marketing Emphasis; Delaney Cecily Byrne, Associate in Arts; Davis Douglas James, Technical Operators I; Justin Tyler Kallio, Computer Technology - Software and Web Development Emphasis; Matthew David Owens, Mechatronics Technology; Nicholas Robert Owens, Technical Operators I; Ethan Tyler Pack, Business Administration - Marketing Emphasis; Colin William Porter, Technical Operators I; Devann Beth Smith, Business Administration; Autumn Larissa Timms, Associate in Science; Leon Maurice Wardlaw, Mechatronics Technology; and James David Weber, Jr., Industrial Welding
Oconee County
From Fair Play:
Minnie Mae Bennett, University Studies; Emma Brooke Blackwell, Associate in Science; Drake Tyler Connally, Computer Technology - Network Systems Management Emphasis; Rebekah Gibson, Associate in Arts; and Brayden Joseph Waldrop, Industrial Electronics Technology
From Long Creek:
Hunter Macrae Cooper, Auto Engine Performance System
From Mountain Rest:
Brian Adkins, Industrial Welding; Giuliana Renee Argentieri, Criminal Justice Technology; Haley Brooke Cantrell, Business Administration; and Evan Lane Justus, Industrial Welding
From Seneca:
Kyle David Benson, Engineering Systems Technology; Mireya Ashley Cabrera, Medical Laboratory Technology; Stephanie Ann Caravano, Accounting; Joy Yong Cobb, Associate in Arts; Alana Nicole Garner, Associate in Arts; Brianna Leigh-Dejamir Harrison, Nursing; Eli Gavin Holbrooks, HVAC Apprentice; John Stanley Robert Jachna, Associate in Science; Kendra Leshae Johnson, Associate in Science; Mekaila Nichelle Johnson, Early Care and Education; Ryleigh Emerson Lee, Associate in Arts; Kimberlyn Avery Mahurin, Computer Technician; Waverly Speegle McCollum, Associate in Science; Laurel Brooke Meadows, Business Administration; Mary Grace Mimms, Business Administration - Management Emphasis; Mckinley Layne Parson, Associate in Arts; Rebecca Reynolds Ratliffe, Nursing; Jonathan Rodriguez, Associate in Science; Deserae Jewel Schreiber, Nursing; Dale Hayden Silver, HVAC Apprentice; Blake Tyler Smith, Computer Technology - Software and Web Development Emphasis; Lillian Rose Smith, Business Administration; Gladys Solis, Early Care and Education Assistant; Sara Rebecca Steven, Associate in Science; Justin Brunson Stokes, Associate in Science; and Brianna Nicole Thomason, Computer Technician
From Walhalla:
Landon Keith Chapman, Mechatronics Technology; Bobby Allen Clayton, Intro to Manufacturing Management Technology; Faith Anna Cobb, Associate in Science; Susan Noel Dillard, Administrative Office Technology - Medical Emphasis; Kalin Scott Gibson, Mechatronics Technology; Landan L. Holden, HVAC Apprentice; Michelle Marana-Urtado, Associate in Science; and Michael Olin-Edward Nicholson, General Engineering Technology
From West Union:
Crystal Gayle Childress, Associate in Arts; Madison Nicole Griffin, Nursing; Heath Warren Hardy, Digital Production Techniques; Shelby Elizabeth Hunter, Nursing; Emma Grace Massey, Associate in Arts; Kelly Verda Olin, Associate in Science; and Abigail Faith White, Business Administration - Management Emphasis
From Westminster:
Bethany Ann Bishop, Early Care and Education; Julia Beth Butts, University Studies; Patricia Louise Chavarin, Digital Production Techniques; Ethan Jeremy Henry, Engineering Systems Technology; Levi Sloan Lyle, Mechatronics Technology; Garrett M. McGuffin, Associate in Arts; Kaylee Potts, University Studies; Lee Franklin Rogers, Veterinary Technology; Jeena Dianne Shirkey, Administrative Support; Kalen Mackenzie Sosby, Business Administration; and Jenevive Faith Stephenson, Media Arts Business
Pickens County
From Central:
