The Foothills Surgical Technology Consortium held its annual pinning ceremony in the Mildred H. Keeter Auditorium on the campus of Cleveland Community College on Friday evening, July 27.
Fourteen graduates, representing CCC, Isothermal Community College and McDowell Technical Community College were honored for their achievement. Anthony Raspanti, M.D., from Caromont Surgical Associates, spoke to graduates during the ceremony. He congratulated them on their achievement, reminded them to always remain committed to their patients and their colleagues, and encouraged them to be lifelong learners, not afraid to step out of their comfort zone.
During the ceremony, CCC's Surgical Technology Instructor and Program Coordinator Cathy Dover, and Instructor Donna Schronce recognized two students, Bryant Cash for Clinical Achievement, and Ashley Brown for Academic Achievement.
In addition, all graduates were called up on stage to receive their pin, a symbol of their transition from student to professional surgical technologist. Then, the group lit candles and recited the Code of Ethics for Surgical Technologists, affirming their commitment to professional conduct and the highest standard of patient care. Graduates received a rose from Dover and Schronce before exiting the stage and being congratulated again as the ceremony ended.
CCC will continue to offer the Surgical Technology diploma program and is in the process of creating a bridge program giving graduates of a surgical technology diploma program the opportunity to continue their education and earn an Associate in Surgical Technology. That program is scheduled to begin fall semester 2019.

Graduates of the Foothills Surgical Technology Consortium were honored at a pinning ceremony on Friday, July 27 in the Keeter Auditorium on the campus of Cleveland Community College. Pictured left to right are: (front row) Ashley Whittaker Bourdeau, Ashley Mullineaux Rednour, (row 2) Ashley Nicole Brown, Taylor Marie Bell, Sarah Rebecca Johnson, (row 3) McKenzie Elyse Hamrick, N'Talya Je-neen Corry, Alison Denise Bright, (row 4) Raven-Symone Christina Whiteside, Dana Leigh Keeter, Ceirra Hope Mullinax, (row 5) Amber Elizabeth Oliver, Bryant Skylar Cash, and Kassidy Anette Jolley.
Submitted by Paula B. Vess