Lilly Sue Brake, Office Support Specialist; Hannah Marie Cappiello, Auto Engine Performance System; Vivian Grace Childress, Associate in Arts; Mary Claire Cordell, Personal Care Aide; Hunter Rose Coriell, Nursing; Abigail Riley Daschbach, Associate in Arts; Kiana C. Edwards, Nursing; Dustin L. Golden, Computer Technician; Nancy Katlynne Hayes, Veterinary Technology; Rory William Hodge, Accounting; Abdulrahman Lahwal, Medical Laboratory Technology; Jordan Nicole Miller, Nursing; Roselyn Olvera, Early Care and Education; Nyla Perez, Nursing; and Noah Keasler Richardson, Medical Laboratory Technology
From Clemson:
Cannon Ware Black, Computer Technology - Cybersecurity and Forensics Emphasis; William Godfrey Frood Callicott, Associate in Science; Lauren Partington Gillette, Medical Laboratory Technology; Lindsay Paige Hamilton, Nursing; Samuel Z. Manwaring, HVAC Apprentice; Julianne Leigh Marshall, Associate in Science; Kelsey T. Reeves, University Studies; Brooke Ashley Spivack, Associate in Science; Olivia Belle Strickland, Criminal Justice Technology - Paralegal Studies Emphasis; Kilton Tamang, Engineering Design Technology; Krista Michelle White, Nursing; Sarah Emily Whitfield, Associate in Arts; and Jonathan K. Yates, Nursing
From Easley:
Makayla Louise Anders, Manufacturing Production I; Kevin Richard Bernosky, Engineering Systems Technology; Katelin Taylor Bridges, Nursing; Kristin Elaina Brooks, Computer Technician; Brianna Nicole Burgess, Accounting; Matthew Justin Cronin, Associate in Science; Emily D. Darroch, Medical Laboratory Technology; Alexandria Grace Ertzberger, University Studies; Cassidy Isabele Espinoza-Chastain, Early Care and Education; Benjamin Mason Galloway, Auto Engine Performance System; Evan Patrick Guarino, Associate in Arts; Catherine Elise Hardy, Veterinary Technology; Kevin Spencer Hofius, Mechatronics Technology; Emily Marie Hooper, Associate in Arts; Jacob Owen Hunnicutt, University Studies; Ryan Jackson Jones, Mechatronics Technology; Hannah Grace Jordan, Associate in Arts; William Thomas Kay, Graphic Communications; Ethan James King, Associate in Arts; Thomas Maxwell Knutson, Auto Engine Performance System; Jonathan Thomas Lawton, Technical Operators I; Hope Rebecca Lesley, Nursing; Vincent Lee Little, SMA Structural Welding; Amber Marie Loggia, Associate in Arts; Kevin Lopez, SMA Structural Welding; Autumn Nicole Lyerly, Medical Laboratory Technology; Hugo Fernando Mejia, Industrial Welding; Mackenzie Chyanne Morgan, Nursing; Kathryn Vaughan Powell, Intro to Manufacturing Management Technology; Aidan Thomas Queen, Technical Operators I; Kerri Ann Ragland, Early Care and Education; Jackson Perry Ragsdale, Personal Care Aide; Sophia Madison Roberts, Business Administration; Cooper William Russell, SMA Structural Welding; Levi Jonathan Sheriff, HVAC Apprentice; Seth Kaleb Simmons, Technical Operators I; Alec Sean Smith, Business Administration - Management Emphasis; Ceana Nicole Snelgrove, Business Administration - Marketing Emphasis; Madison Grace Stillwell, Veterinary Technology; Jacob Vasquez, Manufacturing Production I; John Allen Whitley, Cisco Network Administrator; Taylor Kay Wind, Associate in Science; and Abigail Delaney Young, Early Care and Education
From Liberty:
Tanner Scott Avery, Mechatronics Technology; Meghan Breanna Bryant, Associate in Science; Isaac Steven Esuary, Computer Technician; Jacob Reed Lewis, Mechatronics Technology; Alexis Joy Muse, Associate in Arts; Lauren Melissa Rollins, Early Care and Education; Trentin A. Shultis, University Studies; and Anna Claire Wylie, Associate in Arts
From Pickens:
Elizabeth Wilson Baldwin, Nursing; Alexa Mackenzie Hall, Associate in Arts; Tristen Olivia Harris, Associate in Arts; William Anderson Hope, SMA Structural Welding; Hazen Emeryk Kolat, Auto Engine Performance System; Nolan Maddox Merck, SMA Structural Welding; Taylor Doris Rackley, Nursing; Sarah Marie Raines, Accounting - Office Specialist; Eric Scola, SMA Structural Welding; Christopher Serano-Hernandez, HVAC Apprentice; Lana Brooke Smith, Associate in Science; Brandi Ann Standridge, Accounting; Amanda Leigh Stokes, Administrative Office Technology; Nicole Briannah Stone, Associate in Science; James Mitchell Thomas, Criminal Justice Technology - Law Enforcement Operations Emphasis; Samuel Elisha Wakefield, HVAC Apprentice; and Tyler Jude Williams, Business Administration - Management Emphasis
From Six Mile:
William Brooks Alexander, Mechatronics Technology; and Davis Benjamin Arnold, SMA Structural Welding
From Sunset:
Lanai Gillespie, Nursing; and Dakota Lane Looper, Business Administration - Entrepreneur Emphasis
Out-of-County
From Boiling Springs:
Gracie Davis Cole, Nursing
From Branchville:
Emma Kay Branham, Associate in Science
From Cassatt:
Mallory Caroline Hall, Veterinary Technology
From Cedar Springs:
Tamara Mayer, Associate in Science
From Chapin:
Andrew Douglas French, Business Administration - Entrepreneur Emphasis
From Chicago:
Francis Schwieters, Auto Engine Performance System
From Clover:
Nathaniel Anton Smith, Jr., Associate in Arts
From Columbia:
Laneshia Pearl Brown, Associate in Science
From Duncan:
Jade Elizabeth Krankowsky, Veterinary Technology
From Elgin:
Beauden D. Bailey, Auto Engine Performance System
From Estill:
Kennedi K. Russell, University Studies
From Florence:
John Thomas Vivona, Associate in Arts
From Fountain Inn:
Hannah Elizabeth Zelasko, Veterinary Technology
From Galivants Ferry:
Wesley Grainger Bane, Business Administration
From Gilbert:
Ella Caroline Shealy, Associate in Science
From Greenville:
Jaxson Trot Blinkhorn, Auto Engine Performance System; Brenda Taneisha Campbell, Nursing; Riley Lindsay Cottingham, Auto Engine Performance System; Holly N. Dumpert, Graphic Communications; Jasmine Edwards, Nursing; John Luke Hendrix, Mechatronics Technology; Michael Issac James, Nursing; Aline Rubio, Veterinary Technology; and Meredith Nhai Teague, Veterinary Technology
From Greer:
Nathan Hunter Harris, Associate in Arts
From Hartsville:
Ashlyn Grace Goff, Associate in Science
From Irmo:
Madison Watson, Associate in Science
From Jefferson:
Telisha Freeland, Nursing
From Leesville:
Gracie Lynn Howard, Nursing
From Lexington:
Charleen Ann Tebeau, Media Arts Business
From Loris:
Joshua Mark Causey, Engineering Design Technology
From Marietta:
Emmalyn Joy McConnell, Nursing
From Moore:
Markita Barton, Nursing
From Mount Pleasant:
Elizabeth L. Missroon, Associate in Science
From Myrtle Beach:
Abigail Nikole Kerwin, Digital Production Techniques
From North Augusta:
Kyle Douglas Morris, Medical Laboratory Technology
From Pawleys Island:
Christopher Kyle Cave-Hampel, Associate in Science
From Pinewood:
Evan Kade Elliott, Computer Technology - Software and Web Development Emphasis
From Rembert:
Raven E. Bennett, Veterinary Technology
From Simpsonville:
Rebekah Berry, Nursing; Abigail K. Daigneault, Veterinary Technology; Connor J. Ensley, Associate in Arts; Dirman Luqman Hassan, Auto Engine Performance System; and Iris Audreanna Johnson, Nursing
From Spartanburg:
Emma D. Felmet, Associate in Arts; Tanya Samad Losoya Monreal, Veterinary Technology
From Travelers Rest:
Braelynn Jade Bailey, University Studies; and Rachel A. Spencer, Veterinary Technology
From Winnsboro:
Lizette Villegas-Salas, Veterinary Technology
About Tri-County Technical College
Tri-County Technical College, a public two-year community and technical college serving Anderson, Oconee and Pickens Counties in South Carolina, enrolls more than 9,000 students annually and offers more than 70 major fields of study, including computer technology, industrial electronics, mechatronics, nursing, and university transfer programs. Tri-County boasts the highest student success rate among two-year colleges in the state and ranks in the top one percent nationally for successful student transfers to four-year colleges and universities. To learn more, visit tctc.edu.
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